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contentS octoBer 2008

featureS

32 departmentS

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what our guideS have to Say‌

regularS

92 aBout the cover

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It is Tuesday September 16 and coastal Texas from Brazoria County to the Louisiana border is reeling from the blow of Hurricane Ike. Residents along the Texas-Louisiana border have taken their fourth beating since the summer of 2005. The IH-45 corridor from Galveston to Conroe and all of the greater Houston metropolitan area has suffered enormously. The magnitude and destruction of Ike will likely be recorded as greater than even the infamous Katrina and Rita storms that wracked Louisiana and Mississippi. If not in loss of life, although much of the affected area is yet to be fully investigated and death tolls may rise, the individual property losses and disruption of business is staggering. One early estimate suggested $20-billion. As reports continue to pour in the estimates are growing.

For the fortunate whose homes are still standing, basic services such as electricity and water may be weeks away. Thousands have lost their jobs. Who could have predicted Ike would be so brutal?

Three days before landfall, Ike seemed to have his crosshairs centered on Corpus Christi. As the storm churned across the Gulf of Mexico gaining strength, it began to bobble and then shifted northward. Here in Seadrift and Port O’Connor we sat on needles and pins. If the storm came ashore at Corpus Christi or Rockport we’d be on the dirty side. If it continued up the coast delivering a direct hit we’d likely be wiped out. Storm surge predictions grew as the storm widened. The historic surge of Hurricane Carla might be exceeded, a record that has stood for 47 years almost to the day. We boarded windows and Every time a storm is reported to be headed our way we all cringe. Will it be our turn? As storms veer and the cone of predicted landfalls shifts toward other communities a brief sense of relief is natural. Then the reality that our friends and neighbors elsewhere on the coast will bear the brunt of another disaster settles in and we can do nothing but pray and offer help in the aftermath.

Life on the coast is grand, except during hurricane season and we still have at least a month left in this one. Will Mother Nature send us yet another test?

Will our society’s infrastructure that has been so severely tested withstand another attack?

Telephone service is patchy right now. We have been able to contact some friends but not all. Many of our loyal advertisers and retailers have nothing but horror, agony and rubble where their life’s work once stood. Many of our readers are homeless and may have lost family and loved ones. You are in our prayers.

The television is playing in the background and I look up occasionally as hath God wrought,” keeps running through my mind. of standing our ground and banding together for common good. Ike will test our character and our resolve. Hope, generosity toward those less fortunate and stubborn allegiance to our communities will be our greatest strengths during recovery. Our coastal communities will rise again, just like they did in the beginning. We will be stronger and smarter. That’s the way God made us.

God Bless Texas!

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letterS to the editor

Dear TSFMag,

Dear Everett, Thanks to you and staff for such a great magazine. I have been reading

for participating in your reader survey

TSF magazine for quite a few years. I enjoy the magazine from cover to

just arrived. I think I will wait until the new

cover every month and I look forward to each new issue. I enjoy going

Curado D reels arrive. Rumor has it they should be in sometime in August. Looks like I should be getting one for

However, this month was special for me. Not only was it my birthday,

approximately 1/2-off; thanks to TSF!

I went to check e-mail and noticed one from you. Instantly, I thought,

Tim Giesler Dear Tim, Thanks for being a reader and participating in our Reader Survey. I

really use!

Again, thanks for all the stories, info and recipes (and the birthday

try one too.

gift!)

Sincerely, Dear Mr. Johnson, Let me start by telling you that I have enjoyed TSF very much. I used to

Dear Joey,

was younger but have been absent for many years. My son moved to Houston a few years ago and we thing led to another and we now Dear Mr. Johnson,

own a bay boat. I live in Midland, TX

lots to learn, so I subscribed to your publication, hoping that the

area but I try to make at least one

information to be gained would prove valuable. I also subscribed to

trip per month. We have gleaned

other publications and ordered several books, particularly those about

a lot of good information from your magazine and I look forward to reading it each month, which brings me to

and frequently thumb thru past issues to reread them – and, happily, I

my gripe.

a deal!

manner as to deface the cover photo? Does the staff at the magazine

Why does the mailing label have to be placed on the cover in such a I like the look and feel of your publication and had to adjust a shelf in my library to properly hold the past issues. I truly think that the

to show you what I mean. I know this is being sort of picky, but why bother

money I spend each year subscribing to your Texas Saltwater Fishing

with a nice cover shot only to mess it up with the label.

is absolutely the best money I can spend to learn something I did not

I really do like the magazine and it seems petty to complain; I guess it is just my nature to strive for perfection. Enough griping about the label,

Please continue to improve your publication and keep sending me a bill

keep up the good work on the magazine.

each year.

Johnny Cappadonna

Thanks, Gene Finley

Dear Johnny, Thanks for being a dedicated reader and bringing this matter to our

SenD your leTTerS To: TSFMag, P.o. Box 429, Seadrift, TX 77983 12

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editor and puBliSher

tsfmag is the leader in texas and growing larger every day, we are now available in over 1767 local retailers! we’ve got you covered! Retailers in these communities are now stocking our magazine. You can also sign up to subscribe by calling 361-785-3420 or online @ www.tsfmag.com . Reading on-line is also becoming a popular way to take our publication. check out the fREE archived issues or purchase an E-mag subscription. E-mag features include easy to view pages, just like a hard copy, but with instant links to writers, advertisers and other subscriber services.

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October October2008 2008

13 13

roSSing the rio grande into 196o’S

themselves in lifting rows of shore-bound waves.

Mexico was adventure sure enough;

with color as entire schools rode the incoming

but when you pushed on to the seventh or eighth pass of the Mexican Laguna Madre

would cloud the coke bottle green water with their

dreams of everything a rod and reel was

coppery hue. There were also silver and black

supposed to be became reality. Sea-life of

missiles cutting through the breakers; big surf trout

all sorts was plentiful, plentiful to the point of never imagining an end to what lay before

We mostly just threw spoons or soft plastics and

you. The only limitations of harvest were how

that was all you needed. A Tony Accetta Number-5 reached beyond the whitewater and was often

ice survived for the trip home. You didn’t need

met with violence as soon as you engaged the

GPS, fancy lures, or internet reports. The he did what most would do; a big no-no in that to be there just as they had been for eons all

setting. Freddy walked out on his own right at dark,

along the Gulf Coast. Legends were made by many who came before us, but most are long forgotten or simply dismissed as rocking chair

everything he landed until he could string no more

embellishments by more recent generations.

and then dragged them back into camp expecting

However, most stories are mostly real… and

his full glory due.

so is today’s obvious denial of what once was. civilization to fade into the horizon after you left

after dark, we still have several days to go, and you

the old Salt Mine road. The cutoff was about ten

just wasted a bunch of our ice.”

miles south of the border, named for the salts

Freddy learned quickly that back then you planned to manage your catch, not just catch and

way. It took you all the way to the second pass

string whatever you could manage.

We mainly just worked the passes as you

federal checkpoint. The beachfront gradually

didn’t need to go anywhere else, but the airboat

became more primitive and tidal currents raced

took us deep into the rich waters of the Laguna.

through drifts of tire swallowing sand. Other

Ours was a little step boat made of plywood. It

adventurous sports made the journey and

only had a half-cage on it because you had to

many ingenious ways were devised to tame the

hand start the engine by pulling the prop; but when

hazards. We pulled a little airboat and used it

you got her up on that front step she would scoot.

to push our trucks through low tide crossings and high tide dunes. Some rigged pontoons and

waves and zigzagging sandbars all the way to La

even makeshift propellers on their vehicles, while

Pesca, but exploring the deserted back-bay was also compelling.

a three wheeler strapped in the bow, using that to tow the remaining seventy miles.

All of the cuts could be good, but

better tidal guts. Reds on top of the shell could

prime were the third and eighth breach

be so thick that you had no choice but to run on

between the Gulf and the Laguna. There

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October 2008

During high water we’d cut over miles of oyster reefs about a foot deep to reach some of the

their backs as they had nowhere to go. If you

was a small oasis at the third, the famous Hotel

shut down they scattered, but they’d be right back

Del Mar which housed many a salty character

surrounding the boat again within minutes… they

over the years. While wading the mouths of these

didn’t seem to know what it was. On the edges of

passes, and struggling for balance on ever-shifting

those guts we could sightcast snook up to twenty-

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you missed that snook by a foot a trout would get it and we had all of those we needed

back out through curtains of gill nets. Fishing

in the surf.

was quick to slow down, and after that boy got

Flounder were there too; lots of them. A local who lived with his family under a driftwood leanto at the third pass put us on them. Before every

Progress is a wonderful thing however, so

killed going through the airboat prop we just quit

let’s get out there this October and punish that

going down there.

new rod and reel. Remember though, that just

Fishing, as we know it today, is still quite

as there were those who blindly blazed before

trip we collected clothes, toys, and anything

awesome and even improving in many aspects.

us, there will also be those excited to follow

else we could pack to give away. They watched

But compared to yesteryear stories, such as

us as well. If we are going to live and die with

over us and one evening he strolled into our

the above shared by Capt. J.D. Whitley, what

faults, let them be faults with passion. Fishing

we experienced in recent weekends pales in soon back with an incredible string, and I say

comparison to what he saw decades before.

stories our kids should be able to tell. See you

string because it literally was one.

What was happening down in Mexico then

there, but don’t waste that ice because we have

was happening here shortly before that, and

several days to go.

We followed him back out, and armed with an old knife taped to a stick, he simply blind endless Milky Way. The spear bucked back consistently. We later brought lanterns and

hardly newsworthy.

Tarpon and sharks hung rotting on picture racks, bay turtles churned through local canning factories, market tables heaped with fresh

waiting for the sand to clear and then picked out the biggest one to settle at your feet. Other predators scared the heck out of you too,

a mere blip of geological time, catches are now

mostly big snook running bait up on the shelf;

limited by more than just ice, and today we are

and the night was loud from sounds and smells

happy to burn twenty gallons of fuel just hoping

of nature’s brutality.

contact

probed the sand under the illumination of an

miKe mcBride

home, other times only snook or trout, but Plants”, which like then, rapidly helped change cooler hinges. Those great hauls were always

what always was. Myriads of nicely lighted

expected, but things changed rapidly after the satellite navigation guiding the unseasoned, full-color imagery down to pothole level, himeet the demands of an eager market. We later

gloss advertising hyping new canal lots in old wetlands, well-intentioned people betraying vying for what’s left in a booming recreational

herded into them by small boats. Much of whatever came into the passes didn’t make it www.TSFMAG.com

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October 2008

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iShing fanaticS tend to accumulate piles, if not tons, of equipment. For most, generating a complete inventory of equipment would require the use of a legal pad or long spreadsheet. In addition to the substantial and obvious things, a thorough list would likely include a wide array of seldom-used, yet important hand, all of which directly or indirectly enhance our chances for success. and foremost on a list of things they use and need. Almost all would remember to mention the major accessories on the boat as part of their inventory of tools.

Items like a GPS unit, trolling motor, VHF radio, anchor, drift anchor, life vests and ice chests pop almost instantly into the minds of those thinking of all the peripheral stuff carried on board their craft.

I’m sure some would forget to document a number of lesser things, like the two-by-four many carry so a prop can be removed when it becomes damaged or spins a hub. Others might neglect to note the spare prop and/or hub too. Also not parts for the igloos, extra bulbs for the running lights and so on and so on.

For some, it might not be such a bright idea to add up the price of all the items and sell off the stuff when faced with the fact that this hobby can become about as costly as carrying a second mortgage or sending a couple of kids to private

AuTHor’S noTe: This is a follow-up to last month’s article, which described some of the major innovations that have

universities. Certainly, owning and operating a boat is for many the most expensive identify the most important one among these many new and better tools.

Tackle shops take full advantage of other reels, lines, lures, boots, belts, rod holders, ray

can and should be saved when collecting all the garb

cravings, a seemingly endless hunger for rods, It’s obvious that some who’ve

guards, waders, pliers, scissors, nets, stringers,

been bitten by the bug need a way to cut back

shades and so much more. Who among us

on their spending, in the hopes of preserving

can say that they don’t have lures and other

relationships and hanging on to a decent shot

equipment in their closets that never have been

at retirement. A starting point on the way to

and never will be used? And who can say they

reducing spending is to prioritize everything

we compile on our way to the prefer to go about prioritizing by starting at the For those interested in achieving success on

will never buy such useless junk again? some more than others. Doing what we do ain‘t cheap; that much is certain. Since most

come in several versions, some more costly

idea to cut cost corners when purchasing such

than others.

an aquatic vehicle, if the goal is to compete on a

To people for whom money is no object,

of the freaks are of the male gender, there are

making such a list is not necessary. They aren’t

plenty of wives and girlfriends who have a bad

likely to be reading this anyway; they’re probably down at the docks in Port A sipping top shelf

wondered, some aloud, why a certain restaurant

martinis and making plans to head out to the

is too costly to visit, while a newfangled

East Breaks in the Hatteras. Five dollar fuel

tournament trail, run a guide business or in any In general, a relatively shallow running, reasonably fast, smooth riding boat is required.

