Gulf Coast Mariner Magazine Nov/Dec 2018

November/December 2018 | GulfCoastMariner.com

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[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

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Why Fish?

hen I was a kid, my dad kept the dining room table littered with puzzle pieces. These were typically huge, 5,000 piece-plus puzzles that he took great pride in completing.

He enjoyed these challenges, but I had little interest in puzzles.

We all have our interests and reasons for our pastimes.

Interestingly, a group of people can share a passion, like fishing, but move forward with completely different motivations.

Sometimes I wonder why waking up pre-dawn, paddling a couple miles in a kayak and chunking lures until I’m tired is a good way to spend a day. After some thought, I realize there are a couple different reasons.

The first reason: I love preparing and eating seafood.

The freshest fish is the one that you harvest yourself. There is no doubt that your flounder or redfish is fresh when you personally caught and filleted it only a few hours earlier.

I’ve always been drawn to the outdoors and nature.

Fishing, especially from a kayak or wading, provides great opportunity to experience coastal fish and wildlife in their

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November/December 2018

natural habitat. That is another motivation that keeps me out on the water.

The joy of pursuit and thrill of fishing cannot be ignored either. Think back to the last few moments before a huge fish finally made it to the net. Was your heart racing? Time seems to slow down during that short span of time when a fish transitions from “the one that got away” to a “new personal best.”

Lastly, I realize that fishing is my puzzle. There are so many pieces that must come together correctly for a successful outing.

Factors like weather, tide, equipment, lure selection and a multitude of other variables must be considered. Like my dad, it is the challenge that keeps me coming back.

What is your reason to fish?

Keep up with us on Instagram and Facebook. We love to hear from you and don’t forget to send in your fishing photos to art@baygroupmedia.com. We’ll see you out on the water.

Sales Crew (Advertising Executives) Judy Gaines Dana McDonald Amber Sample Matthew Sweatt Robyn Weigelt Editorial Rick Clapp Capt. David Dillman Kelly Groce Capt. Joe Kent Betha Merit Brandon Rowan Photography Kelly Groce Betha Merit Brandon Rowan Derek Salyer Amber Sample Adam Valadez Robyn Weigelt 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

Brandon Rowan Creative Director/Partner

www.GulfCoastMariner.com

| November/December 2018 8|Texas Oyster Season Opens

Recreational and commercial oyster season opens on Nov. 1, but some Galveston Bay areas are closed.

9|Flounder Tourneys Pay Big

Flounder tournaments by Boyd’s One Stop and Galveston Yacht Basin will pay nicely for big flatfish.

10|Snapshots

Your fishing and water recreation photos. Submit photos for next issue to art@baygroupmedia.com

14|Fishmas Holiday Gift Guide

From stocking stuffers to luxury gifts, make their year with these coastal gift ideas.

16|The Golden Croaker Disappearing Act

Over the past several decades, a noticeable decline in bull croaker has taken place. What is the cause?

By Capt. Joe Kent

18|Galveston Bay: Past & Present

The upper coast this year in review and looking foward to fishing in 2019.

By Capt. David Dillman

20|Tommy’s Restaurant Oyster Bar

The newly renovated Clear Lake favorite serves up the best in seafood and cuisine.

By Rick Clapp

22|Fishin’ For Flounder

A quick guide to the Galveston Bay flounder run.

Where to find them and how to catch them.

By Brandon Rowan

24|Texas Rattler Jigheads

Catching up with Capt. Rex Hoyt on his “world’s finest” rattling jigheads, spoons and soft plastics.

Interview by Kelly Groce

26|Gulf Shores, Alabama

Redfish, pompano and more from the emerald waters of this coastal favorite.

Photography by Kelly Groce

28|Inshore Tourney Results

Photos and results from the Seabrook Saltwater Derby and Who’s Your Flattie Daddy.

30|2018 Harvest Moon Regatta Photography and results Photography by Amber Sample

Contents Strike Pro Lures

_____________________p.

8 Hunchback Name that fish _____________________p.

9 Nautical Numbers _____________________p.

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32|Sailing

LYC members and youth excel on the water.

Surfing _____________________p.

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34|The Galley: Warming Foods

Flounder life cycle _____________________p.

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Chili beans, Mexican caesar salad, jalapeno cornbread and margaritas pair perfectly.

By Betha Merit

ON THE COVER The stunning new renovations at Tommy’s Oyster Bar Restaurant.

Photography

by MoonBridge Media.

Clear Falls Sailors win at girls regatta _____________________p.

32 LYC members repeat as J/44 champs _____________________p.

32 Laser Radial Youth Championships _____________________p.

32 Yachty Gras gives back _____________________p.

33 Boats for sale _____________________p.

36 Galveston Bay tides _____________________p.

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Texas Oyster Season Opens Nov. 1 with Multiple Closings

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he Texas commercial and recreational oyster season opens Nov. 1, 2018 and closes April 30, 2019. However, nine areas will remain closed despite the opening of the season.

The following shellfish harvesting areas will be closed for the harvest of oysters beginning Nov. 1, 2018.

