Gulf Coast Mariner Magazine Sept/Oct 2018

September/October 2018 | GulfCoastMariner.com

CABO SAN LUCAS FISHING SHALLOW WATER REDFISH HAYNIE 21’ SUPERCAT PORT A’S TARPON INN

SUMMER OF

BILLFISH Recap and results from gulf and texas tournaments

[Letter from Gulf Coast Mariner]

Admiral (President) Rick Clapp Rear Admiral (Editor) Mary Alys Cherry Captain (Creative Director/Partner) Brandon Rowan Commodore (Graphic Designer/Partner) Kelly Groce Sales Crew (Advertising Executives) Judy Gaines Dana McDonald Amber Sample Matthew Sweatt Robyn Weigelt Editorial Capt. David Dillman Kelly Groce Capt. Joe Kent Betha Merit Brandon Rowan

T

WATER BONDS

he angler in me wants to see this mag plastered with fishing stories and photos from cover-to-cover.

Some would agree with this sentiment, but that would not be truly representative of the area.

Gulf Coast Mariner Magazine strives to be a reflection of our waterfront community. The Texas coast, while a fisherman’s dream, is also home to much more.

Galveston Bay produces world champion sailors and hosts regattas with global attendance.

Folks travel from across the country to bird watch our marshes and estuaries during the winter. Galveston Island boasts a rich history and offers

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Gulf Coast Mariner Magazine

September/October 2018

endless water recreation and entertainment for visitors.

But these interests and hobbies are not exclusive from one another. The surf junkie who never misses a wave might also be an avid fly fisherman. A champion sailor could also be on a world-wide quest for that grander blue marlin.

All of these activities have one thing in common. Water.

Our saltwater pursuits might be different but we can all agree on life in and near the sea. See you out on the water!

Capt. Steve Soule Xander Thomas Photography Kelly Groce Betha Merit Brandon Rowan Meagan Rowan David Shutts Distribution Timothy Shinkle Company Gulf Coast Mariner Magazine P.O. Box 1032 Seabrook, TX 77586

For information on advertising: Phone: 281.474.5875 art@baygroupmedia.com www.GulfCoastMariner.com

Brandon Rowan Creative Director/Partner

| September/October 2018 6|GCM to Sponsor Hurricanes FC

26|Haynie’s 21 Super Cat

8|Snapshots

28|Gear

Gulf Coast Mariner is proud to sponsor the Bay Area Hurricanes FC 2019 season.

Your fishing and water recreation photos.

Submit photos for next issue to art@baygroupmedia.com

10|Cabo San Lucas

Blue marlin, wahoo and scenic views from one of the hottest sportfishing destinations in the world.

By Brandon Rowan

14|Shallow Water Redfish

The newest 21 Cat to the Haynie line offers a stable, dry ride and a shallow draft of only 9 inches.

Top gear from Garmin, Huk, Lew’s and more

30|The Tarpon Inn

The Tarpon Inn, built in 1886, is a beautiful and historic place to stay when visiting Port Aransas.

By Kelly Groce

32|Texas Slam of Shellfish

The keys to fishing success when fishing skinny water.

By Capt. Steve Soule

The Galley: recipes for rum cocktails and a spicy broth using oysters, shrimp and crab.

By Betha Merit

16|The Changing Patterns of Flounder

34|Olympia Grill Hits the Mainland

Autumn is one of the best times of the year to fish the Galveston Bay complex but flounder patterns have changed over the years.

By Capt. Joe Kent

17|Galveston Bay: The Transition

Look for speckled trout to transition themselves to these locations in September and October.

By Capt. David Dillman

18|$EA DOLLAR$ Tuna Tradition

A first hand account of $EA DOLLAR$’ continuing tradition of big tuna

By Brandon Rowan

20|Draggin’ Up wins the 2018 Texas Billfish Classic

The Kriticos brothers bring award-winning Greek and Seafood to League City this September.

By Xander Thomas

ON THE COVER Flyin’ the Sails Illustration by Brandon Rowan

Contents Black Bart’s Tuna Candy _____________________p.

6 Galveston Bay oysters continue to recover after Hurricane Harvey _____________________p.

7 Name that fish _____________________p.

7 Nautical Numbers _____________________p.

7 Surfing photography _____________________p.

9 Texas Billfish Classic kick off party _____________________p.

19 2018 Billfish tournament results _____________________p.

24 WYC Charity Regatta benefiting Sailing Angels _____________________p.

35 Boats for sale _____________________p.

36 Galveston Bay tides _____________________p.

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The Texas Billfish Classic saw continued growth in participation and prize money in its third year.

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Gulf Coast Mariner to sponsor Hurricanes FC 2019 season the biggest sponsorship deal in the club’s history.”

Brandon Rowan, creative director/Partner of Gulf Coast Mariner, said: “We are looking forward to be working with Keyes and the Hurricanes FC.” ulf Coast Mariner “The new Hurricane Magazine is proud to uniforms will be unveiled in sponsor professional August by Kaizen Sports, our soccer club, the Bay team uniform supplier for Area Hurricanes. Club owner the last 5 years,” said Keyes.

Brendan Keyes announced “We would also like to thank the agreement with Gulf Kaizen Sports for continued Coast Mariner starting with sponsorship providing the January 2019 season. the best uniforms for our The sponsorship deal was players.” signed by both parties on Rick Clapp is the former Aug. 3, 2018. It’s a one-year owner of the Houston Force, agreement with an optional a professional APSL soccer year on both sides. Keyes team. Keyes was a player on said: “Gulf Coast Mariner Clapp’s soccer team and now is one of leading lifestyle both are united again. magazines in Texas and “I am excited about will give us tremendous promoting the game credibility in the Bay Area, supporting a championship also all over Texas. For the team as well as encouraging Hurricanes FC, this is a youth to play America’s perfect match.”

Most Exciting Sport Soccer.

Bay Group Media President Rick Clapp and Hurricanes FC owner Brendan Mariner President and Keyes with two future ball girls.

They all stand at the anthem.

CEO Rick Clapp commented: Please come support us we “I want to support the local will do it right I promise.”