Different parts of the coast call for boats with different basic attributes to optimize their effectiveness in the area. Some bays

jiggamabobber that’s just hit the shelves at the tackle store is considered a necessary expense.

even though they regularly use more than two

place more of a premium on one of the

Other spouses wind up engaging in open revolt,

hundred gallons a day.

three characteristics.

spending frivolously on shoes, purses and other

For the rest of us, though, money matters. It

Fishing addicts who purchase a boat should

frilly things to emphasize their disgust over the 18

October 2008

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use while limiting fatigue as much as things on which to save money.

possible. Lighter is simply better when it

Though a boat is a hugely important I know some will not be able to afford a rod and don’t tout it as the most valuable tool for

reel that costs in excess of $500. But I strongly regularly should spend as much as they can on this one tool. Testing gear by borrowing from

others that does more to determine the

friends or guides is a good idea before the buying

consistency of successful efforts. That

is done; shaking the tip of a rod in the aisle of

tool is really two in one — a rod and reel

a tackle shop really doesn’t allow one to know

unit. Ideally, the rig must be of high quality,

whether it’s an optimal match for style and needs.

meaning both components are as light and

The bottom line criteria for me is this; if a tool

durable as possible, and that the rod has the of the angler who wields it.

Advances in technologies used to produce

legitimately serve this purpose, I will more than likely look to save money if purchasing one. I

decades. Anglers now have the option of using

and other necessary stuff in this category.

featherweight, strong sticks of a kind unknown

For all lure chunkers, including the guy

to the old salts who spurred the sport’s

walking into the water from his pickup truck, the

be done and procure a boat best suited to their

popularity. I must here disclose that I am partial

purist paddling in on a kayak, even the goggled

needs. They should be willing to spend as much

to two brands, Laguna rods and Shimano reels.

tournament pro racing his competitors to a

as they reasonably can on this tool, which will

Laguna makes some inspiringly sensitive most important piece of equipment consistently

not only get them where they need to be, but will

rods with just the right feel for me. They make

also provide comfort and return them to the dock

models with a variety of different actions, like

safely (or not!).

most other companies. People who prefer

is the one they cradle in the palm of their hands.

primarily soft plastics will favor something with

A rod and reel is to an angler what a putter is to

When powering a motor boat, it pays to hang

imitating plugs almost exclusively. Point is, the

effect on the ability to score.

the newest, strongest, most dependable unit

guys at Laguna make a rod that’s right for just

possible on the transom of the craft. Trying to

about any inshore need.

Of course, I’m talking about motor boats

cut costs by bailing out the neighbor and buying

I know other companies do too. My aim here

his old outboard so he can retool is rarely a

is not to shamelessly promote one rod company

good idea.

above all others; it’s mostly to emphasize that

The list of modern accessories for use on bay

anyone purchasing a rod should spend every

boats is lengthy indeed. The GPS and Power

dollar they reasonably can to get the right tool

Pole are two tools that have truly revolutionized

for their needs. It makes no sense to attempt to save money on this critically important tool. The

navigate more safely and precisely than ever before with the aid of what I see and save on my

contact

here. Motor boats need motors, it’s safe to say.

Kevin cochran

same can be said for the reel too.

I use Shimano Chronarch MG 50 reels. They aren’t the most durable I’ve tried, but they are

walking back to retrieve the boat, thanks to the

the lightest by far. That’s of critical importance to

remote control I purchased with my Power Pole.

For me, running a boat without a GPS and a

years now, and they help keep me functioning at

Power Pole would be like buying a pickup truck

or near my optimal level through the long hours

without air conditioning. Where I live and work,

of chunking and winding, day after day.

primarily from the boat would likely include a

that will allow anglers to produce desired

And beyond the need to set up a combo presentations with the lures they like to use, this it possible to purchase, rig and run their own

is the most important thing; a rod and reel must

boats, I know. Those who are able to choose to

have a low enough weight to allow for hours of

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e’d planned the trip for weeKS. Friends, JR Jr. from

or two before. No problem, I

Beaumont and his dad, JR Sr., of Conroe

would rather wade in shorts

had a house lined up down at Charlie’s Bait Camp on the ICW near Seadrift and they wanted

did the prudent thing and

anyway and besides, I’m tough.

Saturday morning found

called that person who place, our esteemed Editor and Publisher, and gave him my

everyone up early and ready to

SOS. He said he’d come and

on Friday and my son and I met them there.

go. We set out with high hopes

tow us back to the dock and

Expectations were high since our esteemed

down the ICW towards San Antonio Bay. The waters were trout green and

we were waiting, so we did.

I was very eager to try out a rod that the boys

told me of a top-secret spot where he had been

the wind was dead calm. The big thunderheads

on good, solid trout. So naturally, that’s where

were way offshore and it looked like we would

we were headed.

get a good wade in before any storms ran us

test. I don’t have a lot of information on this rod

back to the docks.

yet but can tell you that it is the lightest and most

We watched it rain for a good while on Friday evening; big thunderstorms that moved in from the gulf came ashore with strong winds and a lot of rain and spectacular lightning that made us glad we were not on the water yet.

About halfway across the bay Mr. Murphy

sensitive Laguna that I have had the pleasure of

crawled aboard.

My oil alarm went off and I shut down in the middle of the ICW with a rather large barge

called a Texas Wader Extreme but it’s not in full production at this time. It is very different from

about 1,000 yards in front of us… heading our way. I started the outboard, no alarm, good, tried water and not just cabbage heads either, but tentacles that really smart when wrapped around

to get up on plane and the alarm went off again.

Pulled back on the throttle, alarm went off so I

and the handle are much different from any

idled out of the ICW and into a safe spot away

other Laguna. The new Laguna performed very well with the small trout allowing me to feel them

an unprotected leg. I was a tad bit disgusted I had no clue. The main oil tank was full but wading pants. I think I left them I at Captain

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October 2008

notice when you see the pictures. The standard

the reserve oil tank on the motor was low. So I

Texas Saltwater Fishing

as soon as they touched the Devil Eye lures that I was throwing. I’m impressed to say the least

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with this new offering from the brothers Neu. For more information give the boys at Laguna a call at 979-921-9910. I’ll have a more detailed

Sonny got us right in and ran some tests on

swimming next to the boat. On the other side of

various things and determined that the oil pump

the boat were three more. Mr. Murphy had come

was out and wasn’t keeping the transfer tank

along for this boat ride too.

on the Yamaha full. He replaced the pump and it more!

There were shrimp everywhere in the water and a lot of trout that were after them but while the shrimp were large, the trout were small. We had a great time catching them and one of our guests

So there I sat. It’s not that I was scared to get

everything tested out and he said we were good

out of the boat; it’s just that there were those

to go. He also noticed that the plug on the stern

long tentacled stinging creatures in the water

light that is mounted on top of the outboard

and I simply didn’t feel like getting stung again.

cowling needed to be replaced and he took care

Fool me once shame on you, fool me twice and

of that as well. After settling up with Sonny we

shame on me.

were back on the road but in a driving rainstorm.

It rained all the way back to the house.

and watching Sterling and JR Sr. doing their

We had lunch then hit the water again

from up north had a

between rain showers. We headed right back to

watching them that I didn’t watch behind me and

hook-up on a topwater

where we had been that morning thinking that

see the weather that was headed our way. When

that took drag only to

with all the bait in the water there the bigger escape the purple and black clouds but we

off on the shell bottom.

I was wading in shorts and

We slipped into the water and after two or three

made it back and had the boat on the trailer just

casts I felt this terrible stinging pain on my left

as the cold wind hit and the skies opened.

leg and I felt the tentacles wrap around my knee. looking up.

Everett showed up and we tied off to him and he tried to tow us on plane back to the dock; the

At about the same time I felt more tentacles wrap around my right leg.

and sharing in the ups and downs of the trip

Hello Mr. Murphy.

shallow running Majek had a problem with that long as I could but each time I thought that I had

with someone else on that trip.

again, another tentacle would wrap around my

trip and started packing. When we left it was

leg bringing additional stinging pain to what I

still raining and it really poured all the way to

Back at the house we decided to call it a

keep it there due to the load on the boat and the motor set for shallow running.

Everett called Sonny Cook at Sonny’s Marine in Port O’Connor and told him of our situation.

Sonny told Everett that we needed to add oil to

was already feeling.

I got back in the boat and watched everyone

the rains washed the boat for me but he did get

the reservoir on the outboard and that the motor would run and get us back to port under our own power. He also said that if I could get to his shop

a twinge of revenge. Sterling pointed out that I

not happy.

Bad weather was headed our way and

in POC that he would take a look and see if he

we pulled anchor to head back to port. We

could get us going so the weekend wouldn’t be

watched it rain for a while then decided to get

a wash. I didn’t have a spare jug of oil on board

some supper and hit it again the next morning

but Everett did. We added oil and sure enough I

in a different spot where the jelly might not be

was able to get back to the ramp and load up.

so thick. Did I mention that my legs were still

We headed to Port O’Connor and

burning? They looked like someone had taken a hypodermic needle and poked me all over.

Sonny’s Marine.

Mr. Murphy missed the ride back to El Campo;

That night I learned that the stinging could keep you awake but I managed to fall asleep under the lights at the pier. The alarm clock

had my new breathable waders that I could have Oh well. Be safe.

contact

though. It wasn’t able to get the 24’ JHP up and

martin Strarup

didn’t go off, but due to continued discomfort I was awake anyway at a respectable hour and we were off again.

I took us to one of my favorite spots and there was bait in the water. We all got our wading gear on and everyone got out of the boat, everyone except me. I looked down in the water

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23

B y

the palomar Knot iS a one of the BeSt anglers can use to attach terminal tackle. The Palomar is quick and easy to tie and will never slip, even with braid. Like all truly useful knots, the Palomar does not weaken the line in which it is tied. The dual strands of line through the eye of the hook are the basis for the Palomar’s strength characteristics. If the Palomar has a down side it would be in the amount of

e v e r e t t

J o h n S o n

line consumed when attaching large objects, a concern when tying leader material. The Palomar is suitable for attaching hooks and swivels and also lures equipped with a split ring.

4

STeP 1: Double the line and thread through the eye of the hook.

STeP 2: Form an overhand knot in the doubled line above the hook.

STeP 3: Run the loop extending from the overhand knot around the hook.

STeP 4: Moisten the knot and work it tight by holding both strands to seat it and then pulling on each separately.

STeP 5: Trim the tag end and bait up, you’re

5

AM EX

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October 2008

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October 2008

25

have only recently

the gas money

been made aware of some new rules

that could well

concerning PINS and will pass along to

be used later with healed

direct any questions concerning these rules to

hands and

them and not to me as I’m simply passing along

tarpon closer

the info.

to home. So, I

maintained at the surf’s edge.

Seine nets, trot lines, and jug lines are prohibited in the park.

Sand pumps are restricted (prohibited) in the

started rubbing the injuries with

timeframe of their planned trip.

Corn Husker’s Lotion to aid quick healing and

Tournament can have a much greater

will use the downtime from Gustav to get these

negative impact than any moon phase.

tune my tarpon tackle.

weekends often kills quality catching

The point I am trying to make here is that there are lots of small issues that we often ignore when we’re determined to make a trip.

park from October 01 through June 30. From

Some of these have real potential to ruin the

July 01 through September 30, sand pumps are

venture. Sure, I understand that we sometimes

return on Monday.

It’s very common for numbers of down the individual expenses of a trip.

Make sure you are teamed up with like-

permitted for the collection of ghost shrimp.

I’d like to remind everyone that northbound

that’s been going on all week and will

postal. But when making trips of this type that’s

minded and purposed individuals or these trips often turn into nightmares.

There have been some real issues arising from this lately.

Money is tight and as a fulltime guide I am all too aware that a lot of folks are cutting back on

area while lure grinders are constantly

I was really anxious to run the panga north of Port Aransas yesterday to see if I could intercept

to make. All the more reason to plan carefully and not waste precious personal time and high

P.O.C. in the surf. I knew it was the only day to

dollar fuel.

Seems folks have unusual perspectives when

Hurricane Gustav. I didn’t go because my hands

planning trips. They are Keenly interested in the moon phase but few inquire if there may

a number of cuts acquired the past few days.

be a major tournament in the area during the

them available.

If the bays are slow due to freshwater runoff or heat consider other

As bad as I wanted to go it just didn’t make any water is murky and

sense to go solo with my hands in that condition

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October 2008

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unproductive don’t expect it to change because you showed up. Consider

If your timeframe for a trip is restricted to

near shore ventures or a change of are available during that season in the bay,

bay systems.

