Gulf Coast Mariner Magazine Sept/Oct 2019

September/October 2019 | GulfCoastMariner.com

[Letter from Gulf Coast Mariner] Admiral

WHAT’S IN A NAME

T

ravel the world

and you might find a couple different names for the same fish. This August, I was down in Costa Rica in search of roosterfish. The preffered method for catching roosters is to slow troll a bridled “bonito” near rocky shores.

Like us back here in Texas, they’re using the wrong name. What we call “bonito” or “bonita” is really the Little Tunny (Euthynnus alletteratus). What they call “bonito” in Costa Rica is really Black Skipjack Tuna (Euthynnus lineatus).

Of course I found this all out after the fact, when

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September/October 2019

a quick internet search had me realizing that our baits looked nothing like true Pacific Bonito (Sarda lineolata). It took some research to figure out and I spent more time doing that I’d like to admit.

But this illustrates the reason that biologists across the globe use latin names that I am terrible at pronoucing. Good on them.

I’ll think of them next time I catch a whiting (southern kingfish) in the surf or a ling (cobia) offshore.

Whatever you call your fish, take care in handling them if you intend to let them go. Capt. Steve Soule has a great article this issue on the do’s and dont’s for catch and The Black release. As Skipjack always we Tuna is only have great found in the Eastern articles and Tropical photos from Pacific.

Kelly Groce, Capt. David Dillman, Capt.

Joe Kent and many others.

If duck hunting is your passion, be sure to check out Capt. Joey Farah’s article on “Fins and Feathers.”

Speaking of birds, we even have a story on how a pelican tipped the good karma scales for a tournament win. Or is that supersitition? Let me know if you think so and I’ll come swap your boat’s pineapple with a nice, big bunch of bananas.

(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 Karen Laroux Amber Sample Alisa Star Robyn Weigelt Editorial Capt. David Dillman Capt. Joey Farah Kelly Groce Capt. Joe Kent Brandon Rowan Capt. Steve Soule Capt. Brian Spencer Xander Thomas Photography Kelly Groce Cindy Nguyen Brandon Rowan Capt. Steve Soule 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

F O L LO W U S Brandon Rowan Partner/Creative Director

While fishing with Capt. Braeden Thomas on the Upper Laguna Madre, we came across a school of hundreds of tailing black drum. Photo: Kelly Groce

| September/October 2019 10|Fins and Feathers

30|Grand Slams and Trophy Trout

Get out and enjoy the best hunting and fishing in the world, right here in Texas!

By Capt. Joey Farah

Two days of fishing the Lower Laguna Madre with D.O.A. Lures results in remarkable fishing.

By Kelly Groce

14|Gear

32|A Season of Change

Fishing gear and apparel from Camogirl Brand, Laguna Madre Clothing Co., Shimano, Laguna Salt Rods and more.

By Kelly Groce

Look for a change in patterns in Galveston Bay.

By Capt. David Dillman

16|Cougar Saltwater Open The 12th annual UH alumni tourney is a huge success.

By Kelly Groce

18|Billfish Tourney Results Photos and results from the Texas Billfish Classic and the Houston Big Game Fishing Club Lone Star Shootout.

20|$EA DOLLAR$ Tuna Tradition Good karma and tuna tenacity fuel a continued tradition of wins at the Texas Billfish Classic.

By Brandon Rowan

24|Texas Marine Industry Texas Marine Bill passing is great news for the economy.

By Rick Clapp

25|ES Custom Boats Eric Simmons, owner of ES Custom Boats and Simmons Custom Rigging, builds dream boats one hull at a time.

By Brandon Rowan

28|South Texas Yacht Service Power or sail, South Texas Yacht Service is one of the few full service boat yards left.

By Xander Thomas

34|Caring For Your Catch Tips for properly handling and releasing your fish.

By Capt. Steve Soule

36|The Galveston Jetties

Contents

A double edged sword for anglers.

By Capt. Joe Kent

Letter from GCM _____________________p.

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38|Flounder Tips & Tactics

Savage Lures _____________________p.

10

Rigging, lures and tactics for flatfish success.

By Capt. Brian Spencer

Nautical Numbers _____________________p.

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40|Watercolor Artist Leslie McDonald Jr.

Name that Fish _____________________p.

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Painting wildlife and nature scenes from the Texas coastline and beyond for over 33 years.

By Kelly Groce

DOA Snapshots _____________________p.

12

ON THE COVER The passing of HB 4032 caps the sales and uses tax and will greatly benefit the Texas boating industry and economy. Vessels on the cover by Prestige, Fountaine Pajot and Boston Whaler.

Snapshots: Your Fishing & Water Recreation Photos _____________________p.

13 Changes to Texas State Law: Boating and Fishing _____________________p.

17 Tie One On _____________________p.

38 Boats for Sale _____________________p.

44 Galveston Bay Tides _____________________p.

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[HUNTING]

Fins & Feathers

By Capt. Joey Farah

M

arbled skies of fall

color hold waves of waterfowl, and hover over some of the best bay fishing in the world.

Here in Texas we are blessed to enjoy the harvest basket of winter sports.

Combining fins and feathers brings days of duck hunting and fishing together.

Hunting waterfowl can be a excellent and easy way to introduce youth and inexperienced hunters to the hunting sports. For seasoned hunters, the beauty and strategy of the hunt, and the game taken fulfill the wild spirit in each of us.

This winter come experience hunting and fishing the right way; cast and blast Texas style!

CAST FOR FINS

The bays come alive with coastal gamefish as air and water temperatures drop. Deeper water and softer bottoms hold smaller creatures that help get these fish through the winter months. Shrimp, crabs, mud worms, clams and mollusks, are just some of the building blocks of the food chain. Small minnows, baitfish and sport fish follow. These gatherings, and

favorable water conditions, group winter fish in areas that fishermen can enjoy some awesome catching.

Strong cold fronts may seem like a good time to stay inside and dream about boiling hot summer days on the water, but then you’ll miss some Fall and of the best fishing of the winter year! Whipping winds roll prove to the bottom and bring up be some of the best those hidden food sources. fishing of Redfish, trout and black the year. drum go into a feeding frenzy with each cold front. The first day or two is usually the best; those beautiful sunny third and fourth days are usually too pretty and fishing slows. The colder the water gets, the longer it takes fish to digest their meals. This can make feeding patterns predictable but spread out.

Watching the lunar feeding tables will help anglers score the right times to be on the water. Here in the Laguna Madre and Baffin Bay Area we find some of our best fishing both close and far from the dock.

The flats of the Laguna Madre hold an enormous amount of bait, which migrates into the ICW Canal when it gets cold.

Schools of gamefish follow, putting all those fish in one area.

We work the edges of the drop off with soft plastics for some of the most insane trout and redfish action you have ever seen! Fall bait favorites are easily the 3” DOA CAL Shad. This is the perfect imitation of a small pinfish or mud minnow. Colors should include pumpkinseed/chartreuse, purple/ chartreuse, blood red and glow. The larger 5” Jerk Shad is my go-to bait for big trout in the shallows with a light 1/16 oz. DOA jighead. This combination floats and flutters like a sand eel looking for any way out of becoming a meal! The 3 and 5” DOA jerk baits also fit the bill. They imitate both a fleeing minnow as well as

SAVAGE GEAR TWITCH REAPER

Savage Gear’s 3.5” Twitch Reaper is a smartly-conceived sub-surface twitch bait with more benefit than meets the eye. A large internal rattle is effective at calling in predators from afar. Finely crafted features and convincing details push indecisive fish over the edge. Once a fish commits, a study wire-through system and 4X treble hooks keep them on the line. The Twitch Reaper comes in four proven inshore/coastal colors.

