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CONTENTS J ULY 2008 Volume 18 No. 3
FEATURES
28
12 Going Single
Mike McBride
16 Just Like Heaven
Kevin Cochran
20 Bodie and the Flounder Tournament
Martin Strarup
24 Circle Hooks
Billy Sandifer
28 Two sides to summer fishing
Chuck Uzzle
DEPARTMENTS 52
25 Coastal Birding
Billy Sandifer
30 TSFMag Reader Survey Results
Everett Johnson
32 Let’s Ask The Pro
Jay Watkins
36 Fly Fishing
Casey Smartt
40 Tournament Trails
Brandon Jenewein
44 Offshore
Bobby Byrd/John Cochrane
50 Hints and Tips
Everett Johnson
52 Conservation
CCA Texas
54 Science and the Sea
64
UT-Marine Science Institute
56 TPWD Field Notes
Dennis Pridgen
60 Kayak Fishing
Scott Null
64 According To Scott
Scott Sommerlatte
68 Youth Fishing
Aaron Cisneros
WHAT OUR GUIDES HAVE TO SAY… 72 Dickie Colburn’s Sabine Scene
74
90
Dickie Colburn
74 Mickey on Galveston
Mickey Eastman
76 Capt. Bill’s Fish Talk
Bill Pustejovsky
78 Mid-Coast Bays with the Grays
Shellie Gray
80 Catching up with Cliff
Cliff Webb
82 Capt. Tricia’s Port Mansfield Report
Capt. Tricia
84 South Padre Fishing Scene
Ernest Cisneros
REGULARS 6
Editorial
10 Letters to the Editor 70 New Tackle & Gear 86 Fishing Reports and Forecasts 88 Photo Gallery–Catch of the Month 90 Gulf Coast Kitchen
95
Index of Advertisers
ABOUT THE COVER Everett and Krissy Johnson, son and daughter-in-law of TSFMag’s editor and publisher, enjoyed a day of backcountry fishing on Matagorda Island over the Memorial Day weekend. “Reds” seem to run in the family! www.TSFMAG.com
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Well, I guess if you’re a regular reader and have gotten this far into the magazine you have already figured out that we pulled the trigger on the size change. Like I announced last month; recent increases in the price of gasoline, diesel and printing pushed us into a tough spot. Weighing the options, we decided to hold the line on advertising rates and the cover price, availing ourselves instead to every cost reduction opportunity we could identify before going cap-in-hand and asking our loyal advertisers and readers for more money. There is an upside in this, though. Adopting the new, smaller size will help the magazine grow in several important ways. Gaining premium display space will be easier and should boost circulation. Hopefully this will become a win-win for everybody. July is always an exciting month in the fishing industry. The American Sportfishing Association will be holding their ICAST Show in Las Vegas and we’ll be there. ICAST is the great annual unveiling of new fishing products and we’ll be anxious to give our readers the heads-up on all the new stuff the manufacturers will be introducing. Look for our ICAST Recap in the August issue. If you’ve been on the bay lately you have no doubt noticed that getting to your favorite fishing spots is easier. Saturdays on the bay during summer months have a reputation for looking more like an on-the-water boat show than somewhere you’d like to go fishing. This summer has been different. On a recent Friday I kept note of how many boats were on the water — only sixteen between Twin Lakes and the old Army Base along the San Antonio and Espiritu Santo shorelines of Matagorda Island. This included all I could see during a tour of Pat’s Bay, Corey Cove, Long Lake, Contee Lake, and Pringle Lake. Normal summertime boat traffic would be at least thirty, maybe forty when honking south wind sends everybody to that side of the bay. Suffice to say fuel prices have thrown a kink into lots of folks fishing plans. Area fishing guides and other coastal businesses are feeling the pinch; some say business is lagging last year by nearly 50%. From a fishing success viewpoint, this means you can expect longer wades and drifts without bumping into other fishermen so you should find more bites, which is good news, albeit in an unusual package. July means we’ll be celebrating 232 years of American independence. I would like to encourage everybody to show support for our brave men and women who are laying down their lives everyday in the Middle-Eastern desert, many on their second and third deployments. As you travel the highways and biways this summer and meet men and women in uniform, please take a second and offer a warm handshake. Thank them for their contribution to our freedom and continuance of this grand lifestyle the rest of the world can only wish to enjoy. A couple years ago it seemed you couldn’t drive a block or two without spotting a vehicle with a “Support the Troops” sticker. Sadly, we’re noticing fewer these days. Please fly the flag and make it a point to thank a vet this Fourth of July. In closing I want to say thanks to Ray Lopez, Benny Mikel, Tommy Gaines, and Ron Kendrick. I was running a fishing charter recently and developed mechanical problems that required being towed. Susan Whitten and John Krolczyk were my clients and good friends of Ray and crew, all six were prefishing for a tournament they would enter the next day. Drifting toward shore with a dead engine and only two boats in sight, you’ll never guess who we drifted into. Thanks Ray, Benny, Tommy and Ron for taking time out of your fishing day to drag us back to the dock. You guys made my day! 6
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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
do not hesitate to contact me or any of our
Dear TSFMag,
E. Johnson - Editor
writers for fishing tips or help.
I would like to thank you again for your support of my unit during our recent deployment to Iraq. Our unit successfully re-deployed back to Fort Hood Texas and some of us have already got an opportunity to do some
Dear Everett, I have been reading
fishing on the gulf. Please do not send any more of the magazines over to
your magazine for quite
Iraq as they will come back undeliverable. Once again thank you as it was
some time and I love the
great reading your magazine and dreaming about the day we could get
information you bring to
back and get some fish of our own.
your readers. We have a
Sincerely,
place in Rockport and take
MAJ Mike Price
every opportunity we can get to spend time fishing
Dear MAJ Mike Price,
with family and friends.
Good to hear you made it back and also that some of your group were
I recently proposed to my girlfriend and we decided to spend some time fishing with my parents as a
lucky enough to go fishing so soon. We will try to redirect the magazine delivery to another outfit from
way to hang out as a newly engaged couple. We are having a new boat built
Texas. We pray that God will bless you richly for your valiant service.
and rigged right now so we decided to go out with a guide that we have come
Please stay in touch and be sure to send us some fishing pictures.
to know over the past few years. My fiancé has been fishing with me multiple
E. Johnson - Editor
times but each time she becomes more independent on the boat and has learned a great deal since we started fishing together. This past Wednesday Dear Mr. Johnson,
she blew me away with a 27 1/2 inch speckled trout... and a fat one at that!
I’ve been reading your magazine for
She hooked up with this monster on her bright pink American Rodsmiths
two months now. The reason I started
rod. As you can see by the pictures she has a slight addiction to pink. I would
was that I recently was lucky enough
love to get her picture in your magazine because I think it is a great way to
to land my first bull red. This is why we
encourage more women to go fishing.
load up our vehicles and travel long
Jason Jacobus
distances to find a body of water at 3:00 in the morning. You see I am 40 years old and have been a novice angler for
Jason, Fishing with the woman you love is truly something to be treasured.
40 years. This past October I landed my
Congrats on the engagement and hope that new boat works out for you. I
first bull red. I can’t describe the feeling
agree that stories and photos like this in the magazine can be incentive for
of finally being the one that all the other
lots of girls to join their men on the water… now how cool is that?
fishermen on the peer were looking at. The experience
E. Johnson - Editor
inspired me to start taking my casual hobby more seriously. The Good Lord saw fit to allow me to share that day with my family.
Dear Editor,
I had managed to convince my wife to come on this particular day. We
I just wanted to say thanks for being a sponsor of the Texas Redfish Series
headed out to San Luis Pass pier at 2:00 a.m. My 15 year old daughter
tournament that was held recently in Matagorda and more especially the
was pulling up small sand trout like a machine while my 8 year old son
Kayak Series. I watched the power boat anglers weigh in on Saturday and
was learning to bait his own hook. He’s a natural. I on the other hand only
fished in the kayak division on Sunday. I had a blast and I did weigh in a
caught one fish, but it was “the one.”
redfish but it took almost 7.5 pounds to get a check. It was a great weekend
I want to learn more about this stuff and your magazine is the most
and the guys and gals at SimRod did a wonderful job. By the way, the winner
informative source I have found and I just wanted to share this with you.
of the kayak division weighed in a 9 pound redfish.
If you put this picture in your magazine it will be a treasure for me and my
Perry Baumann - Katy, TX
family for years to come. Thank your and your writers for what you do and keep up the good work.
Dear Perry,
God Bless,
We agree; the folks at SimRod Outdoors have done a great job in the
Eric Jenkins - Alvin, Texas
presentation of their Texas Saltwater Series tournaments. Their live-weigh concept and dedication to sportsmanship and conservation of marine
Dear Eric,
resources are most admirable and we are proud to be one of their sponsors.
Congrats on your catch and kudos for taking the family. Reading your
Their television show is awesome, too. Good luck in the rest of the series…
letter reminded me of my daughter Tracey; she could reel them in like a
we’ll be looking for your name on the leaderboard!
machine at that age and made her brother and sister very jealous! Please
E. Johnson - Editor
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Our editor conducted a reader survey recently; not surprising was the number of requests for how-to content. Great, but personally, I have never been inspired to construct such. There are more patient minds out there and besides, half of the fun in fishing is figuring stuff out on your own. I’d rather, as a wise man once said, try to inspire more what-to-do thought, and then be amazed at human ingenuity. That being said, topics do come along that are worth sharing and using single hooks on plugs is one of them. For those inquisitive souls among you, here is everything I know about it; the why, how, and what-for of it all. They work. Treble hooks are just flat evil; in fish, in flesh, in landing nets and especially in floating grass. Beyond the obvious safety factor, by using single hooks we are able to get plugs on fish in conditions we had to walk away from before. A properly rigged topwater will negotiate most everything but a full-on grass mat. After a couple years experience, we believe our hookup ratio is every bit as good as it ever was on trebles. In fact, the hook-set is so solid on singles that pliers are needed to get the fish
A topwater plug rigged with single hooks will negotiate most everything but a fullon grass mat.
unbuttoned most of the time. I tried using single hooks several times over the years, mostly with marginal results. A group of our clients (John Regnier from Fishing Tackle
ERK IT OUT; DO IT NOW.” That was Capt. Tricia giving orders. While trying to land an aggressive top-
Although there are other styles, the Gamakatsu Live Bait hook seems perfect for the job.
her and drove the front set of treble hooks
Split ring pliers are a must.
deep into her waders below the knee. In trying to free herself; the second set of hooks found
we never looked back. styles that work, the Gamakatsu Live Bait hook seems perfect for the job. They are forged from heavy gauge wire and the weight seems to make up for missing barbs and helps maintain the
purchase in the first joint of her index finger. It
lure’s balance as intended by the manufacturer.
was shanked so deeply that it looked like the
In order for a single hook to function properly
tendons were pinned together all the way to her
in this application two rings are required.
tip of her fingernail. Even more uncomfortable
Otherwise, they will not align with the
was having to blow bubbles on each wave due
body of the plug. As for the hook
to the awkward position she was caught in.
itself, short shanks work best. Hooks
If that had happed to me, and no help was
with longer shanks can easily snag each
nearby, I think I would have just rolled over,
other or wrap around the lure’s nose.
floated, prayed, and vigorously sucked my
Rigging can be frustrating at first, but with
other thumb. July 2008
Charles Sandford) brought us the right stuff and Although there are no doubt other brands and
watered redfish, the silly thing torpedoed
12
Unlimited’s Katy Freeway store and his friend
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of its suspending action, it can be easily
fly, even while wading. Split ring pliers are a
controlled in that clear zone just below the
must unless you have iron fingernails, and
floating grass and above the growing grass.
even those won’t last long. Split rings should
It can also be worked very shallow, handy
be opened carefully to avoid bending and
for those windblown shorelines where grass
springing; push them too far and they will not
can stack up. Same with the MirrODine &
close properly, and some rings are better than
MirrOMinnow. For these, try 1/O size hooks
others in this regard.
on both hangers. For the Catch 2OOO &
The best split rings are those cut square on the ends of the wire, rings with angular wire ends will inhale your line at every
Jrs: Have no fear of loosing fish with single hooks on this lure.
rear works well. CORKIES. The Corky Devil with a single
chance, especially if spread a bit. Fortunately,
hook is absolutely deadly. Being honest, we
Gamakatsu also offers these hooks with a
quit throwing this bait years ago when we
welded ring already attached. This feature
knew we were on big fish. Due to its sleek
makes everything easier but, as always,
design, big fish always seemed to take down
expect to pay a premium for convenience.
to their stomachs and death rates were high.
Here are a couple of setups which work well
With singles, the hook almost always lodges
but, alas, do feel free to be creative.
securely in the corner of the mouth and
THE GET-DOWN-NASTY SHE DOG
releasing them alive is much more realistic. A
PRESENTATION. You know those days
number 2/O does well here and the original
when the wind is oppressive and the water
Corky does well with the 1/O size.
seems ripped beyond hope, where
There are at least as many ways to rig with
the floating grass looks like spinach
single hooks as fishermen have ideas. No,
garnish on a Yoo-Hoo chocolate
they are not for everybody, but if you fish in
shake? There are still good fish there,
Catch 2OOO: If there ever was a lure built for single hooks this is it.
Catch Jr., a 2/O on the front and 1/O on the
grassy areas they offer a serious advantage.
and banging them up with an obnoxious She
The safety factor is also real, and I’ve seen
Dog can be a good way to get at them. We
more than one hairy-legged full-grown man
can get these lures into areas where even
faint like an ice princess after getting shanked.
using a tail is difficult. As in all plugs this size
By the way, after Capt. Tricia’s encounter
(Top Dog, Skitter Walk, etc.), a 3/O hook on
she shied away from topwaters for quite some
the front with a 2/O on the rear seems fine.
time. Now she’s back in there. Y’all have fun
The smaller hook on the rear seems to loosen
and catch what you’ve been missing.
up the action. Facing the front hook forward gets through the grass quite well and hooking percentage is still high even when they just slap it. SUPER SPOOK JR. This little bait lends itself exceptionally well to single hooks and doesn’t seem to have much of a bad side to it. With a 1/O hook mounted front and rear, the plug seems to always find the
CONTACT
She Walk: hooking percentage is still high, even when they are just slapping at it.
a little practice you can easily do it on the
MIKE MCBRIDE
meatiest part of the mouth. Plus, these hooks will not straighten under the strain of a heavy Devil: Releasing them in good shape is a more realistic outcome when going single.
fish as the factory-installed #4 trebles have tendency to do. The weak spot is the factory’s split ring. We replace these with heavier
Mike McBride is a full time fishing guide based in Port Mansfield, Tx., specializing in wadefishing with artificial lures.
gauge and slightly larger diameter… just enough to allow the hook to swing freely. Have no fear of loosing fish with single hooks on this lure. CATCH 2OOO. If ever there were plugs built for single hooks this is one of them. Again, the hookups are solid, and because
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from the gear they carried and wore, and by the way they moved about and stowed things. When we exchanged casual greetings, one of them handed me a wad of cash, enough for the trip and a tip, then we made a quick exit from the harbor. I knew these guys had strong commitment to the work we’d do on the water. On the way to the first fishing hole, I noticed that the roaring, nighttime wind was beginning to subside. By the time I reached my destination and the boat and anchor icons merged on the GPS screen, the wailing wind had fallen to a asphalt down which
NA NARROW, TWISTING TEXAS HIGHWAY, somewhere between
he rolls. Instinctively, he swerves to avoid the dainty
feathery whisper of a breeze, precisely the kind that makes a topwater bite seem imminent. I started to tell the guys to try a Super Spook
creature, causing him to veer off the highway
or Skitterwalk, but I noticed when they picked up
and onto slick grass along its sides. His rig
their rods that they already had the plugs tied to
goes into a series of circles and slides, before
the ends of their lines. Politely, they waited for
the bayfront and his back porch, a respected
crumpling headlong into a stately, centuries-old
me to describe the spot, then slid almost silently
old fishing guide drives along in a trusted
oak tree near a bend in the road. By the time the
over the gunwales, shuffling off in the direction
pickup, pulling his boat behind him. Known
dust settles, the bloodied man is pinned behind
I sent them, casting with purpose, moving
for an enduring commitment to integrity and a
the wheel of his truck, barely alive.
steadily, with unhurried, fluid motions. Normally, I give some technical advice to
stirring strength of spirit, the captain has been
people on how to work their lures, but these
religiously true to his word and his God, and has always looked after the good of the people who
I remember turning the wheel when I saw
guys needed no help. In fact, one of the pair
the deer leap seemingly out of nowhere, and I
caught a fish mere yards into the wade, and his
remember losing control. While the truck was
partner stayed clear of him while he fought it, still
answer; gadgets of the modern world still remain
spinning, time seemed to slow. I’ve always
managing to move into position so that he could
mostly a nuisance to him, though he recognizes
heard that your whole life will pass before your
cast into the area where the fish had bitten.
their important role in improving the world and
eyes at times like those, but what I experienced
his business. He knows it’s dangerous to talk
was more like a dream, a mellow, soothing and
and drive, but he taps on the green button to
delicious dream. In it, I gained a glimpse of
connect with the caller anyway, after recognizing
heaven, a fishing guide‘s heaven.
fish with him. When the cell phone rings, he’s reluctant to
the number as that of his client for tomorrow.