It’s always saddened me when anglers

the surf and near-shore and then pick the trip

show up ill-prepared because I want

that will likely deliver the highest potential for

them to have a good day and a lot of fun

a good outing. My website includes a page

and get their strings stretched plenty so that they might want to come back and

of the most commonly sought species during

also recommend the trip to their friends.

each month of the year in the PINS surf.

One of the saddest things I experience

Purchase and use medicines and over-the-

as a guide is when we have one of those

counter remedies that may be of assistance

rare days with perfect conditions and

to you. Sea sickness is no reason to miss

the customer shows up without polarized eyewear. There we are with perfect

Dramamine and other medicines will prevent

sightcasting opportunities and I know

it before it starts. Wrist bands are inexpensive

right off we are going to encounter large

and strengthen weak wrists and tendinitis braces work miracles.

the beach and he is not going to be

I want to take a moment to brag on my longtime sponsor, Daiwa. They have a new

able to see them.

By the way, every one is

Saltiga Inshore baitcasting rod that is to die

always bragging on their sunglasses so I want to

best balanced baitcasting rod I’ve thrown

take the time to give

in a long time and I’ve thrown most. It is

mine a plug too. I’ve

very light in weight and sensitive. The 6’-6”

worn Smith’s Action

model is recommended for 6-14# line and

Optics for 10 years

1/8-1/2 ounce lures. The Saltiga delivers

and wouldn’t trade them

high quality and excellent performance at

for any other brand out there.

The amber shallow water lenses are far superior to any others

a reasonable price.

Enjoy the fall; it is after all the season of harvest. Be Careful. Be Courteous. Be Kind.

I’ve owned and are easier on the When booking a trip, take time to talk with your guide and let him know what your hopes and expectations are as well as any physical problems you may have. beach charter and there were miles

contact

pocket book to boot.

capt. Billy Sandifer length: : 6.75 to 7.25 inches Wingspan: 18.00 to 18.75 inches Weight: 43 to 63 g Small, short-billed bird of the sandy beaches, lake shores and dunes.

Breeds in northeast and north-central U.S. and Canada. Some present in our area all year.

told him I had 12 at the house and could

Predominant body color is that of dry sand. Has

easily have brought him a setup if I’d

orange legs and white rump.

In breeding plumage, has narrow breast band and orange base of bill. In winter, bill is black and neck ring missing. Considered Federally telephone website

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Texas Saltwater Fishing

Endangered on Great Lake but not in Texas.

October 2008

27

here we go with another conteSt. Just like our Crab Trap Removal and Speckled Trout Catch & Release,

trips with Capt. Everett

this one continues on the theme of good stewardship and conservation of

and Capt. Pam Johnson

coastal resources. And of course, you have to submit photos to document

in the POC-Seadrift area (and we’ll probably snag a few bags of trash

your efforts in order to qualify. you found it. It always grieves me when wading close to the shoreline to

The contest will run from October 2008 through Memorial Day 2009.

Pick it up, chop it up if you have to, bring it in and dispose of it properly.

This is trash that was carelessly discarded in some cases and things that

A coastal shoreline is a terrible thing to trash. Get involved, hands-on

blew innocently from passing boats. However it got there, it is a scar and

conservation is a wonderful thing!

Questions and comments should be directed to Everett Johnson – Editor

So, to encourage folks to be more aware; and also to hopefully enlist support of clean-up efforts, we have created another contest. Here’s how

and Publisher – TSFMag at the mail and email addresses listed above or by phoning 361-550-3637.

it works. Carry a roll of trash bags, or maybe even a trash can in your boat.

When you happen upon an unsightly mess on your favorite shoreline; another of the trash being disposed of properly. Submit photos via email to Everett@TSFMag.com or by regular mail to TSF Magazine – PO Box 429 – Seadrift, TX 77983.

Categories for this contest will be Greatest Haul, Most Unusual, and Most Helpers. We will award three prizes in each category. Prizes will

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October 2008

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Texas Saltwater Fishing

October 2008

29

situation went from bad to worse. Discretion control in all types of situations. The

being the better part of valor; my friend

guy who cut you off on the highway,

retreated to his boat and idled off only to have

the unpleasant waiter, the annoying telemarketers, and the neighbor’s yapping

he was leaving.

little dog are all prime examples of situations that test our self-control. Some people just

the ocean worth getting involved in a situation

can’t deal with it, they just can’t let it go and get on with whatever they were doing.

I have a very good friend who relayed a

comes to mind for some strange reason. Now I’m not going to bore

story about an incident he was involved in on

you with dos and don’ts for your personal life,

the water. It seems my friend and one of his

but there are a few control issues that you can take care of in your angling life.

bayou on the Louisiana side of Sabine Lake

Fishing too fast is a common problem,

when another boater ran between them and the bank in a less than courteous fashion. My

up and school in big bunches. Saltwater

friend immediately took offense and decided that this disrespectful individual needed to be taught some manners.

My friend caught up to the guy and tried

of birds over hungry stripers, hybrids, and whites are perhaps the worst. The frenzied activity puts everyone on the boat in high

about boating etiquette only to be shown the

gear often leaving the majority of the water

business end of a large pistol. Instantly the

column untouched. It’s a proven fact that

under the surface.

Savvy anglers will let a bait sink below the surface melee and are more often than not rewarded with

small trout hustling shrimp and shad near the surface. setting the hook, anglers can get down past the will actually crawl their baits along the bottom with

By taking the time to patiently work a school of

approach proves itself in some of the strangest ways.

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October 2008

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while dragging bait and correcting a backlash, it

If you watch these guys, they keep the anchor real

makes you wonder.

If we could see under the water and watch our baits and presentations; we would likely be

handy, one or two bites in the same area and they

surprised at how little of the water column we are actually using. In many situations it is only

the area thoroughly. These

lure at high speed has it’s applications but it’s awful hard to argue with the success that the

while others who continue

slower approach produces.

to drift miss out on much of

Speaking of slower approaches, another that

the action. I am sold on the

comes to mind is dropping anchor while drifting

technique because it works;

instead of dropping buoy markers. In years past

we use it quite often in the

we would make long drifts down Sabine Lake,

spring on the south end of Sabine.

Taking the slower approach

on a merry-go-round; you just went round

a step farther; learning to

and round until they quit biting. One day on

anchor properly in deeper

Calcasieu I got schooled on a better way by a

water can be critical to success. One day many years

just going about it differently. The local guy

ago Capt. Dickie Colburn and

was sitting on anchor while I continued to make drift after drift on the same line. After about

Sabine River where we knew

three passes I heard the local say to his buddy, hanging around. For some couldn’t afford an anchor.” After that encounter

for everyone; stay clam and patient because our position on the anchor by letting out about 30 additional feet of line and slipping into the

paid big dividends.

should never be allowed to ruin that. Enjoy the

perfect spot. Our adjustment put us within casting range yet held the boat from drifting

share the outdoors with someone who may not

into them. Any other setup would result in either

know just how wonderful it really is.

spooking them or not getting bit; neither of which sound good at all. By adjusting our position we were able to cast over a submerged point current. Sometimes a few feet can make the difference between a great day and a zero.

During the coming months your patience and abilities will be tested not only by other anglers controlled approach will pay huge dividends as the crowds descend on the bays for one last

contact

chucK uZZle

this time of year, everybody hears about how

the coast.

Regular anglers know this is coming so they adjust accordingly and make do until the crowds cease.

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Texas Saltwater Fishing

October 2008

31

unriSe gliStening on the water,

all day I do not get on the water often. Jackson

how sad I was not to be following behind him

and I design the layout and website for Texas

he would always carry me on his shoulders to a

Saltwater Fishing; so you can imagine how Three years ago Jackson and I decided

excited grandpa is to hear and learn about and, most importantly, excited

to move to the coast and leave the big bad

anglers on the Lower Laguna Madre are all

city of Houston behind. Since then we have

pretty sweet. Let me begin by giving you a bit of background on the anglers. First would be our

freshwater lakes. Many of his childhood stories río

guide, Captain Ernest Cisneros, no stranger to TSF readers. Second is my husband, Jackson,

(river). I remember when I received the photos

avid angler. Third is my grandfather, Zavala,

and story to design the layout for Mike McBride’s in December in 2006.

For you2006. loyal For you loyal December

me, a novice angler.

readers who keep your magazines, go back

This trip came about in celebration of my grandfather’s seventy-second birthday. I got the

Grandpa could have been the guy talking

idea back in June and discussed it with Jackson.

to Mike.

We agreed it would be the greatest gift we could

Grandpa is old-school. When it comes to tackle he is a push-button Zebco kinda guy.

Ernest had the date reserved… we were set for Labor Day weekend in South Texas.

still remember my grandmother’s warnings not to get in the water and get wet when he took

much as I should, being involved in the layout of

orders. He would always wade out from the

the magazine and stuck in front of a computer

bank and stay close by. But when he would see

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October 2008

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that Hurricane Dolly brought a layer of silt which

like none other. He was truly having the time of his life. If you notice in the photos he began the

her arrival. Our waters in the Port Lavaca area

morning wade with a rod more appropriate for

are very muddy in places bringing a familiarity

using bait in the surf and his old-school push-

to this wade for both Jackson and me. Jackson

button reel, that was all about to change…

commented to Ernest about this and Ernest

He continued to get blow-ups, but did not land

quickly noted this was not good as the silt had a baitcaster in hope to get him into the proper Capt. Ernest began to get our rods rigged with

gear. Reluctantly, he asked if we could exchange

topwaters and instructed us in the direction we

it for a traditional push-button reel which

were to wade. He also showed us how to work

was what he felt most comfortable using. We

the Super Spooks Jrs. he had just placed on our

gladly exchanged it, but explained to him if he

lines. I remember reading from each and every TSFMag writer how lure presentation is the most important element when it comes to landing

The ray guards and wading boots he had no problem wearing once he saw a stingray swim by

been introducing grandpa to saltwater. Quite a

Ernest would later be catching and releasing

different beast… different rods and reels and lots

them left and right.

of strange new gear, he has been learning it all.

Notice in the photos he wears his ray guards,

the hooks Ernest quickly waded over and

wading boots and wading belt – even polarized

explained some facts about snook. He

sunglasses now! I never imagined I’d ever see

is an expert in catching, releasing

the day he would look so cool with shades on.

and educating people about these

Back to the story… we met Ernest bright and early at a local restaurant and followed him to the

and release trips on all of

dock. The night before we ran to Academy after

his snook trips. He taught

arriving in Brownsville to ensure we had all the

Jackson how to revive the

gear needed for our trip. Father’s Day, Christmas and birthdays have been great times to give a lot yet to get!

As we pulled up to the dock I know we were all nervous and excited to see how the day Laguna Madre since a young boy and he knows the bay system like the back of his hand. We couldn’t be in better hands. Within minutes we Now here I must give thanks to Ernest’s wife, Gracie, for entertaining my grandmother, Carmen, was for her to show my grandma around so that I was able to hang out with the guys.

As we raced across the water Ernest pointed Jackson headed out and Ernest got my grandpa and me ready to go also. We followed we print here monthly really do not do this bay justice, it is an amazing sight and you must

in line working the area. As we began to wade each of us started to get blow-ups as we cast with the wind, according to Ernest’s instruction.

potholes are green as green can be, where

The excitement I felt watching grandpa get blow-

trout are surely laying. Ernest explained to us

ups as Ernest coaxed him on how to react was

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Texas Saltwater Fishing

October 2008

33

J ay wa t K i n S

thanK goodneSS octoBer haS arrived.

Ike and another system not yet named and

as it gets when the weather conditions allow

referred to as Invest Ten. Ike looks to have

us to get on the water.

It was a terribly hot and mostly dry summer

the best possibility of making it to the Gulf

along most of the middle Texas coast. With dry

at this time.

and during frontal passages. Fishing while the

October is the start of everything that is

frontal systems move through requires a good

with heat comes wind. We have had stronger

good along the middle Texas coast as soon

working knowledge of the bay system as well

SE and SW wind this summer than normal. I

as we get some cooler weather. Migrations of

as a boat that is designed to handle either

guess this has been a blessing at times but

all species of ducks and geese arrive with the

heavy seas or very skinny water. I have both;

conditions usually comes extreme heat and

more times than not it kept me off some of

a 22’ MAJEK EXTREME for the rougher stuff

summer’s more productive areas.

and a 22’6” MAJEK ILLUSION for the skinny water duties.

September 1st brought Hurricane Gustav to the Louisiana coast. New Orleans was spared

up for winter by strapping on the feed bag and

the devastation this time round. After Katrina,

doing what we like most, EATING!

the festive city and its robust citizens did

October is the start of my favorite season.