Mariner’s new logo will appear on the professional men’s soccer club For more information, contact Sumer home jerseys of the Hurricanes FC. and I believe Keyes has the passion and Loggins at 281-474-5875 or email Hurricanes FC announced that the new vision to make the Hurricanes FC expand Sumerdene@gmail.com sponsorship with Gulf Coast Mariner “is the great game of soccer.” Gulf Coast

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BlackBartLures.com

BLACK BART TUNA CANDY SPECIFICATIONS TACKLE: 10 to 30 pound Weight: 2 oz.

Leader: 150 to 300 lbs.

Best Hook Size: 7/0

As the name implies, Black Bart’s Tuna Candy is great for tuna, but also a secret weapon for big dorado, sailfish and white marlin. Fish this one further back in the spread in the long rigger or shotgun position. Available in over 20 colors, including these three proven producers.

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Gulf Coast Mariner Magazine

Colors: (top to bottom) YellowFin Tuna, Glow/Green Chartreuse and Blue/White

September/October 2018

NAUTICAL NUMBERS

50 Galveston Bay oysters continue to recover one year after Hurricane Harvey

By Brandon Rowan

S

ome Galveston Bay oyster reefs still struggle one year after Hurricane Harvey.

Last August, the storm produced an unprecedented 51 inches of rain that inundated the bay with fresh water. The balance of salinity was upset and this decimated local oyster populations.

“East Bay experienced the worst of Harvey’s effects with very few live oysters left.” Christine Jensen, a TPWD Fisheries Biologist said.

“It remained too fresh for too long for most oysters to survive. Hannas Reef had 51% mortality, Middle Reef had 95% mortality, and Frenchy’s Reef had 100% mortality. Almost all of the restoration areas in East Bay were killed.”

East Bay was not the only area hit hard by Harvey.

“Some reefs on the west side of the ship channel also saw significant mortality near where Dickinson Bayou drains into the bay. Dollar Reef had 90% mortality and Todds Dump had 62%.”

Jensen said.

One year later The reefs near Dickinson Bay and East Bay have still not fully recovered.

“The reefs that experienced high mortality after Harvey will take at least two years following the storm to recover.” Jensen said. “Our samples this year are showing a later spat set (baby oysters) than usual.”

However, many areas of Galveston Bay have shown improvement. The reefs in deeper water, in the center of the Bay and near the Houston Ship Channel, were able to support several months of commercial oyster fishing during the 2017-2018 season.

Name that fish

131 The Texas state record for a Cubera snapper is 131 pounds and 56 inches long. The large snapper was caught by Ricky Preddy, 15 miles north of Port Mansfield in August of 1983.

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A. Beeliner B. Longtail Sea Bass C. Wenchman ANSWER: B. The Longtail Sea Bass (Hemanthias leptus) is most commonly found in 400-1,000 feet of water. They are good table fare but a little stronger tasting than deep water grouper.

D. Lane Snapper

Unlike most fish, yellowfin tuna are warm-blooded. Their warm muscles make them extremely strong swimmers that can reach speeds of up to 50 miles per hour.

Swordfish have a specially adapted heating organ in the muscle next to their large, tennis ball sized eyes. This organ raises temperatures in the surrounding tissue some 10-15 ºC above that of the water in which they are swimming.

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GOT GREAT PICS TO SHARE? Send your photos to art@baygroupmedia.com Blake Rogers with a sow snapper.

Grouper on trout gear!

Max Conner with a big ling.

Capt. Michael Belvin and Cindy Nguyen of Team Reel Therapy, caught this monster 108 lb. Warsaw grouper.

Colorful grouper on Prima Donna Offshore Charters.

Ava and Stella Cox reeled these Galveston bay reds all the way to the net!

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Gulf Coast Mariner Magazine

Kid sized kingfish caught with Capt.

Shayne Ellis of Prima Donna Offshore Charters.

September/October 2018

Two snapper on one bait!

Photography by Meagan Rowan Blue marlin, wahoo and scenic Pacific views from one of the world’s hottest sportfishing destinations.

By Brandon Rowan

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Gulf Coast Mariner Magazine September/October 2018

EL ARCO: Meagan in front of “Land’s End” - Cabo’s famous rock arch formation.

AZUL: My first blue marlin breaks the surface. Caught with RedRum Sportfishing on the ‘ReelRum’

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PESCA: This wahoo hit a skirted plunger on the port rigger line. We had unbelievable ceviche and grilled wahoo that night.

PLAYA: The Pacific thunders against the beach outside of the Pueblo Bontio Pacifica Golf & Spa Resort. polizรณn: A pair of remoras are revealed on the underside of this marlin.

COLOuR: This marlin hit a naked caballito (Bigeye Scad) on the shotgun line and absolutely lit up with color next to the boat.

Capt. Ramone and First Mate Julio of RedRum Sportfishing were absolute pros and put us on the fish. amanecer: The sun rises over Cabo San Lucas as the sportfishing boats make their way offshore.

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Gulf Coast Mariner Magazine September/October 2018

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Captain Clay Sheward with a healthy marsh redfish.

By Capt. Steve Soule

“Everything happens for a reason.”

W

e’ve all heard this expression, maybe not so often when we talk about fishing, but it definitely applies. As we learn an area or just learn to fish, things happen throughout the course of our days on the water. When we are novices, or less experienced, most of these things seem random or happen by chance. Whether it’s catching a fish or finding a new spot, it isn’t easy to see how the pieces of the fishing puzzle fall into place. Over time, the pieces come together, and details of how and why become much more clear.

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For advanced or professional level anglers, fishing isn’t left to chance.

It simply cannot be if you want to find success and find it regularly. I’ve learned lessons over many years and watched similar scenarios play out time and time again. The perspective of a guide, especially one who isn’t actively fishing, but more teaching and directing customers to fish is a very different one.

Years of pushing a small skiff around the shallows teaches you many things.

You get to watch fishing moments play out from a totally different point of view.

It’s like having a grand stand seat on the front row, watching the entire scene play out in front of you, successful or not.

There is a ton to be learned both visually and with the end of the push pole about contours and bay bottom variations. My early years as an avid wader taught me many lessons that

Gulf Coast Mariner Magazine September/October 2018

simply could not be learned from a standing in a boat. Contours, tapers and bottom composition are some of the most important factors in determining fish location and feeding pathways.

These things, like so many that have led to fishing success for me are often quite subtle and the type of things that go totally unnoticed by the majority of people on the bay.

Sharpen Your Sight

I had a day several years ago fishing with a customer new to shallow water.