I observed myself driving up to a dock in
“Good fish?” I asked when I saw a great foamy ball erupt before the man. “Aren’t they all?” he replied, without turning to look back at me. It wasn’t a sideways comment; it carried no ill tone. Obviously, he was utterly
darkness, where I could see two clients waiting
satisfied to be attached to the fish. Patiently, he
bit disappointing out there today. Wind got up
for me, already clad in waders. They carried
played the trout to his side and deftly pinched its
from west of due south. Mucked up most of the
every essential thing and nothing they did not
lip with his Boga Grip. Lifting it clear of the water,
spots I was fishing.” He’s hoping to give subtle,
need. Though they were certainly anxious to
he said, “Five and a half pounds, maybe twenty
negative hints, so that he might persuade the
get out on the water, they neither hurried me
six inches. Nice starter.” His friend nodded in
guys to postpone the trip.
nor attempted to board my boat until I had it
approval as he pushed the trout forward and
launched and secured.
released it from his grip. Both stopped moving
“Just getting off the water,” he says. “It was a
“What’s the weather forecast?” the voice on the other end asks. But before the wrinkle-necked, sun-seared
I’d never fished with them before, but somehow I recognized them, or at least I had
captain can reply, a whitetail doe suddenly
the strong sense that I knew their type. I judged
appears before him, bounding across the lined
instantly that they were experienced, both
16
July 2008
Texas Saltwater Fishing
and began casting toward where he‘d hooked the fish. “You guys wanting to keep some eaters today?” I asked as I entered the water and www.TSFMAG.com
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headed over to join them.
mouth to comment about what I was seeing,
corner of the bait camp, it occurred to me that
when I watched the arm of one of my clients
I had never really gotten a clear look at the
replied. “As long as they are small enough. We
rise and point, indicating to the other that they
countenance of either man. In spite of that fact,
don’t like to eat the bigger ones.”
were seeing exactly the same thing I was. Their
I shared a sincere kinship with them. We were
“Probably just a couple each,” the closer man
performance provided evidence of supreme
brethren, our souls forever connected by a
whoosh of a trout’s mouth cupping water as it
experience, as though they were old as the tide
similar passion for the same kind of fishing.
attacked one of their floating plugs. In seconds,
and moon, but they slipped through the water
both of their rods were bent. Beyond them, I
with the grace and ease of youth.
At that moment, I heard the unmistakable
could see salty spray anointing the air to honor the antics of the fat trout they fought. For a solid two hours, the scene repeated
We three began a slow and nearly silent
When they were gone, I relaxed at the helm of my boat, contented, in no hurry to go home. The hull softly swayed and my gaze moved out
march toward where the fleeing mullet indicated
over the wide waters of the bay on which I made
feeding trout and redfish next to shore, tying on
my living. The sun in reflection danced on the waves.
itself time and again; they seemed hooked up
floating Corkies along the way. I didn’t have to
almost constantly, as was I. Most of the fish
tell them to change the type of lure they were
Sparkling rays seemed to leap like sprites
we caught were trout between twenty four and
using, since the water was barely knee-deep;
off the water. I got the sense that I was being
twenty eight inches, though a few upper-slot
they just seemed to know what I was going to
approached by angels. And then all was light,
reds joined in the melee, tricking us into thinking
say. Furthermore, they had exactly what they
and all was right, and everything faded to white.
we might have a true trophy trout. We also
needed in their boxes.
caught a smattering of smaller trout, perfect
My dream continued to evolve in this soul-
for the frying pan; though I tried to give mine to
satisfying way, with us catching fish the whole
them, the men shook their heads and refused.
morning. Some of the trout weighed upwards of
in bad shape, but he was still alive,” the highway
“No worries, boss. We’ll catch our own.”
eight pounds. The two astute clients were amply
patrolman first on the scene relays to the crew
satisfied with the results of our efforts, though
of a local news station. “He had this gleam in his
fewer and fewer, and before I could tell them
neither acted as though it was anything unusual
eyes. It reminded me of my retriever. She gets
to do so, I saw the two almost simultaneously
to catch so many fish and big ones at that. They
that same look on her face when we’re calling a
reach for the wading boxes they carried. I said,
released everything they caught, except for a
flock of ducks into the spread. I know the old boy
“You might tie on a Corky now,” but before I
pair of eighteen inch trout each strung and kept.
must have been in grave pain, but he seemed
could finish the statement, both showed me that they had one already in hand.
When we climbed back into the boat at the
that we might save him, but he passed away before we could extract him from the vehicle.”
“Oh, by the way, Paul sent some Fat Boys for
the Power Pole and cranked up the Opti Max,
you. We put a bag of them in your leaning post,”
intending to head to another spot, feeling like
one said.
we’d given sore mouths to most of the fish in
“Cool,” I replied. “Be sure and thank him for me when you see him again.” As with the topwaters, I was preparing myself to give them lessons on how to work their
the area. I suspected that the catching wouldn’t likely be as easy the rest of the day, after the intense morning bite. “Let’s just head on in Captain,” a voice behind
Corkies, when first one, then the other hooked
me said. “We like to quit while we’re ahead. Why
a fish.
ruin the magic by pushing too hard when you’ve
“Dedoink!” I heard one say. The other chuckled, and I realized I’d never gotten a
already had enough fun for three days, much less one?”
good look at their faces. As I began to move
I could appreciate the wisdom of what he
around to where I could see them better, they
said, so I swung the bow of my Haynie toward
shifted in response, seeming to want to stay out
the harbor and home. As soon as I tied off at
of my way. Wherever I went, they maintained
the dock, the two men gathered their gear and
a respectful distance, adept at avoiding my
stepped off the boat, stringers in hand.
glance. Eventually, I gave up the effort. “A man can get addicted to that doink, that’s a
KEVIN COCHRAN
“Wait, boys. I’ll clean those fish for you,” I offered. “Not necessary, Captain. We’ll just gut and
fact,” I heard one say. His friend answered, “Yeah, for years, I only got that thrill from a blowup, but now it’s the
gill ’em ourselves,” one said with a shake of his head. Then the voice of the other, “We’ll be back
same with my Corky.” Later, when the bite slowed in the waist-deep potholes into which we were casting, I began to notice more and more frantic bait jumping tight to the nearby shoreline. I’d just opened my www.TSFMAG.com
deeply at peace with himself. I was thinking then
end of the wade, it was about lunch time. I lifted
CONTACT
Predictably, in time, the blowups became
“When we got to the truck, I could see he was
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here at the same time tomorrow.” “Yes sir,” I stammered. “Thanks again, and have a nice evening.” As I watched them disappear around the Texas Saltwater Fishing
July 2008
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Tommy saw Bodie walk in so he ordered two. “Bodie can you that are here… can you,
little green around the gills but you’re down
huh, can you?” Tommy
right surly!” were running through and said, “Oh, it’s nothing
there is for the Haddon’s
Bodie, I was just hoping for some better weather
Cup Tournament, can
is all.”
a sort of disgusted look
couldn’t see the red buoy that marked his trophy but then saw it bobbing in the waves. Tommy pulled the trap and the flounder was flapping and flopping around and Tommy breathed a sigh of relief. The fish must have been eating well because it didn’t look like it had lost any of its girth. Satisfied that all was well, Tommy dropped the trap back into the water and headed to the house. Haddon’s was jumping all right. The place was full and the parking lot and both sides of the street in front of the place had cars and trucks lined up as far as you could see. Old Red Childers who had retired from being a fishing guide was charging folks a buck each to give them a ride to the front door in his golf cart and it looked like he would clear a couple hundred bucks or more for the night. Old Red knew too that he’d make more than that if he waited around for the patrons to want to go back to their vehicles but he really didn’t want to stay up that late if he didn’t have to, and besides those meddling Deputy Sheriffs would be around by then and make him get his golf cart off the street. The customers at the bar were two deep ordering beers and every table in the place was full. The pool tables were all busy and, in spite of it being a little chilly outside due to the norther that had blown in, the patio was crowded as well. Tommy was seeing dollar signs everywhere he looked. Tommy looked around for Bodie but didn’t see him so he waited in line at the bar to get a beer. About the time that it was his turn to order,
20
July 2008
Tommy just looked ahead at the cut they
more people here than
Bodie gave Tommy
He panicked for a moment when he
asked. “You’ve hardly said a thing since last night and this morning you not only look a
you believe that?”
his boat up and ran to his “secret” spot.
“What is wrong with you Tommy?” Bodie
believe all the people
stammered. “Why there’s
ARLY THE NEXT MORNING TOMMY FIRED
as he did being on the water at night.
“There’s nothing we can do about the weather, so let’s just try to have a good time.” Bodie said. Bodie and Tommy anchored next to a slough
and said, “Well of course
with a strong current running and some bait
there are more people
milling about. They fished for a while and made
here for this tournament, Tommy, it’s the Crab
note of some crab traps they would pick up when
Trap Clean Up weekend. Old man Haddon is
they were through fishing. No fish were found
holding the tournament now to try and get more
so they started the outboard, pulled anchor, and
people involved in the Clean Up and to sort of
idled around pulling traps.
reward people for their time and trouble…but you knew that Tommy,” Bodie said.
“What say we see if there are any traps in your “secret” spot Tommy,” Bodie asked.
Tommy looked like he was going to be sick
“Uh, there ain’t none Bodie. I was there not
and the last time Bodie saw his friend look that
long ago, not a trap in sight, no sir, not a one of
way he had just eaten some whipped goose liver.
them.” Tommy muttered.
“I forgot, I seriously forgot they were holding
“Well, let’s have us a look anyway since we’re
the cleanup this weekend Bodie, I thought it
so close and besides, being out of the wind there
was next weekend. Oh my Lord, I plum forgot,”
might get a little fishing in to boot,” said Bodie.
Tommy cried. “Settle down boy, no need to get all upset over that, I’ll be off tomorrow after all so you and me,
“See Bodie, I told you, not a trap in sight, no sir, not one, not one trap here so you ready to go now?” Tommy asked.
Tommy Boy, we’ll see about catching us a big old
Bodie looked around and sure enough there
flounder and we’ll pick up our share of traps too;
were no crab trap floats to see but he did notice
that make you feel better?” Bodie asked.
some bait milling around some grass so he
Tommy wanted to throw up.
thought they should fish a little while they were
Tommy didn’t know what to do. It was too
there. Just as he was about to tell Tommy what
messy outside to try and make a run for his
he was thinking Bodie saw a boat that belonged
trapped flounder tonight by himself in the dark
to Gary Messer, one of those Houston boys,
and Tommy didn’t really like being out in the dark
heading towards them loaded down with traps.
anyway. If Bodie expected him to be with him
“Bodie ya’ll ain’t going to find any traps in here
in the tournament tomorrow there would be no
today, we checked it first thing and only found
way that he would get a chance to pick up his
one and it’s the strangest thing you ever did
winning fish. All he could do was wait until after
see,” Gary offered in greeting.
the tournament, head out, turn the fish loose and just go about his business. The next morning the weather was as nasty
“What’s so strange about a crab trap, Gary?” Bodie wanted to know. “This trap had a red trotline buoy attached
as it had been the night before; cold, windy
and had the biggest flounder you ever saw
and miserable. Bodie said that he thought they
inside. It was rigged so that no crabs or anything
should just fish where they would be protected
but little fish could get in or out of it,” Gary
and pick up traps when they saw them. Bodie
replied. “If I didn’t know better I’d think someone
didn’t want to cross a lot of open water in
had planted a ringer in that trap so they could
this weather and that was perfectly okay with
win the tournament old man Haddon is putting
Tommy. Tommy liked rough water about as much
on,” he added.
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that you found in the trap Gary, ya’ll can’t keep it? You know that would be illegal!” Tommy said. Gary chuckled and told Tommy, “Don’t worry about it Tommy, we let it go where we found the trap, right here in your “secret” spot!” Bodie and Tommy could hear them laughing even as they were speeding away in their boat as Bodie wondered aloud, “Now who do you think
we do.” Bodie said. Bodie had to tell him to reel in three times. Bodie and Tommy didn’t bring in the most traps that day nor did they place in the flounder tournament; Tommy couldn’t help repeating over and over to himself that cheaters never win. “What are you muttering about Tommy?” Bodie asked. “I uh, I said, that cheating’s a sin Bodie,
martin strarup
you know that flounder in the trap and stuff.” “I know what you mean Tommy Boy and I can
would have done such a thing as to try and win
tell you that if I ever found out someone was
this tournament by cheating, Tommy?”
cheating in a tournament that I was fishing in and
Tommy pretended he didn’t hear; he had
contact
Just before Gary left Tommy choked out a question, “What did ya’ll do with the big flounder
I could sure lay my big hands on that fella. Let’s
already baited up and cast his line to the spot
just say it wouldn’t be a pretty sight, not by a long
where he thought he had left the trap. Now with
shot,” Bodie assured him. Tommy didn’t have much to say the rest of the
any luck...! “Reel in Tommy, we’ve got traps to pick up and
night there at haddon’s Place.
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T AMUSES ME HOW MY FISHING CUSTOMERS and even
“set the hook” in traditional fashion. Instead he
some experienced fishermen and guides
simply points the rod at the fish and tightens the
react when I talk about circle hooks; they
drag on the reel and starts cranking line. The
seem totally unaware of their existence and
hook sets itself with the fish’s help and then the
When using circle hooks the angler does not
angler brings the rod up to fight the fish.
have little or no idea how to use them.
When tarpon jump, it is tradition for the angler
I mention the conservation value of circle hooks to guides who use live bait, stressing
to, “bow to the King.” In common terms, this
how effective they would be in saving countless
means the angler points the rod directly at the
undersized trout from gut-hooking. The reply
tarpon on each jump so that it doesn’t fall on a
is always the same, “Oh, they won’t work
taunt leader and break it or the main line. The first time I ever saw circle hooks in use in
with croakers.”
Jason Segrest with a 6 1/4 lb. speck.
the surf was around 1990 when three longtime
hooks are fashioned from heavier gage wire.
they’ve worked for me with live finger mullet
shark fishing pals started using them on long
In the picture included in this article look at
over the past decade. Truth is — circle hooks
rods. They had some success but eventually
the difference in gap between the top row of
have been around for thousands of years and
gave up. They were fishing with the rods in
traditional designed circle hooks and the bottom
are one of the oldest designs in existence. They
heavy rod holders and the drags tightened down
row which is the new wide gap design.
were designed to catch fish with no help from an
to help set the circle hooks. Several hooks broke
angler such as on a limb and other set lines.
from the shock of hard and sudden strikes.
This amazes me and I always reply how well
Currently, motivated to conserve the resource,
In modern times, circle hooks first became
This new design should work wonderfully well on a wide array of gamefish. The wider gap Mustads come in 2 models. 39948D is available
popular with snapper fishermen as they have
sharkers are renewing their efforts and having
in 8/0 through 12/0 and Mustad 39951BLN is
greatly reduced tendency to snag underwater
some success with circle hooks but also are
available in #6 thru 10/0. It is the black hook in
structure than other hook styles. Anglers
losing a number of larger sharks as the hook gap
the pic. Gamakatsu #12053 Big Eye Circle is
seeking trophy tarpon soon realized that jumping
doesn’t seem wide enough to get a good bite in
available in 6/0 through 12/0 but is much more
fish on circles stayed hooked more frequently
the thick jaw structure of larger specimens. I’ve
expensive. Eagle Claw L204ELG is available in
than with traditional J-hooks.
had the same results as everyone else but have
7/0 through 10/0 in black and 197G is available
always had high hopes of some day finding the
in 2/0 through 12/0 in tin. The two unusual
to side during the jump which often results in
right circle hook for the job because I feel sure it
hooks to the far right of the photo are Mustad
J-hooks being straightened or dislodged from
would decrease the number of sharks that end
Appendage Circle AP39960D and are available
their bony jaws. The circle hook, however, works
up gut-hooked on J-hooks.
in 10/0 through 16/0.
Tarpon shake their heads violently from side
differently. It is designed to catch and hold in the
While talking with Chris Phillips one day
corner of the mouth as opposed to finding a less
about tarpon hooks he mention a new series
reliable grip in some other part of the mouth.
of circle hooks
When a tarpon goes through it’s jumping and
Mustad, Eagle Claw
headshaking routine the circle hook does its job
and Gamakatsu
superbly. Awful cool deal.
had came out with which had a wider gap. The Mustad and Eagle Claws
The reason for their unusual appearance is a wire permanently attached to keep smaller
Assortment of circle hook and “Billy rigged” tarpon lures.
were also made of thinner wire for better hook penetration. The Gamakatsu Paul Knowles with a 6 1/2 lb. speck which he caught and released. 24
July 2008
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Darrell Atkins with a 29” speck — CPR on Wednesday May 21, 2008.
bottom fish from becoming hooked when seeking larger snapper, grouper, amberjack and other bottom dwellers. Is that cool or what? Mustad has been one of my treasured sponsors for years and I’m proud of these innovative designs. The lighter gauge wire may well not be appropriate for heavy shark tackle but should hold up to 50 lb. Photo by Jimmy Jackson.
class tackle very well and 80 lb. tackle as long as the angler remembers what that drag was put on his reel for. The lures pictured here are “Billy versions” of Coonpop lures for tarpon fishing. The hook is cut off the heavy jig at the bend of the shank. The lure is inserted onto the remaining shank of the hook and two split rings are attached to the eye of the jig and an appropriate circle hook is attached to the top split ring via a small zip tie. Tarpon most often throw the hook by using the weight of the lure itself as a fulcrum. With this setup the lure breaks away when the tarpon tries to throw the weight and the circle hook catches in the corner of it’s mouth, it is solidly hooked and the caught vs. lost ratio goes up dramatically. Likewise, tarpon are quite fond of swim baits but the hooks they come with are too weak for tarpon. So, my friend and co-conspirator, Capt. Curtiss Cash of Port O’Connor set up one in Coonpop fashion as shown. What amazed both of us instantly was the greatly increased swimming action of the lure when rigged in this fashion and I bet it becomes a longtime favorite producer. I’m sitting here now speculating how a smaller version could really prove deadly on speckled trout and bull reds and be near weedless at the same time. Can’t help always trying new things and techniques and trying to come up with a better mouse trap. Just of the fun in fishing. Had some good bay trips recently wading with artificials but the trout have shown up in the surf and tarpon are being seen so it’s time to concentrate my efforts on the beach and nearshore. I know all y’all think of me as a surf
Weight: 1.5 oz.
CONTACT
my nature and to me it’s a very real part
CAPT. BILLY SANDIFER
gulls by pointed wings, bill shape and the water after prey. Terns feed on fish and large insects. The least tern in the smallest tern in North America. It has a short tail. Bill is yellow with black tip; long and slightly decurved. Least tern has black cap and nape, white forehead. Fairly common along on East and Gulf of Mexico coasts March through September. The least
more versatile than that and am not guide in bay systems during winter and spring and certainly for big game fishing in the nearshore Gulf of Mexico in the Panga. I would ask that you keep that in mind when looking for a guide for these agendas other than the surf. Be Careful, Be Courteous, Be Kind.