The leading edge of the fronts pushes water into the back lakes and marshes of Matagorda and San Jose Island. Sustained north wind

not need another setback. This time around

I have stated in all of my JAY WATKINS FISH

blows the water out of the main bays which

the people were better prepared and most

SMART FISHING SEMINARS that October is

initiates a dump of water from the backcountry.

Sloughs that feed the backwater areas are the

evacuated low-lying areas that are prone to you want to do will be productive. The choices

their way to and from the backwater and the

rains that accompany Category 3 storms.

I know we were all thankful to see only

unlimited and any type of structure you choose was excellent last year in the sloughs and

modest damage and casualties in the wake of Gustav. As of this writing we have three

reefs, to the shorelines, the back lakes and the

along adjacent shorelines.

tropical systems out in the Atlantic; Hanna,

october is the start of everything that is good along the middle texas coast as soon as we get some cooler weather.

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Texas Saltwater Fishing

October 2008

35

a SK t h e pro anglers this fall with the strong numbers we have in area bays. Trout will be easier to locate and catch than during summer but I be fewer than years past. With this in mind we are practicing greater conservation than ever

that last much longer than during other

before and urge others to do so as well.

seasons. Overcast days can bring us an all

We have caught a surprising number of

returns to productivity levels we haven’t seen October is also the time when Texas hunting enthusiasts begin making weekend trips to

and we hope this will continue into October.

trying to get a meal; whatever the case, it is

hunting leases in preparation for the upcoming

good stuff for sure. are down, therefore I urge that we should voluntarily limit our harvest. In 2006 we had

During October we will have periods when waders are not required but you need to have

diehard chunkers during the fall and winter

them ready. I typically get into my waders

months. The sweltering heat of summer is

once the water temperatures drop to around weeks so I suggested to my anglers that we

75 degrees. It seems that as I grow older my

only keep a very few that we caught. I will be

tolerance for wading comfortably in cool water

suggesting the same restriction this fall.

My personal lure list for October will include

lies ahead.

The photos from fall 2007 should get you

is changing by the year. Simms breathable

inspired to start making plans for your next trip

waders offer greater comfort than anything we

to the coast.

MirrOlure’s Mirrodine XL, Series II S38MR,

had in the good old days. Starting in October,

the proven 51 and 52 MR series, and a

good foul weather gear is a must. Trust me;

May Your Fishing Always Be Catching.

spend the money, good gear will make your day on the water much more enjoyable.

For those who prefer to stay in the boat there is probably no better time of the year for as anything I’ve seen. Along the shorelines of

light affording the luxury of long, slow drifts.

just about all our barrier islands, swim baits, spoons and topwaters should be very effective

more opportunities we have to cast to the

when worked over submerged grass beds.

Whether the submerged grass be shallow or

contact

not leave the boat without my Bass Assassins.

mostly grass bottom; the pothole is the there and waiting for an easy meal.

Reduced daylight and the drop in

mud bottom; the submerged grass beds are

aggressively and we will see feeding periods 36

October 2008

Texas Saltwater Fishing

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experience. I caught a 24� oversized red. We continued working the area and by 10:00am the bite was gone. We were still getting occasional blow-ups but the us up on the boat and took us to another

Those familiar with our waters know it is much different in clarity compared to the Lower Laguna Madre. The potholes Ernest taught us to cast toward are clearly visible in this bay. The water is gin clear enabling one to easily see grass, shrimp and anything moving in the water.

Ernest switched us from topwaters to soft plastics. Grandpa’s arm was tired so he listened when Ernest suggested switching to something lighter. He had grandpa hold the rod he had been and awkward, but Ernest waded alongside and patiently worked with him. As we began our midafternoon wade in trout green water grandpa was casting further than me! Seeing him out there As we waded waist-deep getting bites on our plastics I realized how lucky I was to have him

catching small trout and rat reds.

As we headed toward the third honey hole Ernest informed me it was 12:30pm already. I dock Capt. Ernest took me as I was to catch up with grandma and Gracie to spend some time beachcombing. Just ask Capt. Billy Sandifer, he knows I love looking for seashells.

that day.

On our way back to Port Lavaca, he eagerly asked questions about lures, lure colors, and the tackle Ernest used. Apparently he caught his trout when Ernest switched him from a pumpkin/ chartreuse Brown Lure to a plum. How quickly he was learning! answer his questions to the best of our knowledge, opening the magazine and showing examples.

As they backed down our driveway to head home, grandpa turned to me with the biggest smile,

Jasmine Gordon / Jasmine@GraphicsByDesign.biz www.TSFMAG.com

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Texas Saltwater Fishing

October 2008

37

c a Se y Sm a rt t

what iS it that maKeS Some flieS Better than otherS? Is it their size, their color, or

of prey is only part of the picture. Time and again I have learned that regardless of how consistently recognize something in it as prey.

the brand of hook they’re lashed around? bundle of hair and feathers more attractive than a perfect replica? Angler Ken Abrames

more convincing suggestion of life than a

Whether it is color, shape, texture, sound, or

detailed copy of the original? Hmm….

movement, the trigger predators are looking

A question I responded to recently got me

for is often hard to predict. Unraveling the

has written entire books devoted to answering

thinking again about Abrames’ philosophy

mystery of exactly what entices a predator is

these questions. In his book,

and the creative process I go through when

one of the challenges of tying. Anyone who

who I know to be a highly experienced and

or a Flatwing, or even a Woolly Bugger would

is not to replicate an exact image, but rather to

accomplished angler asked how much tub of life is a unique and elusive combination of textures, colors, and movements that cause an inanimate object to be seen as

I decided (against my artsy side) to make a

should not be a copy of the original, but

consciously or subconsciously went into

fiShaBility

list of every aspect I could think of that either rather a suggestion… or idea… of life. It is an making process spooked me a little because it So many times I have sat down at the

was reminiscent of an exercise one would do

vise and strived to produce an exact replica

in a corporate training seminar. But, I have to

to cast, they’re durable, and they won’t get

say it was enlightening and it gave me a better

heavy or distorted after a few dunks. They

believing that an anatomically correct

perspective of what I value in a good

are designed with protection against weeds

end, I have used all sorts of materials, paints,

4 categories: 1) Illusion, 2) Fishability,

the cast or the retrieve. Flies that spin will

and glues. I have used up expensive little

3) Versatility, and 4) Complexity.

turn the leader and line into a tangled mess

and snags and they should not spin during

illuSion computer printer to make skins, eyes, and

As far as I am concerned, the bottom

in short order. Once discovered, the kinks and twists are aggravatingly tough to remove.

these experiments looked amazingly lifelike

for a shadow box) is that it must create the

suffer from this spinning problem.

to me, few of them have ever performed as

illusion of life. I am right in line with Abrames

verSatility

well as abstract patterns built from simple

in this thinking. Either by size, texture, color, pattern is versatility. This is important to me

materials. But why? often I

in some way suggest to a predator it is a look like food no matter where they go and I

believe the answer, in part, has to do with the mysterious spark of life Abrames writes about.

38

October 2008

the features and understanding the behavior

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one place. Versatility is one reason why the Clouser Minnow, Woolly Bugger, and Seaducer are such deadly patterns. These represent anything. They can be tied in very small or very large sizes and can It is no mystery why these patterns have remained popular over the long haul — they are simple, versatile,

by Deke Meyer is a

and effective.

short but nifty book

complexity

that showcases the tying steps for 12 proven saltwater

a pattern that is at absolute ground zero of simplicity is the San Juan Worm. It consists

Tying

of nothing more than a single piece of chenille lashed to the hook shank. And yes… it looks exactly like a dang worm. The San Juan Worm is comically plain but amazingly

Meyer shows how to tie the Clouser Minnow, Bob’s

patterns are works of art. They are painstakingly assembled and some of them are

Banger, Surf

so detailed that under a microscope they are anatomically correct (no joke). While I

Candy, MOE

appreciate the time (sometimes days for a single specimen) and skills required to tie

Fly, Bendback, Whistler, Crazy

Especially when I know that mine will eventually end up stuck in an oyster shell or the

Charlie, and

lint trap.

a handful of others.

He also provides a brief review of vises, hooks, materials,

The next time you sit down at the

perhaps anatomical perfection? Or is it something more? These mysteries fuel our excitement and compel us to look for answers. I hope we never

contact

the illusion of life, or simplicity, or

pertinent tying tools and knots that are frequently used in casey smartt has been fly fishing and tying flies for 30 years. when he cannot make it to the coast he is happy chasing fish on texas inland lakes and rivers.

Although there are plenty of books that make a broader or lot of information into the scant 30 pages that make up Tying There is very little wasted space in this book.

clearly presented and easy to follow. This book would be a with a minimal level of tying experience. Priced under ten dollars, would also make a great gift for someone who is starting out.

Tying Saltwater Flies: 12 of the Best Deke Meyer

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Texas Saltwater Fishing

October 2008

39

f i S h i n g

5

f l y

4

6

/

in laSt month’S column we Began a SerieS titled, “Simple Saltwater flieS.”

Done!

S m a r t t

its performance. Last month, we featured a pattern called the Bendback.

Pioneer angler Homer Rhodes is credited with bringing the Seaducer to saltwater in the 1940’s. Rhodes supposedly used the pattern to

versions feature bulked up bodies and tails. My preference though is the original slow-sinking version in either solid chartreuse, dark orange, or red/white. Other effective colors include olive, black, and grizzly grey.

c a S e y

The original Seaducer consisted of basically one material — saddle hackles. Several pairs of hackles were matched and attached at the bend of the hook extending rearward. Once these hackles were in place, several more hackles were added and palmered (wrapped) around the shank up to the eye of the hook. That was it.

Hook: Standard saltwater #8 to 1/0 (Gamakatsu SC15 #4 shown)

The Seaducer was typically tied with a white or yellow tail and red

Thread: Clear nylon mono or colored to match body Tail: 2 or 3 pairs of saddle hackles

look like much of anything in particular — it was super simple. In spite of

Flash: Krystal Flash

its unremarkable appearance in the vise, the Seaducer came to life when

Body: 2 webby saddle hackles Sally Hansen’s Hard as Nails (nail polish)

leggy pulsing of the hackles on the body created a deadly illusion of life.

The Seaducer looked like nothing and everything at the same time and predators couldn’t help but take a bite.

A second key to the Seaducer’s success was its slow sinking nature.

1. Attach 4 short strands of Krystal Flash on the top of the hook shank at the base of the bend.

column. This allowed anglers to telegraph short twitches and tugs

2. To form the tail, attach a pair of matched facing saddle hackles on either side of the Krystal Flash.

3. Attach 2 long webby saddle hackles at the base of the tail.

sink quickly to the bottom where it could snag on shells or weeds. It was,

4. hook eye.

and still is, a great design.

Most Seaducers tied these days (including the version shown here)

5. Palmer the second hackle forward and tie off behind the hook eye.

6. Tie off thread and coat thread wraps with cement. Done.

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B o B B y B y r d & c a p t. J o h n c o c h r a n e

Keeping tracK of your fiShing experienceS makes Well, the end of summer is upon us and many are starting to think about hunting more can be incredible until the cold fronts become too frequent and the water cools off. Many way up until December. It’s cooler, more comfortable and less crowded offshore.

So, don’t give up just yet, there are still

especially for blue marlin. We hope many of you were able to experience some of it and you should think about documenting those to help you make that decision. There are One of the most important things a serious

and time of day. Fishing success can vary by

two important items to record here, type of

season, but over the years you can get a good Trying to remember what was happening

idea of what time of year is most productive

a rig, rock, or a rip; you need to make note of

last year or last month with all the variables

and under what conditions. Different areas

what is happening. Depth of water can be very

involved is just about impossible. By writing

tend to be better early in the season and

important and this information will help you make future decisions when needed. All of

down the weather conditions, water conditions, many ways. Wind direction and speed, wave and outcome, you can analyze what was

heights, moon phase and sky condition are

happening under certain conditions and

some of the variables you will want to record.

hopefully use that information to help you

Location is of course a big factor in catching

can help you understand when those areas have been the most productive.

Water conditions should be observed

question that comes up and you can use

surface temperature are very important and

choose what criteria you want to record. One 42

October 2008

and recorded. Water color, current and sea

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Blu e wat e r

Jou r na l

By recording your daily fishing experiences and analyzing the data you will be fishing more intelligently and improving your future angling success. new and we will

at 281-291-0656 or call Capt John Cochrane

can be used to determine where you might

ratio. Speaking of that, keeping track of the

Offshore, Roffer’s Ocean Forecasting and

helps you gauge your success against other crews. You should always record the number

use your log to go back and see what success

of strikes and compare that to the outcome. If

certain conditions produced in the area you

you have a low catch ratio, you need to talk to

contact

direct at 409-739-4817.

other anglers and try some different tackle or technique to get your catch ratio higher.