I had met him around 5:45 am for a mid summer sight casting trip. As per my usual, the morning was spent trying to acclimate the customer to the world of shallow water fishing. Trying to teach him to see fish, even when they aren’t visible, and understand the signs. This particular day, I became much more

aware of just how many signs and subtleties I look for and try to relate to customers. It was somewhere around 11 a.m. when I mentioned a small mullet jumping. This was a little more obvious than many of the things I had pointed out that morning. The customer responded that this was the first thing they were able to notice, despite me talking and pointing things out all morning. I found this rather interesting, mostly because it made me realize that the level of scrutiny I look at my surroundings, goes far beyond what most people would see.

For those new to the sport, I’m sure that it’s tough to keep up with someone like me who is constantly pointing out things of interest and trying to describe their significance.

Moreover, it probably generates some concern when they can’t or simply don’t see even half of what I tell them I’m looking for. I talk about all manner of things from “mud boils” and swirls, to wakes and pushes. Not the average language for most, and among the

“Every one of these birds can and will lead you to fish.” thousands of jumping mullet, flying birds and general commotion on the water, these things aren’t easy to distinguish.

Now, when we start to take this to an even more intense level of things like seeing a two-inch white shrimp jumping 50 feet away from you, it becomes easy to understand how this can be challenging when its all so new.

In my nearly 40 years of shallow water

take careful notice about where I see fish and as much as possible what they are doing and the direction that they are moving. When you fish shallow, you get to see so much more and the opportunities to learn are everywhere around you. If you make a practice of little things like this, over time you can start to see patterns form that will only lead to future success. Sometimes these patterns apply within the course of a day, other times they are the type that would get logged into the memory banks as seasonal.

One of my favorites has always been trying to note what depth the fish are at. Given that most of the water I fish is shallower than most people would fish, it’s much easier to take note of.

You probably wouldn’t think that the moving between 7 and 10 inches deep would make much difference, but there are many days when it really does.

Kristen Soule’ with a shallow water redfish and a shirt borrowed from dad.

fishing, I’ve had the pleasure of fishing with hundreds of anglers, from complete novices to those who have fished this coast much longer than I have. I’ve always made a point of trying to learn something from every situation, and there have been many days when lessons have come from people with considerably less experience. Perspectives can be so different as we progress in fishing and gain knowledge and experience.

I have a great friend and fellow angler that I have known for many years and have gotten to spend more days on the water recently. We just had a day on the water where he asked me about boat positioning. This is all important in sight fishing, especially fly fishing, and a topic that all of my friends seem to expect me to have an exact answer to. This particular day, I gave a response that had become something that I’ve come to take as fairly obvious. “Follow the contour line;” a fairly subtle depth change that runs along this particular shallow flat.

Something that in my mind had become a standard practice and to me was quite visible. It took some time, zig zagging back and forth across this contour before he began to realize what I meant. Just one of the many things that has led me to greater success in finding fish.

For many years, I have made a point to

The Other Birds Birds on the bay can be some of the best indicators around. I always tell people they are way better at finding fish than we are. We fish for fun, mostly.

Birds find fish, and things that fish eat, to survive. Knowing various birds that we see around the bay and understanding what their various behaviors indicate is another invaluable tool. We all know the value of seagulls in leading us to hungry packs of trout or redfish. How many of us pay attention to a snowy egret or an ibis? If you saw three roseate spoonbills walking a shoreline, would you pay them any attention? Do you ever pay attention to pelicans? Could you even identify a loon? Every one of these birds can and will lead you to fish, along with many others. But without having seen them in action and having the experience of knowing what they mean, they just become a part of the coastal scenery.

The keys to success aren’t always obvious. I’ve told people for years that you can’t always go look for the fish.

Some days you have to look for the signs of the fish. The movements visible on the waters surface; a shrimp flipping out of the water, being able to distinguish a different type of baitfish, or recognizing the difference in the way mullet jump.

Being “tuned in” to your surroundings and constantly making the effort to learn and understand the “why” can only make you a better angler and one who finds success more consistently over time.

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Berkley Gulps are very effective on hungry flounder. This one bit a 4” chartreuse Swimming Mullet.

The Changing Patterns of Autumn Flounder Fishing

By Capt. Joe Kent

A

utumn, or Fall Fishing, as we more frequently call it, is one of the best times of the year to fish the Galveston Bay Complex, especially for flounder.

In recent years, we have discussed the changing scene of fall fishing, noting how the timing has been altered. We likely all agree that we have seen a delay before the action gets underway; however, we have not discussed how flounder fishing has changed as a result.

Hopefully some pointers will help increase your harvests of this popular fall flatfish.

Fifty years ago, the first cold front of the season usually arrived in midSeptember. Following it, fish would start changing their patterns, as an awareness took place that winter was not far behind.

By October, the water temperature in the bays had dropped and that, combined with the shorter periods of sunlight, gave way to the action. Flounder were noticeably more active and were beginning to make their way toward the passes and outlets into the Gulf of Mexico.

Today, much has changed due to the delay in the arrival of cooler temperatures. During the era we have been discussing, the water temperatures

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were below 70 degrees by mid-October and the first freeze of the year, albeit a light one, usually took place by late October.

The fall flounder run was well underway in October and old-timers looked at the peak of the annual run as taking place between the Full Moons of October and November. Now that same group looks to the same lunar phase

“Today, much has changed due to the delay in the arrival of cooler temperatures.” between November and December.

A good example of how this delay has been recognized was when the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department imposed special flounder regulations during November, as that was the month when the annual migration reached its peak and started winding down.

Not long ago the TPWD extended the November bag limit of two fish per person to mid-December. When the regulation was enacted all signs pointed to November as the time for the peak and the winding down. Now, it is well into December before the migration shows signs of running its course.

Gulf Coast Mariner Magazine September/October 2018

If you need a jacket, you might find a big flounder on the end of your line.

Today, the flounder run has its peaks and valleys; however, one thing that anglers are noticing is that many of the flatfish do not make the migration and remain in the bays.

The reason for this is that due to the warmer than normal conditions, bait still hangs around and with it a certain number of flounder.

During the run, there will be a few major cold fronts that empty the marshes and back bays. When this occurs, flounder will head to deeper waters and many take the signal to move on to the Gulf.