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All terns are distinguished from their feeding technique of plunge-diving into
fisherman/guide but actually I am a bit with out adequate skills as a lure fishing
Length: 9 inches Wing Span: 20 inches
Billy Sandifer operates Padre Island Safaris offering surf fishing for sharks to specks and nature tours of the Padre Island National Seashore. Billy also offers bay and near-tshore fishing adventures in his 25 foot Panga for many big game and gamefish species.
tern is less common and declining inland and on West Coast. Colonial nester on beaches and spoil islands April-August. Least tern Winters in South America. Fishes hard in any and all weather conditions and only eats what it captures. Their presence feeding often indicates high numbers of very small fry and anchovies in the immediate area.
Telephone 361-937-8446 Website www.billysandifer.com Texas Saltwater Fishing
July 2008
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or many of us the summer months mean different things when it comes to the sport of fishing. There are those who can only dream of clean blue prop wash, flat seas at dawn, and an endless expanse of gulf as far as the eye can see. For others the thought of rushing into a melee of working birds and fleeing bait gets their heart pumping in anticipation of hungry trout and redfish by the bunch. Still others look forward to the quiet solitude of anchoring on their favorite “hole” with a livewell full of fresh bait, a cooler full of cold drinks, and their best buddy in the seat next to them. All of the above sound inviting and each group would be hard-pressed to change their tactics because in their world, their pattern or mode is just right and that’s what summer fishing is all about. On every end of the fishing spectrum there are two different types of anglers with one common goal, they just go about achieving that goal in different ways. Both groups enjoy the sport and all that comes with it, they just apply varying methods. You have the high profile folks who attack their sport with a passion that borders on obsession. Tournament anglers fit into this category since they know no boundaries when it comes to chasing their favorite fish. These folks study charts, maps, and graphs like they’re trying to earn a degree. In a very short time these “machines” can decipher nearly any body of water and know it as well or better than the locals; it’s amazing how good some of these folks are. Case in point, the anglers who fish the Oberto Redfish Cup are easily some of the best anglers who ever fired up an outboard. The lengths they go to in order to pattern fish in new locations is nothing short of mind-boggling, I am continually amazed at how they consistently find fish in foreign water. Let’s back up a minute and look at the folks who go about things differently, the weekend “pleasure” fishermen. Now don’t get me wrong, there are some really good fishermen in this group too, they just choose to fish for fun instead of dollars or notoriety and there is definitely something to be said for that. Nothing ruins fishing for some folks quicker than making it a contest or putting pressure on a relaxing event. Some of the very best times I have ever had on a boat were sitting at anchor drowning shad or shrimp in the Sabine River with any number of friends or family. The social interaction and low stress atmosphere is at times exactly what the doctor ordered. On this end of the spectrum is where you find the family fishermen and kids, this is probably why I like to hang out on this end the best. Kids and summer fishing is a match made in heaven as far as I’m concerned. It really doesn’t make a difference what the fish is as long as it bites for the most part, just ask kids and they will tell you as long as it pulls it’s good. I wish more folks would subscribe to that theory, we could all learn a little bit from kids. Thus far my summer has been full of both styles of fishermen and they have all been enjoyable. The recent Oberto Redfish
28
July 2008
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WE WANT TO THANK ALL WHO PARTICIPATED in our reader
many they planned to fish this year, 44%
survey. We learned a lot about who you are,
hoped to fish more, and only 9% planned to
how you like to fish, what you’d like to see in the
fish fewer. How will the price of fuel affect
magazine, along with a host of other valuable
fishing plans for 2008? Responses were: not at
tidbits. You can bet we paid attention as the
all – 34%, somewhat – 50%, quite a bit – 16%.
information was arriving and being tabulated
In response to, “Other members of household
and we’ll be incorporating much of what we
that fish in saltwater,” 7% said none, 54% said
learned to direct the content and flavor of this
one, 19% said two, 14% said three, and 6% said
reading TSFMag, 22% said less than one
magazine. The response was way beyond what
more than three.
year, 19% said 1 to 2 years, 35% have been
said they plan to fish the same number, 47%
Conservancy and DU. When asked how long they had been
we dreamed we would get, you folks are great.
Where do TSFMag readers shop for tackle
If you will recall we offered a drawing with
and gear? General outdoor stores – 52%, tackle
more than four years. 36% said this is the only
$100 Gift Certificates redeemable with for goods
stores – 36%, internet – 8%, department stores
magazine they take, 36% take this and another,
or services with any of our advertisers. The
– 4%. The average spent for tackle and gear
16% take three, 6% take four, 6% take more
lucky winners are:
was $663.00 during 2007.
than four. 76% declare TSFMag to be their
Dennis Flamez – Round Rock, TX
When asked whether they fished mostly
reading 2 to 4 years, 24% have been reading
favorite fishing magazine, 22% rate it as good,
Joseph Marfin – League City, TX
inshore or offshore, 80% said inshore, 8% said
2% say they find it to be average compared
Tim Giesler – Alvin, TX
offshore, and 12% listed inshore and offshore.
with other publications.
As for preferred fishing method, 42% prefer to
HERE’S SOME OF WHAT WE LEARNED: The average age of our readership is 46
On the topic of saltwater fishing guides, 53%
wade, 38% would rather stay in the boat, 16%
of respondents use fishing guides and 47% do
like to fish from kayaks, and 4% prefer the poled
not. Of those who use guides, 74% take 1-3
skiff method. Where do our readers fish most
guided trips per year, 23% take 4-6 trips, 3%
years, 98% are male, 83% are married. You are
often? The responses indicate 18% fish the
take more. When asked their general opinion
a fairly well-educated bunch, when asked to
upper coast, 42% fish the middle coast, 21%
of the number of saltwater fishing guides in
declare the highest level of schooling they had
fish the lower coast, 12% are surf fishers,
Texas, 29% said they like guides and would like
attained, 22% said they were high-school grads,
and 7% fish offshore. As for preferred style of
to see more, 24% said we have too many, 47%
35% had attended college, 29% held college
fishing, 43% say artificial lures are their favorite,
expressed no opinion.
degrees, and 14% had studied beyond college.
another 43% say they use bait and lures, 9%
Competitive fishing is popular among our
Fishermen need money to enjoy their sport
use bait, and 5% say they are fly-fishers or do
survey group, 57% hold a favorable opinion of
some fly-fishing.
tournaments while 11% do not, 32% expressed
and it appears that our readers do fairly well in this regard. Average household income
When fishing for speckled trout, 33% keep
no opinion either way. When asked their
was reported to be $104,000 per year. Boat
a limit when they can, and 66% keep some for
opinion of C&R tournaments, 76% approve, 6%
ownership within those households came in at
dinner. On the C&R questions, 36% said they
disapprove and 18% expressed no opinion.
49% owning one boat, 19% owning two, and 6%
release big fish and 8% said they release all.
with three or more. 26% said there is no boat in
When asked their opinion of speckled trout limits
when we asked if they would like to see hunting
their household.
north of the Lower Laguna Madre, 41% said
content in TSFMag. A whopping 85% do not
leave it alone and 59% said they’d welcome
want it!
As for fishing background, we are a rather
Our readers sent a resounding message
seasoned bunch of salts with average
reduced limits if TPWD’s data said they could
experience stated to be 24 years. Here’s the
catch bigger fish. On the subject of minimum
of what you gave us here can be used to further
breakdown… less than 5 years – 16%, 5 to 10
length for specks, 56% said leave it alone, 26%
improve and expand this publication. Some
years – 9%, 10 to 20 years – 17%, 20 to 30
said increase it to 16 inches and 18% said they’d
respondents went into great detail to describe
years – 22%, 30 to 40 years – 21%, 40+ years
like to see it increased to 17 inches.
the type of instructional and how-to content they
– 32%. With our average age of 46 years, it
Our survey indicates that 91% of respondents
would appear that most readers have a lifelong
are members of CCA-Texas and 69% fish the
saltwater habit!
CCA-STAR tournament. Other conservation and
Our survey says our readers fished an average of 38 days last year. When asked how 30
July 2008
Thanks again folks, your input is valued. Much
would like to see and we take these to heart. And to our lucky winners, we’ll be contacting you to arrange the delivery of your gift certificates.
political action groups mentioned in the survey results were SEA, SALT, IGFA, NRA, Nature Texas Saltwater Fishing
— Everett Johnson www.TSFMAG.com
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31
J ay wa t K i n s
Releasing a solid trout off shallow mid-bay sandbar to fight another day.
Big trout in headshake mode; note the water clarity.
July, what more needs
would have allowed us to actually get out on
to be said when this month is mentioned
the bars and fish.
among lure enthusiast. This is especially
and humps. My feet become my eyes and
true if you’re a trout chaser. Add to this the
in fact it can be down right dirty as long as
over the years I have associated the colors of
want to catch upper-slot trout and you might
the bait is present. Along most of the Texas
the water with the water depths. Deep green
find yourself scratching your head at the end
coast the sunlight can penetrate deep enough
to almost blue is the deepest, green is mid-
of a long hot day. I actually have many trout
to allow for some submerged grass growth.
range stuff, sandy green is more shallow,
anglers that book me during the month of July
Submerged grass, active bait, tidal movement
clear to white is down right shallow and black,
and August knowing it is a tough stretch for
and deep water access for mid-day sulking
well that be the grass.
catching quality trout on artificial baits. When
periods makes the bars extremely attractive
asked what I do I simply reply that I head for
to upper-slot sized trout. In my portion of the
is an absolute must. Be sure to pay attention
the bars. Those that know me understand that
world, tidal movement is a key ingredient for
to where the strikes you receive originate,
I am not referring to a saloon. Can’t say that I
a successful morning of bar hopping. In some
without this knowledge it is almost impossible
have honestly ever spent much time in one but
areas to our south, tidal movement is not as
for you to repeat the process. This process
I have spent countless numbers of days and
critical simply because tidal flow is minimal
also sets up the pattern for this bar as well as
nights on shoreline and mid-bay sandbars.
due from being so far from a gulf pass.
others that are in the same area. What’s good
July is a month when the winds lay and
With all the pieces of the puzzle in place it
Casting to all of the above mentioned areas
on one is probably good on similar bars on any given day.
the tides drop along the Texas Coast. These
is time to discuss your tactics for fishing such
two conditions allow knowing anglers; of
areas. I wade about 99% of the time and I feel
which you will be after reading this article, the
this is the best way to fish the sandbars that
many anglers overlook the bars due to a
ability to capitalize on these conditions and
have water depths that allow us to comfortably
lack of navigational markings. Many anglers
put yourself in some pretty darn good trout
go to work. I am about 5’ 7” so if I can wade,
also fail to read and interpret each type of
waters. One of the things I have preached to
so can the majority of the rest of the men in
structure. This most often results in one
my boys about fishing these sandbars is the
the world and a lot of you ladies will be safe
simply fishing the drop-off along one side or
simple fact that for more than nine months
getting out as well.
the other. More times than not this will lead
the weather conditions prevent anglers from putting too much pressure on such areas.
I like to position myself a little offshore of
Another attraction is the simple fact that
to poor results which leads to lower
the actual crown of the bars and work the
confidence. The less confidence you have
perimeter, casting to shallow grass beds or
the less time you spend fishing, less time
windy about six months out of the year to fish
guts early and then working the deeper beds
fishing is usually equal to fewer fish, and
these unprotected bars. In the winter, the
and edges of the drop-off as the sun rises
this leads to the sandbar never getting the
water gets too cold and the trout start looking
higher. Bigger trout will stage right on top of
attention it deserves.
for shallow mud. So even when the conditions
the bars UNDER the bait or ON TOP of the
are right, the trout are often absent. Right now
grass beds themselves. Edges of guts created
this time of year whenever the conditions will
is when you need to take advantage of the bar
by tidal current and wind are maybe one of
allow. I catch lots of good trout on these bars
scene. For the past five months there have
my most favorite structures along the bars I
and I catch them on every type of structure on
been MAYBE five or six days when the winds
frequent this time of year.
the bar at various times of the day. Mid-day for
Wind is the major factor, it is simply too
32
Water clarity does not have to be great;
It is important to make mental notes of bottom contour and the severity of the drops
July 2008
Texas Saltwater Fishing
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instance is one of my favorite times to fish the shallow
Big trout, midday, mid-bay sandbar.
grass beds along these bars.
a sK t h e pro
Upper-slot sized trout will many times cruise to the shallowest structure during mid-day hours hoping for an easy feeding opportunity. The lack of water depth over the structure shrinks the strike zone, making it easier to capitalize on opportunity. Two of my lifetime best trout have come mid-day and on just the type of bars and structure we are discussing. What to throw? You know me, I am an odds player and I go with two types of lures, Bass Assassins and slow-sinking MirrOlures. Now before the topwater chunkers get all swelled up, this is just what I have the most confidence in. I know plenty of you have more luck and confidence in the surface approach. That said, I like the 5” shad Bass Assassins and the suspending Catch 5, Catch 2000 Jr, 38MR, and the new MirrOdine baits from MirrOlure. I want to make it as easy as I can for the fish. I am of the opinion that big trout like it easier than the young and eager portion of the population. Why is it that we can always catch 14-inch fish? Well the way I see it, they are trying to eat their way up the food chain. Bigger trout like it easy, trust me. I like light-colored baits for this type of fishing. Bone, silver, clear and any combination of these colors will work. Most of the bait around the sandbars will be mullet or menhaden. These baitfish have lots of shine as they move through the water. Glinting is what I call it. As a mullet or menhaden swims it twists from side to side allowing its scales to reflect, thus showing a glint of silver. Get your lure of choice to work erratically enough to glint from time to time and you’re dancing the right steps. You can actually see the mullet glint and the gills of the trout flare as she inhales the baitfish on calm clear days. In most instances there are no surface clues to this type of feeding. Only a keen and attentive eye picks up the flash and the glint. I remember my early days fishing with my dad on Lap Reef in Copano in July. This underwater sight happened so many times in a morning that you could not count them all. Silver spoons with yellow bucktails were the weapons of the day and boy were they effective. Can’t say that I have thrown a spoon and a bucktail for trout in many a year. Stupid is as stupid does! As our water temperatures rise our windows of opportunity will surely be decreased. What makes the bar scene so attractive to me is the fact that the trout; once settled in on the bars, will not leave as long as the food source remains reliable. They will move from shallow structure to deeper structure but that is about it. It makes good sense that we as we can if we are intent on catching better trout. I have always been a student of fishing where fish live, its more predictable. The next time you find yourself not catching fish on one of the many other types of bay structure, head for the nearest bar and have yourself a look. You might be pleasantly surprised at the quality of the
contact
should spend as much time in these areas
fish you catch. May your fishing always be catching.
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July 2008
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c a se y sm a rt t
With so many options, choosing the right fly tackle can be tough.
selecting and purchasing your first fly fishing combination can be both exciting and tortuous. There is an abundance of quality fly tackle available these days and it has never been more affordable. That’s a good thing. But there are so many options and so much hype it’s often tough to narrow down the choices, especially if you are not quite sure exactly what tackle you need to get started. You need some good advice to cut through the fluff. A good place to start is at a reputable brick and mortar fly shop. Fly shops offer several advantages over online retailers. Good tackle shops are staffed with experienced anglers who understand the equipment they sell and recognize the needs of their customers. They know the difference between quality and value (there is a difference), and they won’t try to sell you more or less than you want or need. At a fly shop, you have the opportunity to try out the rods and compare the feel of
casting. But you’ll quickly find out casting is
as casting instructors. This is done through a
different tackle combinations. This is a critical
a tough skill to learn on your own. Although I
series of exams, evaluations, and certification
step in choosing tackle. The staff at a good fly
have always preached the benefits of self-
steps. To become a FFF Certified Casting
shop will listen to your questions and they’ll
teaching, fly casting is one arena where
Instructor, individuals must have exemplary
do their best to guide you to a rod, reel, and
lessons (at least a few) from a qualified
casting skills and they must demonstrate
line that fits your expectations and budget.
professional are extremely helpful.
their ability to teach others these skills. The
They’ll also follow through after the sale.
for a few lessons from a competent casting
still buy nearly all my tackle fromfly shops.
instructor is absolutely worth the money in
There are many quality fly shops scattered
understand the mechanics of fly casting and
area, you can visit Fishing Tackle Unlimited,
help you develop your core casting stroke.
IFLY The Anglers Edge, or Creative Feathers
These fundamentals get you off to a solid start
Studios. If you are up in Austin, talk to Ted
and make growth and improvement over the
and the staff at Sportsman’s Finest. Farther
long term possible.
south, try Gruene Outfitters in New Braunfels
So where does one find a casting
or Tackle Box Outfitters in San Antonio. These
instructor? The Federation of Fly Fishers
shops are staffed with good folks with the
(FFF) is a place to start. You can visit them at
experience needed to steer you straight and
www.fedflyfishers.org .
When you finally get your hands on your new fly fishing rig, you’ll be thirsty to start July 2008
FFF places emphasis on a candidate’s ability to teach.
the long run. A good instructor will help you
across the state. If you live in the houston
get you started right.