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Gulf Coast Mariner Magazine September/October 2019

the sand eel profile.

The best time to hook up on the hard fighting, great tasting black drum is now!

The schools of drum gather during the winter months to feed on small clams and crab. We bring in limits of these fish all winter. Live shrimp works best, as well as crab and sea lice. The absence of trash fish and pin perch during the winter months makes fishing with shrimp much easier.

The rock piles of Baffin Bay and the fish funnel to the south the Land Cut, are famous for their winter fishing greatness.

We anchor up on those big rock piles and use live shrimp deep under popping corks to load the box with drum, trout, and reds.

When the temperatures really drop low, we find redfish fall off of the flats by the thousands into the deeper holes. Catching big redfish every cast can be an out of body experience! Last winter we had one morning where we brought 60 redfish to hand with three anglers in about three hours! Don’t let the heater keep you out of the best fishing of the year this winter, come experience miles of grassy flats boiling with excitement.

BLAST FOR FEATHERS

Like a squadron of fighter jets, the flock of descending ducks rounded the blind and cupped in for a landing. As their feet opened for the landing, fire erupted from the line. The lead birds dropped and a few more pops dropped two more. As the ripples stretched across the sky mirrored surface, my dog leaped across the flat for the first feathered trophy of the morning.

Big game hunting is expensive and puts the stress and buildup into one shot, one trophy. Waterfowl hunting is about ACTION! Diverse species are found with each duck specialized in its own way for feeding and flying. Colors like the most beautiful skies highlight their body in

savage-gear.com COLOR: PEANUT BUNKER

a rainbow of beauty. Young hunters can grasp gun safety, responsible shooting and hunting, as well as the idea of taking a life much easier, with waterfowl versus big game hunts.

The fact that I have the best and biggest, most comfortable duck blinds makes gathering friends and family much easier. We make it easy for you to hunt hard. My clients are still high and dry in days of rain and 40 mph north winds We usually hunt some big sets with over 250 decoys for a mixed bag and lots of action. We use smaller, more specific set ups for trophy birds and particular species. Advanced hunters are usually looking for their favorite species; this is a lot of fun hunting and setting up for that perfect trophy bird for the mount. It is sometimes hard to convince the wife to hang big deer heads on the walls. Beautiful birds go up easier in the house and office.

Ducks have some defining patterns that you must consider on the hunt.

They eat, fly, rest, drink and roost. As a group, inside the region there will be some ducks doing all of these things at any given time. Ducks also trade places between the areas they do this.

We hunt all day! Don’t be fooled into going in after 9 a.m! Many times you will be missing the best activity. Much like fish, the lunar feeding tables mirror their activity. They will be feeding at peak times, but traveling and landing in your decoys before and after those peak times.

Ducks always want to land with the wind in their face. Hunt where they want to be, and not were you want them to be. Birds of a feather flock together holds true. Species will land and sit with their own kind even in flocks of thousands. Motion decoys in your spread can make or break you, so don’t be set in your ways. Make changes with the actions of the birds. Calling can bring ducks in from afar, or scare them away. Soft calling is best. We don’t have a lot of loud and vocal mallards here on the coast!

This winter come experience the beauty of the Texas coast with some fins and feathers! We will be here to help you start off right and make every adventure a success. Hunt smart and safe and always be a good ambassador of the hunting community.

We can accommodate the smallest and largest groups, just like welcoming you into my home. Get out and enjoy the best hunting and fishing in the world, right here in Texas! Follow all our blasts and casts on Facebook AT JOEY FARAH’S BACKWATER FISHING or call 361-442-8145.

Texas Coastlines host over 20 species of waterfowl, each very beautiful.

NAUTICAL NUMBERS

1984 Peacock bass were introduced to Florida’s lakes and canals in 1984.

They have sandpaper like mouths similar to largemouth bass and make for a fun catch. Peacock bass originate from the Amazon.

2 Speckled trout have 2 canine like teeth on their upper jaw that they use to grab prey with then swallow whole.

Name that fish

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A. Schoolmaster B. Red Porgy D. Spot

ANSWER: C. The Mutton Snapper (Lutjanus analis) is a species of snapper native to the Gulf of Mexico, Atlantic and Caribbean seas. Compared to other snapper species, Muttons are considered harder fighters. They are excellent table fare. The IGFA World Record is 30 lb 4 oz.

C. Mutton Snapper

There are 200 species of sea urchins around the world. They are a threatened species due to overfishing and pollution.

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Gulf Coast Mariner Magazine September/October 2019

GOT GREAT PICS TO SHARE? SEND TO: art@baygroupmedia.com

Meagan Rowan caught her biggest fish ever, this Jack, on a vertical jig in Costa Riga. Geremy of Papagayo Fishing helps hold the catch.

Max Conner with a stud ling.

David Herbek caught this FAT 28 lb Permit with Capt. Honson Lau in the Florida Keys.

While fishing near some rocks in Galveston Bay, this healthy trout fell for Capt. Garry McAninch’s 4.5” Chartreuse Flash Down South Lure.

Photo: Kelly Groce

Mark Blumenshine caught this nice bull red with Capt.

Hollis Forrester in East Matagorda Bay. Photo: Kelly Groce

Eric and Amber Moeller with a big Papagayo roosterfish.

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Gulf Coast Mariner Magazine September/October 2019

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[TOURNAMENT RESULTS]

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Gulf Coast Mariner Magazine September/October 2019

C H A N G E S T O T E X A S S TAT E L AW, E F F E C T I V E S E P T. 1 Kali’s Law

Requires anyone operating a boat under 26 feet in length to be physically connected to a boat’s emergency cut-off switch, commonly known as the kill switch. Effective September 1, 2019.

LIFEGUARD LANYARD

Lifeguard Lanyard was an idea that came to light in 2017 by professional redfish tournament anglers and founders Capt. Keith McBride and Capt. Marty Simmons.

The Lifeguard Lanyard kill switch design is not only comfortable to wear but also promotes safety while operating your vessel. The Lifeguard Lanyard can be worn on your right or left ankle or wrist and is designed to stay clear of the steering wheel and other components. Their Scott Obrien wearing his Original Lifeguard Lanyard. mission is to promote boater safety awareness by making the Lifeguard Lanyard a part of your day on the water. Great for inshore/offshore fishing and personal watercrafts. www.lifeguardlanyard.com

SPECKLED TROUT LIMIT

Daily Bag changes to 5 fish statewide.

Minimum length is still 15 inches with only one fish over 25 inches to be retained per person per day.

COBIA Minimum Length

Daily Bag is 2 fish. Minimum length is 40 inches with no maximum length.

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[BILLFISH]

Amigo scored big with this 643 lb blue marlin during the Texas Billfish Classic.