Other techniques you might want to record bait, noting its location and determining what

are trolling speed, drag setting, bait position

type of bait it is. If you are live baiting you will

and presentation. Presentation would include

want to record which type of bait works the

such things as using outriggers, clips, rubber

best. We can tell you that blue runners are

bands, kites, drop-back, teasers, bait and switch, birds or any other method you might

rigs and are very good baits, however small

use. At the end of your log you may want to leave an area for comments and summary.

some of our favorites. Don’t forget the rainbow caught on these.

Using the right tackle is always a topic of

more intelligently and improving your future angling success.

contact

discussion between anglers. Hook size, type and arrangement as well as leader size and

44

type can determine your hook-up success.

by our Fox yacht SalesTops-n-

Documenting what works and doesn’t work

Towers. We’re always happy to answer your

in a statistical manner gives you accurate

questions. At Fox we have an extensive

results that you can use to improve your catch

inventory of brokerage boats as well as

October 2008

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coaStal conServation aSSociation texaS (cca texaS) recently pledged

cca texaS executive Board recently approved the addition of three new local chapters to

funding for the construction of an enforcement outpost for use by

the Texas State Chapter. New chapters include the Hays County Chapter

Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Game Wardens in the Lower

centered in Dripping Springs, the Guadalupe Valley Chapter centered in Cuero and the Orange Chapter located in Orange. These chapters are

wardens enforcing game and safety laws and providing for public

now up and running and are planning fall fundraising and membership

safety along the desolate stretches of water in south Texas.

Orange has scheduled October 23, 2009 and Guadalupe Valley is while they are protecting not only Texas’ natural resources, but the

scheduled for November 13, 2009. If you are interested in becoming

outdoor enthusiast who enjoy them,” said CCA Texas Executive

involved in one of these new chapters, please contact CCA Texas at 713.626.4222.

our wardens and providing tools that otherwise might not be available to the conservation of Texas’ marine resources. For more information hazardous jobs they perform. The cabin will make the Lower Laguna

please visit www.ccatexas.org.

Madre a better and safer place for us all.”

Cut in Kennedy County and will provide a central location for wardens to patrol Willacy, Kleberg, and Cameron counties where the Lower Laguna Madre is located. Currently, wardens have to travel many miles and use tremendous amounts of fuel to reach their remote patrolling areas.

Madre and patrol duties are hampered by the distance and gasoline required to travel by game wardens in patrol boats,” said Capt. Gary

spend extended periods of time patrolling, providing public safety, search-and-rescue operations, and will increase the amount of time wardens will have to provide public awareness of their presence in these waters.”

The construction of the facility will be executed by TPWD game

texaS parKS and wildlife department-

wardens and mechanics using materials purchased with the funds

Coastal Fisheries Division will soon be holding a series of coastwide

contributed by CCA Texas. The goal is to have the facility operational

public scoping meetings to discuss potential changes to existing

by April of 2009. late September/early October in Port Arthur, Dickinson, Port Lavaca,

46

costly trip over waters that are often dangerous, wardens will now be

Rockport and Port Isabel. Visit the TPWD website for updates and

much closer to the resources and the people they protect.”

meeting details (www.tpwd.state.tx.us).

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B y

e v e r e t t

J o h n S o n

here’S an idea for you that i Began uSing five or Six yearS ago. i rely on weedless spoons when plastics and surface plugs often resemble bad hair pieces with but a few turns of the reel handle. Spoons seem to be timeless, they have been around longer than any of us and still they work like a charm.

While the design is timeless, a new spoon in saltwater seems to last about as long as ice cream on an August sidewalk. A few days in the brine and even the best of them begin to corrode and fade. Add the contents of the wade box and you can build an impressive collection of not-so-pretty lures in a short time. I know! clients. We’d been on a good school that hung in Long Lake for nearly two weeks and the catching was easy.

Everything in my tackle stash was showing the signs

that’s what they were eating, why not paint my rusty spoons to look like blue crabs? and white striped spoon and calls it a crab. More likely But for whatever reason, I can assure you they work… and so do the ones I’ve dolled-up with gold, copper, red, black and a host of other nail polishes.

because they encourage creativity in support of other favorite pastimes. So if you have a bit of tinker blood in you and enjoy playing with lures, give this a try. The rules are simple, take a rusted and not-so-pretty spoon and give it a new look. Just like when you took it out of the package, it will not last very long; a couple of out will erase the sparkle, but your spoon will gain a second life and you can have fun learning which colors they won’t hit. Funny thing, I haven’t painted one the reds won’t eat but I’m working on it.

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field notes Seafood consumption advisories for marine

dioxin still exist in combustion of fossil fuels

dioxins. Factors such as growth rate, dietary

and wood, incineration of solid waste, and

preferences, migration habits, etc. play a

waters are not new to Texas. Beginning in the

certain chemical manufacturing processes.

role in determining the concentration that

late 1980’s consumption advisories have been

accumulates in the body.

PCBs and dioxins have been found in soil,

established by the Texas Department of State

ground and surface water, air, sediment,

Health Services, Seafood and Aquatic Life

plants, and animals in all regions of the world.

Group (see attached table).

PCBs and dioxins break down very slowly in

Galveston Bay are unknown. Because PCBs

the environment and accumulate in fatty tissue,

were once commonly used there are many

The recent consumption advisory issued

potential sources. PCBs can be found in the Galveston Bay has generated considerable

animals. The amount of PCBs/dioxins found in

sediments, rainfall runoff, in leaching water

diet, and surface water concentrations. Larger,

contaminated tributaries, and atmospheric

questions and confusion among recreational anglers. Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions:

deposition. Once in the environment, they take a long time to degrade or break down.

Dioxins are still being produced as a byproduct

PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls) are a family of man-made organic compounds

bind to sediments happen to be the most

to some industrial processes and can also be

carcinogenic components of PCB mixtures.

found in old waste disposal sites.

that have been widely used since 1929

TPWD, Texas Commission on Environmental

as coolants and lubricants in electrical

the immune system, reproductive organs,

Quality (TCEQ) and the Environmental

equipment (transformers, capacitors, etc.)

skin, stomach, thyroid, kidney, liver and may

Protection Agency recently worked together

because they don’t burn easily and are good

increase the risk of cancer. PCBs are also

insulators. PCBs are stable compounds, are

suspected of causing lower birth weights in

in the San Jacinto River, which has become a

long-lived in the environment, and can be

infants, delayed physical development and

Superfund site (http://epa.gov/superfund/sites/

found everywhere. Concern over toxicity and

npl/nar1773.htm).

persistence in the environment led Congress

The TCEQ is looking for other sources of

in 1979 to prohibit the manufacture, processing

dioxins and PCBs in the Houston Ship Channel

and distribution of PCBs. Dioxin is a general term describing a

as part of their Total Maximum Daily Load Once PCBs and dioxins have entered into an animal’s body they get stored in fat

water/tmdl/26-hscdioxin.html and www.tceq.

a long time in the environment. They are

tissue. This makes it hard for the organism to

state.tx.us/implementation/water/tmdl/78-hsc-

formed as unintentional by-products of many

eliminate them from its body. As you move up

pcbs.html).

industrial processes involving chlorine such

the food chain the PCBs/dioxins compounds

as waste incineration, chemical and pesticide

54

program (www.tceq.state.tx.us/implementation/

family of organic chemicals that last for

How much of Galveston Bay is affected by

manufacturing and pulp and paper bleaching.

that are at the top of the food web are going

Dioxins are toxic at very low concentrations.

to accumulate the greatest concentrations.

Relative to the 1970’s, sources of dioxin have

It is important to note that not all animals

minor bays associated with the Galveston

been greatly reduced, but some sources of

are the same at accumulating PCBs and

Bay system: Trinity Bay, Upper and Lower

October 2008

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Major Water Body

Date of Advisory

tpw d field notes

Lavaca Bay

1988

Houston Ship Channel

1990

Gulf of Mexico

1997

Houston Ship Channel

2001

Houston Ship Channel

2005

Galveston Bay

2008

Species Affected

All species

Mercury

Dioxin

King mackerel

Mercury

All species

Spotted seatrout,

Spotted seatrout,

PCB

Dioxin, PCB

Dioxin, PCB

Cox Bay was removed from the advisory in 2000.

Please refer to DSHS web site for detailed maps of area covered under current advisory.

The Houston Ship Channel and all contiguous waters, and upper Galveston Bay north of a line drawn from Red Bluff Point to Five Mile Cut Marker to Houston Point.

All waters on the Texas coast.

The Houston Ship Channel upstream of the Lynchburg Ferry crossing and all contiguous waters, including the San Jacinto River below the U.S. Highway 90 bridge.

The Houston Ship Channel including the tidal portion of the San Jacinto River below the U.S. Highway 90 bridge, Tabbs Bay, and all contiguous waters and Upper Galveston Bay north of a line drawn from Red Bluff Point to Five Mile Cut Marker to Houston Point.

Galveston Bay including Chocolate Bay, East Bay, West Bay, Trinity Bay and contiguous waters.

Galveston Bay, East Bay, West Bay,

2004 and 2006-2007 included samples from

fat, side fat, and fat along the top of the back)

Chocolate Bay and contiguous waters. Maps

the following species: red drum, black drum,

before cooking. The DSHS recommends

crab. Because of this, no recommendations

rack or grill to allow fat to drip away from the

of the advisory area can be found at www. dshs.state.tx.us/seafood/.

can be made for other species. be reused.

The DSHS study did not include samples

Seafood consumption advisories are

Following these preparation and cooking

beyond Galveston Bay, Trinity Bay, East Bay

designed to provide anglers with information

methods will reduce exposure to many

and West Bay and therefore, no health risk

they can use to make informed decision

of the most common organic chemical

about the level of risk they’re willing to accept from other areas. However, TPWD tagging data clearly shows that spotted seatrout

already a preferred practice of many anglers

tx.us/seafood/eatrisk.shtm and www.atsdr.

move between bays, the Gulf beaches and

cdc.gov/HAC/PHA/oakridge013107-TN/appc3.

other minor bays. TPWD is supportive of Texas DSHS in their attempts to locate

covered by this advisory there are some other

additional funding to expand their monitoring

things you can do to reduce your risk. Since

efforts in waters adjacent to Galveston Bay

PCBs/dioxins readily accumulate in the fatty to these chemicals by removing the skin, dark

56

October 2008

pdf. For more information about how PCBs/ Robinson (281-534-0101; lance.robinson@ tpwd.state.tx.us) or Bill Balboa (281-534-0110;

and in other bay systems.

Sampling conducted by the Texas DSHS in

consumption can be found at www.dshs.state.

bill.balboa@tpwd.state.tx.us).

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c a p t. S c o t t n u l l

K a y a K

f i S h i n g

here’S no Such thing aS a Bad fiShing trip.

kayak and the feelings rise exponentially.

Sometimes the numbers caught don’t

about chasing kings from our kayaks since my

My good buddy Jason and I have talked

at what must be going through those waders’ minds as we disappeared from sight.

For a bay angler accustomed to keying on structure the featureless waters of the near-

amount to much, but the experience of just being there makes up for it. You get to see

plans a few times. Weather, obligations and

shore gulf are somewhat disconcerting. There

something cool, explore a new place or maybe

other hurdles always seemed to abort the idea.

is simply so much water that doubt creeps into your mind, particularly while you’re paddling

have the opportunity to watch nature play out before your eyes. Then there are days when

both had a hole in our schedules, the Gulf of

with no real destination. I’ve been out there

its peak. Sometimes it’s as simple as letting

pond and recent reports had the kings close to

with past success it still takes a real leap of

the beach. Plans were set in motion and a pile

faith. I could only imagine the doubt in Jason’s mind, having never been out there, and felt

future trips. Or perhaps you just get to spend The task of preparing for a trip far from It really doesn’t matter; I always manage

shore in a kayak will really make you think hard

something good from each and every trip.

about your gear. The fact that you can’t just

his direction all I could see was an ear-to-ear

run back to the truck to get something tends

grin. We paddled on. The water changed from

perfectly. You’re out with a great friend, the

to have you wanting two of everything. The

sandy-green to emerald and then blue-green.

nature treats you to a show. These are the

after dropping your only set of pliers overboard

days that are forever etched into your hard

seals the deal on packing a spare, maybe two.

balled up and diving. As we neared the fray

drive and become the stories told around

The pile grew higher.

the unmistakable splashes made it clear we

Every once in a while it all comes together

With the truck loaded I tried my best to get

were about to get hooked up. All it took was

sure I’ll relive this experience for the remainder

some sleep knowing we had a long paddle

a cast into the melee with a soft plastic to get

of my days.

ahead of us. As usual, I woke up staring at the

the action started. On every cast a half dozen

clock before the alarm. Looking through the

Spanish mackerel would crash the lure until one

Since I was a little kid I’ve always loved being offshore. There is just something

blinds I saw Jason already in the driveway.

magical about heading out onto an open

Guess he was ready to get going too. After

kid as the silver missiles shot back and forth

horizon as the sun comes up, knowing there is

reviewing the gear list one last time we pointed

swatting the bait all the way up to the kayak.

no boundary ahead of you. The

the truck south for Galveston.