In recent years, the after effects of the fronts do not last long and many of the fish, including bait, will head back to the marshes and back bays. Savvy anglers have observed this and take advantage of the situation.

By mid-December, the majority of flounder is on its way to the Gulf or has

Flounder catches increase as the weather cools.

arrived there. Still a few stragglers will remain.

Prior to 2010 I had never caught a flounder during January or February. In January that year a friend and I were drifting for trout in West Bay tossing soft plastics when I landed a 16-inch flounder. What a surprise it was.

Today, successful anglers plan their trips and hit the water just before a “Blue Norther” hits or several days afterwards. Toward the end of the run, the big sows finally start their journey and that is usually after a series of major cold fronts empties the marshes and drops the water temperatures into the upper 40s.

It usually takes several of these “Blue Northers” to encourage the majority of the flounder to head to the Gulf.

At some point between Thanksgiving and midDecember the sows are on their way and that is time for trophy flounder catches.

While live shrimp, mud minnows and fingerling mullet are three of the top natural baits for flounder when the big girls are moving, live mullet up to six inches in length is the resounding preference.

Berkley Gulps, Flounder Pounders, Chickenboys and a variety of other soft plastics also work well and give the natural baits serious competition.

GALVESTON BAY: The Transition

By Capt. David C. Dillman galvestonbaycharterfishing.com 832-228-8012

depth of deep water. The fish may remain around deep water structure but will be feeding higher up in the water column. Live shrimp fished under a popping cork 4-6 feet deep will be lethal on these trout, while the “croaker bite’ will slow down.

Come October, we will see the “transition” in full swing. Passing cool fronts will lower the water levels and temperature even more, triggering a bigger movement of shrimp and baitfish from the back ends of Galveston Bay. Speckled trout will move to these areas to forage on what is exiting the marsh. Flocks of seagulls will pinpoint the location of these fish when they are feeding. Don’t rule out drifting the reefs and structure with live shrimp under corks, keying on presences of bait and slicks in the area.

Remember not all trout make this movement. Depending on the weather and cool fronts, plenty of fish will still be caught in the areas you were fishing in August. Eagle Point Fishing Camp will have a great supply of live shrimp. Those anglers in the Kemah, Seabrook and Clear Lake area can call 281339-1131 to check on their bait supply.

It has been a long hot summer but fishing remained good. I am looking forward to fishing these months and enjoying the cooler weather. The fish seem to bite through out the day, on any given tide. Take time away from your busy schedule and get on the water!

W

e all can remember sitting down and chatting with our parents and grandparents as a youth.

My conversations with them would usually be about memories of past times. The conversation always ended with them saying “Life is short; the older you get, the faster times goes by.”

Now, as I near the ripe age of 58, I understand what they meant. It only seemed like yesterday that the summer of 2018 began, and now the end is near. Fall is knocking on the door. Galveston Bay is about to go into a transition period.

September still might feel like summer during the day but slight changes in the air temperature will occur at night. The evening and early morning air will be slightly cooler and drier compared to the previous two months. This subtle change will begin to slightly lower the water temperature in the bay. This will spark a movement of shrimp and baitfish from out of the back marshes and into the main bay. Speckled trout will transition themselves, no longer seeking the GulfCoastMariner.com

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multiple fisheries. I also met trolling experts Fred, who has fished with Jack for over 25 years, and Gary who has over 30 years experience in various countries. On night crew with Mark and I, was Matt and Kurt who brought in first place tuna during last year’s tournament.

The first night of fishing

We netted well over a dozen flyers and sent them back out wearing circle hook jewelry.

But drift after drift, we came up empty. Around 2 a.m., Mark made the call.

“Alright bring them in and lets make another drift.”

Those were the magic words. Kurt’s reel started screaming and it was fish on!

The line continued to quickly

“But our luck started to change, as the air grew thick with flying fish.”

I went from reporting on the Texas Billfish Classic to fishing it

By Brandon Rowan

I

t was W ed n e s day night and the Texas Billfish Classic’s Kick Off Party was in full swing. It was good times, great food, cold drinks and plenty of early entry giveaways from Costa Del Mar, YETI and more. Tournament director Jasen Gast and company put on one hell of an event.

As the party was winding down, for some of us, my wife Meagan and I said our goodbyes. We headed to the truck and I spotted an old friend I’ve fished with many

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times over the years.

“YAMAGUCHI!” I yelled.

Capt. Mark Yamaguchi and I shook hands and instead of a hello/goodbye I got an invitation.

“Hey man, we need you.

We’re short and need someone who can fish tuna.”

For someone who is, uh, not much of a morning person, tuna fishing until sunrise is one of my favorites. After a thumbs up from my better half, it was game on and I rushed home to prep my gear.

The next morning I met the crew and we headed out from Freeport. Jack Beal, owner of $EA DOLLAR$, runs a tight ship with a solid crew.

First mate Adam was the youngest of us all but already boasts years of experience in

Gulf Coast Mariner Magazine September/October 2018

started out promising.

We had cooperative seas, bait in our lights, a few fish early on poppers and easy jigging for blackfin.

But our optimism faded as the hours dragged on and the sun began to rise.

We busted our asses all night with no yellowfin tuna to show for it.

On Friday, conditions grew worse. The seas tumbled higher and rain pelted the boat. No matter; the sun set again and the night crew went back to work. But our luck started to change, as the air grew thick with flying fish.

peel away as Matt and I strapped him into the harness.

We knew this was a good fish but we didn’t realize how tough this one would be. A battle of wills began. Kurt gained yards and yards of line only to have the fish to strip it all away in an instant. This tug of war went on at least a dozen times before we finally saw color. Twenty minutes into the fight we were greeted with a tail, instead of the big head and open beak of a yellowfin tuna.

“She’s tail wrapped!” Adam said, gaff in hand.

The tuna must have heard him and sped back down to the deep, taking advantage by kicking that big tail, as we were unable to turn her head.

Capt. Mark Yamaguchi, left, and $EA DOLLAR$ owner Capt. Jack Beal.

Thanks to the teamwork of the whole crew, Kurt’s unwillingness to give up and some attentive driving from Mark, we finally got the fish back to the boat. This time the line came free of her tail and the familiar circling of a doomed tuna began. We were ready.