Galveston Bay • •

TX - 1 TX - 4

MATAGORDA (EAST) & LAVACA BAY • • • • •

TX - 11 TX - 12 TX - 16 TX - 18 TX - 21

SAN ANTONIO BAY • •

TX - 26 TX - 27

A map of Galveston Bay’s allowable oyster harvesting regions. Areas in East Bay and upper Galveston Bay will be closed this season. Recreational and commercial oyster season opens Nov. 1.

These closings are based on samples collected by Texas Parks and Wildlife Department showing low abundance of legal-sized oysters. Chapter 76, Parks and Wildlife Code, and the Oyster Management Proclamation, Section 58.21(c)(1), allows for the emergency closure of an area to oyster harvest when it can be shown that the area has been

STRIKE PRO LURES

HUNCHBACK

overworked or is to be reseeded.

TPWD and the Oyster Advisory Workgroup, a group of Texas commercial oyster fishermen and dealers, have established criteria based on the abundance of legal-sized oysters (greater than 3 inches) and the percentage of small oysters (2-2.9 inches) for determining when an area should be closed.

SPECIFICATIONS

Gulf Coast Mariner Magazine

www.strikeprolures.com

WEIGHT: 1/2 oz.

LENGTH: 2-3/4” TYPE: Floating/shallow diving TACKLE: M to MH

The Strike Pro Hunchback is unique “wake bait” that runs just below the water’s surface. The tight wobbling action and loud rattle is deadly on redfish in the marsh. But don’t be surprised if you catch trout on this lure too. It is also great for novice anglers who want a walk-the-dog action but haven’t mastered the technique. A slow retrieve with the rod tip held slightly up produces the correct waking action. The Hunchback is also a good trolling lure for kayak fishermen as they move from spot to spot.

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“Sampling results indicate the number of legal oysters is very limited in these areas,” says TPWD’s Coastal Fisheries Deputy Director Lance Robinson. “This closure is designed to provide some protection to undersize oysters so they can reach legal sizes. The areas will be closely monitored by TPWD and will reopen when criteria thresholds are met.”

November/December 2018

COLOR: Bone Chartruese (Available in over 15 colors.Other proven colors include Pink-A-Licious, Purple Smoke and Tennessee Shad.)

PROS: Highly effective on redfish & trout, easy to fish, good for kayak trolling

CONS: Lure shape casts poorly, cost over $10, hooks rust and should be changed

Local flounder tourneys to pay out nicely for big flatfish this season

2018 Flounder Tournament (409) 945-4001 • boydsonestop.com 227 Dike Rd, Texas City, TX 77590

October 1 - December 31 Minimum Payouts 1st: $2,500 2nd: $1,000 3rd: $500

Jantzen Miller won Boyd’s 2017 tournament with this gargantuan 8.86 pound fish. In fact, the top three fish last year were all over eight pounds.

NAUTICAL NUMBERS

24 While oysters feed, they remove excess sediments and algae from the water. A healthy 1-acre reef of oysters can filter 24 million gallons of water per day.

Smallest legal flounder by weight wins $500. Entry fee is $20. Sign up online at www.boydsonestop.com or in person at Boyd’s on the Texas City Dike.

October 1 December 31 1st: 60% payout 2nd: 25% payout 3rd: 15% payout

2018 Flounder Tournament (409) 765-3000 715 N Holiday Dr, Galveston, TX 77550

galvestonyachtbasin.com

Entry fee is $20. Sign up at the Galveston Yacht Basin bait camp. There will be weekly door prizes to participants.

Call for more information at 409-692-1555.

25 Texas waters are home to more than 25 flatfish species, southern flounder being the largest. Young flounder grow rapidly and may reach 12 inches in length by the end of their first year.

Current GYB tourney leader Matt Harris with a 6.06 pound fish.

Name that fish

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A. Banded Rudderfish B. Lesser Amberjack

D. Almaco Jack

ANSWER: D. Almaco jack (Seriola rivoliana) is a game fish of the same family as the Greater Amberjack. They are often incidental catches by fishermen targeting other pelagic species. Their meat is excellent and contains 30% fat. This species is farm raised in Hawaii and Baja California and sold as “Kanpachi.”

C. African Pompano

Horseshoe crabs are known as living fossils because they have survived on Earth for more than 450 million years. They have seen the rise and fall of the dinosaurs and survived three major extinctions.

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

Katie Herbek with a beautiful 26” redfish caught with Capt. Jeremy McClelland at the Bay Flats Lodge Resort & Marina in Seadrift. Katie and her brother David caught easy limits of reds that day and released many more.

Max Conner’s 7.5 lb. CCA Star Teen runner-up trout.

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Gulf Coast Mariner Magazine November/December 2018

Matt Packard with a 30” 8 lb. snook caught in Freeport.

Tom Walsh with a nice Galveston Bay redfish

Flounder camo. Photo by Garrett Blumenshine

Baby tarpon catching some air. Photo by David Pibrac

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Columbia Men’s Megavent™ II PFG Shoe From stocking stuffers to luxury gifts, make their year with these coastal holiday ideas.