36
It may seem frivolous at first, but paying
These things have value, and they are why I
The FFF is an organization that, among other things, tests and certifies individuals Allen Crise doing what he loves — teaching. Texas Saltwater Fishing
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Chip Evans and Ted Mendrek trade ideas over the vise at the Texas Fly Fisher’s Fly Tying Festival. There are FFF Certified Casting Instructors all across Texas. One of the most well-known instructors is Allen Crise. Al owns and operates Hawk Ridge Tackle & Fly Casting School
The Redfish Book,
near Glen Rose. At Hawk Ridge, Al offers customized fly casting and fly tying seminars
by Frank Sargeant
for groups large and small. He also travels throughout Texas, conducting fly casting
caught my eye
and fly fishing seminars at different locations to anglers of all ages and all levels of
several years ago
skill. In addition to teaching fly casting, Al helps train and certify future FFF casting
on a bookstore
instructors. Al is as friendly as they get, and I guarantee you he can help you improve
shelf. I bought a
your cast. You can reach Al Crise at (254) 897-2045 or at flysoup@itexas.net .
copy and began to skim over it that
After acquiring fly tackle and learning how to cast, many anglers become interested in learning to tie flies. Fly fishing and fly tying compliment each other perfectly, and
night. I quickly
the only thing more rewarding than landing a fish on fly tackle is landing a fish on a fly
realized that
you tied. It’s a creative side of fishing that’s really cool. After nearly thirty years of tying
although there was
flies, I am still as mystified and challenged by the promise of fly tying as I was the day
a chapter devoted
I started.
to fly fishing for reds, The Redfish
If you are interested in learning to tie flies, this is a good time to start. There have never been more tying resources, books, videos, and demo’s available. You can begin
Book had far
with a few books that cover the basics of fly tying. They’ll show you the fundamental
more information
tools, materials, and techniques used to create flies. But a more valuable way to learn
geared to
is sit across the table from someone who is tying flies at a demo event. This way you
anglers using conventional tackle.
can watch, take notes, and ask questions. Where are these events? One place to look is at a local fly fishing club. There are
I also noticed that the book was published nearly 2
fly fishing clubs in every major city in Texas, and a bunch scattered in-between. Nearly
decades ago, so some of the tackle and the photos
all sponsor monthly tying nights where club members get together and trade their
were a bit dated. But I as worked my way through the
latest fly patterns and tying techniques. If you are thirsty to learn more about the tools,
book, I liked what I read. And I liked the fact the photos,
materials, and skills required for tying flies, there’s your chance.
techniques and tackle were representative of the time
The Texas Fly Fishers organization in houston sponsors a one-day tying event each year called the Fly Tying Festival. There are fly tyers and speakers from across the country at this event. If you have never been, you should go. It is a great
the book was written — when redfish stocks were rebounding after years of uncontrolled harvest. The Redfish Book covers conservation, redfish
opportunity to watch, ask questions, and learn. Another resource is the fly shop. Many
biology, tackle, and angling strategies. Each chapter
fly shops hold monthly fly tying seminars or sponsor annual fly fishing events featuring
contains solid information that anglers, especially
guest fly tyers. At these events you can watch flies being tied and purchase the tools
newcomers, will find entertaining and useful. As much
and materials to tie them yourself.
as an informative guide though, The Redfish Book
If you are interested in fly fishing, improving your casting skills, or learning to tie
struck me as a snapshot in time. I really like this about it because it shows how the actions of concerned anglers
available to help you. Some are
and conservation groups made a significant contribution
around the block and others are only a phone call away. Many of them are free. Nearly all the fly anglers I know are willing to help out newcomers to the sport. They remember their first fly rod and the exciting possibilities it held. And they understand that
contact
flies, there are plenty of resources
to securing the future of a fishery. And it reminded me that not too long ago, things were very different than they are today.
The Redfish Book By Frank Sargeant 149 pages
everyone has to start somewhere.
Larsen’s Outdoor Publishing iSBn: 0-936513-12-8
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f l y
o f
t h e
m o n t h
f l y
f i s h i n g
6
7
The Magic Crab is a lightly weighted crustacean pattern made from a mix of dubbed craft fur
8
fibers and flash materials. Banding and shading on the fly is created with permanent markers. The natural fluid movements of the synthetic fur fibers bring this pattern to life, and the mix of colors gives the fly depth and a juicy look that critter-crunching predators find hard to resist. The real beauty of the Magic Crab lies in the action of the craft fur fibers. They wiggle and wave in a seductive manner. Even at rest, the body of the crab pulsates in the subtle currents beneath the water’s surface. This gentle “breathing” action is often just right for tricking cautious flats fish that see the fly but move in for a closer inspection
4
9
5
10
before they commit to eating it. The Magic Crab can be tied can be tied in a variety of colors and sizes to match resident crabs. I prefer to tie this pattern on a #2 hook (shown). The Magic Crab rides in the inverted weedless position and it is tied with a mason hard mono weed guard for additional resistance to rooted or floating vegetation. This pattern is relatively lightweight so it lands gently, but it is also compact and easy to cast in the wind. It is a good fly for fish cruising and rooting the flats in search of crabs and crustaceans.
Hook: Gamakatsu SC15 or equivalent 1/0 to #4 Thread: Clear nylon mono
Eyes: Burned 40lb mono
Weight: .030 Lead wire
Whiskers: Red craft fur
Antennae: Orange Krystal Flash
Body Flash: Hairline’s Ice Dub
Body Fibers: Mix of tan and chartreuse craft fur Color Accents: Permanent markers
Weed guard: 16lb Mason Hard Mono
Cement: Sally Hansen’s Hard as Nails
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Done!
1. Tie mono eyes at the base of the hook bend and wrap the hook
The twisted dubbing loop will look like this. 6. Pick out the tangled
shank with lead wire. Do not crowd the eye of the hook with lead wire.
fibers with a strip of Velcro hook, then make several strips down the
Coat wraps with cement. 2. Add a small clump of red craft fur and two
center with an orange permanent marker. 7. Palmer the dubbing loop
2-inch strands of orange Krystal Flash to top of hook shank. 3. Form a
forward, brushing the fibers rearward as you go. Tie off loop slightly
4-inch long loop with the thread, wrap it down tight on the hook shank,
behind eye of hook. 8. Tease out the craft fur fibers with Velcro and
and move the bobbin forward to the eye. 4. On the tying table, lay
snip the top (will become bottom of fly) short. This ensures the fly
out a mixture of tan and chartreuse craft fur and pearl Ice Dub flash
rides in the inverted position. 9. Rotate fly and tie in a 16 lb Mason
material. Carefully inset the mixed fibers and flash between the strands
Hard Mono weed guard behind eye. Coat thread wraps with cement.
of the dubbing loop. 5. Spin the loop with a dubbing twister (weighted
10. Color three wide bands on the top of the fly with a Prismacolor
hook) until the loop becomes tight and shortens slightly. Don’t overtwist.
permanent marker (Mocha Dark #200 shown). Done.
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brandon Jenewein
t o u r n a m e n t
fellow fishermen often asK advice for gaining sponsorship for their fishing team. I have been fortunate to be associated with some great sponsors and am by no means an expert, but I will share some things that have worked for me. It is no secret that competitive fishing gets expensive and with gas prices rising faster than this year’s redfish weights, sponsorship can be a godsend. In one of my earliest articles in TSFMag I discussed how to build a resume. One of the key items to consider in resume preparation is how to make yours stand out from others. Potential sponsors are approached from all types of people looking for money for their cause, and not all relate to fishing. Auto racing teams to little league teams, everybody is looking for financial support. The shear number of requests mean the majority will get turned down. So right from the get-go,
The Redfish Cup has a Net Gains Program to help anglers give back to the community. A great opportunity to promote sponsors.
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July 2008
t r a i l s
an angler is at a disadvantage. So why even bother? It’s simple — If you
every angler offers to wear a custom jersey or wrap the boat with a sponsor’s logo. These
can convince a businessman that he can
are pretty basic so I will not go into detail, but
increase sales by investing in your enterprise,
I will say that anglers need to convey how
you can get sponsorship. Even though lots
displaying their logo will translate into sales or
of anglers get turned down; there are teams
exposure for their company. Who, where, and
getting new sponsors every day.
how many people will see the logo; what are
When approaching sponsors in today’s
the demographics of those seeing the logo?
competitive market, just sending a resume
how will people that see the logo increase the
may not create the kind of impact that gets
company’s sales? These are some things a
you noticed. Put yourself in a sponsor’s
good marketing proposal should contain.
place and consider what you would want
What can anglers offer? Fishing trips. The
to see; fishermen’s resumes asking for
sponsor can use guided trips for entertaining
money because of all the great finishes
clients, rewarding top sales people or
they’ve achieved, or a marketing proposal
giveaways at their store. Again, the key is
emphasizing how a fisherman is going to
don’t just say, “If you sponsor me, I can take
increase sales?
you fishing.”
Whatever is sent to a potential sponsor
Give the potential sponsor ideas on how
should make them say, “This is unique,” or,
they can use the trips. Maybe the sponsor
“This sounds interesting.”
is not interested in fishing. Well, you can
There are some basic things that most
take them or their clients on nature tours,
every fishing team
birding tours, or evening cruises. Think
can offer sponsors.
outside the box.
Advertising in the form of
What other types of exposure can be
displaying the sponsor’s
offered to potential sponsors? Let’s face it;
logo is something
no matter how good you are you cannot win
anyone can offer. Almost
every tournament. It would not be right to
Attending a “Meet the Pros” event prior to a tournament.
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tournament tr ails
(Left) Helping out at kids tournaments is a great way to give back to the sport.
(Right) The Texas Parks and Wildlife Angler Education Program teaches others the basics of fishing and how to be an ethical angler.
say you are going to have media exposure when you win. The best exposure is to have something that is constant and not wholly dependent on winning. Living in a small town, I started writing articles for the local newspaper when my team finished well. Local papers appreciate having articles submitted. You can represent the sponsor on the internet, there are plenty of outlets from chat rooms to online fishing articles. There are fishing magazines. Hey, I started by submitting articles to the Bay City Tribune
Helping out at trade shows comes with any sponsorship.
and thought I might as well try to write for the best saltwater fishing magazine in Texas, and
it also gets the sponsor’s name in
here I am. I may end up being knocked out
front of the buying public. Maybe you are good at computers and
tournament, always do my best, be myself,
can build websites, maybe you can create
be honest, and what is meant to be will fall
computer graphics or are good at fixing things.
into place.
A proposal can offer your skills in return for
Ok, enough about ideas on how to take
something. Nothing is off the table; if you are
over my place here every month. Let’s touch
thinking that a sponsor would not go for your
on some other ideas for sponsor exposure.
idea, think again, it may well be the new idea
Sponsors need help. Make a proposal to help
a business is looking for. Who knows, maybe
the sponsor at tradeshows, fishing shows,
that deer sausage you process each year
boat shows, etc. Tell how your presence in the
would be something you could use to work
booth or at a store can draw customers and
a deal.
increase sales. Offer assistance with moving
Last, the internet is loaded with information.
in, setting up, and tearing down the booth
Snoop around and learn what good proposals
during shows.
look like, learn marketing terms and the lingo
Look for things you can learn to make
does not have to work its fingers to the bone
Texas Angler Education Instructor. The Angler
to be successful; it just has to work harder
Education program through Texas Parks and
than the other teams, kind of like the bear in
Wildlife is a great way to help teach the next
the woods. I don’t have to run the hundred
generation and interested people about our
yard dash in 9.0 seconds, I just have to run
great sport. The Angler Education program
faster than you.
business. It not only ends up teaching others,
July 2008
Wrapped boats can be displayed at business to promote sponsors. sponsors whose products you use and believe in. It really is transparent when someone is trying to say how great a product is and their heart is not in it. Don’t give up, there are plenty of closed doors and dead end trails, but like fishing, the more you learn, the better you get and pay dirt will eventually be struck. Keep the bottom line in mind. What is your proposal doing to increase the sponsor’s sales.
of businesses. A successfully sponsored team
yourself more marketable. I am a certified
can be presented at a sponsor’s store or
42
What special skills do you have?
better or offers more; but I just treat it like a
So is there any canned success formula? No — find what works for you and approach
Texas Saltwater Fishing
contact
by a fellow tournament fisherman that writes
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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
well, we hope some of you have managed to get offshore this spring, but it has been tough. The wind has really been blowing. Now that summer has started somebody needs to remind the wind that it needs to relax. When it does, before you decide to head for deep water, check your tackle and make sure you are prepared. This month we thought we would go over a complete tackle list that you might want to have on board for bluewater fishing. Not everything is essential… until you need it! Seriously, this is a comprehensive list and we have started with the basics, and continuing to more advanced gear. here goes. Your local tackle shop should have most of these items.
Mono Cutters: For cutting monofilament leaders, line, etc. Cable Cutters: Felco C7 or Hi Seas brand. Stainless Scissors: Easy to find at your local office supply. Crimping tool and assorted size crimps matching your leader. Loop Protectors: Protects monofilament from chafing. Fishing Pliers: For twisting wire, cutting, de-hooking and more! Stainless Hook-Out Pliers Tool kit: To include pliers, crescent
Safety Lines: Prevents loss of rod and
Flashlight
reel overboard.
Bait knife Waxed string: For rigging natural and live baits, bridles to hook, etc. Dental Floss: Johnson and Johnson Dentotape for securing skirts on lures. Snap Swivels: Heavy-duty w/stainless ball bearing swivel 200 – 400 lb. test Stainless Ball Bearing Swivels: 400 lb.
Outrigger Clips: Assorted types. Tag Lines: For lure fishing. Rubber Bands: In sizes #33, #64, #105 – from any office supply. Large Permanent Marker: For marking bait trolling positions on your line. Drag Scale: Up to 50#.
test, black for tag lines, teaser lines and
Teasers: 1 large, 1 daisy chain.
wind-on leaders
Gaffs: 4” standard gaff (two), 6” heavy-
Cork or plastic stoppers for rigger line. Gloves: For handling leaders, gaffs
duty tuna gaff, 8” flying gaff. Ballyhoo Wire: We prefer 14” Monel. Emergency cutters: Bolt cutters to cut
and fish.
large hooks.
wrench, screw drivers, Allen
hand Towels
wrenches, etc.
Tip Savers: Protects rod tip from snap swivel.
Sabikis: For catching bait. Small feathers: For catching bait. Tuna Hunters: Blue, silver, green, black. Wahoo Hunters: Black/purple, black/pink. heavy-duty split rings Split ring pliers Assorted egg sinkers and other lead weights Rigged Lures: Various sizes and colors, we like Black Bart, Mold Craft
Assorted lures and colors. 44
July 2008
Texas Saltwater Fishing
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Assorted Hooks: Live bait, lure, circle, bait, and heavy-duty treble for Tuna hunters. Hook File: Nicholson Handy File is the best!
Jou r na l
Harness: Fighting belt/shoulder harness
Keep your cockpit clean and organized.
and seat harness. Reel Protectors: Prevents salt spray from entering reels. Fish Bag: Keeps whole fish fresh. Assorted plastic bags Reel Lube: Reel X brand Corrosion X Super Glue: For knots, lure repair, etc.
blu e wat e r
Electrical Tape: Assorted colors for hooksets, skirts, tagging and identifying gear, etc. Leader Material: 650#, 500#, 400#, 200#, 150# and 80# Fluorocarbon, SS cable and/or wire. Extra Fishing Line: In case you need to
holding a large blue marlin. Tagging Stick: To deploy scientific tags used to study fish movement.
and get a great deal on your next boat. For more information call our houston sales
Livebait Needles: For rigging live bait.
office at 281-291-0656 or check out our
Small Rope: For securing various items.
Sewing Needles: For rigging dead bait.
website at www.foxyachtsales.com or
Tape Measure: For measuring leaders
De-Boner: For removing bones from
www.byrd-cochrane.com.
and fish. Rods: 30 lb. up to 130 lb. class tackle – personal preference. Reels: Shimano, Penn and Avet most popular. Butterfly Jigs: Also diamond jigs and other iron.
dead bait. Knot Tool: For tying certain knots. Swordfish Tackle: Special tackle for special fish. Cyalume Sticks: For swordfishing. Underwater Lights: For night fishing. Tuna Tubes: For keeping bait tuna alive.
Fishing Log: Keep track of it all! Tackle Box: Keep it organized!
Planers: Gets your line deeper when catching bait Kite: Designed to present your bait with the leader out of the water. Balloons: For those days too calm for a kite.
Most major tackle stores can take care of the basics. For some of the items you
Helium: To fill balloons.
will have to go to Walgreen’s, Office Depot,
Dacron Bridles: For attaching hook to
Home Depot, your local hardware store,
live bait. 10” Flying Gaffs (two) – for gaffing large marlin. Heatshrink Tubing 3/8” & 1/2”: For making hooksets.
welding supply, or the internet. If you have any questions about some of the tackle we’ve talked about or want to find out more about big game fishing in the Gulf of Mexico, visit us at our Fox Yacht Sales office at Tops-N-
Heat Gun: Shrinks the heatshrink tubing.
Towers. Fox Yacht Sales has an extensive
Billfish Bag: Large fish bag capable of
inventory of brokerage boats as well as
July 2008
Texas Saltwater Fishing
contact
re-spool a reel.
46
new CABO and Riviera Yachts. Come by
Born in Galveston, graduate of Texas A&M, Capt. John Cochrane grew up fishing and diving the Gulf of Mexico. He’s been a professional captain for over 25 years and has fished all over the world. At Byrd & Cochrane, he and Bobby specialize in yacht sales and sportfishing consulting. John now concentrates his efforts on big game fishing and billfish research in the Gulf of Mexico. A native Texan, Bobby Byrd began fishing at the young age of eight, when he was a deck hand on his Dad’s boat. He fished with his father in the Gulf of Mexico, Bahamas and Mexico for many years of his life. In 1995, Bobby combined his love of the water and boating into a business when he opened Tops-N-Towers, a custom aluminum fabrication business in Seabrook, Texas. For more information you can contact Bobby at www.topsntowers.com.
contact Byrd & Cochrane 281-291-0656 Tops-N-Towers 281-474-4000 websites www.byrd-cochrane.com www.topsntowers.com www.foxyachtsales.com www.stingercustomlures.com
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b y
e v e r e t t
J o h n s o n
feeding aggressively will sometimes blow up or slap a plug several times before finally becoming foul-hooked or deciding to eat.
a reader wrote recently to say that while he
few feet and then let it rest for a couple of
Setting the hook is always a tough decision.
seconds. Another good technique is banging
A sharp jerk can free a foul-hooked fish, and
enjoys our magazine, some of the topics and
the heck out of it and then reeling slowly
one that has the plug in its mouth is probably
discussions were just a bit over his head.
without chopping or twitching for a few feet.
already hooked securely… your call.