2019 RESULTS July 16-20 • Freeport, TX The Texas Billfish Classic, the fastest growing tourney in Texas, had another stellar year. Tournament champion, Amigo, brought in a big 643 lb blue marlin to the scales. Done Deal released a ton of billfish and $EA DOLLAR$ captured first and second place tuna.

Blue Marlin ANGLER WEIGHT 1. Amigo

David Denbow

Billfish Release

POINTS

1. Done Deal

3,850 points

2. Bali Ha’l

2,400 points

3. Amigo

1,800 points

643 lbs

Tuna ANGLER WEIGHT 1. $EA DOLLAR$

Matt Taylor

49 lbs

2. $EA DOLLAR$

Kurt Pantle

47 lbs

3. Deez Nautz

Barry Williams

43 lbs

Wahoo ANGLER WEIGHT 1. Suthern’s Pride

Sean Strakos

48 lbs

2. High Noon

Ben Brooks

34.5 lbs

3. Sails Pitch

Kevin Alexander

29.5 lbs

Dolphin ANGLER WEIGHT 1. Split Decision

Jason Waligura

30.5 lbs

2. Buck n Bills

Acie Jauer

27.5 lbs

3. Julie Coulter

Deez Nautz

27.5 lbs

Top Money Boats WINNINGS

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Gulf Coast Mariner Magazine September/October 2019

1. Amigo

$121,365

2. Done Deal

$73,260

3. $EA DOLLAR$

$40,500

Photo: Brandon Rowan

Congrats to the 2019 Tournament Champion Done Deal!

2019 RESULTS July 23-28 Port O’Connor, TX

Bimini Babe took first place blue marlin and earned the third most in the 2019 Lone Star Shootout

It was a big turnout and great year for the Lone Star Shootout with a total of 53 participating boats. Done Deal was the tournament champion with 1,900 billfish release points. Bimini Babe weighed a 514.5 lb fish to take first place blue marlin.

Billfish Release

POINTS

1. Done Deal

1,900 points

2. Pandemonium

1,850 points

3. Relentless Pursuit

1,500 points

Blue Marlin ANGLER WEIGHT 1. Bimini Babe

Lee Weidner

514.5 lbs

Tuna ANGLER WEIGHT 1. Bella Donna

Ryan Harris

115 lbs

WAHOO ANGLER WEIGHT 1. Coyote

Mark Hubbard

58.5 lbs

DOLPHIN ANGLER WEIGHT 1. It’s 5 O’Clock Somewhere

Chris Warden

32 lbs

Top Money Boats WINNINGS 1. Done Deal

$212,562

2. Relentless Pursuit

$154,479

3. Bimini Babe

$94,470

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[OFFSHORE]

$EA DOLLAR$ TUNA TRADITION ENDURES Good karma and tuna tenacity fuel a continued tradition of wins at the Texas Billfish Classic Story and Photography by Brandon Rowan

H

IGH STAKES and hot fishing are the name of the game every year at the Texas Billfish Classic and 2019 was no different. I was back on board Jack Beal’s 60’ Bertram, $EA DOLLAR$, to keep the night crew’s tuna win streak going. Last year, we hauled

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Gulf Coast Mariner Magazine September/October 2019

A BOAT LOAD:

The winning crew of $EA DOLLAR$, from left to right, Mark Yamaguchi, Mark Budzise, Brandon Rowan, Brandon Nelson, Adam Lewis, Brad Bull, Gary Hervey, Scott Pantle, Randy King, Kurt Pantle, Matt Taylor, Jack Beal, Ace Nelson and Fred Pyle.

in a 90 lb yellowfin tuna that fell just three pounds short of first place. That was tough. We had our sights set on being No. 1 this time around.

Jasen Gast and the whole TBC team put on a killer kick-off party at Freeport RiverPlace the night before fishing started. The next day, we were locked, loaded and ready to head out far into the wild blue of the Gulf. We had a game plan and wasted no time putting it into action.

There were old and new faces on board for this year’s tourney. Introductions and catching up were in order as we roared out to pelagic possibilities.

the celebration brews. $EA DOLLAR$’ night crew is a well-oiled machine of jig, pop, chum, drift, catch, gaff, rinse and repeat.

The night stayed lively as schools of fish periodically found their way into our chum line and lights. Multiple hook ups on yellowfin and big bruiser 20-30 lb

blackfin tuna kept us going until sunrise.

I was absolutely stoked for Kurt’s cousin, Scott, when he landed his first yellowfin tuna, on topwater no less!

“I saw tuna busting on top, luckily I had the popper rod right next to me. I quickly cast it out and after the second pop it was on!” Scott Pantle said.

I’m real happy he got a warm welcome to Texas

“The chance to photograph a big blue marlin jumping for the sky takes priority over sleep.”

NO 1: Matt Taylor being himself during the weighing of our 1st place tuna.

Plenty of laughs and colorful conversation (you guys know who you are) kept us entertained as we neared our first stop.

TUNA MACHINE

As the sun set on our fishing destination, the night crew geared up and went to work. We had Capt. Mark

Yamaguchi at the wheel, Matt Taylor, Kurt Pantle, his cousin Scott, and myself down in the cockpit. Several of the guys on the day crew helped out early in the night and first mate Adam Lewis made many important gaff shots.

It didn’t take long for us to put a nice yellowfin on the deck and crack open

PROPER INTRO: Scott Pantle is from Florida and had a great first Texas tuna experience. Catching YFT on poppers is a blast!

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FREE BIRD FRIDAY

After a good day’s rest, I was back up with camera in hand, waiting for the afternoon billfish bite. The marlin never materialized, but things stayed interesting nonetheless. We spotted a brown pelican bobbing up and down near the rig as we trolled around. We were a good 170 miles out in the middle of the ocean. This bird was in trouble.

We maneuvered over and tried to lure the pelican in through the tuna door with some bait. The poor guy was so weak, he couldn’t even muster the energy to come on board. Our flying fish net became a bird net and we scooped him up and in. We made a cozy spot in the corner with an old towel and named him “Jack Jr.” We fed JJ as much fish as he wanted and after about

MEET JJ: The legend himself, JJ. We rescued this Pelican from the middle of the Gulf during the tournament. We were ready to turn him over to Parks & Wildlife but he jumped ship when we reached land.

tuna fishing. Scott is from Florida, where blackfin tuna is the target species, not the bait. I was lucky enough to witness that tuna crush the OTI Wombat Popper he had tied on and oh man, it was a beautiful sight to behold.

Every one of us put a yellow on the deck that night.

At sunrise, it was time to tally things up. We had 6 yellowfin in the box, including an odd fish I caught on a Williamson Benthos jig. All other fish came from drifting chunks and Scott’s one on the popper.

The flying fish piercing parlor was open for business but the tuna were indifferent to our winged offerings.

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“He came away with a strange new story to tell his buddies and so did we.”

After a hot shower and a good meal, I hit the bunk with explicit instructions for the trolling guys to come smack me awake if they got into a good fish. The chance to photograph a big blue marlin jumping for the sky takes priority over sleep. I’ll sleep when I’m dead.

Gulf Coast Mariner Magazine September/October 2019

10 pieces and some water, he was content. We don’t know how he got so far out, but this lucky bird nearly became shark bait. JJ rested happily in the corner and regained his strength as he oversaw our tuna operation.

This night began much the same as the last one with a hot bite early. Line peeled away from my reel on the first drift and after a surprisingly short fight I had a respectable yellowfin tuna on the deck.