Studio Abachar Pinup Girl Stickers Impressive vintage-styled stickers from world-famous marine artist Amadeo Bachar. These 8” Clear vinyl stickers are printed with white ink behind Amadeo’s fish illustration to preserve opacity and unmatched level of detail. Each is coated with heavy UV to stand up to the elements— rain, wind and sun without fading. studio-abachar.myshopify.com

It dries quickly, drains water easily, and laces up fast. The latest Megavent™ hybrid shoe is made for the professional angler who needs an outsole that grips when wet, an upper that resists stains, and an overall design that performs when the excitement hits. Gulf Coast Mariner put these shoes to the test all summer in Cabo San Lucas and during the Texas Billfish Classic. They are extremely grippy boat shoes that don’t sacrifice comfort or durability. Columbia.com

Gone Coastal Jewelry Gone Coastal Jewelry features the highest quality nautical and coastal jewelry along with exceptional customer service.

No matter which design you choose, their necklaces, bracelets, earrings, charms, pendants, rings and more fully embody the excitement, beauty and peacfulness of coastal life.

GoneCoastalJewelry.com

Cold Steel Bird & Trout Knife The Bird & Trout knife is a much loved, lightweight tool that is enjoyed by hunters, fisherman and outdoorsmen the world over. Its lightweight onepiece construction and its versatile, ultra-skeletonized sheath make it effortless to carry and a joy to wear all day long. Made of Japanese AUS 8A Stainless Steel. Overall length 6 5/16” Blade length is 2 1/4” ColdSteel.com

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Gulf Coast Mariner Magazine November/December 2018

Avid Angler Jewelry Avid Angler Jewelry provides unique, realistic jewelry that has been designed and hand-crafted by fellow fishing and hunting enthusiasts. Be it sterling silver or 14k gold, these pendants, charms, pins, earrings, bracelets, tie-tacs and rings can be created to customize your collection. These inshore or offshore pieces express a love of nature and the outdoors and make a perfect gift. @AvidAnglerJewelryDesigns

YETI Rambler Half Gallon Jug

Speckled Trout in Sterling Silver

With rugged construction, FatLid™ insulation and a stainless steel handle, the Rambler® Half Gallon Jug is built to take on the wild.

Whenever and wherever you need it, count on an ice-cold (or piping hot) sip from your Rambler to come to the rescue. Available in 2 DuraCoat™ colors and stainless steel.

Yeti.com

Avet Patriot Series Reels Give the gift of American Pride! All of your favorite Avet reels are now available in red, white and blue. The 6061 T-6 marine grade aluminum frame proudly displays our flag and features an anodized finish for superior corrosion resistance.

Avet reels feature precision machined stainless steel gears and components and are proudly made right here in the good ole’ U. S. of A. AvetReels.net

GulfCoastMariner.com

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The Golden Croaker Disappearing Act

By Capt. Joe Kent

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hile not a piece of legislation, this characterization is a question on the minds of many senior anglers who once enjoyed the annual golden croaker runs during the autumn.

October and November are the prime months for this event and for many years Rollover Pass and other passageways into the Gulf of Mexico would be lined with anglers virtually shoulder to shoulder with their baits in the water during the big runs.

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Gulf Coast Mariner Magazine November/December 2018

During my growing up years, my dad would take me to Rollover Pass when word got out that the croaker were running, and in most instances I caught several croaker in the one to two pound category. Dead shrimp fished on the bottom was the bait, and just about everyone around me was catching fish.

The annual migration, or run as it is commonly called, usually coincided with the annual flounder migration or flounder run. Rollover Pass also was a popular spot to catch flounder during their migration.

Over the past three to four decades, a noticeable decline in the numbers of the big or bull croaker has taken place. While this fish continues to make its journey to the Gulf each fall, large concentrations have not been observed.

Sporadic reports continue to come in of isolated catches of the migrating fish with a few of them being well over two pounds in weight. Three-pound croaker were not at all uncommon during the migrations of years ago.

Croaker are a resilient fish and can reproduce often and in varied conditions.

This is one reason the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department has not been greatly

“Over the past three to four decades, a noticeable decline in the numbers of the big or bull croaker has taken place.” concerned over their populations. They are not as sensitive to salinity levels or cold temperature as many other fish.

So, we ask the question: “What has happened to our stocks of croaker?”

For at least two decades, anglers have been inquiring about the decline in the bull croaker, especially the ones that used to dominate the migrations. Today, questions are coming from year-round croaker anglers wondering why they are not catching as many and that the sizes seem to be getting smaller.

As a child and a teenager, I was among those anglers fishing just out of Seabrook for nice-sized croaker. Scotts Reef, probably a mile or two from shore, was noted for its big croaker. Not the average size of the fall migration but in the ¾ to pound and a half range. That was a great eating size and very popular for the table.

Today, croaker remain widespread and

are easily caught; however, the average size seems to be progressively declining as well as the numbers being caught.