“Please give us some intro-level lessons,
If a fish boils or slaps at it… stop! Twitching
especially with topwater lures. My brother and
over a curious fish will sometimes produce an
line. Quite often all or most of the hooks are
I have been live bait fishermen all our lives
explosive strike.
exposed during the fight. Should the fish
and we have just recently begun to catch a few
Vary your casting angle. The obvious
roll back or wallow on the line it can snag
fish on soft plastics. Topwaters are a puzzle
temptation is to wail the plug straight
the hooks. A stout section of twenty or even
to us. We know they work but so far we’ve
downwind and then work it headfirst back into
thirty-pound leader material can prevent
had no luck. The guides in your magazine say
the chop. Throwing across the angle of the
exposed hooks from cutting the line and
throw this lure or that, but can you please tell
wind and letting the plug surf on the face of
freeing your fish.
us more?”
the swells works too. Some very good anglers
here’s a quick list of surface plugs I use
I fish with believe the cross-wind presentation
regularly and they cover a wide range of
having done so already. I would by no means
is more natural as a wounded or stunned
fishing conditions. This is by no means an
classify myself as an expert, but I’ve learned
baitfish would be less inclined to swim straight
attempt to preclude any other great ones on
a few things along the way. here’s a few tips
into the chop.
your tackle dealer’s shelves. As for lure color, I
Well yes we can, and we apologize for not
that just might help put some fish on the end of
Long casts are often the key as fish will
gave up telling my fishing customers what they
sometimes follow a good distance before
should and should not throw years ago. Yes,
striking. Any fish that strikes close or under
there are definitely days when color matters
to help it swing freely. The basic presentation
the rod tip is tough to catch, not to mention
but I’m reminded often of Roland Hubenak.
is called walking-the-dog and is accomplished
the spook factor when you lure them up close.
Roland fished Troutmasters for years and
by making chopping motions with the rod tip
When I have a fish following curiously and
did well with a white Top Dog on his line and
during the retrieve. The more vigorous the
getting close I take the plug away, cast beyond
a spare of the same color in an Alka-Seltzer
chop, the wider your lure will step left to right.
where I last saw it, and start over. I try to
bottle tucked in his wade belt. he always said
Retrieve slowly, just enough to gather the
mimic the same rhythm and speed that drew
if they wouldn’t hit Ol’ Whitey then he just
slack. I describe it as a hobby horse, rocking
their attention the first time.
wasn’t going to catch them.
your lines. Let’s start with presentation. Begin by attaching the plug with a loop knot
like crazy but not going anywhere. Fish have moods. When you find them feeding aggressively they will hit anything,
Resist the temptation to set the hook! I cannot even begin to count the times I’ve watched excited anglers take the plug away before the fish was hooked.
sometimes it takes a little finesse.
Fish that are not
Try walking the lure a
excalibur spit-n-image
mirrolure she dog
It’s name says it all.
The She Dog is one of the most productive baits for calling fish up from deep water and is an excellent choice in just about any depth in heavy chop. The first thing you will notice is the signature voice. Sometimes too
This little 3-inch floater
rapala skitter walk One of my personal favorite surface lures.
imitates small finfish perfectly with its sideto-side wobble. Not a clunker or clacker; this tiny plug’s voice is a soft clicking sound, perfect for shallow water trout and
loud, but it can always be slowed to soften
A versatile floater, works in range of depths
redfish. Has a subtle splash-down. Can
that incredible clack. Mike McBride calls it
and surface conditions, moderately loud,
be delivered sidearm and skipped across
obnoxious, but is just as quick to say there
medium-pitched voice, makes more of a clunk
the surface; I’ve had fish slam it before
are conditions when nothing else will draw
than a clack. Comes in two sizes and
it stopped. Very shad-like when twitched
more strikes.
a rainbow of colors, I like the bright ones. The
slowly. Great for sightcast presentations
full-size Skitter Walk is 4.38 inches long and
on shallow flats. Single hooks improve
the “baby” is 3.12 inches. I find the short
versatility, especially with floating grass
model works best in depths of two feet
present. Never believe a big fish will not eat
and less. The one pictured here has seen
this tiny plug, I’ve seen it happen a bunch
a lot of action. 50
I prefer a stout leader attached to my main
July 2008
Texas Saltwater Fishing
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CCA TEXAS VOLUNTEERS AND STAFF MEMBERS HIT THE WATER with Texas Parks Wildlife Department (TPWD) on May 22, 2008 to take the next step in the on-going efforts to develop a viable stock enhancement program for southern flounder. Southern flounder have shown a steady decline for years and this effort led by TPWD, with assistance from University of Texas Marine Science Institute, shows promise for the declining southern flounder in Texas. In the summer of 2007, six boats, including
the fish. “These two events have played a large role in the preliminary
two guide boats and four volunteer boats, fished Sabine Lake and
stages of TPWD’s goal in achieving a large scale stock enhancement
secured between 60 and 70 southern flounder and twenty four
program for southern flounder,” said TPWD biologist Shane Bonnot.
speckled trout for the hatcheries. The southern flounder were then strip
Shane added, “With the help of all the volunteers and our partners at
spawned and the resulting spawn is now residing at Sea Center Texas
UTMSI and CCA Texas, the future is bright for a successful and long
in the research tanks.
term enhancement program for southern flounder.” With a continuous increase in fishing pressure up and down the
CCA Texas volunteers, TPWD employees and CCA Texas staff hit the water again on May 22, 2008.
This trip included four local
coast, TPWD must take proactive steps to ensure viability of the
guides and their boats and over
fishery for years to come. “Flounder is a species that has been getting
10 volunteer boats. CCA Texas
a lot of attention,” commented CCA Texas President Bill Schwarzlose.
once again picked up the fees
“This interaction between TPWD, UTMSI, local guides and CCA Texas
for the guide boats and the local
volunteers speaks volumes about the commitment of all the active
chapters and others supplied the
parties to see that the southern flounder remains a viable fishery for all
volunteers to go out and catch
users of the resource.” CCA Texas Executive Director Robby Byers commented, “Our hatcheries in Flour Bluff and Lake Jackson as well as the CCA Texas funded Marine Larviculture Center at UTMSI in Port Aransas, are all working on spawning flounder in captivity. The hope is to one day assist Mother Nature with a flounder restocking program much like the redfish and speckled trout. These brood fish that we are collecting from Sabine Lake will provide our Lake Jackson hatchery with needed stock to continue their work with this important species.” CCA Texas is proud to be a part of this far-reaching enhancement project that will help restore southern flounder to its once bountiful population. “I’m really proud of CCA Texas volunteers and members and their desire to help the flounder fishery,” said Schwarzlose. “This project and others, as well as proactive approaches to fisheries management, will be the key to future generation’s opportunities to enjoy coastal fisheries for years to come.”
For more information about CCA Texas, please visit www.ccatexas.org. 52
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field notes
Part I (June 2008 Issue) of this series gave the basics of Texas Parks and Wildlife
seagrass regulation utilizes several of
the determination of precise locations of
the latest scientific tools associated with
items in the field, such as transects and
Department’s (TPWD) “No propeller scarring
geospatial technology to help assess the
scars. Geographic Information System
of seagrasses” regulation in the Redfish Bay
extent of scarring over large areas. Remote
(GIS) captures, analyzes, manages and
State Scientific Area (RBSSA). The regulation
sensing enables the collection of information
stores data and information that has spatial
went into effect May 1, 2006. A brief history
about land and water areas from a distance,
references to the earth surface. GIS helps
of seagrass protection activities, as well as
such as aircraft or satellites. To date, TPWD
locate reference points and analyze large
education and law enforcement efforts were
has acquired high resolution aerial digital
amounts of map-based data. This will enable
presented. The article detailed one technique
imagery data sets for a major portion of
TPWD to analyze specific scar data and give
in which biologists annually swim transects to
RBSSA in March 2007 and March 2008.
us the ability to make estimates of total area
obtain propeller scar counts from year to year
Global Positioning System (GPS) use
damaged by propeller scarring.
and determine scar recovery over time.
satellites and devices to compute various
A second technique to evaluate the
positions on the earth’s surface. GPS enables
Recently scientists from TPWD, the
These aerial images from RBSSA are being used by biologists to examine the extent of propeller scarring damage in the area and assess the effect of the “NO prop scarring” regulation.
NOAA imagery February 2007. 56
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tpw d field notes 58
National Oceanographic and Atmospheric
and again in March of 2008, TPWD shot
the analysis process. Preliminary review of
Administration (NOAA), and the Harte
imagery of 7,800 acres covering the area
the photographic proofs from 2008 imagery
Research Institute (Texas A&M University –
from Estes Flats to Terminal Flats and Hog
seems to indicate less scarring than the
Corpus Christi), collaborated on a process of
Island, at 4 inch resolution. The average prop
same areas in 2007.
developing a benthic habitat map for Aransas
scar is about 13 inches wide. This area was
and Corpus Christi Bays. NOAA funded the
chosen because it is highly vegetated and
to data acquisition by remote aerial
acquisition of aerial imagery of the entire
heavily utilized by boaters.
photography, many techniques are being
RBSSA in February 2007. The digitized
The hard work begins following acquisition
From hands-on and face-in-the-water
employed to assess the effectiveness of the
imagery was used to create a habitat map,
of the imagery. Significant numbers of
seagrass protection regulation in Redfish
showing areas of bay bottom which have
ground truth samples must be taken in the
Bay State Scientific Area. Boater responses
seagrasses, bare bottom, oyster reef, fringing
bay to verify that what appears as a feature
to the regulation seem to be positive and
Spartina marsh, and mangrove marsh.
or scar on the photo-map is actually a scar
perhaps they have altered some of their
TPWD is using this benthic map to help
or something else. These data are used
practices to help preserve seagrasses. This
analyze our own imagery.
when scars on the photo-maps are counted
is what the regulation and scientific studies
individually (very time consuming even for
are all about: protecting the habitat.
Aerial imagery is expensive so the best conditions are sought each year for
a trained professional) or sophisticated
acquisition in order that the most accurate
software is employed. The latter requires
and quality data are photographed. The best
“training” the software to recognize
time to do this is on a calm sunny day during
characters that are scars and discount things
low tide following passage of a cold front,
that are not scars, as determined during
when the water is at its clearest. Low tide
ground-truthing. The benthic map developed
conditions and good water clarity enhance
by NOAA has been used in differentiating
the ability to see underwater features as
vegetated versus un-vegetated areas of
small as propeller scars. In March of 2007
the TPWD photos. This has helped speed
July 2008
Texas Saltwater Fishing
For more information, go to the TPWD website and follow the links. http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/ landandwater/habitat/seagrass.
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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
it seems liKe every time i’m on the highway i see
denominator; no PFD. I’m not
more and more kayaks strapped atop SUV’s
wearing of a PFD. I’ll be the
and sticking out of the beds of pickups. As
first to admit that I don’t always
someone who’s been involved in kayak fishing
wear one when I’m kayaking. For me, common
of the growing popularity of inflatable PFDs.
for many years it is amazing to see how our
sense dictates practice. When I’m fishing a
There are several models on the market in
sport has grown. I recall a few years back
shallow flat in good weather the PFD is stowed
both manual and auto-inflate styles. The
hearing that this was a passing fad. Many old
within easy reach. I reason that if it is a place
manuals require you to pull a rip cord while the
salts didn’t seem to think it would stick. Well
I would comfortably wade, it is reasonable
automatic varieties deploy upon submersion.
not only has it stuck, it has grown beyond
to think that I could handle an unplanned
Both use a CO2 cartridge. They are very
what most anyone thought it would. And with
dismount. In almost all other situations you’ll
comfortable and easy to wear on a hot day.
the price of gasoline these days I fully expect
find me wearing one. There are simply too
I’m just not so certain I want to trust my life
to see more anglers turning to kayaks as an
many things that can go wrong. Yes, I know
to one. There’s something about a blow-up
economical way to hit the water. In my opinion
that things can happen in shallow water too.
PFD around hooks and other sharp objects
that’s a good thing.
And if you are in poor physical condition or
that makes me uneasy. Should you choose
have a medical condition that would warrant
to use one you need to be aware that by law
new kayakers come to the sport without
extra caution I would certainly suggest
you must be wearing it for it to count. That’s
much boating experience. Their knowledge
wearing one at all times on the water.
right; a stowed inflatable does not count as
Yet at the same time I’m concerned. Many
of fishing may be up to par, but they’ve either
PFDs come in all shapes and sizes and a
I’d be remiss if I didn’t also make mention
having a PFD in the eyes of the warden.
relied on a buddy with a boat or they were
good fitting model built specifically for paddling
Also, try inflating it while you have it on. The
waders and bank fishermen. A good number
is your best bet. These are designed with
replacement cartridges are cheap and an
have never been the guy in charge of the trip.
larger arm openings to allow for unimpeded
emergency is no time to find that it rides up
They haven’t had to concern themselves with
movement during normal paddling activities.
over your head upon inflation. A friend recently
weather conditions, navigation, or preparing
Spend a day paddling in a poorly designed
deployed his by accident and discovered he
the safety gear. Nothing wrong with that but,
PFD and you’ll be reaching for the Gold
didn’t really like the way it felt.
from a safety and preparedness standpoint, I
Bond when you get home. Eventually an
think a few things need to be addressed.
While the PFD is probably the single most
uncomfortable PFD simply won’t get worn.
important piece of safety equipment, there are
Whereas with a comfortable and well-fitting
other items to consider. My personal list varies
You put the kayak in the water, sit down, and
PFD you’ll soon forget you even have it on.
depending on the kind of trip I’m preparing
start paddling. The simplicity seems to breed
My favorite model has no flotation on the
to make. Obviously a quick outing to a local
a certain amount of false bravado. There have
lower back and allows me to sit comfortably
marsh for an hour or two doesn’t merit the
been several recent incidents in the news
against the seat of my kayak. Your PFD should
same planning and forethought involved in an
illustrating this point. Young men in good
fit snug, but not bind when you simulate a
overnighter across the bay. Similarly, the list
physical shape have been lured into situations
paddling movement. To further test the fit,
will be different when I’m paddling past the
they weren’t prepared for and the results
place your thumbs under the shoulder straps
surf into the gulf.
land on the local news and internet message
and lift up. The vest should stay put. If it slides
board second guessing. Given the ever-
up, readjust the straps or try another model.
carry on every paddling venture. A first aid kit,
increasing popularity of the sport the number
When the time comes that you really need a
flashlight, visual and audible signaling devices,
of serious incidents is quite small, but even
PFD you don’t want one that slides up over
and some form of communication are simply
one is too many when it could have easily
your head inhibiting your movements in the
must-haves, even when I’m within sight of the
been prevented.
water. Try on several models and find one that
truck. Longer trips will have me packing all
feels good and fits properly before you plunk
sorts of extras, just in case. A GPS with spare
down your money.
batteries, a compass in case the GPS fails,
Kayaking is really a pretty simple activity.
It seems that every fatal incident, whether kayak or power boat, has one common 60
one to preach on the constant
July 2008
Texas Saltwater Fishing
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It happens. Should you decide to forego the VHF, at least program the numbers for the USCG search and rescue into your speed dial. The Galveston sector office covers the upper coast. Their emergency number is 713-671-5113. For the middle and lower coast the Corpus office is 361-939-6349. The 8th district SAR coordination center is based out of New Orleans and covers the entire
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to the Mexico border. It can be reached at 504-589-6225. Of course you could always try your luck with 911, but I’d prefer to be in immediate direct contact with the folks coordinating my rescue.
extra clothes in a dry bag, a butane torch for
carry three waterproof boat flares, a battery
starting a fire, and an extra knife are all good
operated flashing beacon, and a CD for
things to have in case things go south. I’m
reflective signaling. Flares aren’t required
elect to bring with you for your peace of mind
sure you can come up with a laundry list of
by law in a kayak, but if something goes
won’t do you any good if you can’t find it or it
convenience items, but the above are pretty
wrong and you need to be found there is
gets soaked. In the event of an emergency
much the essentials to get me through most
nothing better than an aerial flare. An audible
you need to instinctively know exactly where
any situation I might encounter.
signaling device is required by law. I’ve found
each item is located. Make it a habit to always
All of these items and whatever else you
small air horns unreliable. I used to carry one,
pack your kayak in the same manner for each
available at most pharmacy and department
thinking that it was a good idea. After a few
trip. Pack any items you need to keep dry in a
stores, but you might want to add a few items
months in the kayak I decided to test it out
waterproof container even if it is stored inside
or go to a sporting goods store to pick up one
and was surprised to find it no longer worked.
your hull. Every important piece of equipment
designed specifically for outdoor adventures.
I now carry a couple of those extra loud
on my kayak is tethered in some way whether
Given my personal history of mishaps I opt
whistles available at marine supply stores and
it is inside the hull or riding in the tankwell.
to put a few extras in my kit. With somewhat
paddling shops. One is attached to my PFD
I don’t want to open my hatch and find that
limited storage you obviously can’t prepare for
and the other is stored in my first aid kit.
my first aid kit has slid to the inaccessible
Adequate ready-made first aid kits are
reaches inside the hull. I learned that one the
every eventuality, but you can cover most of
For communication during an emergency
the bases if you think it through. Waterproof
you really can’t beat a VHF radio. The USCG
hard way years ago when I found the toilet
bandages and tape are a solid choice to
and all commercial vessels monitor channel
paper was lodged under my seat at a very
replace the wimpy band-aids found in most
16 for distress calls. I know we all carry cell
inopportune time.
packs. Other additions to consider would
phones these days, but anyone who has
The bottom line is every individual needs
include tweezers, scissors, and a bottle of
been fishing with a cell phone knows that
to carefully consider their physical condition,
that new liquid bandage stuff. I also carry a
even a brief dunking can render it useless.
the environmental conditions they might
large bottle of peroxide to thoroughly flush
Given that most emergencies on the water
encounter, and any situation that may occur
any open wounds. Something else to consider
will likely involve some level of getting wet,
during the trip and plan accordingly. You may
is a good pair of side-cutter pliers capable of
I don’t really want to trust my safety to
also want to check out the Red Cross and
cutting hooks. Nothing is worse than gnawing
such a fickle piece of equipment. Handheld
American Canoe Association websites for
on a hook buried in flesh with some rusty
waterproof VHF radios aren’t really all that
courses in basic paddling and first aid. Be
old needle nose pliers. Knock on wood, I’ve
expensive compared to the money we spend
safe out there and remember that no fish is
never been stuck beyond the barb but I’ve
on our rods, reels, and other gear. There’s
worth your personal safety.
been present when it has happened to others
a good tip I recently picked up regarding
and they’ve been very thankful when the
cell phones that I’d like to pass along. With
side-cutters cleanly clipped the dangling lure.
more and more people choosing the higher
Spend a little time researching hook removal
priced Blackberries and iPhones, it only
techniques and get comfortable with the idea
makes sense. Either keep your old phone
that you might one day have to perform the
or go buy one of those cheaper pre-paid
task on yourself or a buddy.
phones from your service provider. Switch
The flashlights I carry are waterproof and
out your SIM card to the cheap phone and
they float. Both characteristics are critical in
carry it while fishing. It won’t hurt nearly as
a watery environment. For visual signaling I
bad when (not if) you submerse your phone.