The wheels of our tuna machine kept turning but that was the last yellow of the trip. But again, things stayed interesting.

JJ quickly regained his vigor and, well, actually became something of a terror. He bit Fred and a few others as they walked past. Them birds have some range with that neck! JJ’s happy little corner was on top of the livewell, so depositing flying fish in the tank became a careful procedure.

They say you don’t bite the hand that feeds you, but we forgive you JJ. A sportfisher is no place for a pelican.

JJ stayed on board for the rest of the night and watched the day crew score a white marlin and wahoo at sunrise.

He didn’t care at all for the way we screamed back towards land for the weigh-in.

Jack Sr. had Parks and Wildlife on the phone, but once we broke the jetties, JJ spotted some of his pelican brethren and left us behind.

“Fishermen and hunters always get a bad rap but we’re all about conservation,” Jack Beal said.

in as they hung up our first fish. The scales’ flashed “49” and it was high fives and shouts all around! Not only was our win confirmed, but we also took second place with a 47 lb fish.

“If your next paycheck depended on catching a big yellowfin tuna, I would recommend you call the night crew of $EA DOLLAR$!” Matt Taylor said. $EA DOLLAR$ was presented with a check for a cool $40,500 at the TBC awards dinner later that night.

As a bonus, the whole crew walked away with bags of fresh tuna and a story we won’t soon forget.

You never know what you may see when you venture

DOLLAR$:

Fred Pyle and Jack Beal show off the goods.

out into the Gulf of Mexico.

I can’t help but imagine the sideways and disbelieving glances the other pelicans

throw at JJ when he tells his tale. He came away with a strange new story to tell his buddies and so did we.

MOMENT OF TRUTH

Good karma paid off. When it was all said and done, we had 7 yellowfin tuna on ice, although no hundred pounders. We weren’t sure what to expect since our 90 lb fish last year was only good enough for second place. We held our breath at the weigh-

THE WILD BLUE: You never know what you will find out there. Adam Lewis holds up our “trophy” mahi.

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Texas Marine Industry Bill Passing is Great News for the Boating Industry and Texas Economy

By Rick Clapp

T

he recent passing of the

Texas Marine Industry Bill has been approved as HB 4032. It was successfully filed and signed

by Texas Govenor Abbott. The passing of this marine bill will most positively impact the Clear Lake Area and Bay Area Houston Marine Region. We will now have a strong opportunity to compete with the state of Florida and other coastal states for large yachts, sailboats, and high priced center console fishing boat sales.

“The state of Texas can now return to its place among the Nation’s leaders in yacht and boating sales, and employment related to the marine industry,” said John Preston, president of the Texas Marine Industry Coalition (TMIC) and owner of the Boater’s Directory.

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This bill will take effect Sept. 1, 2019 and shall effectively make the Texas marine industry competitive with other coastal states with lower tax policies for boats. The bill sets a limit on the 6.25% sales and uses tax for all taxable recreational vessels at $18,750, effectively matching the $18,000 tax that Florida enacted in 2010. The bill contains an additional provision to allow boats for use outside of Texas to temporarily remain in the state to utilize Texas marine service companies for refit and repairs.

There is also a provision to establish a fee permit system for out-of-state registered vessels if returning to or visiting Texas waters for temporary periods of time and spend money in our coastal communities. The intent and effect of each measure of the bill is to eliminate the incentives other states have

Gulf Coast Mariner Magazine September/October 2019

been providing for large boat buyers and keep business in Texas. The bottom line is that the boat sales tax cap and additional provisions of HB 4032 will provide more boats, more boating and more business for Texas.

The bill took a tremendous amount of time, money, effort and planning, as well as an intense lobbying effort in Austin. It was heavily supported by the members of the marine industry and local communities.

“We want to thank all our members and supporters who responded to our call for action. They wrote letters and called legislators, contributed money, and made many trips to Austin. Their efforts paid off,” said Jay Dee Jackson, Treasurer of TMIC and Sales Manager for Galati Yacht Sales. “Our well-organized grass roots effort was extremely effective and we achieved the goal we sought.”

There are so many people to thank that were instrumental in passing the bill, such as Greg and Glenda Allison, John Preston, Jay Dee Jackson, Senator Larry Taylor, Representative Greg Bonnen, Genie Morrison, Dennis Paul, Ed Thompson, Todd Hunter, and Senator Louis Kolkhorst and many other rank and file members of TMIC. Finally we all want to thank TMIC and all the local marine service people that helped pass the Texas Marine Industry Bill as it will have a major economic impact for years to come. A celebratory party is set for Nov. 9 at Lakewood Yacht Club from 6-10 p.m. For more information call 281-474-5875.

The Prestige 520S, voted best sports cruiser, is available at www.galatiyachts.com.

For more bill information feel free to contact the Texas Legislative committee • John Preston 832-788-2860 • John Bowen 832-226-2881 • Randy Bright 713-816-2165 • Jay Dee Jackson 941-720-5081 • tmicolation@gmail.com • www.tmicoalition.org

Eric Simmons, owner of ES Custom Boats and Simmons Custom Rigging builds high end, shallow draft fishing machines.

MAKING DREAMS COME TRUE Eric Simmons of ES Custom Boats and Simmons Custom Rigging builds dream boats one hull at a time

By Brandon Rowan

I

n 2003, tournament angler

and fishing guide Eric Simmons had a decision to make: continue guiding or focus on a dream of building his perfect boat. Fast forward sixteen years later, and Simmons is making others’ dreams come true with his shallow draft, ultra high performance boat, the Revolution.

“The Revolution series builds on our history of know-how,” Eric Simmons said. “We’re always evolving and building a better product.”

BIRDS BEFORE BOATS

Born and raised in Freeport, Eric’s first love was duck hunting and all he ever wanted to do. Needing something to do

in the offseason, he later discovered a second love, fishing.

“As soon as I could, I got a boat and a truck and started fishing up and down the Texas Coast. I didn’t come from a big hunting or fishing family so I’m not sure where I got it from. But I loved it. I made a lot of good life long friends doing that,” Simmons said.

Eric was fortunate to be up-and-coming during a lot of the big Mickey Eastman Troutmasters style tournaments. These life experiences shaped his boat’s design.

“Tournament anglers like the Revolution. It’s a boat race with some fishing sprinkled in there, so we do cater to that,” Simmons said. (continued on page 26) GulfCoastMariner.com

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“The handling characteristics of our boats stand alone.

The performance and speed are in a different league.”

HIGH SPEED: Mercury Racing engines and

props propel the Revolution to high speeds.

Through guiding and tournaments, Eric gained a lot of knowledge and insight on what he wanted to see in his perfect fishing boat. Slowly over time he realized what he was looking for didn’t exist. And despite no formal education in nautical design, he decided he was going to build his own. The rest is history.

“I am self taught, a student of the game. I had the desire and want to do it,” Simmons said.

A LEAGUE APART The Revolution is CAD designed and blends efficiency with shallow water capability. There’s a lot of shallow draft

HIGH TECH: ES Custom Boats uses an integrated, big glass dash by Simrad on the Revolution. cats out there but that’s not what sets the Revolution apart.

“The handling characteristics of our boats stand alone,” Simmons said. “The performance and speed are in a different league. Our hulls have some of the best ride quality out there.”