Then the school simply disappeared.

On the sand in predawn darkness were run of a high-speed predator, the slight nervousness of being

October 2008

hundreds of smacks schooled up and headed

speckled trout. We went about loading the kayaks and paddled out through waves that

materialized in every direction as far as I could

you just might not be at the

weren’t even knee high as the sun turned the

see. The next two hours were spent paddling

top of the food chain sparks

horizon pink. Once outside the third bar it

far from land, and knowing that

58

several trucks with anglers readying for

the imagination. I’ve felt

seemed only right to try our luck with the trout.

this every time our boat

All we could manage were a few half-hearted

And then it was over; almost as if someone

cleared the jetties and

blow-ups on topwater and one pencil-thin

began to head toward shore. Others took a

I hope to never lose

skipjack on a soft plastic. The open water was

break on a nearby radio tower structure. Jason

it. Now throw in the

beckoning and the sun was high enough to

and I rafted up to take in some much needed

wildcard of doing it in a

provide safe light. Time to go. I had to laugh

water and decide what to do next. The water

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was caught throwing a lure from a kayak.

The day could have ended right there and

started showing in every direction. Kings were shooting through the schools and some pretty impressive spinner sharks started doing their thing. It was simply awesome watching these massive sharks clear the water and pirouette

trolled our lures and paddled hard to catch up.

K aya K

f i Sh i ng

Before reaching the school Jason’s reel started

before crashing back to the surface.

For a while I just sat back and watched the

signing again and I paddled closer to get some

show. I don’t really know how long all of this

action shots.

lasted, but by the time it was over we had

I was busy snapping away when Jason

caught a good many kings and some rather large Spanish mackerel. It seemed as though

here and he’s trying to eat my king.”

the sharks spread out some during the height of the action because we were able to land our

over here ‘cause there’s two more on your left. simply felt dead. Nothing was happening at all and I was afraid the day was done. Even

Oh, and a couple more the other side of me.”

The dudes in the grey suits were everywhere

There were so many cool moments. At one point I was taking pictures of Jason when I

though we hadn’t found the kings we both

and they weren’t ankle-biters either. Jason’s

looked down to see a huge shark cruising

agreed that it had been worth the paddle just to

king made a hard run that ended with a thump.

next to me. I like to consider myself pretty

experience the intensity of the past couple of

The rod relaxed for a second and then bowed

levelheaded, but this guy got my attention. He

hours. Without realizing it we’d moved several

deeper than ever. I was paddling full-out

was easily as wide as my kayak, but thankfully

miles lateral to the beach while chasing the

and losing ground as Jason’s yak took off.

not as long. The shark rolled up under my

smacks. We decided to take our time and

Somehow the shark had managed to hook

paddle and stared at me a moment before

meander toward the truck while trolling and

himself and took Jason for a ride. A couple

disappearing. I don’t know if he was sizing

hoping to run across a king or two.

minutes later the split ring failed.

About the time we got going I noticed a patch of disturbed water a hundred or so yards away. Pogies, menhaden, shad… whatever

We got back to trolling, headed towards the bait school. It was like an instant replay, only this time it was my turn. First there was the

you want to call them, they’re the candy bars

crazy fella was doing out there on his turf.

Once things slowed down the sharks seemed to key on our yaks looking for a free meal. We were paddling along and trolling

of the gulf for predators. The sight of them tells

followed by a powerful steady pull. My rod was

when I noticed two of them following Jason

you it’s about to get good. Before we could

bent to the max and line was pouring off the

only a couple feet off his stern. That got me to

reel at an alarming rate. I cranked the drag and

checking my six o’clock and sure enough there

out of the water. Too cool!

We arrived at the edge of an acre of nervous

let him start pulling the kayak.

Jason caught up and snapped a few pictures

bait and started casting. I was locked in on the

while laughing at my yak leaving a wake.

bait and looking for a target when I heard a

Then the shark turned and yanked me straight

The sun was high overhead, the cooling

huge crashing splash. Funny, I hadn’t noticed

towards him. He was still staring at the screen

breeze was gone, and we were both worn out

any 300 pound guys doing cannonballs off a

on the back of the camera and probably trying

high dive. But that’s what it sounded like and

have to admit it was a little unnerving.

to start the long paddle to the beach. On the

it came from Jason’s direction. I glanced over and saw a huge boil right off of his stern; the

nuthin’ I can do about it. Dude, seriously he’s

again.” We will my friend, just not tomorrow.

look on his face was priceless.

going under you.”

This old man needs some rest.

He put the camera down just in time to get broadsided by a Tarpon 160. I bounced off Jason made a somewhat timid cast behind his kayak and just about got the rod ripped out

without incident and kept right on truckin’. After what seemed like forever he started circling under the kayak and I got a good look. My lure

of his hands.

No kidding. Hell, I could hear the drag singing from thirty yards away. After some

then that a kayak wasn’t near big enough for me and a foul-hooked bull shark. I managed to get him reeled up to the leader and cut the line.

Then it really turned on. Huge schools of bait

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c a p t. Scot t Som m e r l at t e

accor ding to Scott

throughout my life i have Been accuSed of being a lot of things and even called a few names.

that I talk about old friends that I have not

in my room each one containing numerous

seen in years like we had drinks with them the

small items that I have collected over the

night before and that all of the music that I like

years that I can hold in my hands, close my

Sad to say — most of it is true and, some of it’s good, some bad but most is indifferent.

eyes and go back to that place and time.

I have no idea for what reason I am this

One of the things that falls into the indifferent

way but the simple fact is — she was not

category is that I tend to live in the past.

wrong. In fact other people have accused

I never really realized it until the love of my

me of having a pornographic, oops, I mean photographic memory.

were running down the bay to the spot that I hoped would be the place that she caught her wake up the morning of a trip, look at the areas and telling stories about this and that.

calendar and the weather and then pull from

As we pulled up to the small island where I

hundreds if not thousands of memories to

was to park the boat she made a comment

decide which point of the compass I should turn my boat to once we are underway.

past, don’t you?”

When I asked her what she meant she pointed out that I can remember every

Again, I just do not know where it comes from however, I do have numerous physical items boxed up which, I guess in some ways, help stimulate many of my fondest memories,

ago. She even made reference to the fact 62

October 2008

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accor di ng to Scot t Of course there are no guidelines to the items that make it into the boxes. I have just and even a few other countries in there, as well as a couple of stones picked from a

small, arrowheads that I have found while hunting, spent shell casings from memorable hunts, the tail feathers from a big ol’ greenhead stuck to a picture of Sonny, my lab, and some from my grandfather. I could of course go on and on but I am sure you get the picture.

There is no doubt that our pasts shape our lives and turn us into the people we considering that all of my best memories have come from the outdoors. I mean let’s face it, if all of my very best memories include boats, rods, guns and dogs, well I guess accurate and I am okay with that).

I guess my obsession with the past is one of the reasons that I started the tradition or

given to anglers over the last decade or so and truthfully, it really is not that important.

However, I do know that I gave the girl remembers that special day on the water.

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October 2008

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a a ro n c i S n e r o S the origin of thiS Story goeS BacK to auguSt 2007 when we were on our way to

me would be my uncle Louis and my cousin, Louis III. My dad was accompanied by our the engine and made sure everything was in

friend Adrian and his son, Nick. The catch would consist of two reds, two trout, and two

organized and ready. Just when I thought to give it my best try. As we got closer to the

everything was done the hardest part had

caught a trout over twenty three inches, we

lake I started the trash talking and ended up

just begun. I found out that the mental plan

would weigh it, photograph it and release it.

challenging my dad to see who could catch

was actually harder than the physical plan. All

We had to be back at the dock by 1:00 p.m.

the most bass that day. Needless to say, he

night, as I tried to sleep, scenarios kept going

Most important of all, we could not include our

put it on me really good and was not shy about announcing it to me on the way back to the

this is supposed to be friendly and fun.� Then again this was a challenge I had started.

your daddy� became common usage between

Remembering some of my return trips from

courteous enough to wake me up. I knew he meant business when he did not wait for me. Being that he got an earlier start, I later

us. My only comeback was to challenge my where I felt very comfortable in the elements.

through my mind. This day was going to be

could see that our game plans were going to

The challenge was quickly accepted.

different. I was driving my own boat, and I

be different from the start because of where

Due to various reasons we were never able game plan. Everything I had taken for granted was now on my shoulders. I was accustomed came and we both agreed that Labor Day

all these years to my dad taking care of the

produced one keeper trout. I felt a little

2008 would be a good day to have it. We set

physical and mental part; all I did was jump on

pressure as I raced to the next spot all the time

the rules and anxiously waited for the day to come. Oh, how the trash talking had once again begun from both sides. I think you

My dad and I would not be alone. Since we were taking off in different directions we needed assistance with photography and an

he caught.

My next spot produced some explosive blow-ups on my topwater and I even managed

the words that were said.

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a a r o n c i S n e ro S

i also think that’s how the phrase “who’s your daddy” became common usage between us.

cause. They drifted a few hundred yards away, yelling that Louis III was hooked up. After an hour of nothing but blow-ups I called for them to pick me up. My uncle hyped the competition by saying he had just gotten off the phone with my dad and

was not going to be my day and I could hear

dad and his crew played it like they had

mentioned that he had some big reds. I didn’t

it already, the phrase I so vividly remember

caught nothing and we played it like we had

know whether to believe him because my

really busted them up. When it came time When we got back to the dock there was

All this was playing in my mind and the pressure was building. The next stops before

to weigh the catch I saw just how badly I’d

joking going around before we opened the

been beaten. To add insult and injury to my

ice chests. I knew I had no chance but was

pride, my dad weighed, photographed, and

eager to see what my dad had caught. My

released a six pound trout. His total weight in

heading in produced the same results. Today

two reds and two trout was twenty two and a quarter pounds. My total weight was an embarrassing two and a quarter pounds in the two trout I caught. You guessed it; I was getting hammered by trash talking from every direction. There was nowhere to hide from,

jesting continued at the picnic table and all I could do was take it. I realized I had just been schooled by my dad but the most valuable of the lesson was that I gained much experience on what it takes to mentally and physically prepare for a trip. In the end, we all shared the laughter. I got to spend time doing something I love to do and, most important, I spent time with my dad. I wouldn’t trade it for the world.

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67

grew up fiShing for tarpon;

Typically, prime time starts around September

the picture is that we are within sight of the

10 and continues through October when large

beach and quite often without another boat

numbers of mature tarpon migrate along our

in sight.

a bit longer than six feet and upon returning

shoreline on their way to the Tampico area for

to the farm I ran inside very excited and told

the winter. The desire to pursue them more

sense of freedom much the same as I enjoyed

Mama about this most grand of creatures I

productively and for a longer period each year

on the PINS beach before it was discovered

had caught.

was the main reason I bought the panga and

I’ll never forget the way she glared at Papa, "You have absolutely ruined this boy," she said.

While we’ve been having some really fun

rat who long ago tired of crowds, murky water and poor catches; sightcasting from

Hazel; don’t make no difference with this boy. He ain’t never goin’ to do nothin’ but

of this writing the tarpon haven’t arrived in our area yet. They are in good supply at Port

Turns out that Papa had me sized up pretty

O’Connor and farther north and hopefully if we

good. And, if there was ever a single word

can get the right conditions between tropical

only extremely productive but it is a genuine

that could make my heart jump every time I

storms and hurricanes we should be at them

hoot. I have entered a brand new world with so

heard it over the past forty-nine years it would

hard and heavy soon.

much to explore and learn, theories to prove,

be tarpon. It had already been that way for a

The panga has thus far been all I have ever wished for in a boat. It’s sure been a blessing

tarpon during the summer months, the window

To ease up to a location and see 15 or 20 ling from 35 to 60 inches in length slowly

Although we occasionally see and hook

68

conventional lures seems like paradise. And I’ll

Hurricane Dolly. There is a genuine feeling of

cruising on the surface ready to accept

correctness and pleasure that overcomes me

any offering is a wonder to behold. To start

reasonable chance to encounter them in the

chumming and within minutes have hordes

Coastal Bend of Texas is really quite small.

of king mackerel in the slick is the equivalent

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to being a child looking at gifts under a

The challenge of pulling a four pound

Christmas tree.

I wonder how many people actually indulge in the high-adrenalin activity of casting

of the platform on light spinning tackle has to be experienced to be believed. When one considers that this is a delightfully delicious

possibly one of the most overlooked of nearshore angling thrills. The huge explosions and the sight of a 20-pound plus king rise

time," has never seemed more appropriate

from beneath a topwater lure and then during the fall. in its mouth will burn deeply enough into your memory to last a lifetime.