Adam was quick with the gaff and close to 100 pounds of fresh sashimi hit the deck. It took 45 minutes of grit and hard work but she was finally in the boat. It was high fives all around!

The circle hook was stuck delicately in the corner of the mouth and came free too easily for comfort. We quickly put the tuna on ice and went back to work.

Again, we drifted, jigged and popped until sunrise but that was it; one and done. Aside from a few badass blackfin, we only caught one yellowfin tuna, but it was the quality fish we were looking for.

On Saturday, $EA DOLLAR$ roared back into Freeport with a big tuna and a wahoo for the scales. I snapped a couple shots of Draggin’ Up weighing their big blue marlin from the water and then it was our turn. The tail rope was secured, the tuna was hoisted up and we held our breath waiting for the numbers.

“90 pounds on the dot!”

We had one fat tuna but it was just shy of the first place weight of 93 lbs. We took our pictures, got back on the boat, cleaned up, and made ourselves halfway presentable for the awards dinner where we were presented 2nd place tuna trophy.

It was another killer event with good food and plenty of drinks for famished, thirsty crews. Draggin’ Up came in first with their big blue marlin and were named tournament champions. The first ever Billfish Classic Cup was awarded to Bimini Babe. The night ended with TBC’s Jasen Gast and the Freedom Alliance’s Pepper Ailor presenting a donated all-terrain wheelchair to veteran Jacob De La Garza, who lost his leg in Afghanistan.

Another one was in the books with many good fish weighed and several billfish released. Jack Beal’s $EA DOLLAR$ continued a tradition of bringing big tuna to the scales. I would look for it to happen again next year.

P H O T O G R A P H Y B Y B R A N D O N R O WA N

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Draggin’ Up wins the 2018 Texas Billfish Classic!

P H O T O G R A P H Y B Y B R A N D O N R O WA N

T

he Texas Billfish Classic saw continued growth in participation and a substantial increase in prize money during its third year. The TBC fleet released eight blue marlin, one white marlin, six sailfish and weighed one big blue marlin. The TBC is one of the fastest growing billfish tournaments in Texas and the only event that allows participants to leave at noon on Thursday and begin fishing right away on the same day.

Draggin’ Up, a 74’ Viking from Houston, was the only boat to weigh a blue marlin on Saturday to claim top honors in the Blue Marlin Division. Angler Sam Rasberry’s 119.5 inch blue marlin topped the scales at 514 pounds.

Tournament Champions Draggin’ Up weighed a 514 lb. blue marlin.

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Gulf Coast Mariner Magazine September/October 2018

“We were having a slow first day with no bites, so we decided to make a move for second day. We got the bite shortly after 9 a.m.,” said Draggin’ Up Captain Kevin Deerman. “We definitely knew the fish was a keeper after second set of jumps and got the gaffs ready. Great tournament and worked out for us betting heavy in the Blue Marlin kill pots!”

In the Billfish Release Division, Bimini Babe a 74’ Viking, took home top honors with three blue marlin releases and one sailfish, while Tico Time, a 65’ Hatteras, released one blue marlin and two sailfish to finish in second place. Over-Ride, a 64’ Titan, finished in third place releasing one blue marlin.

Blue Marlin

Weight

1st: Draggin’ Up

514 lbs

Angler Sam Rasberry

Billfish Release

Points

Captain

1st: Bimini Babe

2,000

Robert Jones

2nd: Tico Time

1,000

Mike Hester

3rd: Over-Ride

600

Jacob Dawson

TUNA

Weight Angler

1st: Smoker II

93 lbs

Clark Miller

2nd: $EA DOLLAR$

90 lbs

Kurt Pantle

3rd: REHAB

50 lbs

Lee Bull

WAHOO

Weight Angler

1st: REHAB

51 lbs

Jasen Gast

2nd: Smoker II

47 lbs

Tiger Neal

3rd: Draggin’ Up

29 lbs

Brian Wood

DORADO

Weight Angler

1st: REHAB

23 lbs

TOP LADY ANGLER

TOP JUNIOR ANGLER

Emma Griffith - Over-Ride

Ethan Middleton - Change Order

Chris Gavlick

Bimini Babe took first place in the Billfish Release Division and won the first Billfish Classic Cup.

REHAB’s Chris Gavlick won first place dorado with his 23-pound fish.

The Bimini Babe Team was also crowned Champions of the Billfish Classic Cup. This new event was developed to reward competitive teams fishing in both the Mississippi Gulf Coast Billfish Classic and the Texas Billfish Classic. Owner Babe Appling, Captain Robert Jones and team left with an extra $10,000 and custom art to commemorate the big win!

The Tuna category was won by Clark Miller from Smoker II with a 93-pound Yellowfin. No stranger to the podium, Kurt Pantle on $ea Dollar$ came in second at 90 pounds, followed by Lee Bull on the REHAB at 50 pounds. A nice summer wahoo raised the bar pretty high as Jasen Gast and the REHAB crew pulled up his 51-pound fish, barely topping the second place fish brought in by Tiger Neal on the Smoker II. Brian Wood of Draggin’ Up, came in third at 29 pounds. The Dolphin category was taken with the only qualifying fish at 23 pounds by Chris Gavlick aboard the REHAB. The Top Lady Angler was Emma Griffith on Over-Ride and the Top Junior Angler Award was presented to Ethan Middleton on the Change Order.

Top Junior Angler Ethan Middleton.

Smoker II took first place in the tuna division with a 93-pound fish.

They just topped $EA DOLLAR$’ 90-pound tuna.

REHAB’s Jasen Gast reeled in a big 51-pound summer wahoo to take first place.

They just edged out Smoker II’s 47-pound ‘hoo.

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Gulf Coast Mariner Magazine September/October 2018

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2018 Poco Bueno Results Blue Marlin

Weight

1st: Smooth Move

720 lbs

2nd: Done Deal

587.5 lbs

3rd: Draggin’ Up

575 lbs

BILLFISH RELEASE

Points

1st: Tenacious

2,000

2nd: Booyah

1,100

3rd: Relentless Pursuit

1,000

WAHOO

Weight Angler

1st: Lady Adele

62 lbs

DORADO

Weight Angler

1st: Chase This!

32 lbs

TUNA

Weight Angler

1st: Relentless Pursuit

105.5 lbs

Tyler Address Tommy Pesthuis Josh Jones

Smooth Move with their massive first place blue marlin at Poco Bueno.