The Revolution is made to order and a waiting list of 12-16 months is typical.

But good things come to those that wait.

Customers of ES Custom Boats have the privilege of truly crafting their dream boat from the ground up.

PRECISION: Custom, in-house built power control panel on the Revolution.

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Gulf Coast Mariner Magazine September/October 2019

“We have a hull and deck mold, but the color, the way you lay it out, and your style of fishing has a lot to do with the end result, as well as your budget and imagination,” Simmons said. “It’s fun to do each one. They’re all a little bit different.”

Everything starts with an idea on paper. Once a plan is in place, the hull is created at the glass shop, gel coat is sprayed and the deck and fuel tanks are added. The hull then moves to the rigging shop where it stays for two to three

TOURNEY TESTED: Eric Simmons’ tournament background and experience played a role in the development of his boat.

YOUR CHOICE: ES Custom Boats outfits the Revolution according to the customer’s imagination. They can even match the color of your truck. weeks. Engines, electronics, aluminum work and any and all marine accessories are added. A Power-Pole shallow water anchor system is affixed to every boat.

Eric prefers top-shelf, hand picked products from companies like PowerPole, Simrad, Wet Sounds Audio and Mercury Racing.

“I am OEM with Mercury and Mercury Racing. I’ve always liked their product; it has given us an edge. They have a full array of factory props that work well with our boats. Sometimes with custom props you never know what you will get from one to the other,” Simmons said.

The Revolution also features high quality anodized Jack Plates from Bob’s Machine Shop in Florida. Theirs is a superior design; strong, simple and very fast. Eric prides himself on attention to detail and total control over quality.

“We do say no to certain ideas because we may have tinkered with it and realize it didn’t work. We like to keep control so there’s no oddball boats out there somebody isn’t happy with. We don’t go with who is going to give us the deal but who is going to give us the best results,” Simmons said.

The Revolution comes in two lengths,

the 23 and 25. Both perform similarly and are a matter of preference. The 23 is preferred by solo anglers, smaller groups and those who don’t have the space to accommodate the 25.

THE FUN PART Once work is completed in the rigging and aluminum shops, the boat is turned over to Eric.

“I get the fun part of water testing each one,” Eric said with a smile. “My job is to make sure she floats and quality control every little thing I can find.”

After that, the boat is detailed, another checklist is completed and she is out the door to a happy new owner. ES Custom Boats currently produces three boats a month but Eric’s goal for 2020 is to build a boat a week. And if that isn’t enough to keep them busy, Simmons Custom Rigging also outfits boats of other makes, with several aluminum or rigging jobs a year. The shop recently outfitted a bare hull Majek with a riser box, complete aluminum work and the console.

Another attractive aspect for customers of ES Custom Boats is the resale value. A lot of custom boats take a dive in value

the second they leave the yard.

“Our resale value is extremely high,” Eric said. “A lot of my return customers have reported that they’ve broken even or made money when they sell. It’s not guaranteed but it seems to be the case out there.”

FAMILY GUY When Eric isn’t in the shop or tinkering with designs, he is passionate about his family.

“We like going out on the boat in the summer time,” Eric said. “We’re a boating family, that’s my biggest thing. I have three kids with my wife Candace; Hailey is 10, Cole is 12, and Olivia is 15 and has her driver’s permit.”

But with the kids back to school, Eric’s attention turns to his two favorite fishing targets, trout and redfish.

“I like winter time fishing. The bays are a lot quieter, there’s less people out there and you’re after a different caliber of fish.

That’s what I really enjoy.”

For more information on building your dream boat, visit simmonscustomrigging.com or call the office at (832) 864-2331 GulfCoastMariner.com

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South Texas Yacht Service owner Mark Grinstead has close to 40 years of experience.

One of Few Left on the Texas Coast South Texas Yacht Service handles any and all marine issues, power or sail

By Xander Thomas

T

here are plenty of boat yards along the coast, and certainly in the Clear Lake Area, home to marinas and great sailing areas, but any of them offering full service seems like a thing of the past.

South Texas Yacht Service is one of few places that still does just that.

“Most of the yards now are what we call contractor yards, where you got 10, 12, 15, different contractors working out if the yard,” said owner Mark Grinstead.

He says that the convenience of a

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full service yard like this one can be priceless to someone who doesn’t want the hassle of going through a different professional for any problem that comes up. So that you do not have to act as your own general contractor by yourself, South Texas Yacht Service can do almost anything you need, all at one time, right in one place.

“You got an electrical problem, you gotta find an electrical contractor, if you got a mechanical problem, you gotta find a mechanical contractor, you got a rigging problem, you gotta find a rigger, well we do all of those things in house,” Mark said.

It’s not just that these guys can do whatever you need them to, they are good at it.

“I’ve been doing this for almost 40 years now, and most of my staff probably average about 20 years experience,” he said, “We have an experienced staff, probably the most experienced staff of any yard on the Texas coast.”

So what this means for you, is that you talk to one person about everything,

Gulf Coast Mariner Magazine September/October 2019

you take it to one place, you get quality service, and you won’t have different people messing with someone else’s previous work – we all know how that ends up.

“We keep our employees, we don’t have a real high turn-over rate, so our work is consistent,” Mark said.

Mark says that his love of sailing and the sea started at an early age. His family lived on a boat for a few years when he was a child, and he has been around them his whole life, so this line of work just came naturally to him. He has earned a bachelor’s degree in marine transportation and has a Coast Guard license.

He says that there is almost nothing that they can’t do for you. They even take on a few complete restoration cases a year, usually.

“We handle the whole deal,” he said, “I think we’re the only yard left on the Texas coast that’s a full service yard.”

South Texas Yacht Service is located at 1500 Marina Bay Dr. #3510 in Kemah.

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[GALVESTON BAY]

Season of Change

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

D

o we see the change from

summer to fall? I see the signs; school begins, traffic increases, daylight is shorter and football season starts. Do fish and wildlife sense the change? To those who are observant, the movement and patterns are evident.

Also, this is the time of the year that new fishing and boating regulations are enforced.

A major change to boating is the use and attachment of the motor cut off switch to operators of motor boats 26 feet and less. Saltwater fishing regulation changes are the statewide enforcement of the daily bag limit of speckled trout to 5 fish per person per day. Shark fisherman will be required to use non-stainless steel, non-offset circle hooks while in state waters. The size limit for Cobia (Ling)

Mark Leaseburge caught redfish, trout and pompano.

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Gulf Coast Mariner Magazine September/October 2019

will increase to 40 inches.

Fishing licenses will need to be renewed, so make sure you are legal.

Fish will begin to change their pattern, very subtlely in September and noticeable in October. In September, their slight movement will be directly related to the decrease in daylight hours.

Fish will move slightly toward shallower water as it begins to cool from less sunlight. With each passing cool front, which usually begins the middle of September, speckled trout, redfish and flounder will seek the shorelines and move towards the northern reaches of the bay. This movement is a direct reaction to baitfish and shrimp migrating from the marsh to the open bay.

Remember fish follow the

food chain. They go where they can eat!