July 2008
Texas Saltwater Fishing
contact
K aya K
f i sh i ng
gulf coast region from the Florida panhandle
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t o
s c o t t
c a p t. scot t som m e r l at t e
a c c o r d i n g
it is hard to believe that i have been fishing the coastal water of Texas
pleasure of meeting Eric Glass who, to this
anglers and would put up against anyone.
day, I consider one of the best guides in not
Now that a few years have passed, I have
only Texas, but in the country. The thing that
for well over three decades now. I can still
come to a few realizations. One is that I did
amazed me about Glass is that he spent the
remember my first trips to salt with my father
not know nearly as much then as I thought
majority of his time on the poling platform
and I can still remember the first lure I ever
I did and some of those ‘Old Salts’ were not
of his boat rather than wading and when he
chunked into Christmas Bay on an old red
as skilled as I used to believe. Do not get
did wade, he was standing right beside his
Ambassador 5500. Where I am going with
me wrong, they were good anglers but, their
customer pointing out fish and not with a rod
this is that — I have seen a lot of change in
success came more from fishing fertile and
in his hand casting to them. This was not
thirty-five plus years of fishing our coastal
unpressured waters than from their skill
the first time I had seen this, in fact Chuck
waters. One of the biggest changes is the
and knowledge.
Scates had been poling sports around the
introduction of the technical poling skiff and
Now days, I realize, that had I swallowed
Lower Laguna Madre for years and Chuck
my ‘Texas Pride’ way back then, I might be
Naiser was well known for walking beside
twice the angler and guide that I am now.
his customers for miles while pointing out
getting very, very upset when I heard a very
Fortunately, I did not wait until now to figure
tails, wakes and cruising fish at incredible
well known and respected Florida guide and
things out.
distances and helping them get set up for the
rise of the ‘skiff guide’. I still remember, about fifteen years ago,
angler tell me, “You Texans may know how
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Salts’ that I held in the highest of regards as
Back twelve or thirteen years ago, I was
perfect shot.
to run a boat in skinny water, but you do
working and living down in South Padre for
not have the first clue how to fish it.” This of
the Coast Guard and upon completion of
the exception of when I had fished in Florida,
course hacked me off because at the time, I
that particular assignment, I was going to
all the guides that I had ever fished with
considered myself a pretty skilled angler for
take my part-time guide business and make
were either at the front of the boat or wading
my age and, I knew quite a few ‘Old Texas
it a full-time gig. Well that summer I had the
somewhere nearby at best, chunking lures
July 2008
Texas Saltwater Fishing
All of this truly amazed me because, with
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accor di ng to scot t
for me, i can honestly say that fishing from a skiff has become a way of life. and helping everyone fill their stringers. In fact, as a part-timer all those years ago, that was exactly how I did it. Wow — have things changed. After experiencing the way Glass, Scates and Naiser were doing things I made a choice right then and there that there was no other way to do it. Well, long story short, about two years after I started guiding full-time a new type of boat showed up in Texas — the technical poling skiff. Do not get me wrong, the poling skiff had been around for years in Florida and a few had made their way to Texas. Case in point, both Glass and Scates ran Hewes Redfishers for several years before the introduction of the technical poling skiff. The difference between what was once considered a flats skiff and what is now called a technical poling skiff is that the newer version is built lighter by utilizing special construction processes and by using materials such as carbon and Kevlar. These boats are also built with less deadrise in the hull creating a flatter bottom than the traditional flats boats. The combination of the lighter hull and flatter bottom created a skiff more suited for fishing the extreme shallows of the Texas Coast. Once we discovered these skiffs here in Texas, just about all of us ‘fly- fishing’ guides gradually made the switch over and we are slowly become known, as they are in South Florida as — ‘skiff guides’. This is not so much a title as it is a state-of-mind, or way-of-life. You see ‘skiff guides’, at least the ones that I know and respect, all hold themselves to a higher standard. By this I mean that you will not find them burning up the flats or trying to sink the boat with dead fish. Most believe that the flats and lakes are made for fishing, not running a boat through or over and religiously practice catch and release fishing. All and all I would say that there are very few truly reputable skiff guides on the Texas Coast. I have of course already named Glass, Scates and Naiser but there are few more such as Ethan Wells, Billy Trimble, Tom horbey and myself. But, what truly amazes me is that what I once thought would never catch on, is even spilling over into the general fishing populace. By this I mean, more and more anglers are choosing to pole the flats rather than run them and the fishing public, which mostly consists of wade-fishermen, is getting fed up with anglers tearing up the shallows in tunnelhulled skiffs and many are becoming more conservation minded. For me, I can honestly say that fishing from a skiff has become a way of life. In fact, I cringe at the thought of getting in the water to wade-fish. I’m not saying that it is not a great way to fish but, it just is not for me. In fact, I do not even like getting out to take do. Anyway… Flip Pallot once looked across the dinner table to me and Chuck Scates and asked the simple question, “Why would anyone get out of a perfectly good boat?” Well all of these years later I finally have a good answer. “Flip, the only reason I can think of is
contact
a picture although I sometimes
— to put it on the trailer.”
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when simrod outdoors announced the new format for the 2008 Texas Trout Series sponsored by Cabela’s and powered by Blue Wave/Suzuki, the idea was to attract the best trout anglers in the state with a smaller field and bigger payouts. The plan worked as the “best of the best” turned out to fish. Big names in trophy trout fishing like Watkins, Webb, Rowsey, Basci, and Taggert, to name a few, strapped on their waders in search of the monster trout that South Texas is famous for. When the smoke settled after three events, the team of Aaron Loomis and Glenn hornsby put the icing on the cake by winning the final tournament and team of the year with a kicker trout weighing over nine pounds. We caught up with Aaron and Glenn a few days after the tournament and asked them what they considered the keys to their success. Texas Saltwater Series: (To Aaron) How long have you and Glenn been fishing together? Aaron Loomis: A little over four years. TSS: How many days do you pre-fish for a big tournament? Al: We usually spend three days. TSS: If you had to name one lure that held the key to your success in the trout tournaments, what would it be? Al: Corky. TSS: When you are fishing for trophy trout, do you wade or fish from the boat? Al: We waded the whole time. TSS: What are you looking for when you decide to fish a spot? Al: Knee-deep water with grass and lots of baitfish. TSS: (to Glenn): You and Aaron also fish the Texas Redfish Series, and you are doing well in it, too. The two of you are sitting in 16th place in the Team of the Year race against 147 other teams. What are some of the things you do to transition from trout fishing to red fishing? GH: We fish from the boat more because we are learning to sight-fish. In Matagorda, we were sight-casting in a foot of water. Down south, we actually fish deeper for the redfish than we do trout. The bigger redfish seem to hold next to deeper water. Our choice in lures changes from Corkys to soft plastics and topwaters. Other than that, our style is pretty much the same. TSS: What are the similarities in the styles of fishing? GH: Although we fish out of the boat for redfish, we also like to get out and wadefish. We fish shallow water for trophy trout and redfish and we look for the same type of water, structure and bait movement. We never find fish until we find bait. Glenn Hornsby is the owner of G&H Steel out of Austin, and Aaron Loomis is a full-time fishing guide out of Corpus Christi. To book a trip with Aaron, visit http://www.aaronsguideservice.com.
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Texas Saltwater Fishing
July 2008
67
a a ron c i s n e ros
A bright light on a summer night attracts lots of bait and plenty of trout as well.
(Below) Having the right equipment makes it much easier when gigging for flounder.
right before school was let out for the summer i got invited on a flounder
up here in the Lower Laguna Madre. You
gigging trip. It sounded like lots of fun and it
been an exception; some good numbers of
got me into thinking that gigging for flounder
flounder are being caught and gigged along
would be something that I would truly enjoy. It
the Arroyo Colorado and sand flats out in
so happened that our good friend Capt. Eddie
the bay. Those who are fishing for flounder
Arenas was planning a trip to his cabin on the
specifically are doing very well.
ICW; and this was a perfect opportunity for
would hear of a few good catches, but they were far and in between. This year has
As soon as we arrived at the cabin,
us three to get out in the dark and chase door
everyone got busy preparing dinner, setting
mat flounders.
up lights to attract night prowling trout, and
Last year the flounder never really showed First flounder of the night — Capt. Eddie assisting.
getting the gigging equipment ready for my first-ever gigging excursion. During our dinner
wouldn’t cloudy up the water. The waterproof
conversation my dad mentioned that it’s been
light allowed us a good view of the sandy
over twenty–five years since he last went
bottom. We saw crabs, small pin fish, lots of
gigging, and for Eddie it had been a span of
stingrays, and about a dozen flounders.
more than five years. As for me, I had never
68
July 2008
The moment had finally arrived; I spotted
been gigging and the moment could not come
my first flounder and wasted no time in
soon enough.
applying my newly learned skills. I was able to
We anchored on a spoil island near the
gig my first flounder. The rush of excitement
ICW, one with a hard sandy bottom. As we
was everything and more of what my friend
waded in eight to ten inches of water, Eddie
had shared. Now I know what he was talking
coached me on what to look for and how to
about when he mentioned how much fun
stick a flounder. The shoreline was full of
spotting and gigging flounder really is. After
small bait which was a good indication that
stringing my first flounder, I was ready to find
our bottom dwelling quarry might also be
some more. And that I did, even my dad got
there. We walked into the current so that we
to gig one.
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Author displays the right technique in handling a flounder.
flounders and dragged them around as
precious catch. I look forward in the near
we searched for more. Along the way
future to doing it again. With good numbers
we even bragged about how much
showing up this year you actually have a
good eating they would be. In our
good chance of spotting some of these
thoughts we must have prepared them
camouflage doormats.
a hundred ways. As I gigged our fifth
If you’re like me, someone that gets excited
flounder, I reached for the stringer,
when a new outdoor experience presents
and it felt too light than before. I
itself, then gigging for flounder would be
brought the end of it; the flounder and
something you would truly enjoy. Starting with
float were gone. The end knot came
the right equipment is a must. A good under
undone, and the flounder slipped
water light powered by a battery, a good set
away. We felt terrible especially
of eyes, a sharp gig, and a stringer that will
after all our hard efforts. Searching
not come undone is always important. You
frantically as we retraced our steps, no sign
might even want to consider a pair of stingray
how shallow these flounders could be found.
of our harvest or the stringer float could be
protectors. The best part about flounder is
I imagined them being harder to spot, but
found. The happy ending was that we were
that they are delicious any which way you
actually it was very easy to distinguish their
able to keep one flounder for the grill. Oh well,
prepare them. The summer months are
color patterns against the light colored sand.
an educational but costly experience.
perfect opportunities to get out there and
The thing that surprised me the most was
The stingrays were harder to spot as they
I also got a chance to fish under the lights
chase these camouflage creatures. So what
buried themselves on the bottom, and there
on this trip and that is always fun catching
are you waiting for, get out there and go get
were plenty of these feared creatures around.
trout after trout until your arm becomes
some. You will have a blast!
The whole trip was a blast, but there was a sad twist to it. We strung four good size
exhausted. I can say I learned a lot about gigging flounder including how to lose your
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69
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Texas Saltwater Fishing
July 2008
71
Two nice trout that could not resist Texas Roach Assassins.
that threaten to spool your favorite baitcaster are the norm over the next two months. It is not unusual to be done by mid-morning! The Redfish Cup Tournament anglers introduced two new techniques for catching big reds off the deep granite that could salvage a tough day. They relied on deep diving crankbaits and Carolina rigged plastics to probe the deeper rocks and hammered the redfish in less than perfect conditions. Remember to be especially careful with the fish that you catch and release as both heat and handling them reduces their chances of survival!
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Texas Saltwater Fishing
July 2008
73
Two nice trout that could not resist Texas Roach Assassins.
that threaten to spool your favorite baitcaster are the norm over the next two months. It is not unusual to be done by mid-morning! The Redfish Cup Tournament anglers introduced two new techniques for catching big reds off the deep granite that could salvage a tough day. They relied on deep diving crankbaits and Carolina rigged plastics to probe the deeper rocks and hammered the redfish in less than perfect conditions. Remember to be especially careful with the fish that you catch and release as both heat and handling them reduces their chances of survival!
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Texas Saltwater Fishing
July 2008
73
IT’S THAT TIME AGAIN. THE WIND
stacking on every towhead and reef. There have been nice catches made when the wind allowed with good numbers of fish to six and seven
has laid down and the fishing
pounds with an occasional eight pounder showing. There have been a
is busting loose. Shorelines
couple of nine pounders caught in this area but unfortunately that was
being pummeled relentlessly by
before the CCA S.T.A.R. opened on Memorial weekend. As far as big
high wind and high atmospheric
fish go right now, reports indicate that Rollover Pass and San Luis Pass
pressure were the main culprits,
are the best bets and the few days that have brought decent conditions
concentrated fishing effort on
have also brought good surf fishing. Rollover has produced four trout
the few protected areas had the
weighing over ten pounds that I know of so far this year. San Luis has
schools chopped up, thankfully
had a couple of tens too. Normally it is hard to fish the surf but when
that all seems to be behind
the surf lays down and stays green it has given up some really great
us, at least for now. We knew
stringers of fish. In the early morning they are caught on top waters and
every time we made a rough
then later on in the day we are using spoons and soft plastics.
bay crossing that the reefs were probably covered with fish. The wind laid down now for about three or four days and kabaam! It is pretty
SUMMARY If the wind stays down and we can get this summer pattern going it’s going to be a great year. We have more trout in the Galveston Bays
much anyone’s game. The majority of the fish are deep over shell and reefs in anywhere
than I have seen in many years. On a recent swing through East Bay
from four to eight feet of water. The shell is definitely the key. There have
on a calm day there were more flocks of gulls working than I can ever
been a few schools of reds in open waters like that right now too. This
remember. Shrimp were being chased to the surface and trout were
pattern usually starts clicking during late June through July; August is
right there with them, free-jumping and chasing the bait.
when we really start getting on open water reds. Right now trout are the
Gas prices are at all-time high but we’re still seeing lots of boats on the water. Lots of fishermen are still going out and doing their thing;
bonus in the Galveston Bay Complex.
Memorial weekend was busy along this part of the coast. The boats
TRINITY
were so thick you could stir them with a stick and the business owners
My home bay is trying to get back to normal. The water is still a little
were certainly glad to see it. Hopefully with the weather becoming more
fresh but it is improving every day. When the winds stay down the water stays pretty green; until we are back to normal salinity we will continue
summer-like the bite will continue to improve. In rating the prospects for July fishing in the Galveston Bay Complex,
to see it go off-color even in moderately windy conditions. Fishing for
(minus Trinity,) I would give it an A+ given the shape our fishery is in at
both trout and reds has been improving. There are more reds here
this time. Right now I would have to give Trinity Bay a D. It is pretty poor
naturally with the fresh water. The bonus coming up next is going to
fishing there right now. It could be good at times but it has to be pretty
be working the reefs and spoil banks along the Ship Channel and also
calm for that to happen.
working the mid-bay reefs but it’s looking like that will be a few more weeks in coming.
That is about it for this report; have a great one and talk to ya next month.
EAST BAY East Bay is getting the nod right now. Every time Trinity gets inundated with freshwater it moves the fish down toward East Bay and that’s what we’re seeing at this time. Beginning at Smith Point and continuing to Hannah’s Reef and Bull Shoal, fish are
74
July 2008
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Texas Saltwater Fishing
July 2008
75
WELL IT’S ABOUT TIME! EVERYONE
any good soldier
has been expecting a balance
routine training
with our weather and fishing
missions and start
patterns and fortunately I believe
catching trout again.
continue with our
the time is just about here. I say
Jonathan Miller caught this 22” trout with a Roach Bass Assassins.
Currently our
that and just this morning my
fish are on shell for
people met me at the dock about
the most part and
5:30 AM and our anticipated drift
tossing plastics,
fishing trip blew away with the
MirrOlures, and
30+ mph winds we observed. Our
topwaters are your
mutual decision sent both parties
best bet. Mid-
back home to wait for another
mornings have
day. With those strong winds and
found me packing
small craft warnings it was a no-
up to take a cruise
brainer even though my clients
over the center of
had traveled from Nebraska and
East Matagorda Bay
Fort Worth. Normally, I would
looking for slicks
have cancelled the night before
which, by the way,
after determining the predicted
had a nice pay-off for a couple of those days. We managed to pull in
weather report but sometimes
some nice solid trout up to 25” on those slicks while pitching our Bass
they just don’t get it right. After
Assassins. Even guides using live shrimp under popping corks caught
living on the coast for the past
limits with some trout caught and released up to 28”. Our little fishery is
15 or so years and spending
starting to pattern and we’re looking for July to improve even more. The
a tremendous amount of time
following are guidelines to use for fishing East Matagorda Bay in the
previous to that fishing these
month of July:
waters you’d think I would be a
Wade fish reefs 30 minutes to 1 hour before daylight.
better weather predictor but alas,
Recommended baits are Roach and 10W40 Bass Assassins along
even though I do my best, I’m no
with MirrOlure She Dogs.
match for the powers that be.
Mid-morning, drift fish while looking for slicks out in the middle of
One of the reasons that wind
the bay. Recommended baits are again Roach and 10W40 Bass
is a deterrent here in Matagorda
Assassins but with heavier 1/4oz lead heads. Popping corks are
is because of our mud bottoms
also effective in the middle of the bay.
which dirty up East and parts
Mitchell’s Cut in Sargent can be a hotspot by wading the cut on
of West Matagorda Bay when
the west side and also the surf on an outgoing tide. Recommended
combined with strong winds.
baits are topwaters, MirrOlures,and spoons.
Other areas south of Port
WEST BAY
O’Connor with grass and sand bottoms can remain clear on windy days unlike that which we see in our area. My practice is to explain the conditions to my clients letting them know what I think our chances for catching fish might be and let them make the final decision. If they still want to go we gear up, load up, and head out to give it our best shot.