Early on, it was thought that the bycatch from shrimp nets was the culprit; however, croaker have been enduring that for decades and the number of shrimpers on Galveston Bay is declining.

Many anglers feel that the demand for small croaker for bait, one of the top choices for speckled trout, is a major factor. More and more bait camps are offering live croaker for bait and, when there is a shortage of live shrimp, the other top bait, croaker are usually available.

Several professional fishing guides have told me privately that the bait market for live croaker is taking its toll on the stocks and, while I am not advocating a prohibition of the sale of bait croaker, I do think a serious study of the situation is warranted and if any appropriate regulations should be enacted, they should be encouraged to help this fish rebound.

TPWD has been successful in restoring our trout and redfish populations and croaker stocks should be next on their list to build back.

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GALVESTON BAY: 2018 PAST AND PRESENT

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

T

he Holiday season

Maco Fowlkes Gage Fowlkes and Mike Bishop

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Gulf Coast Mariner Magazine November/December 2018

is here. Another year has come and gone and folks will begin making their plans for the holidays. If you enjoy the outdoors, fishing or hunting, this is prime time!

Hunting begins in earnest and fishing can be the best of the year!

This past January and February, we experienced true winter weather along the Upper Coast. Wind, rain, and freezing precipitation greeted us throughout these two months.

Some fish kills were reported, but nothing substantial along the Upper Coast.

During March and April, we did experience some late season fronts. As the weather stabilized,

spring-like weather arose, as did the water temperatures.

Good catches of trout came from Lower and East Galveston bay.

Everything was shaping up for an excellent year of fishing.

May and June arrived and the weather took a turn for the best.

Fishing in East Bay got even better, with excellent catches of speckled trout coming from the reefs. During the latter part of May, trout made their move to the middle areas of the bay.

The trout catches increased around Eagle Point. In June, the wells located off of Eagle Point produced excellent catches of trout and redfish.

July and August blew in along with inconsistent winds. On any given day, the wind would blow from two or three different directions and velocity. This curtailed what was excellent trout fishing. Those who

concentrated their effort on other species, were rewarded. I myself went after redfish and the action was outstanding! Winds finally settled in late August, and the trout catches rebounded, along with great catches of sand/gulf trout and drum.

This bring us to September and October. In my last article, I stated these two months were the “transition period” for Galveston Bay. Indeed it was! During the first week of September, everything was good and fish were falling into their seasonal change. Then, the Galveston area experienced rain, almost, if not every day in September.

We did not have a major flush of freshwater into our bay, but in some locations, 100 year old rainfall totals were broken for the month.

In October, Florida was hit with a catastrophic hurricane, which caused our tide levels to rise 2 feet above normal. The high tides have curtailed catches.

Look for tide levels and fishing to

return to a normal fall pattern as more cold fronts occur.

Finally, this bring us to November and December; what I refer to as the “Holiday Season.” There is no better time for a true sportsman in Texas.

Fishing between the fronts can produce some of the best catches of the year, and hunting season is wide open. On the fishing scene, the annual flounder run will be in full swing. These fish will be making their migration to the Gulf, and lots of anglers will target just these fish for their well known table fare! Trout and redfish will be plentiful in the upper end of our bay system. I will be fishing between the fronts and preparing for the annual Houston Boat Show starting Jan. 4, 2019.

Eagle Point Fishing Camp will continue to hold live bait. They can be reached at 281-339-1131 for updates on bait and fishing.

Until next year, may God Bless all of you during this great time of year.

Joe Harris and David Hagemeyer

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Newly renovated Tommy’s Restaurant Oyster Bar serves up the best in seafood

By Rick Clapp

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ommy’s Restaurant

Oyster Bar is, and has always been, synonymous with the finest quality oysters, seafood, wine and spirits. A favorite among the NASA elite

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Gulf Coast Mariner Magazine November/December 2018

“This restoration project helps build valuable ecosystems for many marine organisms,” Tollett said of the Galveston Bay Foundation’s efforts.

“Oysters filter 50 gallons of water per day and keep Galveston Bay clean and safe. Oyster reefs also create a buffer from the damaging effects of storm surges and flooding. Since 2011, over 250 tons of recycled oyster shells have helped revitalize the bay instead of becoming waste in landfills. Tollett wants his customers to know the importance marine crowd, the eatery has been serving the entire Clear Lake community for 24 years.

The restaurant’s owner, Tom Tollett, is known for his attention to detail and the quality and has successfully engineered and remodeled the restaurant every few years.

The newly remodeled Oyster Bar is simply stunning!

The new renovations have a very modern, panache feel with artistic overtones.

The style of art displayed represents the many colors and tranquility found in Galveston Bay. The renowned Marjorie Slovack, a carriage trade interior designer, successfully developed a contemporary look that exudes a classy, yet relaxed atmosphere and ambience.

Futhermore, RBL construction transformed Slovack’s gorgeous design into reality.

Tom Tollett is a native Louisianian from Baton Rouge, Lafayette. He collaborates with his talented team of chefs and creates a diverse selection of fresh seafood and steaks to be enjoyed by his patrons.