This fish weighed in at 720 lbs. Photo: davidshuttsphotography.com

2018 Lone Star Shootout Results Blue Marlin

Weight

1st: Notorious

615 lbs

Angler George McMahon

2nd: Done Deal

478.5 lbs

Trevor Lott

3rd: Notorious

472 lbs

George McMahon

BILLFISH RELEASE

Points

1st: Mechanical Man

2,450

2nd: Load N Go

2,350

3rd: Centurion

1,750

WAHOO

Weight Angler

1st: Deez Nautz

29.5 lbs

DORADO

Weight Angler

1st: Reel Bounty

30.5 lbs

TUNA

Weight Angler

1st: Team Amigo

149 lbs

2018 MGCBC Results

Julie Coulter Tony Annan David Denbox

2018 TIFT Results Angler

Blue Marlin

Weight Angler

1st: Reel Addiction

769.6 lbs

Chase Pete

2nd: Team Supreme

739.1 lbs

Alex Krake

3rd: Pearl

611.5 lbs

Edgar McKee

BILLFISH RELEASE

Points

Captain

1st: Relentless Pursuit

1,800

Robbie Doggett

2nd: Done Deal

1,800

Jason Buck

3rd: Money Shot

1,200

Dale Bergeron

SWORDFISH

Weight Angler

1st: Hayride

144.1 lbs

Anthony Stauffer

2nd: Long Straw

125.2 lbs

Matt Carpenter

3rd: Titan Up

123.5 lbs

Anthony Lopez

WAHOO

Weight Angler

1st: Linedout

61.4 lbs

Jeff Dees

2nd: Seament

48.5 lbs

Doug Lake

3rd: Intense

46.4 lbs

Neal Foster

DORADO

Weight Angler

Blue Marlin

Weight

Heaviest fish

687 lbs

1st: Alma Ann

57.2 lbs

Johnny Moore

WAHOO

Weight Angler

2nd: Deadline

45.2 lbs

Kevin Berry

Heaviest Fish

41.45 lbs

3rd: Quicktime

44.6 lbs

Michael Burroughs

DORADO

Weight Angler

TUNA

Weight Angler

Heaviest Fish

36 lbs

1st: Swee Pea

182.3 lbs

Robeau Whibbs

TUNA

Weight Angler

2nd: Reelentless

172.8 lbs

Bennie Goldman

Heaviest Fish

206 lbs

3rd: First Choice

166.3 lbs

Sawyer York

Jake Holbrook Leo Enloe Courtney Whittington Matt Reed

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Gulf Coast Mariner Magazine September/October 2018

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TEXAS SLAM OF SHELLFISH

O

n the backside of summer, we aren’t quite ready for comfort food with its payload of creams, cheeses and calories.

So, what are we going to do with our haul of Texas shellfish? Make a one-pot spicy broth meal with all of it. Served with crusty bread and herbed butter, of course.

And are you still thirsty from the high heat? Let’s get creative with rum. Colorful drinks are a great, celebratory aperitif. For sure you can offer a simple rum punch of fruit juices and regular Bacardi.

And for fun, try a layered drink with raspberry rum for a nod to the “red, white and blue.”

Bacardi Bomb Pop Fill glass with ice. Pour a splash of grenadine over ice. Add 1-2 shots of Bacardi Raspberry slowly over ice, then 2 shots lemonade, then 2 shots Blue Curacao. Slow pouring keeps the layers separate, which mimics your old time 3 layer popsicle. It’s tricky.

Rum Punch For the minimalist!

Fill glass with crushed ice.

Add 2 ounces orange juice, 2 ounces pineapple juice and 2 ounces rum (plain, flavored, or spiced). Stir.

Repeat as frequently as you dare.

32

Oysters, Crab & Shrimp in a Spicy Broth •

1/4 cup olive oil

•

5 garlic cloves, minced

•

2 bay leaves

•

1 tsp crushed red pepper

•

1 cup dry white wine

•

1 (28oz.) can diced tomatoes

•

1 lb. cooked crab meat

•

1 lb. shrimp peeled/deveined

•

1/2 lb. shucked oysters

•

1/2 cup fresh basil leaves

Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add garlic, bay leaf, and crushed red pepper.

Sauté about 1 minute. Add the wine and bring to a boil. Add the tomatoes. Bring to a simmer.

Cook for 10 to 20 minutes. Stir in all the shellfish and basil, cooking for about 2-3 minutes. Serve immediately in bowls, with warm crusty bread and herbed butter.

Gulf Coast Mariner Magazine September/October 2018

Herbed Butter Soften 1 stick of butter at room temperature. Stir in 1/2 teaspoon of dried basil, thyme, or tarragon. Also, add 1/4 teaspoon of dried garlic powder. Tastes better if made ahead of time for flavors to deepen.

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The Kriticos brothers, known for superb Greek and seafood in Galveston, will open Olympia Grill’s League City location at the end of September.

Olympia Grill opens its League City location this fall Island veterans bring award winning seafood to the mainland

By Xander Thomas

D

octors are now

writing some patients prescriptions to eat at Olympia Grill.

Yes, according to Larry and Tikie Kriticos, they have seen this happen. “We’ve actually had doctors take a prescription pad and write ‘you need to eat at Olympia,’” Larry said. They say that because of the restaurant’s focus on healthy cooking.

“We try to, beside make them happy, cook a healthy dish for them,” Tikie said.

“Our restaurants are low salt, we only use two oils, olive oil and canola, and there’s no trans fats in our cooking.”

They have always paid attention to health when it comes to their food. They don’t use preservatives in their fish and shrimp, and they only buy wild-caught.

How fresh exactly is the seafood, you ask? “When he came in the door, he was looking around,” Larry likes

34

to tell customers about the fish.

The Kriticos brothers have been working in restaurants all of their lives, beginning when they were very young and helping out in their families’ eateries. Larry says their father and uncle have always had nice restaurants in Galveston, and that’s “what we grew up in.” But they don’t completely follow their example.

Tikie says that at very young ages, he remembers unwrapping gifts Christmas

Gulf Coast Mariner Magazine September/October 2018

morning, eating breakfast, and his father having him get ready to go to work. So to give their employees time to be with their families, he says, since they worked so many holidays, they close Thanksgiving and Christmas.