There are simple pleasures available as

There are many possibilities we haven’t even began to experiment with yet in our nearshore adventures. Species such as

well. Hooking up to and chumming from a

the Florida pompano are certainly present

nearshore platform often leads to a scene that

right now but will have to take a backseat to

makes one think he’s watching the Discovery become very common as will huge shoals of little tunny and jack crevalle. These will surface as a hundred large jack crevalle and

attract sharks in the greatest numbers and

other species swim in a slow circle deeper in

largest sizes of the year and in the fall we’ll be

the water column.

live-lining both species for massive sharks.

The cooler months are the time for catching large mako sharks and we will target them throughout the winter and spring. It requires near ideal water and weather conditions in the surf to be successful with pompano and speckled trout but they should be more readily available just outside the surf line. I’ve not mentioned red snapper in state waters with higher daily bag limits and year round open season but we all know they’re out there and I’ll be available for targeting them.

what I do. What a wonderful treat to be the Upper Laguna throughout winter and spring in a seaworthy boat and not have to worry about rough bay crossings to absolutely too cool and just about as good as it gets when you throw in the surf to boot.

I’ll be seeing ya’ nearshore, in the bay, or on the sand.

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69

m e m o ry m a K e r S

first jack crevalle firSt of all, i'd liKe to commend your team for consistently providing top notch articles and pictures every month. My family and friends enjoy reading TSF magazine all year long.

My son Marcus Molina is 5-1/2 years old. For most folks, he is just just a baby. My wife's water actually broke (pregnant with Marcus)

around three. Since he turned 5, he's been able to work a popping We recently took the boat out near Port Isabel and

carolina girl turns texas angler. my wife lauren and i have Been married for a little over 2 years. Since we have been together we have shared several hobbies. However, on a hot August afternoon in Port O'Connor.

Lauren is from Greensboro, NC. While she grew up spending

with my buddies and come back with all sorts of stories; some successful while many others were not. She enjoyed most all of my than an active participant.

Marcus hooked onto a 32� jack crevalle. It crashed the DOA shrimp under Marcus’ cork and started a non-stop run stripping almost all of the line on

Friday August 8, 2008. After lunch, we hit the water in my friend's

the spool. I had to start up the boat and follow the

22' Kenner. We decided to try the jetties since the water was calm and the tide was beginning to rise. As we arrived at the jetties we

the big jack and I had never seen Marcus more

noticed there was plenty of bait moving, particularly around the bay

excited. This is by far his personal best, not bad

side of the jetties.

for a kid that's about to start kindergarten.

Thank you and keep up the great work.

croaker near a small drop-off. After an hour or so with little action we began to get discouraged. I was especially concerned since

Joe Molina Brownsville, Texas

Sure enough, something pretty big began to spool my wife's reel. All hands on deck, we assisted her with the initial hookset and the rest was all her! She pro. Her instincts were fantastic; she kept the rod tip up and let about 15 minutes or so we was on the end of her line, a

whipped my buddy and I reached down and

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Lauren glowed with excitement admiring her catch. I knew from the expression on her face that she was now hooked.

The bull red measured 38-1/2'' and weighed 34 lbs-11 ounces. I asked her want him mounted and displayed in our home."

I could hardly argue with that as our den is already decorated with bird have a new home on our wall.

This was a great day for the both of us and a heck of a way to introduce a newcomer to the sport. Now all she talks about is getting the opportunity to go

memory Lauren and I will cherish for the rest of our lives.

Ryan T. Cropper

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Bio-Bait Biodegradable lures

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flywater outfitters combos

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okuma avenger Spinning reel

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Shallow Sport Boats

www.shallowsportboats.com

956-233-9489

24’v Shallow Sport and yamaha f225 4 Stroke

Storm lures thunder-Blade

www.stormlures.com

800-874-4451

texas tackle factory wade fishing tackle Bar www.texastacklefactory.com

yeti coolers – 35qt fiberglass

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361-575-4751

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73

DicKiE colBuRn

if thiS column leaveS you a little confuSed

after, but it did not do us much good as we spent the better part of a month just getting electricity. We could return to wall to wall gull action in the lake, but I do not expect that to happen at this point. I do, however,

it is because I am a little confused as well and in a panic strut. We telephone website

have prepared for landfall with

infusion of freshwater will not bother them at all.

hurricanes since the early 50's and never have they issued a

of the year should be in full swing around here. The bite at the jetties

mandatory evacuation this far

is usually winding down, but the action from one end of the lake to the

in advance. I was still tying stuff

other will more than compensate for that.

The most user-friendly bite will be provided by gulls and terns working

down and gassing up generators when my wife asked if I had already sent in my monthly report. Anything

can be a challenge. The reds mixed in these schools will usually eat

around here!

Because my computer has been down for a week and I have been

Because keeping your distance while working surface feeding

unable to even post blogs from some very good trips of late, I am trying to get this done on a borrowed lap top. Please view this report as an unedited last minute entry and I promise to do better next month.

Our bite was really improving on Sabine the early part of last month

advantages of US Reel's 230SX spooled with 20-6 Power Pro braid.

That little reel will cast a mile, sports a super drag system, and still

prior to getting six months worth of rain over a three day period. In less than a week's time, the jetties cleared and the trout really kicked it into gear again. That bite is excellent area to produce following this parade of hurricanes.

The trout have disappeared in the good as I have ever seen it this time of the year. On most days we have and enjoyed catch and release the remainder of the trip. The marshes, the north end of the lake, and the river though all of those juvenile reds we waded our way through for the past two years have matured.

We can only hope the bite recovers as quickly as it did with the passage of Rita. The bite was incredible the week

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looks brand new after 300-plus trips in saltwater. The no-stretch factor of the braid insures a better hookset when you have that much line out Until the better trout prove they do not want it, we will start with a Kwik Cork, two foot leader and a Sea Shad in glow-chartreuse, pumpkinchartreuse, or Texas Roach. We will almost always try other colors before we opt for another lure. I stick with the 230 SX and a CastAway

spinning combination.

If the larger trout will have nothing to do with this rig, we switch to a She Dog, Catch V, or one of MirrOlure's new larger MirrOdine XL's. There will also be those days when you can simply opt for a longer Assassin shad smaller schoolies.

additional choices that have worked very well in the past are Swim Baits these lures over shallow shell in 3 to 5 feet of water can be deadly on our big trout population.

I will also spend a great deal of time in both rivers this month and on into nothing short of phenomenal. They will soon be joined by some bragging

shrimp and sea shads the last two months and that is much easier than having to start each day possesses a scent that produces more bites as plastics. We already know that both BLURP and start their annual run.

I forgot to mention that we have already picked up a few stripers and they usually do not show up until much later. Once again, I hope this saves you a little gas money and that we see you over here highway and I am out of here!

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we were Sitting here wondering

eaSt Bay

what Hurricane Gustav might

in Trinity. Mid-bay shell structure is holding lots of good trout and your

have in store for us a few days ago and now we’ve got Ike headed our way. Hopefully we’ll

If you’re hoping for reds, you’ll do well to mix in some spoons with the

get lucky and dodge Ike’s wrath

soft plastics. Just the same as Trinity, the drop-offs and guts around the

the same as we did with Gustav.

With storms brewing in the Atlantic off Africa and possibly heading into the Gulf of Mexico the next month is sure to keep

chocolate – chriStmaS - BaStrop BayS

everyone on the edge of their seat. Fishing has been real good in general although we have not been out on the water as much as we’d like with the threats of the storms and all the crazy weather they

from behind San Luis Pass. There have been reports of trout measuring as long as 26-27 inches. It has been an every other day pattern, reports

good over the small tow heads. Wading those with spoons or the

trinity Bay There are quite a few hot spots in Trinity right now. The well pads in

the bayous with soft plastics and topwaters when working the ledges and

the middle of the bay from the Yellow Separator back to the old Exxon mainly holding right off the edge of the shell pads. We are catching them

the deep guts and bayous. Things are looking pretty good.

in about eight or nine feet of water and soft plastics have been the ticket.

Summary

Weights have been running between two and four pounds, anything are hit or miss, nothing too consistent, but fun when they show up. The

Fishing overall in the Galveston Bay complex is doing real well, holding its own so-to-speak. Anglers on the beachfront and the jetties are getting Spanish mackerel. Both live bait and soft plastics seem to be working

well pads and the reds are more plentiful here. We are catching them on spoons, topwaters and soft plastics and doing pretty well. We have deeper water near the bayou mouths and also along the adjacent guts and throwing mostly spinner baits and some soft plastic. It’s pretty cool

the best out there. The guys who have been getting out on the rocks real early are bringing in some nice trout on topwater when the conditions will allow. The best thing going on the beach front right now is tarpon tropical storms develop this could last all through September. We have way from Galveston to Freeport and the Brazos River. The guys who are on them report schools being found in about 35-40 feet of water. They

and I consider these very solid for late summer. The water conditions in Trinity Bay have been excellent over the past several weeks. We have mullet and big balls of shad. It looks like we are going to have a great fall

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octoBer and novemBer are without question two of the very best months out of the the Matagorda Bay systems, is your cup of tea. The highlights of this fall season are cooler water temperatures, higher tides, and migrating shrimp. I say it every year at this time; those outdoorsmen who opt to October and November may well miss out on some of the most outstanding opportunities of the year. With the hunting seasons open in many states including here in Texas, there will be a lot less

action in Texas coastal waters to be in full swing.

eaSt matagorda Bay previously mentioned, we will have a shrimp migration that will trigger a lot of bird activity. With our higher tides giving this bay system a especially around the full moon. Look for bird activity anywhere in East Bay from the Old Gulf Cut to Boggy Cut and all the way to Drull’s Lump

Wading the reefs and the south shoreline early in the day is a solid activity in the middle of the bay. Bass Assassins will be my prime baits but I won’t overlook topwaters under diving gulls. Topwaters will often is hot and heavy simply because most people use treble hooks on their mouth compared to a single leadhead.

My advice would be to take the treble hooks off and replace them much plus you’ll also enjoy a safer and quicker release. This setup will give you a quicker casting ability while working gulls and save time. momma while wading shell and mud. Here are a few points to ponder

Trout, at least to me, seem sensitive to bright sunlight; so on a

Most of my big trout have

been caught four days before and after a new or full moon.

Best weather for big trout is

an overcast day with drizzle or fog, usually before a frontal passage.

Wear a good pair of

polarized sun shades because with lower angles of sunlight the glare is really bad in the fall months.

West Matagorda Bay Action in West Matagorda Bay will be close to the same as East Bay with the exception that trout tend to be smaller here. You’ll probably get your limit of 16-17” trout but you will have to work your way through catching a lot of small trout to get there. It can be a lot of fun with some hot spots to check out from the Twin Islands to Shell Island and on down to Mad Island Cut for plenty of Channel on those small reefs to the northwest. Oyster Lake and Crab Lake off

retreat to the Diversion Channel and also to the upper Colorado River if it’s not fresh. The river has saved us many times from cancelled trips and proven a viable location when forced from the bays.

Like I said earlier, past experience has proven that fall is prime time for

God Bless.

well, we made it through another hot summer.

shell reefs in San Antonio are holding lots of oversized reds.

up and down for the Rat Pack.

living room.

28-inch mark. On a recent trip everyone on the boat caught and

Throughout this past summer we received much less than average

Some days were stellar in San Antonio and Espiritu Santo Bays

rainfall here locally as well as all across the Guadalupe River

and the next day my speckled

watershed. What this means to San Antonio Bay anglers is that we

friends just wouldn’t give us or our Bass Assassins a second

get when Cedar Bayou was open and every incoming tide brought us

look or the time of day.

another push of salty water from the Gulf of Mexico. For those of us

We are happy to report that our trout, for the most part, seem

throughout the bay system with trout green water and the promise of

to be running larger than we’ve

our speckled friends inhabiting all the reefs and all the shorelines.

Our lure preference hasn’t changed much all summer. We are still

seen in previous years. Lately it seems the norm has become at

throwing 1/16 oz. Assassin jigs with the Bass Assassin 4-inch Sea Shad, Swimming Shiner, and the Texas Assassin. The colors we have

we’ve had more than a few days when we landed several. The many

been sticking with are roach, pumpkinseed, and drunk monkey.

One very important tip to or shorelines during October is that will begin schooling much more tightly than they were in August and September. The trout will be so tight that if you don’t place your lure within a 10 ft. radius of a point or hump in the reef or a similar feature on the shoreline you may think there to keep plugging until you get your and don’t move until you have

thoroughly is something I can’t stress enough to my customers If one guy decides to move towards the area thoroughly, the school will move and the bite will be shut down for the whole group. Pay special

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a long cast than it is to creep forward and spook them, especially when wading shell bottoms.