His authentic Louisiana recipes have been perfected and developed over the past 42 years, encapsulating a story of culture and flavor from the best of Creole and Cajun seafood.

“There are two distinct types of cuisine found in Louisiana,” Tollett says.

The popular Cajun style is pure country with simplistic flavors and a variety of vegetables and peppers. On the other hand, Creole style is influenced by the city with regional spices and savory seafoods, often smothered in rich creams.”

Tommy’s Restaurant Oyster Bar consistently ranks among one of the best seafood restaurants in both Harris and Galveston County. Not only do they cater to their loyal customer base, but also offer accommodations for private parties, corporate events and special occasions.

The chefs take great pride in serving dishes and entrees

of the upmost quality. The bartenders and wait staff, like their boss, pay attention to detail and customer service.

One of Tom’s major passions is to educate the community and organizations on the importance of harvesting and farming oysters sustainably, and protecting this rich resource of Galveston Bay. Tommy’s Restaurant and Oyster Bar implements sustainability in their company with the help of local businesses.

Tollett works closely with the Galveston Bay Foundation to help build new oyster reefs.

He has served for many years on the Board of Directors.

conservation. He is integrally involved in the sustainable seafood movement to keep our waterfront community a gorgeous, elegant place to live. Their goal as a company is to protect our precious Galveston Bay through oyster conservation efforts and to provide the freshest, highest quality seafood and cuisine.

Try Tommy’s Restaurant Oyster Bar for your next culinary experience. Enjoy the smashing new renovations and modern ambiance. For reservations, call 281-480-2221 or visit them online at www. tommys.com. They are located at 2555 Bay Area Blvd., Houston, TX 77058.

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FLOUNDER A Q uick G a l v e s t o n B a y G uid e Illustrations by Brandon Rowan

WHERE TO FIND THEM G A L V E S T O N B AY

UPPER BAY Flounder from upper Galveston Bay begin to exit areas like Clear Lake, Dickinson Bay and Moses Lake. Fish the shorelines outside these back lakes as flounder migrate towards the Gulf.

JONES BAY

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Marsh dwelling flounder will exit through Highland Bayou and into Jones Bay. Fish marsh drains, shorelines and structure.

WEST BAY Flounder exit the numerous coves and marshes and either head west to San Luis Pass or east to the Galveston Ship Channel. Fish the bayou mouths, marsh drains and shorelines as flounder make their exodus.

BOLIVAR Flounder congregate near the structure and wells around Bolivar as they head to the pass.

TEXAS CITY DIKE Flounder will hug the rocks and shorelines of this 5-mile-long levee during their migration. This is a great location for shorebound anglers.

GALVESTON SHIP CHANNEL During the peak of the flounder fun, fish stack up as they funnel through the channel. Any given shoreline or structure can hold flounder in the GSC.

GALVESTON JETTIES This is your last shot at a saddle blanket before they enter the Gulf of Mexico. Fish big mullet and heavy jigs along the rocks during the outgoing tide.

FLOUNDER Male flounder rarely grow larger than 12-14 inches Estuary water temperature determines the sex of juvenile flounder The Texas state record southern flounder weighed 13 pounds.

HOW TO CATCH THEM

Flounder spawn multiple times per season and release 50,000 eggs per pound of body weight.

THE BITE

Tides, current and wind carry fry back to bays and estuaries during late winter and early spring.

Cold fronts prompt mature flounder to migrate through Gulf passes and offshore where they spawn in depths of 50 to 100 feet.

Juveniles undergo eye metamorphosis when about 1/2” long. They continue to grow until sexual maturity at 2-3 years of age.

SOFT PLASTICS Gulp Shrimp

Gulp Swimming Mullet

Down South Lures

Chicken Boy Lures

Bass Assassin Jigheads

Pro-Cure Gel

LIVE BAIT Berkley Gulp baits are some of the best scented plastics for flounder, but any soft plastic on a quality jighead can get the job done. Apply Pro-Cure gels to your unscented plastics or tip the jighead with a small piece of shrimp.

MULLET Hook under the chin and through or the nostril or behind the dorsal fin

SHRIMP Hook under the horn or through the tail

MUD MINNOWS Hook through the lips or behind the dorsal fin

It’s hard to go wrong with the real thing.

Fish live baits on the bottom with a carolina rig: swivel, weight (1/4 oz. to 1 oz. depending on water depth), a live bait or kahle hook and a 18” length of 1520 lb mono or fluoro.

Flounder are ambush predators, concealing themselves on the bay floor and striking when opportunity presents itself.

There a couple telltale signs of a flounder strike. The most recognizable is the satisfying “thump” of a bite during your retrieve.

Sometimes, the bite is more subtle and all of sudden you notice a dead weight on your line.

And other times, a fish might strike viciously and move.

HOOKSET The most important aspect of flounder fishing is patience!!

Flounder often bite first to kill and wait before swallowing. Wait anywhere from 5 to 20 seconds before attempting to set the hook. Flounder have bony mouths and require a stout hookset. The nostretch qualities of braided line are perfect for hooking flounder.