Anglers will be able to pursue these fish on a variety of soft plastic baits and of course, live natural baits. For flounder, live mudfish and finger mullet will be the go to baits. Although finger mullet can be scarce, Eagle Point will have some of the best mudfish available anywhere on the Texas coast. Trout and redfish will be caught on live shrimp fished underneath a popping cork. Also for those anglers who enjoy throwing artificial lures, a variety of soft plastics will do well.

Anglers searching for something big should look no further than the Galveston Jetties. The annual bull redfish run will begin in September and really heat up in October. Tarpon fisherman will have a chance to get catch the largest of these creatures along the Galveston beachfront.

You can call Eagle Point Fishing Camp at 281-339-1131 to check on their bait supply. Enjoy this time of year, fishing can be fantastic!

[INSHORE]

Galveston Bay has an uncanny ability to withstand catastrophic events and rebound amazingly well. With near constant dredge work, endless barge and ship traffic, an enormous amount of recreational users, run-off water that none of us want to know the content of, and an occasional spill or collision leaking hazardous chemicals into the system, its truly miraculous how abundant this fishery remains. Wildlife in and around Galveston Bay seems to somehow pull through many challenges. The diversity of the system plays a huge role in this; three major Gulf inlets(for the moment), numerous rivers, creeks and bayous that empty into it and vast satellite nursery areas around the bay provide habitat.

Given these facts, plus the sheer size of the bay, fish and other sea creatures seem to thrive on their ability to move around the bay system under varying conditions.

Fish and their food sources move around the bay every year, for the reasons listed above and many others. Couple this fact with the not-always-great water conditions and the prospect of catching fish can become daunting. Kudos to those who have figured out how to consistently catch fish here or in any saltwater bay system, as it is often difficult.

STEWARDSHIP

Caring for your catch

By Steve Soule www.ultimatedetailingllc.com

T

here are probably not

many people reading this article or others in this magazine that don’t have a great respect of fish, wildlife and the great outdoors in general. I know that over many years of fishing and spending time on and around coastal waters, my appreciation of the natural beauty and numerous species it supports has only grown greater.

With the vast majority of us spending too many days in offices, stuck on highways, and staring at small screens, time spent outdoors only grows more precious. It has always felt like time well spent, whether fishing for fun or for money as a tournament angler or guide.

Understanding the value of the natural resources we have and consciously working to ensure that we can continue

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to enjoy it for many generations to come is of paramount importance.

CHANGING OF THE BAY

For those that are younger, newer to an area, or just haven’t spent as much time along the coastal waters, change definitely won’t be so noticeable. For those who have been on and around the coast for 10, 20 or 30 more years, change is striking and often disturbing. Coastal development, land erosion, dredge work and many other factors affect the bays and waterways. Some of these factors are just a part of nature and will happen regardless of human impact. Others are a direct effect of our desire to be on or near the water and the need for infrastructure and transportation in and around waterways. Those of us on the upper Texas Coast utilize and enjoy one of the most heavily populated and heavily trafficked bays in Texas.

Gulf Coast Mariner Magazine September/October 2019

Having fished the upper coast for a little over 30 years now, I’ve experienced good and bad. I’ve had more tough days of fishing than I care to admit or recall. I’ve found some great success, and always tried to keep track of how and why, so that I could hopefully repeat those days. I’ve seen some staggering changes and of course developed some very strong opinions based on years of observation.

Though I do eat fish from time to time, and killed more fish in the past for tournaments than I wish that I had, I have come to a point where I only take fish that I can eat that day. I have two primary reasons for this: first, I can assure you that fresh fish tastes much better than frozen.

Second, for me, the enjoyment of fishing has always been about the chase and pleasure of fishing and catching them, rather than eating them.

There are laws in place designed to help control and maintain the fish populations that do a reasonably good job of ensuring that we will be able to enjoy the resource for many years to come.

Each and every licensed fisher in the state is entitled to participate and enjoy consumption within those laws.

I’m not going to advocate change, though I was pleased when TPWD announced the reduction in speckled trout bag limit this year. I believe that decision will help overall populations.

What I would really like to address isn’t the laws, changes to them or enforcement of them. I am of the opinion that those who most frequently use the resource, especially those who make their living from our fisheries, are the ones with the greatest responsibility to maintain the resource and teach future generations.

This group of people, in many cases, knows the condition of the habitat and fishery better than the politicians and lawmakers that govern over it. I have heard many different ideas and opinions about regulations and changes to them and how they will affect guides and commercial fishers. Probably the largest impact that can be controlled is that of the recreational fishing industry.

As a guide, I would say it is in your best interest to encourage that people only take the fish they plan to eat within a short period of time. Definitely, do not catch an additional limit and keep for your customers, since this has been a law for many years now. And as a steward of the fishery and in the interest of ensuring you have fish to catch in the future, encourage catch and release. Trust me, your customers book you because they enjoy fishing with you and respect your knowledge and want your guidance.

They aren’t showing up because they have found the best way to feed their families. And yes, they will continue to

come back to fish as long as there are fish to catch.

Now that we have jumped onto the catch and release train, we can start thinking about the impact we have there.

I’ve spent a lot of years fishing primarily catch and release and have learned a lot about how to make sure fish survive and swim away healthy. I’m going to list some very basic rules to help make sure that are efforts are rewarded with a thriving population of fish.

TIPS FOR CATCH & RELEASE • •

•

• •

•

•

•

Fight fish quickly to help reduce stress and exhaustion effects Minimize the time fish are out of the water. They can’t breathe when there isn’t water passing their gills!

Avoid putting fish in contact with dry surfaces. It removes their protective slime. (wet hands to grab, keep off of hot boat decks) If you can, release the fish without removing from the water.

Hold fish horizontally when out of the water. They don’t have support for internal organs so holding vertically can cause damage.

If possible, don’t hold fish by lips or jaws. ( Lipping and weighing devices that hold fish by lip or jaws can cause serious damage to connective tissue around the jaw.

Always attempt to revive fish by holding in water by the tail until they can swim away strongly.

If you’re going to measure a fish,

•

wet the ruler.

Don’t force the jaws of a fish to overextend with lipping tools

A few more thoughts

Fish are fairly durable and can handle being caught and released, but limiting adverse effects helps to make sure our efforts aren’t in vain. Making the effort to encourage and practice catch and release among recreational anglers and guides will almost certainly have a bigger impact on fisheries than regulations. I’ve never been one to believe that government knows or can react fast enough to be the best steward of resources. I firmly believe that as recreational users of the fishery, we stand to lose the most so we should work to maintain it. Killing 30 fish for your customers may be your right, but posting pictures of dead fish in a cooler or on the deck of your boat probably isn’t the best way to market how you help to keep our fishery strong.

Just because you have the opportunity to fish every day, doesn’t mean you should kill fish every day. One day you may just run out of fish. Killing a big trout or redfish for food isn’t great; expect parasitic worms and mushy trout fillets.

Plus, the giant rib cage of a bull red yields much less meat than expected. These fish are also important spawners and make future fish generations possible. The same does not apply to flounder fillets, but we do need to maintain a strong breed stock.

Short sided planning around your love of fishing will likely lead to long term disappointment in your catching.

Capt. Clay Sheward releases a redfish caught on the fly.

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[INSHORE]

The Galveston Jetties A Double Edged Sword for Anglers

By Capt. Joe Kent

T

Even tarpon make appearances along the jetties.