The first Olympia Grill was opened in 2004 on the Seawall, and about five years later was followed by the location on Pier 21. Now, finally, in 2018 we are getting a location on the Mainland, but the Kriticos brothers say this hasn’t been an easy task.

Tikie says that the “official” opening of the newest location has already come and gone multiple times, but that they are now looking forward to the end of September.

The important question is…

What will be the incentive to get people into that door?

Tikie says the happy hour specials will do just that.

“During happy hour only, it’s not on our menu, but Greek nachos,” Tikie said enticingly “with corn chips and gyro meat and tzatziki sauce and cheeses.”

What makes the food appealing is the pair of restaurants’ multitude of

awards. For two years in a row, in 2014 and 2015, Olympia won Restaurant of the Year. In 2013, it was honored for the highest quality seafood in the U.S., out of 35,000 restaurants.

If you miss happy hour, don’t worry, there are plenty of items on the regular menu the brothers feel confident will not disappoint.

“Baked stuffed shrimp with a butter wine sauce,” Tikie says is one of their top best selling items, “being Greek, our hummus is the No. 1 app.”

He also says the flaming cheese is “exciting” because it “comes to your table on fire.”

Although born on the Island, their family is straight from Greece. They speak Greek, they cook Greek, and they were more than happy to settle the age-old question.

It’s pronounced Yeer-oh, but Tikie says if you’re American you can say Jy-roh.

Olympia Grill’s newest restaurant is located at 2535 I-45 South in League City. For more information, email OlympiaLC@ olympiagrill.com or visit OlympiaGrill.com

WYC Charity Regatta Benefiting Sailing Angels

W

aterford Yacht Club will be hosting its Fifth Annual Regatta Charity benefiting the Sailing Angels Foundation on Saturday Oct. 20. This event will provide an exciting opportunity for Galveston Bay sailors to enjoy an afternoon

of fun and competitive sailing.

All proceeds go directly to the Sailing Angels Foundation.

The regatta will be held in Galveston Bay with the postrace activities being hosted at Sundance Grill II at 6 p.m./ Waterford Harbor Marina, 800 Mariner’s Drive, Kemah, TX 77565. Cost for the regatta is

$110 per sailboat entry. Dinner tickets are $25 per person.

Race participants will receive one dinner ticket, one skippers shirt and a great skippers bag of goodies if registered by the Oct. 11 deadline.

Additional dinner tickets can be purchased for $25 through www.waterfordyc.com. The post-regatta event will feature dinner, music, awards, and a silent auction to support Sailing Angels. The skippers meeting will be held at Sundance Grill on Friday, Oct. 12 at 7 p.m. For tickets and additional information visit www.waterfordyc.com.

The race course will consist of a 9.62 nautical mile course in Galveston Bay outside of the Kemah channel bounded

by Redfish Island, the Houston Ship Channel and Red Bluff Point. There will be both a Spinnaker and NonSpinnaker Class. This event is open to area yacht clubs, sailing clubs, and sailors. The Sailing Angels Foundation is a 501(c) (3) non-profit charitable organization, based in the

Greater Houston area. Sailing angels provides boating excursions, free of charge, to children with cognitive, physical or emotional needs and / or chronic illnesses as an opportunity for educational and recreational therapy. Also invited by the foundation are wounded warriors and military veterans. These special participants are encouraged to crew on the boat to the best of their abilities. Family members are encouraged to join in the experience.

The Foundation relies on volunteers who donate their time and boats. All financing for Sailing Angels is raised through charitable donations throughout the year. More information can be found at www.sailingangels.org.

The Waterford Yacht Club Board and members encourage the Galveston Bay boating community to come together, support this wonderful charity, and enjoy a great sailing event!

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[ B O A T S

F O R

SA L E ]

1998 Robin Smith 65 Convertible

2005 Hatteras 54 Hatteras

$789,000 Cory W. Webster 281-636-2228 www.galatiyachts.com

$719,000 Larry Smith 850-259-8989 www.galatiyachts.com

2014 Sabre Yachts 42 Salon Express

2017 Boston Whaler 350 Outrage

$710,000 David Hunt 713-819-7426 www.galatiyachts.com

$475,000 Jordan Butler 409-939-5524 www.galatiyachts.com

2002 Nordic 37 $239,900 Texas boat all her life. Low hours. Super for the Great Loop or Bahamas. Super efficient single diesel.

281-334-6500 www.LittleYachtSales.com

36

Gulf Coast Mariner Magazine September/October 2018

1989 Grand Banks 42 Classic $179,900 Ready to Cruise. 2 cabin, 2 Head layout.

Fuel Efficient Twin Ford Lehman Diesels Engines Copper Bottom Paint - 2017 281-334-2863 www.LittleYachtSales.com

2007 DH 55’ Custom Catamaran $800,000 An extraordinarily beautiful, fast passage making, stateof-the-art catamaran commissioned and developed by an around-the-world sailor; fully equipped and ready to go!!

281-334-6500 www.LittleYachtSales.com

2002 46’ Sea Ray Sundancer

2011 28’ Albemarle 280XF $129,000 Yanamar 260hp Diesels, 210 hours, Generator, A/C & Myco Trailer 281-535-2628(BOAT) www.tsfyachts.com

2004 Cruisers 340 Express

$179,900 Cummins Diesels, Low Hours, Bow Thruster, Excellent Condition 281-535-2628(BOAT) www.tsfyachts.com

$95,500 Low, Low Hours on this Fantastic Example of the popular Cruisers Yacht 340 Express. Powered by Twin 8.1L Volvo Penta Engines, only 265 hours!!!

281-334-2863 www.LittleYachtSales.com

2000 38’ Carver 380 Santego

2000 35’ Carver 350 Mariner

Bow & Stern Thrusters, Nice Accommodations.

Asking $69,900 Bring offers!