Fishing has been good over in West Matagorda Bay from the Cullen Houses to the Point of Greens. Personally speaking, we had limits of trout 15-20” for several days with Chicken-on-a-chain and Roach Bass Assassins. Bink Grimes, Mark Talasek, Tommy Countz, and Lee Warmke all had full limits as well fishing West Matagorda Bay. Most all of these fish came from grass beds and sand bars with plenty of shad
EAST BAY
and mullet in the area.
With some recent good days starting out wading reefs 30 minutes
76
Joel Dooley- 26” redfish caught wading East Matagorda Bay
In July, I’m sure things will remain basically the same with perhaps a
before sunrise and chunking Roach and 10W40 Bass Assassins on
minor hike in temperatures. Normally in late June through July the wells
1/8oz heads my clients and I experienced excellent fishing conditions
out in West Bay will produce some good fishing with Bass Assassins,
and results. After honing in on a pattern from morning to morning we
MirrOLures, and live shrimp as top bait choices. Half-moon reef, Shell
would get the routine down only to be blown off the water for the next
Island, and the Government reefs close to Mad Island Cut in the middle
couple of days. We would be back on the same reefs later and like
of West Bay will have some solid trout as well. The reefs around Mad
July 2008
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www.tsfmag.com Brant (son) and Charles (dad) Shields caught this pair of trout drifting East Matagorda Bay. Charles Shields had never caught a speckled trout (25” trout).
Island Cut on the bay side are another good place for fishermen tossing live bait. To sum up a few tidbits for fishing over in West Matagorda Bay you might try some of the following ideas: zz Wade grass beds and sand bars on an incoming tide. Bait choices should include 10W40, Chicken-on-a-chain, and Roach Bass Assassins on 1/8 oz lead heads. Focus on areas with bait activity such as mullet and menhaden. zz Fish the Wells in West Matagorda Bay and Half-moon Reef. Bait choices might include 10W40 Bass Assassins and live shrimp. zz Look for redfish over in Oyster Lake or Crab Lake. zz Don’t forget the surf. If luck comes to town and the wind stops, the surf should get green to the beach. Woohoo, that’s where I will be with a She Dog on my line, for sure! Until next time…God bless…
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Texas Saltwater Fishing
July 2008
77
I DON’T HAVE TO TELL YOU THAT
resume your fishing later in the afternoon. Another advantage to fishing the late afternoon is that there will be fewer boats on the water. The areas of water Gary and I will be targeting in July will be the
summer is here because we all feel the heat. You know it is
reefs in San Antonio Bay and the outside surf in Port O’Connor when the
hot when you step out at 5:00
wind allows. If redfish are what anglers want to catch then fishing sandy
AM and the sweat starts to drip.
shorelines in Espiritu Santo Bay should produce good results.
Fishing during the heat of summer can be somewhat daunting for all of us anglers but can be productive if we change our game plan just a bit. It is no secret that getting a very early start can improve your odds of hooking up but you may want to consider going out later in the afternoon as well. Our summer days stay bright until about 8:30 p.m. each day, so starting your trip at 5:00 p.m. still allows you four hours of good angling time. For the hardcore angler who just can’t get their fix with a four hour trip you may consider fishing early then getting off the water by 11:00 a.m., grab a bite to eat, take a nap, then
It was a pleasure to fish with future Pro Angler, Beau Benson, who is 10 years old. This young man has more knowledge and “know how” than most anglers three times his age.
Bait selection will depend on where I am fishing and how deep. Typically, in July I will be wading deeper water from waist to chest deep. On these occasions I will almost always be throwing soft plastics. My top three colors will be Bass Assassins salt and pepper silver phantom, pumpkinseed or roach all with a chartreuse tail. I rig these lures on a 1/16 oz Bass Assassin jighead attached to an 8 to 10 inch 20 lb leader. The leader is very important when fishing in the surf or on the reefs. The fish in the surf are very aggressive when they feed and it is not uncommon to hook up with a toothy mackerel so a strong leader is a must. Also when fishing over oyster shell like the reefs in San Antonio Bay you have to expect to get a few nicks in your line from the shell’s Robert Mauro with his 24 inch trout, the smile says it all!
78
July 2008
sharp edges.
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Beau knows how to talk smack and can back it up. Here he is landing a nice redfish using a Super Spook Jr.
While I am discussing lure selection you will remember back in March I wrote about a couple of lures that have earned a place in my tackle box. Mann’s Tidewater Mid 1-Minus and a Texas rig paired up with a Berkley Gulp 5” Jerk Shad in the sardine color are at the top of my list for shallow water fishing. I also mentioned I would be trying out Mann’s new Tidewater Waker and getting back with my opinions of this new lure. Well, I tried it out and I can honestly say I am addicted to this new lure. The action is very similar to the Mid 1-Minus but this lure dives only 3 inches deep when reeled fast. The “wobble” action of this lure is irresistible to almost every redfish I offered it to. While I have not tried all the colors, I am most fond of the gold/black, croaker and the clown. What also makes this bait attractive is that it is a great lure for beginner anglers. If someone can cast; they can fish this lure with ease. Simply reeling this lure back to you is all the effort that is needed to make it perform. The number of hook ups it produces will keep everyone going cast after cast. Does it work on trout as well? I have to admit I did catch some trout while using this lure in deeper water but I had more hook ups using soft plastic so I would be more apt to say this lure produces best results in skinny water. My only concern with the Waker is that on long casts the front hook will sometimes hang on the front lip or the hooks will entangled with each other. I modified the lure by replacing the front hook and with a smaller one and haven’t had this problem since. While you are out there fishing this summer don’t forget to apply lots of sunscreen and remember to drink plenty of water. Terrible sunburn or possible heat stroke can be avoided if you take the right precautions.
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Texas Saltwater Fishing
July 2008
79
CLIFF WEBB
THE WEATHER AND FISHING HAVE
pounds and had ten spots. Later in the day we moved out deeper and
definitely improved in the upper
action kept up and produced several more good fish. The best was
and lower Laguna Madre. We
a thirty-inch trout that was skinny and weighed a bit less than seven
finally got a break from those
pounds. She was probably an old fish of nine years or so and the stress
relentless winds of the past
of spawning had taken it out of her; more so than a younger fish of that
three months. This has allowed
length as I saw the next day. All the fish were released.
with the help of the sun I could make out the shadows of the rocks. The
The following day, Cody Schuchert of D&C Fence Co. came over
me free roam of the whole bay system. I’m happy to report that
and he brought two of his relatives, Cliff and Doug Buendel. The four
we have clear water in most
of us continued with the same pattern on the rocks. The topwater bite
of Baffin Bay. It’s clear and
was a blast early on the shallow rocks with trout and reds blowing the
beautiful from the back of Alazan Bay to Penascal Point and south to the Land
Left to right, Cliff Buende l, Doug Buen Schuchert, w del, Cody ith Doug’s 30 -3/4 inch trou t.
Cut, including Yarborough Pass. The whole east side at Bird Island has been clear, too. I haven’t seen water like this in a while and it has definitely improved the lure fishing. This time of year, my favorite fishing comes from the deep rocks of Baffin Bay. We can actually make out the rocks and are able to work the lure around them without getting hung up all the time. The past few days we’ve caught two, thirty inch trout out of the rocks. One was with Dr. Wayne Laster. We started early in the morning on the shallow rocks throwing topwaters. The bone and silver Top Dog has been hot all month. We caught several trout in the four to six pound range. There were also several big reds mixed in. One red weighed ten
Dr. Wayne Laster with a 30” trout – released.
lures out of the water. I never get tired of seeing this. Later, we moved with the trolling motor to the deeper rocks. We switched lures to the plum and chartreuse five-inch Bass Assassin. The two biggest fish of the day came off the deeper rocks. Doug hooked a big trout that came to the top and made several headshakes and ran under the boat, nearly tangling the drift anchor. This is typical of big trout. Doug put his rod down in the water and went around the front of the boat to clear the trolling motor and was able to unwrap from the sea anchor and landed her. She was 30 3/4, inches long and weighed nine pounds, his
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Cody Schuchert with 33” redfish.
personal best. Cody quickly backed it up with a 33-inch red that weighed 14 pounds. Now the pressure was on Cliff and he did it, catching a nice 27-inch trout. On big fish days you hope everyone in the boat has a chance to catch one. On this day everyone went home happy. In working the heavy structure of the rocks, the key is to get the big fish out as quick as you can. They will turn back into the rocks and break you off if they get the chance. I’m using the Waterloo HP Slam Mag, 6’6” with the 20 lb. Power Pro braid and 20-lb mono leader. With this great equipment, we’re able to pull out a lot more big fish from the rocks. I talked to Art Morris, a biologist with Texas Parks and Wildlife. He filled me in on several interesting occurrences in our bay system. The net samples are as good as last year, with a lot of trout and redfish. He said we are benefiting from the rains of a year ago. Especially, with a better number of flounder than we had last year. There are excellent numbers of shrimp and crabs, too. The net samples are showing more bonnethead sharks and small tarpon, species we didn’t see before Packery Channel was opened. There are some changes going on with the seagrasses of the Laguna Madre. Before 1980, we only had a few types of seagrass, with an abundance of shoal grass. Now, the manatee grass is showing up. It is being brought in with our currents coming from the south. These grass seeds are getting swept up north as far north as the JFK Causeway. The manatee grass looks different, it’s long and grows up to the surface. It looks like a fish slick on the top of the water. It’s hard and matted. You can hardly reel a lure through it. It doesn’t hurt our bay system, it’s just different. In fact, the bay bottoms with the heavy grass are much more productive. We need to do all we can to protect our seagrasses. We can use the trolling motor or pole out to deeper water before taking off with the big motor as not to rip out grasses in the shallow water. The summer months are promising. I’m going to be working the deep rocks of Baffin Bay as long as the pattern lasts. When the trout bite turns off from the summer heat, I’ll probably be fishing the Intracoastal and the Land Cut, working the deep channel edges. There should be trout and flounder down deep when the heat is on. Also, sightcasting redfish will be an option with the light winds of July and August.
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81
Capt. Tricia’s Skinny Water Adventures operates out of Port Mansfield, specializing in wadefishing with artificial lures.
LATE MAY AND EARLY JUNE WERE
much of the flats can still hold good water and some great fish. A
pretty much on track here in Port
consistent pattern during small craft advisory days such as this is
Mansfield. As predicted last issue,
simply to find flipping baitfish along color changes and get in there with
One aspect about the Laguna Madre is that even in extreme blows,
it was a good “get
them with a dark plastic
bit” period despite
tail on a 1/8 ounce jighead.
several of those
When you decide to go
grinder days we all
fishing and the weather
experience. Winds
doesn’t cooperate, it is what
were often more
it is, so just do it.
than wished for but
No new news as far as
overall catching
lure selections go, but as
rated high as the fish
we go into deep summer
usually don’t mind getting tossed around near as much
we will see the timeless
as fishermen. At this writing, the wind is sustained over
1/4 ounce weedless spoon come into play more often. Long wades on the flats with a spoon will usually get you your reds. We will often start early in the sand or right along the first grass line, then fall off with the fish towards deeper water as the sun pushes them down to shadier depths. A variety of lures can work from topwaters to tails, but usually a subtle presentation is best in Get in there with them with a dark plastic tail on a 1/8 ounce jighead.
calm, clear water. There will also be opportunity for some great trout on summer’s shallow
sand, such as this chunky twenty-six incher shown being released by Charles Sandford. Our skinny water cools rapidly overnight in this desert-like environment, and stepping out of the boat at first light can feel cool even during July and August. The fish like it too, so find bait in
Baron Ungebahen with a 33 inch red. If the bait is up and active try topwaters.
the sand early and you’ve also most likely found fish. We have grown sick of the wind lately, but we will soon beg for even
82
thirty and gusting over forty, but we still managed to have a good trip.
the slightest breeze as the summer doldrums set in. Calm water is
Pictured is Baron Unbehagen with a thirty-three inch red caught today
great for seeing big herds of reds pushing wakes, and we are excited
on a Super Spook Jr. in less than knee deep water in a semi-protected
about that, but that same slick surface can also make fishing quite
area just as the wind started to honk. No matter what the conditions,
difficult. A stealthy approach is critical. When you run across a big
a go-for-it attitude, a good eye, plus a wet lure is what puts fish on
school of redfish it is far better to keep going and circle wide behind
your line.
them rather than to simply crash them as is so commonly done. That’s
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A go-for-it attitude, a good eye, plus a wet lure are what put fish on your line.
called “torpedoing” and it messes it all up for everybody. Overly excited summer boaters can keep these fish nervous and moving which can make them almost uncatchable. Please consider others and either drift, troll, or wade into these schools. Please give waders a wide berth on the flats. No matter how high fuel gets, burning a little more to go wide around them is worth giving others the best shot at that special experience they came for. Often traffic doesn’t hurt
fishing as much as we’d think, but in clear shallow water, even a nearby passing boat can put already skittish fish down or move then in a hurry. In July, while many of our reds will be found shallow, except for early mornings, most of our better trout will be on deeper structure. Submerged points on the west shoreline and deeper breaks, bars, and spoil banks throughout the system will usually hold fish. If the bait is up and active try topwaters. If not, drop down with a 1/4 ounce tail and probe until you find the right depth and speed. Never believe
Dr. Manny Sanchez pulls an oversized red from a windy, knee deep mud hole. Expect more big reds in July.
heavy trout cannot be caught during summer. Boat traffic down here has been lighter than normal. Fuel costs and the new five trout limit probably play major roles. We are already seeing more mid-range trout between eighteen and twenty-four inches. If you are after a quality experience rather than one of quantity, this is good news. Another interesting positive is that despite dismal Texas Parks & Wildlife gill net results, we are all strangely catching more flounder than in recent years. The bay is healthy, clean and clear. We will soon see large schools of cruising and tailing reds using the flats early and murky depressions later in the day. Trout will be mostly smaller than we saw in winter and spring. Still, those big ones we all covet are here too. Despite the heat, summer fishing can be hot as ever. We are excited about the summer of 2008.
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83
THE MONTH OF JUNE CERTAINLY
J.P. Joseph caught this specimen wading deep sand pockets, midday.
did its part by bringing the usual hot and muggy temperatures. As hot as the temperatures have been, our fishing has been equally red hot. As I reported last month on the healthy numbers of redfish in our bay system right now, our redfish catches have certainly reflected that they are in great shape and should remain in great shape in the years to come. As the new five trout limit is well into its first year of implementation, I see nothing but continued success for the trout population in the Lower Laguna Madre. I see a few minor changes in finding fish during the month of July. For the most part June’s patterns will continue to hold true also for the month of July; except July promises to be even hotter.
Down here in the Lower Laguna our water temperature tends to stay in the mid to high eighties throughout the summer. One way to find
As the air temperatures climb well into the high nineties and push
cooler water during this scorching period is to fish near a pass where
toward the one hundred degree mark, finding the right depth of water
cooler gulf water flows into the bay system. Fishing near or around the
will be a key ingredient in finding fish. As I write, water temperature is
South Padre Island Causeway or Brazos Santiago Pass can have its
in the mid-eighties. What does that mean? During the month of July I
benefits. Daily, cooler gulf water floods the nearby flats before the sun
recommend an earlier start and targeting the shallows before the sun
has time to heat it up. Early morning would certainly be a good time to
hits these areas. Shallow water cools rapidly when the sun goes down
focus on areas near these tidal zones as everything is sure to be active
and baitfish as well as their predators will flood into shallow grassbeds,
and hungry.
sand flats, and shorelines to get a late night snack or perhaps an early
Another way to avoid the heat is to fish late into the evening. In the
morning breakfast, so wading or drifting some of these shallow areas is
summertime, late evenings often means super low tides. If fishing in
where you would want to be early in the day.
the evening is your choice, be sure to checkout guts, deeper holes, drop offs, or main channels that feed into
Bag of chips or not these fishermen got a tow back to the ramp.
flats. Find areas where the tidal flow has its Andrew Raffety hooked this redfish wading deep in the middle part of the day.
maximum potential. Remember, if you have found a late evening pattern where the fish are exiting a flat as the tide drops, these fish will more than likely return to the very same flat early the next morning when the tide floods back in. The fish will generally remain in this pattern and continue their daily movements unless something like too much fishing pressure or lots of boat traffic chases them away. As the sun climbs high and penetrates deep into the water column it is natural for trout to head to deeper water. In the middle of the day I like to fish areas with depths of five feet or more. Good bait choices in this
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Six year old Trey was so excited about his catch that he forgot to open his eyes for the camera.
situation will be Brown Lures Sea Devils in darker colors like plumtreuse or morning glory rigged with 1/8 oz jig heads. Gold spoons are always good summertime baits for redfish no matter what depth you find them. Our best outings of late have required good planning and good timing. Sometimes we know the fish are present but seem to have lockjaw and this is where planning and timing comes into play. Pay careful attention to tidal movement, fishing pressure, water conditions, and wind. Time your efforts accordingly. A small change such as a fewer boats using the area, a drop or rise in water level or water temperature can sometimes encourage the fish to feed very aggressively. Regardless of how much effort and expertise you invest in maintaining your equipment and handling your boat, problems can jump up at any time and I recommend that you always carry a big bag of chips on every trip. Where am I going with this? Well, you would think that with more boats out there during the summer months it would be easy to find help if you need it… maybe, maybe not, let me explain. One late summer evening I was stranded out on the water by myself. Everyone that passed by seemed to be looking the other way as I waved frantically for someone to help me out. No one seemed to want to lend a hand. Suddenly I got this great idea and drifted nearer the ICW and began throwing potato chips in the water. Naturally this attracted a big flock of sea gulls. I then proceeded to step on my fishing line and with my rod fully bent in the middle of all this bird activity I appeared to be on school fish in the channel. This desperate act attracted two boats to the scene. The first to arrive figured out my ploy to get someone to tow me back to the dock. He cursed me for fooling him like I did and left the scene as quickly as he arrived. The second boater was more generous and offered to tow me in as darkness was approaching. His exact words were, “I am going to tow you in only because you really fooled me and I admire your creativity; you deserve that much.” So next time you stop at the store on the way to the boat ramp, grab yourself a bag of chips and store it in the boat. It doesn’t matter what kind or brand you buy or even they get stale; seagulls are not picky at all. May you enjoy the summer fishing with the family and certainly don’t forget the bag of chips.