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Gulf Coast Mariner Magazine September/October 2019

he Galveston Jetties are comprised of

two sets of Granite Rocks known as the North and South Jetties that extend close to five miles out from shore. The South Jetty is located on the Galveston side while the North Jetty has its home on the Bolivar side.

The jetties were built to protect the Galveston/Houston Ship Channel from erosion and wind in order to keep the entrance to Galveston Bay open for all vessels. Construction began in the late 1800s and was completed around the beginning of the 20th century.

The jetties brought a new dimension to fishing, as the rocks attracted all types of crustaceans and fin fish. Early on, anglers would catch grouper, mackerel and even red snapper along the rocks. Tarpon were also plentiful for jetty fishermen.

While most of those species are rarely found around the jetties any longer, the rocks continue to attract a wide variety of both inshore and offshore fish as well as fishermen.

While the virtues of fishing are high on the benefits offered by the jetties, there are dangers that lurk. Early on the most common fatality came from small boats rounding the end of the North Jetty to fish the Gulf side. Many times the attendant at the South Jetty Lighthouse would call in a distress report after observing a small boat capsizing in the

turbulent waters at the end of the North Jetty.

For that reason and others, a cut was constructed in the North Jetty not far from shore and was and still is called the North Jetty Boat Cut. It too added another dimension for fishing and safety for boaters.

For years, the greatest peril facing jetty fishermen in boats were the strong currents found along the channel side of both jetties. Often the current would change so rapidly that boaters did not have time to react and found their boat pushed into the rocks with major damage resulting. Wakes from large vessels also were potential trouble makers and while those perils continue to exist, boaters are more aware of them today.

In recent years still another danger has emerged and that has been caused by the subsidence of the century old granite rocks. This has been a gradual process; however, the sinking continues.

Today, the submerging rocks are probably the greatest of the perils.

I have fished the jetties for well over 50 years and recall my early offshore fishing days when I would return from a trip

jetties and crashed into the rocks. The picture accompanying this article is a good example and was taken in August of this year.

During periods of higher than normal tides, such as during storm tides associated with events in the Gulf, much of the jetties are under water or barely above the surface.

“The big dangers come in poor light such as night time navigation or in the early morning hours.�

The jetties bring in a huge variety of fish species but are not without peril.

and see the jetties from at least five miles away. Today, that is not the case, as the rocks do not become clearly visible until within a mile or less.

The big dangers come in poor light such as night time navigation or in the early morning hours. For several years now multiple mishaps have occurred where captains misjudged the end of the

While it is not feasible to raise the rocks or economical to add new layers, there are things that can and should be done.

First and foremost is adding lights or lighted buoys along both jetties.

Signs also would help alert newcomers about the dangers.

While these suggestions might not eliminate all tragedies, they would be a major step and could save some lives and preserve this iconic fishing territory for generations of anglers to come.

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[INSHORE]

WE ASK captains, guides and those in the industry what they’re throwing, for what species and what they’re drinking after a long day of fishing.

Flounder Tips and Tactics

By Capt. Brian “Flounder Professor” Spencer

L

et me introduce myself,

Matagorda Bay Complex 979-236-3115 | capthollisforrester.com Fall is around the corner in which the water temps will begin to fall and cause our fish to have a more aggressive approach toward lures other than soft plastic.

But still, I’m going back to a plastic every day because sooner or later that day, those fish will lay off a topwater for example.

I use 20 lb. braid, “mostly Kast King 9” with about a 4’ leader 20lb fluorocarbon tied line to line with an Alberto’s knot. There is no sense in using barrel swivels with braided fishing line; braid does not twist so why add more junk to the lure you are throwing? Trout are most definitely leader shy fish so tying straight braid to a jig head is not a good idea.

There isn’t any stretch in braid so at least the fluorocarbon will give you some and plus the added camo. Continuing on with tactics while drifting, I’ll be using a 1/4 oz. jighead to get my lure in that important water column as fast as I can for this time of year.

I am mostly throwing Down South Lures and have 4 main colors I use 90% of the time.

I use Spicy Pumpkinseed, LaRue’s Salt Sassy, Chartreuse Flash and Texas Roach. Fishing with Down South Lures is an easy choice for me, it covers both the sand eel and or the shad/mullet side of the spectrum.

Back at the cleaning table I’ll be drinking a... Gatorade! I’m not much of a beer drinker.

I’m a real party animal right!

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Gulf Coast Mariner Magazine September/October 2019

my name is Brian Jospeh Spencer. Some people call me the “Flounder Professor” due to my love for that particular and very elusive fish. Fishing has been in my life for about 25 years, if you include salt and freshwater together.

One of my jobs is being a commercial fisherman, searching and longing to find myself while roaming the flats of the upper Laguna Madre on the hunt for big flatfish. I provide flounder to the fish markets on occasion in order to fulfill everyone’s need to have a great fish dinner every once in a while. My other job is being a captain, putting people on their first flounder, whether by fishing or gigging, we get it done.

In this first article I will just give some basic education about flounder, their lifestyle and a couple of my favorite tricks to find them. There are two main types; the gulf flounder and the southern flounder that reside in our area. They are pretty similar except that the southern flounder runs bigger and lives a little bit longer. The huge females that we find, above 20 inches, are most of the time southerns.

The gulf ones don’t get much bigger than 18 inches for the females and even smaller for the males. There are also summer flounder but those have five spots near the tail.

As a juvenile, the fry are born with

their eyes on both sides of their head and not until they grow a little larger and lay on the bottom, do they begin to get the better known two eyes on the same side of their head. They tend to migrate out to deeper water during their time to spawn in November or when the water hits 65-68 degrees.

The reason they head out into the Gulf is to find water between 60 and 150 feet deep to expel their eggs. Due to not having an air bladder, they use the pressure from being so deep to make that happen. In March, they normally make their way back in for the spring run back to the flats.

When I fish for flounder I typically throw a tandem rig (check my YouTube for video) with a 1/4 oz. jighead up front and an 1/8 oz. jighead in the back. This way you can get some great action out of your back lure while still keeping it pretty low in the water column. For flounder I throw two types of lures; Berkley Gulp or Chickenboy Lures. There are lots of varieties to choose from, color and shape wise, but just try to match the hatch with what they are currently eating at the present time. Dragging the bottom is my method of choice. I use Texas Rattler Jigs in combination with my lures. Reeling in only to take up slack or bring in a fish, otherwise it is all rod movement.

Normally they say when you feel the thump or double thump from a flounder just leave it and wait about 15 seconds to give them time to eat it. Then set the hook solid due to flounder’s bony mouth structure.

Next issue I will get further in detail on where, how, what and why. If you have any questions on why I do what I do, feel free to ask me! If you would like to book a trip for flounder gigging or fishing, bay fishing or offshore check out TrinityOutfittersTx.com and leave me a message. Until next time, tight lines and sharp gigs.