281-535-2628(BOAT) www.tsfyachts.com

$69,900 Low Hours, Nicely Equipped, Excellent Condition 281-535-2628(BOAT) www.tsfyachts.com

GulfCoastMariner.com

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Galveston Bay Tides EAGLE POINT, TX NOAA Station Id: 8771013

SEPTEMBER Sat 9/1 08:34 AM 06:07 PM

1.16 H 0.40 L

Sun 9/16 06:01 AM 07:09 PM

1.50 H 0.44 L

Mon 10/1 06:17 AM 06:23 PM

1.69 H 0.38 L

Wed 10/17 06:42 AM 08:35 PM

1.61 H 0.58 L

Sun 9/2 07:56 AM 07:02 PM

1.29 H 0.29 L

Mon 9/17 06:48 AM 08:14 PM

1.55 H 0.45 L

Tue 10/2 06:51 AM 07:34 PM

1.75 H 0.37 L

Thu 10/18 07:07 AM 09:39 PM

1.55 H 0.63 L

Mon 9/3 07:52 AM 08:03 PM

1.41 H 0.20 L

Tue 9/18 07:32 AM 09:21 PM

1.56 H 0.47 L

Wed 10/3 07:25 AM 08:48 PM

1.75 H 0.39 L

Fri 10/19 07:18 AM 10:34 PM

1.48 H 0.68 L

Tue 9/4 08:20 AM 09:09 PM

1.51 H 0.14 L

Wed 9/19 08:13 AM 10:24 PM

1.54 H 0.49 L

Thu 10/4 07:49 AM 09:57 PM

1.71 H 0.43 L

Sat 10/20 07:16 AM 11:20 PM

1.40 H 0.76 L

Wed 9/5 08:59 AM 10:14 PM

1.56 H 0.10 L

Thu 9/20 08:47 AM 11:18 PM

1.51 H 0.53 L

Fri 10/5 07:59 AM 11:00 PM

1.62 H 0.52 L

Sun 10/21 07:03 AM 01:01 PM 05:23 PM

1.32 H 1.09 L 1.18 H

Thu 9/6 09:37 AM 11:16 PM

1.56 H 0.12 L

Fri 9/21 09:08 AM

1.46 H

Sat 10/6 07:55 AM 11:56 PM

1.51 H 0.66 L

Sun 10/7 07:44 AM 01:10 PM 05:50 PM

1.41 H 1.17 L 1.32 H

Mon 10/22 12:01 AM 06:45 AM 12:57 PM 06:57 PM

0.86 L 1.27 H 0.94 L 1.22 H

Tue 10/23 12:39 AM 06:22 AM 01:10 PM 08:20 PM

0.99 L 1.24 H 0.78 L 1.27 H

Wed 10/24 01:18 AM 05:55 AM 01:31 PM 09:43 PM

1.12 L 1.25 H 0.62 L 1.34 H

Thu 10/25 01:57 AM 05:23 AM 01:59 PM 11:21 PM

1.26 L 1.31 H 0.47 L 1.42 H

Fri 10/26 02:35 AM 04:39 AM 02:33 PM

1.39 L 1.40 H 0.33 L

Sat 10/27 03:50 AM 03:14 PM

1.51 H 0.24 L

Sun 10/28 04:19 AM 04:03 PM

1.61 H 0.18 L

Mon 10/29 04:59 AM 04:59 PM

1.66 H 0.17 L

Tue 10/30 05:36 AM 06:03 PM

1.68 H 0.20 L

Wed 10/31 06:04 AM 07:13 PM

1.64 H 0.26 L

Fri 9/7 10:03 AM

1.50 H

Sat 9/8 12:14 AM 10:04 AM

0.18 L 1.40 H

Sun 9/9 01:07 AM 09:51 AM 01:53 PM 05:36 PM Mon 9/10 01:56 AM 09:35 AM 02:25 PM 07:35 PM Tue 9/11 02:43 AM 09:18 AM 03:05 PM 09:26 PM Wed 9/12 03:28 AM 08:58 AM 03:48 PM 11:25 PM Thu 9/13 04:13 AM 08:28 AM 04:33 PM Fri 9/14 01:52 AM 05:10 AM 07:24 AM 05:20 PM Sat 9/15 04:59 AM 06:11 PM

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Gulf Coast Mariner Magazine September/October 2018

OCTOBER

0.31 L 1.29 H 1.21 L 1.27 H

0.48 L 1.20 H 1.03 L 1.23 H

0.69 L 1.16 H 0.85 L 1.21 H

0.91 L 1.16 H 0.69 L 1.24 H

1.12 L 1.21 H 0.56 L

Sat 9/22 12:04 AM 09:13 AM

0.58 L 1.40 H

Sun 9/23 12:43 AM 09:03 AM 01:48 PM 05:19 PM

0.65 L 1.33 H 1.23 L 1.27 H

Mon 9/24 01:16 AM 08:45 AM 01:53 PM 06:52 PM

0.75 L 1.28 H 1.12 L 1.26 H

Tue 9/25 01:47 AM 08:22 AM 02:11 PM 08:19 PM

0.88 L 1.25 H 0.99 L 1.27 H

Wed 9/26 02:17 AM 07:56 AM 02:36 PM 09:49 PM

1.01 L 1.25 H 0.86 L 1.30 H

Thu 9/27 02:45 AM 07:27 AM 03:07 PM 11:37 PM Fri 9/28 03:05 AM 06:52 AM 03:43 PM

1.31 H 1.29 L 1.30 H 0.48 L

Sat 9/29 06:11 AM 04:28 PM

1.42 H 0.44 L

Sun 9/30 05:54 AM 05:21 PM

1.17 L 1.29 H 0.72 L 1.36 H

1.32 L 1.37 H 0.60 L

1.48 H 0.49 L

1.60 H 0.42 L

Mon 10/8 12:48 AM 07:30 AM 01:28 PM 07:39 PM Tue 10/9 01:38 AM 07:13 AM 01:57 PM 09:17 PM Wed 10/10 02:27 AM 06:50 AM 02:31 PM 10:56 PM Thu 10/11 03:24 AM 06:11 AM 03:07 PM Fri 10/12 12:49 AM 03:45 PM Sat 10/13 03:08 AM 04:27 PM Sun 10/14 04:31 AM 05:16 PM Mon 10/15 05:24 AM 06:15 PM Tue 10/16 06:07 AM 07:23 PM

0.83 L 1.34 H 0.98 L 1.35 H

1.02 L 1.31 H 0.79 L 1.40 H

1.21 L 1.33 H 0.63 L 1.46 H

1.37 L 1.39 H 0.52 L

1.53 H 0.46 L

1.59 H 0.44 L

1.64 H 0.46 L

1.65 H 0.50 L

1.64 H 0.54 L