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85
July is a great month for large numbers of trout. They can be found on the
Randall’s outings have been limited by the wind over recent weeks, but fishing is
beach, at the Cameron Jetties, around nearshore oil platforms, and in the
good when he can get out. “This new JH Performance boat I’m running is quite a
shipping canal. July is a time when the winds calm and we and are able to get
ride. It takes rough water well and is easy to get in and out of. On days when I’ve
offshore to some explosive trout frenzies. Most of the time, we throw shrimp
been able to leave the dock in it, we are catching some quality trout. Best lures
imitations. Clear, glow, smoke, and avocado Sparkle Beetles are always a
have been the larger Norton Sand Eels on heavier heads, up to three eighths
good choice. Sand Eels and Stingray Grubs in the same colors also work
ounce. We use the heavier heads to maintain good contact with the lures and
well. Topwaters will work really well on the beach early in the morning. Most
to ensure that we are bumping the bottom some. Light colors like bone diamond
of the time you can get a good topwater bite at any proven spot early in the
and pearl/pumpkin have been best.” Like the rest of the Galveston guys, he’s
morning. You can hit these spots on your way out of the lake, then head to the
champing at the bit for calmer weather. “The surf is close again to being ready.
nearshore fishing holes. Some of our best trout limits come at this time of year
If this wind will just lay a little, it will be on fire out there. The water in the rivers is
because oftentimes the fish you catch at these platforms or on the beach are
in good shape too. As soon as we are able to fish wherever we want to, we’ll be
much larger than the schoolies caught in the main body of the lake.
limiting out by ten o’clock.”
James speaks in both positive and negative terms about the fishing in
Don says that the wind is hampering most efforts lately, making it hard to drift
Galveston lately. On the bright side, he says the bays are loaded with “as
open waters and keeping the tripletail safe from pressure too. “Our best luck
many fish as I’ve seen since 1983. We whacked the trout real good last time
on recent trips has been while we’re wading. In both East and West Bays, there
the wind stopped blowing. One afternoon, drifting slowly over deep shell in
are places to find clear water if you are willing to wade. The drifting has been
East Bay, I and one client had a steady topwater bite for three solid hours.
basically impossible much of the time. Best bite has been on live bait, though
Caught at least 20 over five pounds. It was awesome. Also had a good five
the Berkley Gulp are producing just about as many fish on some days. I’ve been
day run wading shorelines in East Bay during one relatively calm stretch.
on some decent fish in the river, and it’s a good choice on the windiest days.
Limits every day, up to nearly six pounds.” On the bad side, he says, “This is
During the Oil Man’s tournament, we caught some solid trout and reds in there.
some of the worst fishing weather I’ve seen in years. We just lose so many
You have to move around to find them; the other day we hooked a big blacktip
days to the wind. If it’s blowing 15 or more, you’ll be lucky to scratch out 9 or
shark in one stretch that had been holding some fish, so we had to move maybe
10 fish all day. What we really need are winds under ten miles an hour, then
a half a mile to find them again. Once this wind lays, we’ll be looking to throw
it will be on. If I’m able to get on that north shoreline of East Bay any time
topwaters in the surf and also chasing the tripletail.”
soon, I’ll make ‘em cry!” Jim’s report echoes others from the Galveston area. “Fishing is totally
Fishing has been hit or miss lately depending on the wind. Redfish have been
dependent on the wind lately. When winds are light, it’s about as good as it
our staple this past month with most fish coming on area shorelines in three feet
gets, but they aren’t light much. We have had good success in a variety of
of water or less. Bone Super Spook Jrs., pearl Skitterwalks and bone/chrome
areas on the calm days, mostly on the mid-bay reefs. We had one stretch
SheDogs have been the best topwaters as of late, while quarter ounce weedless
there where we were catching trout over five pounds in decent numbers.
gold spoons and Gulp shrimp seem to be working best when the fish don’t like
Nothing over about 7 pounds, but nice fish. Also had some solid fish while
the tops. The trout bite has been tough to figure out. Some days they are are on
wading shorelines on some of the medium wind days on which we were still
shallow grass and and some days they are out on deeper shell. Glow Gulp rigged
able to go. In the murkier waters, I like to throw the Stanley Wedge Tails.
about two feet under corks have accounted for our best trout. Schools of Black
When it’s calmer and the water gets greener, I’ll go to the Bass Assassins
Drum ranging from sixteen to twenty two inches are numerous in the bays this
in plum or red. The surf has been on fire when it gets green to the beach.
spring, and they are a good eating fish. Tripletail have been hard to come by. We
I’m still hearing of a few monster trout coming out of the Rollover area. Right
have had a couple of days of hunting, but have come up short so far. I look for
now, it’s all blown out, but the next time it clears, watch out. It will be Katy bar
July to be a good month to hit the surf.
the door.” 86 86
July2008 2008 July
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The fishing continues to improve! Despite the strong winds that we’ve been having, trout numbers and size have been on the increase. We’ve been catching many trout between 22 and 28 inches long and a few reaching 30 inches. The leeward sides of the islands and Kennedy Ranch shorelines have been holding beautiful water. I believe that once the winds settle to less than twenty miles per hour for a few days, big portions of Baffin Bay will holding beautiful water. My intentions for July are to look for grass lines and potholes in two feet of water or less and fish with natural colored Mirrolure She Dogs and Top Dogs or Bass Assassins in bone diamond and plum/chartreuse rigged on sixteenth ounce jigheads. After the fish move off of the shallow flats, I will probably be casting live croakers into deeper water along drop offs and grass lines. Wade as much as possible, but don’t forget your ForEverlast RayGuards. Like many other Upper Coast pros, Lynn is eagerly awaiting a break in the winds so he can get into the surf. “As soon as this wind lets up a bit, it will be a feast
“The water has cleared up nicely around here and I’m loving it,” Joe says. “I’m
along the beachfront. Until then, we’ll be targeting sandy pockets along area
able to fish a bunch of different areas and sightcasting opportunities exist in all
shorelines with deep water close by. Strong morning incoming tides are best.
of them. We’ve been seeing and catching mostly big reds on Bass Assassins
We are catching decent numbers on topwaters, mostly the smaller ones, mainly
and Gamblers on recent trips. A couple of days ago, I had a client Kyle and his
Super Spook Jrs.. With these bright skies, the light and flashy ones work best. I
son. They caught and released fifteen or eighteen reds between them. It was a
like the blue/chrome, pearl with chartreuse head and other lighter colors. When
blast. We’re also seeing quite a few big trout on some of the flats. They are a little
we shift to bigger plugs, the She Dog in blue/chrome is hard to beat. When
harder to catch than the reds most of the time, but the clear water
things slow on the topwaters, we mostly move right down to the soft plastics,
definitely helps. I’ve been working areas north of the JFK, as well as spoil banks
targeting deeper grass edges, grass beds and isolated potholes closer to the
and ledges south of Bird Island. A few times, I’ve run all the way down to Nine
drop offs. Again, what we really want this time of year is to take our topwaters
Mile Hole and caught fish too. It’s not really necessary to go that far from the
into the surf. I’m sure the trout are waiting for us out there!”
dock, though. With the brown tide disappearing, you have potential to catch a bunch of quality fish without making such a long run.”
“We’ve been catching some big fish for the last couple of weeks,” Blake reports, “both trout and reds. I’ve had several trout between about 25 and 28 inches.
“Typical summer patterns are in full swing in Port Mansfield,” Bruce says. “The
Decent weights too, up to seven and a half pounds. Today, we had some
reds are up on the sugar sand and are easy to catch early mornings on
monster reds, up to 36 inches. Most of the reds are coming off shell, but the
topwaters. The trout are hanging around the deep edges of the grass flats.
trout like the sand and grass. Even though it’s windy, our water in all the bays is
They’re biting topwaters too, but soft plastics are more effective later in the day.
green. Copano, San Antonio and Aransas are all producing nice
Haven’t been able to get offshore much at all with the winds, but once we are
catches. I’ve been throwing everything from topwaters and Sand Eels to the
able to do that, we’ll be targeting snapper a few miles out early, then returning to
Berkley Gulps and even croakers. As the summer wears on, we’ll be sticking
the beachfront areas for bull reds and tarpon. Inshore, I’ll be looking to do some
with the same plan, throwing topwaters if we can and switching to whatever else night wading around the full moons next month, four days before and four days after. It’s a great way to beat the heat and the crowds.” He mentions that Pradco we need to after that. I’ll still be targeting sandy pockets in the grass beds on most days, also checking the reefs more and more. And of course we want to
has some new stuff headed to the shelves in tackle stores. “Super Spooks will
head to the beachfront if winds allow. That should be good in July.”
be made in a more durable material and will be available with two different types of rattles. They also have a soft plastic minnow that is killer.”
July is traditionally the best month for speckled trout in the PINS surf on topwaters and Bass Assassins. The topwater bite MAY last all day and we can often sightcast to them. Typically Spanish mackerel and large schools of ladyfish are available and tarpon and king mackerel are present in varying numbers. Shark fishing is more productive at night than during daylight. As a rule the farther the bait is placed offshore the better the results; although we are at times able to sightcast to cruising bulls and occasional blacktips from the beach at midday. Whiting will be the mainstay of light-tackle bait fishermen using shrimp and “Fishbites.” Calm conditions and clear water is the norm. Kemp’s ridley sea turtle nesting season concludes early in July but green and loggerhead turtles will be nesting at night; be careful when driving the beach in the dark, keep speed down and report fresh turtle tracks to 1-866-887-8535. Good fishin’. www.TSFMAG.com www.TSFMAG.com
JustKeep KeepFive Five Just
This month started out slow, with tide movement in the mornings mostly nonexistent. We are still bringing in reds, but it can take half the day scouring the flats to get our limits. Trout are hanging with the reds early, then gradually easing into deeper water as the sun comes up. Although we don’t usually target flounder, we’re seeing better numbers than last year. The bait of choice continues to be Berkley Gulp three inch shrimp under a Mansfield Mauler in new penny or glow (check with Kyle at Johnny’s True Value). The time of the year to fish off the Convention Center on the East Side is almost over; however our tides are not as high as expected, so conditions aren’t normal. Look for the fishing to start popping in potholes south of Gas Well. Freddy says, “Get out your weedless spoons and topwaters because the Lower Laguna is the perfect place to experience sport fishing in unbelievably clear, shallow water.”
TexasSaltwater SaltwaterFishing Fishing Texas
July July 2008 2008
87 87
Margaret Moore of Elgin snagged this 11# red at Rockport Pelican Bay Resort Pier.
Elnora Redgrave-Grenet caught and released this 20” red in Copano Bay. Christin Daniels of Cedar Creek caught and released her largest black drum to date.
Sean Phillips snagged this catfish in the last ten minutes of a tournament which won him first place.
Jessica Hudec proudly displays her 22 1/2” red. Barbara Stagner hooked this 21” red in East Galveston Bay.
Blayde Carrol and Allison Carson have a double hook up of reds while surf fishing at San Jose Island.
Tiffany Tidwell tackled this 10# red while in Port Mansfield. 88
July 2008
Alex Jiminez lands his first red on his first fishing trip to Seadrift.
Dewayne Dutton landed this 28” trout while in Port Mansfield.
Sydney Crowder smiles big while fishing with her dad. Texas Saltwater Fishing
Bryan Taylor caught and released this monster while fishing in Rockport.
Parker Connolly tricked this trout while fishing in Port Aransas.
Kathy Hudec boated this 27” red that won her first place in a tournament.
Kerry Rea caught and released this 29” red in Port Isabel.
Marcus Defosset landed this snook while fishing the POC Jetties. www.TSFMAG.com
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WE HAD SOME FRIENDS OVER FOR DINNER, one of which was Matt Bell. Matt offered to bring the salad… and what a salad he put together. Matt began by whipping up a bowl of Crab Pico de Gallo (see recipe). This salad was so good I couldn’t help but think about more ways to use Matt’s tasty Crab Pico. So again Matt; thanks for the delightful salad and also for sharing so many cooking lessons and ideas.
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Busha Boat Works............................................47 979-245-3369
Canoesports.....................................................61 713-660-7000
Coastal Backwater Marine................................41 409-927-1462
Coastline Marine.........................................Cover 713-614-2057
El Campo Boating Center................................. 55 800-843-2201
El Pescador Boats...............................................58 361-983-4832
Flats Cat............................................................35 281-342-3940
Flatstalker..........................................................22 361-857-7074
Gibbs Marine.....................................................27 713-526-4349
Gulf Coast Boats................................................3 713-477-7119
Gulf Coast Marine.............................................. 6 800-622-2449
Hill Country Boats.......................................Cover 512-342-2622
Hobie Cat Company......................................... 61 1-800-HOBIE-49 / 1-800-462-4349
Huff Marine.......................................................26 361-991-0369
JH Performance Boats..................................... 75 979-233-1852
Kroll’s Marine................................................... 59 800-882-4461
LMC Marine Center.......................... Solunar, 8 , 9 888-797-9805
Lone Star Yacht Sales.......................................18 281-334-3500
Majek Boats.......................................................4 361-991-3102
Marshall Marine................................................43 361-552-1870
Mt. Houston Marine...........................................39 281-447-7689
Pathfinder Boats......................................... Cover 888-Shallow / 888-742-5569
Rockport Marine...............................................15 361-729-7820
Ron Hoover RV & Marine Center........................ 4 800-545-8818
Sail and Ski........................................................19 210-734-8199
Shallow Sport Boats....................................Cover 956-233-9489
Shoalwater Boats.............................................96 361-983-4134
Skeeter Boats.....................................................1 800-753-3837
Sport Marine....................................................53 281-238-0060
Texas Marine....................................................73 409-898-7632
Espandre......................................................... 51 281-543-1230
Gulf Coast Trolling Motors................................. 61 281-481-6832
House Of Fiberglass......................................... 65 361-853-2541
Jet Dock........................................................... 96 361-972-2122
JL Marine - Power Pole....................................... 5 888-442-4900
Safe Floor Company......................................... 65 281-435-5904
Salt-A-Way....................................................... 27 714-550-0987
South Texas Trolling Motors...............................77 361-939-8970
Specialty Aluminum Works.................................14 361-575-1477
Stick It Anchor Pins........................................... 77 941-815-6875
Tops-N-Towers.............................................Cover 281-474-4000
Academy..........................................................48 888-922-2336
Blue Water Ships Stores...................................14 281-334-7583
Boater’s World................................................... 7 800-826-2628
David’s Tackle Box........................................... 75 281-342-9669
Fishing Tackle Unlimited........................ Cover, 19 281-481-6838
Gander Mountain............................................... 45 800-282-5993
American Rodsmiths.......................................... 2
Tackle Box....................................................... 81
713-466-7849
Batson Enterprises, Inc..................................... 53 360-681-2381
Bimini Bay-Tsunami............................................79 800-688-3481
Bio Bait - Big Bite Baits.................................... 35 877-222-7429
Boone Bait Co...................................................33 407-975-8775
Brown Lures........................................................67 877-460-4619
Costa del Mar.................................................... 27 386-677-3700
D.O.A. Lures..................................................... 61 877-362-5873
EZ Drainer.........................................................77 281-224-9766
Fish Gillz...........................................................31 713-855-5885
361-992-2960 361-582-5100
361-575-8700
Victoria All Sports.......................................... 65 361-575-0655 Real Estate
ERA Realty....................................................... 77 361-572-3333
South Padre Island Golf Club........................... 49 888-943-3622
Tidewater.......................................................... 75 512 659 4754
Troy Giles Realty.............................................. 57 956-761-2040
Waterview Home Magnolia Beach......................54 281-330-3342 / 512-738-0456 Tournaments / Outdoor Events
CCA Star Tournament.......................................66 713-626-4222
Fish Slick.......................................................... 75
Port Mansfield Fishing Tournament................... 22
Fishbelly Lures..................................................59
Texas Deep Sea Rodeo....................................31
718-232-2634
Foreverlast...................................................... 85 361-798-1530
H&H Fishing Rods.............................................15 713-875-7827
Laguna Rods.................................................... 59 979-921-9910
Livingston Lures................................................. 83 210-857-8381
Luresafety Wrap................................................ 73 713-203-2829
Midcoast Products...............................................65 979-793-6766
Mud Hole..........................................................65 866-790-RODS (7637)
Okuma............................................................. 26 800-466-5862
Penn.........................................................Solunar 215-229-9415
Rapala................................................................. 3 800-874-4451
Cove Harbor Marina and Drystack.....................18
Strike Pro America............................................ 51
409-737-1136
800-274-4626 409-621-1126
Texas Tackle Factory................................... 41, 55 361-575-4751
Just Keep Five
281-723-4154 Fishing retail locations
Speedy Stop............................................ Solunar
Shimano............................................................23
www.TSFMAG.com
361-573-0300
Woodee Rods USA.......................................... 47
512-394-9384 Fishing Products (rods, reels, tackle, etc.)
361-972-6629 Boat Accessories
361-552-2745
888-923-3243
Waterloo Rods................................................. 63
Roy’s Bait & Tackle...........................................39
Rods by Pepper.................................................75
361-790-5438
712-336-1520
Wade Aid Enterprises.......................................75
Yeti Coolers...................................................... 63
Trans Fiberglass Boat.......................................54
Eclipse Enterprises........................................... 57
Trilene.................................................................23
Texas Saltwater Fishing
956-944-2354 713-816-5004
Texas Hunting & Sportsmand Expo...................43 956-664-2884
Texas Saltwater Series.....................................67 210-385-3333 Miscellaneous
Aventura Jewelry................................................ 41 713-932-0002
Coastal Creations Taxidermy............................73 888-737-5452
Graphics By Design.......................................... 73 361-785-4282
Mission Wall Systems.................................... 53 888-572-0097
Pearl Products Crab Master................................81 850-994-4168
Russo Marine Financial........................................51 877-899-8166
Saltwater Fishing Clinics.................................. 75 361-563-1160
Texas Application Specialists..............................59 281-558-4696
Trident Funding.....................................................43 800-514-6946
TSFmag Store.......................................................91 361-785-3420
TSFmag Subscription Form................................. 69 361-785-3420
July 2008
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July 2008
Texas Saltwater Fishing
www.TSFMAG.com
Just Keep Five