• • •

Flounder Professor Outdoors@ You Tube & Facebook Flounder Professor@ IG and Facebook bspen112@gmail.com

Sponsors: Chickenboy Lures, Texas Rattler Jigs, Berkley, Frio Coolers, Powerpole, Houghy Stick, Penn, Stinkypants, Foreverlast, Steves Lures, Kelley Wigglers, Waypoint Marine, Wet Sounds, Outcast Rods, Jerrys Leds, Trokar, Salt Thugz Apparel, Redtail Republic, Fin Addict Angler, Fishhide Sportswear, Slick Sticks, DeFishing Soap

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Gulf Coast Mariner Magazine September/October 2019

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F O R

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2019 World Cat 230cc 2005 Formula 48 PC $295,000 Larry Smith 850-259-8989 www.galatiyachts.com

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Gulf Coast Mariner Magazine September/October 2019

Boat, Motor and Trailer Package Starting at $99,995 Twin Yamaha 115hp 4 Stroke Canvas T-top, 30 gal livewell, Raw water washdown, Forward Seating, 2 – 150qt insulated fish boxes 281.916.5000 • GCMBOATS.COM

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

SEPTEMBER Sun 9/1 02:58 AM 10:11 AM 03:26 PM 09:13 PM Mon 9/2 03:43 AM 09:43 AM 04:17 PM 11:36 PM

0.98 L 1.11 H 0.43 L

Wed 9/4 02:45 AM 04:54 AM 08:17 AM 06:04 PM

1.22 H 1.21 L 1.23 H 0.30 L

Fri 9/6 06:55 AM 08:02 PM Sat 9/7 07:37 AM 09:07 PM Sun 9/8 08:21 AM 10:11 PM Mon 9/9 09:04 AM 11:12 PM Tue 9/10 09:44 AM Wed 9/11 12:05 AM 10:12 AM Thu 9/12 12:50 AM 10:24 AM Fri 9/13 01:28 AM 10:16 AM 02:24 PM 05:25 PM Sat 9/14 02:00 AM 09:54 AM 02:29 PM 07:03 PM Sun 9/15 02:28 AM 09:25 AM 02:49 PM 08:33 PM

Gulf Coast Mariner Magazine September/October 2019

0.72 L 1.05 H 0.62 L 1.11 H

Tue 9/3 04:25 AM 09:11 AM 05:10 PM

Thu 9/5 06:28 AM 07:01 PM

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0.46 L 1.06 H 0.84 L 1.10 H

1.38 H 0.23 L

1.49 H 0.21 L

1.54 H 0.22 L

1.54 H 0.26 L

1.52 H 0.30 L

Mon 9/16 02:53 AM 08:52 AM 03:13 PM 10:07 PM Tue 9/17 03:16 AM 08:15 AM 03:41 PM

0.92 L 1.16 H 0.87 L 1.19 H

1.06 L 1.19 H 0.75 L

1.35 L 1.39 H 0.47 L

Wed 10/16 03:02 AM 05:04 AM 02:57 PM

1.41 L 1.41 H 0.53 L

Wed 10/2 01:21 AM 04:21 PM

1.56 H 0.37 L

Thu 10/17 04:11 AM 03:32 PM

1.51 H 0.45 L

Thu 10/3 04:08 AM 05:13 PM

1.67 H 0.34 L

Fri 10/18 04:38 AM 04:16 PM

1.60 H 0.39 L

1.24 H 1.21 L 1.25 H 0.64 L

Fri 10/4 05:18 AM 06:12 PM

1.73 H 0.37 L

Sat 10/19 05:18 AM 05:10 PM

1.68 H 0.35 L

Thu 9/19 06:39 AM 04:54 PM

1.36 H 0.55 L

Sat 10/5 06:08 AM 07:19 PM

1.75 H 0.42 L

Sun 10/20 05:57 AM 06:14 PM

1.72 H 0.34 L

Fri 9/20 06:13 AM 05:44 PM

1.47 H 0.47 L

Sun 10/6 06:51 AM 08:33 PM

1.73 H 0.48 L

Mon 10/21 06:33 AM 07:26 PM

1.73 H 0.35 L

Sat 9/21 06:36 AM 06:45 PM

1.58 H 0.41 L

Mon 10/7 07:29 AM 09:44 PM

1.68 H 0.54 L

Tue 10/22 06:59 AM 08:39 PM

1.70 H 0.39 L

Sun 9/22 07:14 AM 07:54 PM

1.66 H 0.37 L

Tue 10/8 07:57 AM 10:46 PM

1.60 H 0.60 L

Wed 10/23 07:10 AM 09:46 PM

1.61 H 0.47 L

Mon 9/23 07:56 AM 09:06 PM

1.71 H 0.33 L

Wed 10/9 08:12 AM 11:37 PM

1.52 H 0.67 L

Thu 10/24 07:02 AM 10:48 PM

1.48 H 0.61 L

Tue 9/24 08:34 AM 10:14 PM

1.71 H 0.33 L

Thu 10/10 08:12 AM

1.43 H

Fri 10/11 12:19 AM 08:00 AM 01:25 PM 06:00 PM

0.77 L 1.35 H 1.16 L 1.27 H

Fri 10/25 06:44 AM 12:41 PM 05:07 PM 11:46 PM

1.36 H 1.07 L 1.19 H 0.79 L

Sat 10/12 12:56 AM 07:39 AM 01:29 PM 07:28 PM

Sat 10/26 06:22 AM 12:45 PM 07:14 PM

1.27 H 0.82 L 1.26 H

0.89 L 1.29 H 1.03 L 1.29 H

Sun 10/13 01:30 AM 07:11 AM 01:44 PM 08:48 PM

Sun 10/27 12:42 AM 05:59 AM 01:10 PM 08:59 PM

1.00 L 1.25 H 0.57 L 1.36 H

1.02 L 1.26 H 0.89 L 1.32 H

Mon 10/14 02:01 AM 06:38 AM 02:04 PM 10:10 PM

Mon 10/28 01:39 AM 05:29 AM 01:44 PM 10:41 PM

1.21 L 1.30 H 0.35 L 1.46 H

1.16 L 1.28 H 0.75 L 1.37 H

Tue 10/29 02:21 PM

0.20 L

Wed 10/30 12:37 AM 03:03 PM

1.55 H 0.11 L

Thu 10/31 02:45 AM 03:48 PM

1.62 H 0.10 L

Wed 9/25 08:59 AM 11:15 PM Thu 9/26 09:02 AM

0.43 L 1.34 H

Fri 9/27 12:12 AM 08:45 AM 01:20 PM 05:01 PM

0.52 L 1.27 H 1.21 L 1.23 H

Sat 9/28 01:04 AM 08:22 AM 01:35 PM 07:12 PM

0.64 L 1.20 H 1.10 L 1.20 H

Sun 9/29 01:54 AM 07:59 AM 02:09 PM 09:05 PM

0.77 L 1.16 H 0.99 L 1.18 H

Tue 10/1 03:39 AM 06:52 AM 03:34 PM

Wed 9/18 12:02 AM 03:29 AM 07:31 AM 04:14 PM

1.66 H 0.37 L

1.47 H

0.35 L 1.41 H

OCTOBER

Mon 9/30 02:44 AM 07:31 AM 02:50 PM 11:02 PM

1.56 H

0.48 L 1.43 H 1.31 L 1.38 H

0.66 L 1.33 H 1.09 L 1.37 H

0.88 L 1.28 H 0.85 L 1.40 H

1.12 L 1.30 H 0.64 L 1.47 H

Tue 10/15 02:33 AM 05:58 AM 02:28 PM 11:47 PM

1.29 L 1.33 H 0.63 L 1.43 H