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Gulf Coast Mariner Magazine November/December 2018

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The 9tH Annual Seabrook Saltwater Derby took place on Friday, Sept. 28, 2018. Many nice fish made it to the scales, despite challenging conditions. Participants enjoyed cold beer, tacos and giveaways a-plenty at the weigh-in at CABO Clear Lake.

Heaviest Redfish

1. Brandon Perez: 9.19 2. Tyler Cervenka: 8.76 3. Daniel Marshall: 8.27

Heaviest Trout

1. Daniel Marshall: 4.07 2. Michael Fesco: 3.83 3. Troy Albright: 3.52

Redfish STRINGER 1. Waterloo: 23.7 2. Pullin’ 3 G’s: 21.14 3. Degens from up Country: 20.71

TROUT STRINGER 1. Muy Loco: 14.31 2. Three Amigos: 11.81 3. Gig Em: 11.2

HEAVIEST FLOUNDER 1. Gerald McDermott: 3.08 2. Michael Fesco: 2.14 3. Kyle Cervenka: 2.14

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Gulf Coast Mariner Magazine November/December 2018

FishStix 5th Annual Who’s Your Flattie Daddy Flounder Tournament Results

Heaviest Flounder 1. Randy Gehret - 4.88 2. Will Dyer - 4.75 3. Chris Reeves - 4.58 4. Andy Oster - 4.41 5. Travis McMahon - 4.10

Heaviest Flounder Stringer 1. Jantzen Miller - 14.66 2. Zach Enger - 11.55 3. Keith Evans - 11.46 4. Justin Loucorias - 10.88 5. Michael Marquez - 10.27

Black Jack Flounder 1. Jeff Slingluff - 20 3/4 2. Renee Thompson - 20 1/4 3. Colton Carner - 20 1/8 4. Tomas Rodriguez - 19 3/4 5. Vincent Rinando - 19 3/4

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2018 HARVES T M OON REG AT TA L A K E W O O D YA C H T C L U B | O C T 2 5 - 2 8

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PHOTOGRAPHY BY AMBER SAMPLE

R E S U L T S Multihull A Place 1st:

Boat Skipper Trilobyte Ted Mahavier

Yacht club Port Arthur Yacht Club

Multihull C Place 1st:

Boat Skipper Chaton Noir John Scherer

Yacht club WYC

Cruising Poleless Spinnaker Place 1st: 1st:

Boat Skipper Nachtwacht Thomas Caskey [A] ESCONDIDA Matt Parker [B]

Yacht club LYC Cat Alley

Cruising Non-Spin Place 1st: 1st: 1st: 1st: 1st: 1st: 1st: 1st: 1st: 1st: 1st: 1st:

Boat Skipper Myassis Dragon ll Billy Heirendt [A+CAN] Renaissance Jim Miller [B+CAN] Third Wish Eric Kellen [C+CTR] Moonlight Serenade Michael Glass [D+CAN] Seahorse Michael Clark [E+CAN] It’s All Good Paul Britton [F+CAN] Astarte Cheryl Morvillo [G+CAN] It’s About Time Evan Macaluso [I+CAN] Wild Thing Christopher Kemp [J+CAN] Liberty David Gohlke [K+KTCH] Firewater Walter Horton [O+PHRF] GOOD NEWS Ash Walker [P+PHRF]

Yacht club Lake Worth Sailing Club GBCA None none N/A SailTime Houston TASS, Waterford SailTime Houston GYC none GBCA Lakewood Yacht Club

PHRF Spin Place 1st: 1st:

Boat Skipper Texas Rose Forbes Durdin [A] EDELWEISS Ted Greak [B]

Yacht club Lakewood Yacht Club LYC

Spinnaker Bacardi Fleet Place 1st: 1st:

Boat Skipper Second Star J.D. Hill [A] Pesto John Barnett [B]

Yacht club LYC / GBCA LYC

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[SAILING]

Clear Falls Sailors win at girls regatta Four Clear Falls High School sailors won the South East District of the Interscholastic Sailing Association’s first ever New Orleans Yacht Club Girls Regatta.

Grace Bates, Kelly Bates, Holland Duffy and Maggie Schuler traveled to the New Orleans Yacht Club on Sept. 8 to compete in the event and came home winners.

With five boats per fleet, racers from two downtown New Orleans high schools sailed against the Clear Falls team.

“We began racing in 3 knots of shifty wind which increased to 12 knots by the end of four races. The wind conditions were challenging.

The foreboding thunderstorms had developed after four hours of racing and sent the sailors to shore to end the oneday regatta,” Grace said.

Grace took the lead organizing practices prior to racing with the help of Coach Watt Duffy. The girls stuck diligently to the motto, “Go, Fight, Win.” Clear Falls won A fleet and B fleets with six bullets and two second-place finishes, bringing home the first trophy for the 2018-2019 season.