Another productive option for this time of year is to chase the birds. The I feel it would be appropriate to remind everybody how dangerous it can the birds near the head of San Antonio Bay close to Seadrift. I’ve always without protection remains a mystery to me.

Foreverlast Hunting and Fishing Products makes and the way I see it they are cheap insurance. If you cannot afford the Ray Guard Wading Boot that offers stingray protection from the sole of your foot to the upper part of the calf, you try a pair of the Ray Guard Shields which sell for a great deal less and can be worn over your existing wading boots. The Ray Guard Shield will protect you from the top of your foot to the calf area. Whichever way you go you will be better mind will allow you to worry less about stepping on a until you get hit by a stingray to get religion… that would be about as smart as buying car insurance after you’ve been in a wreck.

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cliff wEBB

we have Been enJoying an exceptional year with the clear water in the

shy; they’ve been nailing the Salt Water Assassin four-inch Sea Shad.

This is the one with the paddle tail and the hottest colors have been

Bay. The water temperature has

plum with the chartreuse tail and chicken on a chain. When the grass

been steadily on the rise and just

gets real thick I have been relying on the 1/4-ounce Johnson weedless

recently it has reached eighty-

gold spoons, these things have been around forever and are still one of

eight degrees which is pretty In the upper Laguna Madre, along the King Ranch Shoreline and in

much normal for this time of year.

Predictably, the warmer water

the Boat Hole, the trout have been decent in size, ranging from sixteen

temperatures have slowed the trout bite. trout are hanging in the deeper outside rocks where the water has more movement and is a little cooler. The outside rocks at East Kleberg Point have been consistent with good trout and reds. Tide Gauge Bar has been hit and miss bigger trout.

There has been much talk going around recently of Alazan Bay and the clear water conditions that have prevailed there. The Three

it would be safe to say that the redfish action has been saving the lure fishermen this past month.

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I recently learned that alazan is an old Spanish word meaning reddishbrown. So, I’m sure that when it was originally named it was for the water with most of the water in the bay system it changes in cycles through the years. Enjoy the clear water while it’s here. haven’t been down there in a while there are now giant wind turbines along the Kenedy Ranch shoreline and south around to Rocky Slough. I am told that there are plans in the works for hundreds of these to be erected in Kenedy County. They are enormous, reaching four hundred feet into the sky. They are scheduled to begin generating energy by the end of the year.

Rocky Slough at the north end along the deeper grassline and it was good early and then slowed down with the heat of the day. Following the shore

everywhere. Yarborough Pass has had good action with small trout and a lot of big reds.

The cool fronts should be arriving soon. Cooler water temperatures and the north wind will really put the bait on the move. The bait starts moving

Kleberg Point, Penascal Point and Starvation Point will really turn on.

These points jut out from the shallows toward the deeper water. The points are a natural ambush area, putting the bait in direct line of the waiting fall season.

that congregate there drive them out deeper into the bay sometimes. The

forward to the cooler weather and water temperatures.

into the center of the bay in the deeper water and follow the current into

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there iS little argument that

difference, and casting distance becomes even more important where

a hurricane can mess up your recently relying on my 6’ 9” APXL1 by Fishing Tackle Unlimited when would be quick and our normal

those few extra feet count. I have also been very excited about our

late-summer patterns would still

Shimano Core reels. Paired with the FTU 6’9” green rod this combo

work; unfortunately this was not

makes for a very effective setup.

the case. Heavy rain that fell

Finding good trout milling among the shallow reds was another

inland continued to drain from the Arroyo Colorado and the

fed and often hard to catch. One of the most fun and productive

surrounding ranchland. A lot of

presentations was agitating them into taking a topwater. Something like

prime water remained horribly

a bone/silver Super Spook Jr. was usually all you needed, but at times

stained and shredded grass on

a full-sized plug worked better even in less than shin deep.

the surface remained a major problem throughout the system well

Presentation was more important than size and those who could see

into September. Areas we normally depend on proved inconsistent for several weeks prompting the move to the at this time of year.

Working skinny water is not for everybody, nor is it the easiest to teach to novices or those used to blind casting to structure. Action can often be sporadic, which means it can take extra effort to earn a pull. Still, it’s one of the best experiences the Laguna has to offer and I’m glad to have been driven back there to enjoy what I have been missing.

Late August and early September saw many days with very light winds, so wakes

sandy bottoms would be alive with both wash settled, they became very hard to see, especially for the uninitiated and anyone not can certainly work, but the most successful anglers can identify subtle targets and make the required accurate casts and these are the

a common lament, but once you know what you are looking for things become more obvious.

repeated stops and starts. Tails also worked but the surface action was too good to pass and the plugs stayed on the end of line much

it’s crucial to stay alert and give every small movement a chance to

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Deeper grassy potholes were fairly consistent producers later in the day and best baits were again well-worked topwaters and of course tails and spoons. Plastic colors varied, but plum and rootbeer on 1/8 jigs did producing excellent trout as long as some current is moving. Flounder have been surprisingly numerous of late all over the bay.

Great things should happen in October. The water will continue to clear

tighter together and provide even better action as they group towards the passes. Tailing activity should increase in many areas, especially newly should also be good producers along with the all the drains and sloughs. trout over deeper grassbeds along color changes and my guess is that the mouth of our jetties as bids have been published. If so, spring tides may be quite a bit fuller next year. Let’s all hope. over the past several months our expectations are running high. Look

It won’t be long before we pull out those breathable waders announcing the

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fiShing on the lower laguna madre iS looking better as each week passes. Hurricane Dolly dumped a ton of freshwater

clear water is easily stirred to a muddy brown.

down our way and it has been a

Some good news is that during the months of August and September

since the latter part of July. weeks of September we found unnatural caused them to bolt out of reach. When this was the case we scattered and extremely hard

found smaller topwaters a good choice. The gentle splash down and

to pattern day in and day out.

Our trout numbers have been fair to good but the majority have been on the small side. When trout were the preferred species we made our nowhere to be found upon our return the very next day. There were

best catches in waist to chest deep water. The darker plastics on a 1/8

a few reports of some decent catches during these sluggish weeks,

oz jigs continue to attract the most strikes. The number of undersize trout paints a bright picture for the future of this species and I believe

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water temperatures. Currently water temps have been hovering in the mid-eighties. Even a slight drop in water temperature can trigger more aggressive feeding.

Areas you might want to consider checking out in the month of October are drains and also narrow channels between the spoils along the ICW. Areas such as these are naturally attractive to many species and usually full also anytime the wind is strong enough to push water through the area. Wind direction will determine how

structure. While casting into the wind often means tougher casting, your lure will be retrieved with the current and appear more natural moving with the current the way

last few weeks these drains have produced some nice Another pattern that should be of interest is the outer edges of grasslines. When bait is present, and the water movement is noticeable, grass lines can be good producers in the fall and also in winter. Not all grasslines contain the same bottom structure; some contain sand and shell and some have muddy bottoms. It’s the ones with muddy bottoms that

the sunsets and skylines at dusk are spectacular and a sight you must

have been doing really well for us the last couple of weeks.

experience. Imagine witnessing the sun setting on the horizon and getting into a late evening bite as your rod double ups, line stretching and drag

cruising shorelines with their backs out of the water. Muddy back bays on the west side of the Laguna will be your best bet to target these shallow water bruisers. More often than not a tiny 1/8-oz gold spoon is an offering

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my job. I’m one of the only people I know who doesn’t need an alarm clock.”

start picking over schooling trout. As everyone knows, when the birds start

that, we have been switching over the the large salt and pepper Sand Eels to keep them biting. The surf is good early if you are willing to take a boat ride.

though it will be winding down at the time of this report. We had to hold our breath for Gustav, but we thankfully didn’t have an impact here. Now Ike is little and wade for them. This should stay true throughout the fall. I expect the fall to be great around here. We have tons of little shrimp in the bays right now. will slow down anytime soon.

Eventually, the migrations and cool fronts will kick in some fantastic action.”

East Bay under the birds. Those looking to cull a better box under West Bay The bigger trout are often at the edges of the action. Slicks over shell in open deep well pads a little too. As we get into October, there will be more and more options available. There should be birds working in East and Trinity Bays,

wading mid-bay reefs in East Bay with topwaters is productive. Of course,

especially the east shore of Trinity and around Smith Point. Popping slicks

October is a great month to wade West Bay shorelines too. We’ll have lots of shallow reds smacking topwaters. The shallow lakes of the intracoastal can be

small topwaters like bone Spook Jrs. We’ll also throw She Dogs in chrome/

a blast too. Lots of reds on top in there, with the occasional big trout as a bonus.

chartreuse when it’s windier. When wading, I love the Flutter Jig by H&H. It’s a great tool for working soft plastics over shallow shell.”

slicks and birds has still been the drill out there. The trout haven’t been that

Inshore trout and reds have been very plentiful. Trout have been stacked up on the wells in about twelve to fourteen feet of water, hitting anything with glow on it. Quarter ounce leadheads jigged over the deep shell has been the ticket.

we should see some better trout on the shorelines. The exact location of the action will depend on where Ike makes landfall. If we get a bunch more

and have been easy pickings. Pumpkinseed/chartreuse tails and small chrome topwaters have been the go to lures. The best part of this past month has been

rain in Chambers County, it might wipe out the east end of East Bay. If that

the action around the POC jetties (about a twenty mile run from Palacios). I

Currently, Jim is also running a lot of dove hunting trips, in both the south

species; it’s neat stuff. I expect next month the bird activity to really take off.

and north zones, and reports fair to good luck.

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have never seen the water so pretty and have never seen so many offshore South and East bays should have some quality trout under the birds.

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The Laguna Madre received some needed rain in the last few weeks. All the rain was responsible for a loss in water clarity in much of the Laguna, but there

just keeping the boat on plane, along shorelines and the edges of the spoil islands by the Intracoastal Waterway. The southern end of the Laguna has been producing good numbers of trout between 20 and 25 inches, with a few reaching 28 and 29 inches. This month, I will be using Bass Assassins in bone diamond, plum/chartreuse and pumpkinseed/chartreuse rigged on eighth ounce spring lock jig heads when trying for trout. I’ll still be working along dropoffs, grass lines and potholes. For the reds, I prefer half ounce weedless spoons.

combination of a reduced crowd and dropping temperatures. It makes for

shorelines, throwing mostly topwaters early, then switching to soft plastics by mid-morning. If water temperatures moderate, I’ll bring out the Corkies a lot too. If the tides are high, I’ll venture to shorelines down south, like those in Mesquite and Ayers Bays. If the tides are lower, I’ll focus more on deep guts in and around reefs, like those in San Antonio Bay, with an emphasis on guts in which there is an abundance of scattered shell.”

sides of the JFK Causeway. There are usually schooling reds all over those the schools and sightcasting the singles and small groups is pretty easy. Also, I like to go into Corpus Christi Bay some in the fall. Shamrock Cove and East temperatures and high tides typical for this time of year.”

Dolly. Fishing is good right now. There are areas of murky water due to runoff,

almost exclusively lures in October. Shallow sand and grass shorelines in bays like Mesquite, San Antonio and Aransas will be key areas. I like to use topwaters more and more of the time as the water cools down. Of course, the Norton Sand Eels will always be at the ready, in the purple/chartreuse and pearl/chartreuse color patterns.” He mentions that bait migration patterns affect

but there are also streaks of clear water. Good numbers of trout and reds are biting topwaters and soft plastics. As we get into October, the reds will continue to be really shallow and the trout should move off the outside edge of the grass line and into shallower potholes with them. The drill for this month will mainly be to throw topwaters. I’ll be committed to them almost exclusively. The cooling air and water temperatures stir up one of the best topwater bites of the year this

marshes while the equinox tides are high. Once the tides start falling, the bait will start moving out and the predators will stack up around the passages from

much help from the freshwater runoff. We’re also set to get some dredging done up to give fantastic potential to our fall and winter.”

mullet migration will be in full swing and typically mullet will be present in a non-ending line from one end of the beach to the other. Dusky anchovies may in inside guts for tarpon, schools of 15 to 25 lb. jack crevalle, slot and oversized (skipjacks) and blacktipped and bull sharks. Live and cut mullet will produce lots as readily on baits cast from shore as on kayaked baits. Florida pompano and using peeled, fresh-dead shrimp and Green or pink tides of the year; it is therefore wise to travel during low tide periods. www.TSFMAG.com www.TSFMAG.com

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seem

At some point each day, the tide is moving enough to stimulate a bite, but you might have to stay later or work harder to be in the right place at the right time to to work areas that historically produce excellent action. We’ve been limiting on reds in shallow water throwing gold weedless spoons early or Maulers and Cajun Thunder corks trailing a Gulp three inch shrimp in glow, new penny, or nuclear chicken later. When targeting trout, we move to deeper dropoffs or potholes, but lately they’ve been hanging shallow with the reds and the occasional baby the season for large schools of reds to swarm into the bay system.”

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