32

Pictured left to right are Mike McGagh, Bill Zartler, Karen Lewis and Chris Lewis

LYC members repeat as J/44 sailing champions Lakewood members Chris & Karen Lewis outsailed the competition on Kenai for the 2nd year in a row to repeat as J/44 North American Champions in late September.

The Lewis’ along with crew and fellow LYC members Mike McGagh & Bill Zartler took a hard-fought win over secondplace winner Lenny Sitar on Vamp and third-place finisher Bill Ketchum on Maxine in

the six-race series hosted by American Yacht Club Sept.

22-30.

“Kenai sealed the series in the last race crossing the fleet on port with one other boat on her weather hip that eventually had to tack away as we headed to the favored side of the course,” Chris Lewis commented. “We finished 1,1,1,1,2, 4 discarding a 5 to take the series by only four points. Although not a large

fleet the series was hard fought in identical boats with the same forestay lengths and using class owned sails,” added Lewis.

With Kenai now having traveled over 30,000 bluewater miles, the Lewis’ are planning a trip to South Florida to participate in the Southern Ocean Racing Conference series beginning in mid-November.

Laser Radial Youth Championships Lakewood youth sailor Asher Zittrer spent the better part of August in Kiel, Germany training and competing in the 2018 Laser Radial Youth World Championships, where he took 14th overall and 1st among his American peers.

Nearly 300 boys and 100 girls ages 19 and under were selected by their respective countries to be their country’s representatives in this event.

In the U.S. those selections are based on the radial point system of the North American Laser Association.

The U.S. was allocated 15 spots at the championship

Gulf Coast Mariner Magazine November/December 2018

Asher is pictured seventh from the left.

based on the sailor’s point ranking from the year prior.

U.S. Sailing further selected four young men as its official delegation to the event, providing high-level coaching and some cool U.S. Sailing Team gear. Zittrer was amongst that official delegation.

Sailors competed for six full days with no more than two

races to be sailed each day on the open waters of the Baltic Sea. At one point in the event, Asher held 8th overall, but could not hold onto his top-10 spot in the final challenging days of Gold Fleet racing. Out of 11 races finished, he took 14th place overall and was the top American boy.

Lakewood Yacht Club Youth sailors bring home a slew of recent trophies Lakewood Yacht Club is proud to announce that its Seahorse Sailors have made their mark at recent regattas. ‘’September 2018 has proven to be the busiest month I’ve had as a coach since I joined Lakewood almost three years ago,” says Coach Bernat Gali Bou. Lakewood sailors traveled as far as Los Angeles, Milwaukee, and Dallas last month, and then to USODA Regattas in Atlanta and Newport racing in October.

“Our Opti Team has been extremely busy since the season started, attending three TSA events and 4 USODA Regattas in the last five weeks,” added Coach Gali Bou. “This is a great way to prepare for the upcoming Spring Team Qualifiers, to be held in New Orleans in late November.”

Below are the results our sailors accomplished this past month.

TSA Rock the Rock 1st Scott Mather 4th Tanner Ward USODA Pacific Coast Championship 5th Gil Hackel 6th Stephen Momeier 9th Lucas Tenrreiro TSA Jr Ol’ Man of the Sea 1st Tony Slowik 4th Scott Mather 5th William Baker

USODA Midwest Champs @ Lake Geneva WI. Pictured left to right are James Pine, 3rd overall 1st White; Nathan Pine, 2nd White, Coach Bernat Galí Bou; William Baker, 2nd overall, 1st Blue; and Ava Anderson, 3rd Red and Top Girl

USODA Midwest Championship 2nd William Baker 3rd James Pine 9th Ava Anderson 13th Nathan Pine TSA Pirates of the Corinthian 1st Stephen Momeier 2nd Scott Mather USODA Southeast Championship 1st James Pine 3rd Elliot Lipp 7th Nathan Pine 8th Maddie Janzen 2nd Ian Farley (Green Fleet) USODA New England Championship 9th Lucas Tenrreiro 17th Tony Slowik 22nd William Baker 45th Ava Anderson

Yachty Gras Gives Back The Yachty Gras Foundation Advisory Board presented this check to the Seabrook Animal Shelter in October. The 2019 Yachty Gras Grand Night Boat Parade is Feb. 23, 2019.

GulfCoastMariner.com

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Becky’s Chili Beans • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

1 Tablespoon olive oil 2 small onions, finely chopped 1 chopped bell pepper (optional) 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped 5 Tablespoons chili powder 2 Tablespoons ground cumin 1 teaspoon cayenne (or to taste) salt/pepper to taste 2 pounds ground beef 1 (24 oz.) can crushed tomatoes 1 (24 oz.) can diced tomatoes with juice 1 (8 oz.) can tomato sauce 1 (15 oz.) can drained, rinsed kidney beans 1 (15 oz.) can drained, rinsed pinto beans

In a large pot heat olive oil over medium heat, adding onions, optional bell pepper and garlic.

Sauté about 5 minutes. Add chili powder, cumin, cayenne, salt and pepper, stirring for 2 more minutes. Add the beef, brown and stir to break up meat into crumbles. Add all tomatoes and sauce, and beans. Bring to a boil, reduce to low heat, and cook for 1 1/2 hours, stirring occasionally.

WARMING FOODS

H

ot food may refer to temperature, like a warm bowl of chicken soup or an aromatic cup of hot chocolate.

What’s more fun is to combine that hot with spicy heat, for a warmth from your mouth to your toes experience. Chili style is a very personal taste and creative specialty. No beans, yes beans, and 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 alarm options.

Personally, I’ve never met a chili I didn’t like.

Nostalgia makes me remember chilly fall

nights and my mom’s chili (with beans) served with saltines.

Jalapeño cheese cornbread and Mexican Caesar salad keep the heat going. Add a Margarita as the perfect cooling beverage pairing. Whether concocted with your favorite tequila with hand squeezed lime juice and agave syrup over ice, or using pre-mixed Margarita in a bottle, ready to pour over crushed ice. It’s all good.

Mexican Caesar Salad salad • • • • • • • •

1 head romaine lettuce, torn into bite sized pieces 1/2 cup cooked corn kernels 1/2 cup black beans (canned), rinsed and drained 1/2 avocado, peeled and cubed 1/8 teaspoon dried chili flakes (optional) 2 handful tortilla chips, crumbled 1/2 cup grated cotija cheese lime wedges, to serve

DRESSING • • • • •

1/2 cup Caesar dressing juice of one small lime 2 teaspoons cilantro, finely chopped 1/2 teaspoon cumin 1/2 teaspoon chipotle chili powder

Combine all ingredients for dressing into a shaker bottle or jar. Shake well and set aside. In a large bowl combine romaine and remaining ingredients, reserving limes and crushed tortilla chips for serving. Dressing may be tossed into the salad or set out for self serving along with the tortilla chips.

34

Gulf Coast Mariner Magazine November/December 2018

Easy Jalapeño Cornbread • • • • • •

1 (8 1/2 ounce) box Jiffy cornbread mix 1 egg 1/4 cup melted butter 1/3 cup milk 3 Tablespoons jar or can jalapeños, diced and drained well 1/2 to 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded

Combine cornbread mix, egg and butter in a mixing bowl.

Stir in remaining ingredients and mix well.

Place mixture in greased muffin tin or 8” by 8” greased pan.

Bake at 375 degrees for 15-20 minutes of until cornbread is golden brown.

Accompany these dishes with your favorite margarita recipe or pre-mix.

GulfCoastMariner.com

35

[ B O A T S

F O R

SA L E ]

2016 Boston Whaler 42 Outrage

2017 Boston Whaler 350 Outrage

$789,000 Larry Smith 850-259-8989 www.galatiyachts.com

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

1985 Hatteras 42 Motor yacht $79,999

Cruisair Air Conditioning/Heat, Onan 8kw Generator, Twin Caterpillar Diesel Engines, Electric Windlass, Bimini Top & Strataglass Enclosures, Garmin GPS Touchscreen (2013), Raymarine R20 Radar, Simrad/Robertson Autopilot, (2) VHF Radios

281-334-6500 • www.littleyachtsales.com

2014 Sabre Yachts 42 Salon Express $710,000 David Hunt 713-819-7426 www.galatiyachts.com

1999 Hertiage East 36 Trawler 2000 38’ Carver 380 Santego Bow & Stern Thrusters, Nice Accommodations.

Asking $69,900 Bring offers!

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

36

Gulf Coast Mariner Magazine September/October 2018

$165,000

Single Diesel Economy w/Bow & Stern Thruster Maneuverability, 8 KW Generator, (2) Cruiseair Reverse Cycle A/C & Heat Units w/Digital Controls, Beautiful Teak Interior, Apartment-Size Refrigerator/Freezer, Queen-Size Centerline “Walk-Around” Aft Master Berth

281-334-6500 • www.littleyachtsales.com

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

2002 46’ Sea Ray Sundancer $179,900 Cummins Diesels, Low Hours, Bow Thruster, Excellent Condition 281-535-2628(BOAT) www.tsfyachts.com

2004 Cruisers 340 Express 2015 Prestige 550 Flybridge $1,099,000 Cory W. Webster 281-636-2228 www.galatiyachts.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

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

2000 35’ Carver 350 Mariner $69,900 Low Hours, Nicely Equipped, Excellent Condition 281-535-2628(BOAT) www.tsfyachts.com

GulfCoastMariner.com

37

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

NOVEMBER Thu 11/1 06:18 AM 08:24 PM

1.56 H 0.36 L

Fri 11/16 04:49 AM 07:32 PM

1.17 H 0.39 L

Fri 11/2 06:17 AM 09:31 PM

1.44 H 0.49 L

Sat 11/17 04:40 AM 08:26 PM

1.08 H 0.49 L

Sat 11/3 06:07 AM 10:33 PM Sun 11/4 04:54 AM 11:25 AM 04:58 PM 10:30 PM

1.23 H 0.81 L 1.05 H 0.82 L

Mon 11/5 04:39 AM 11:38 AM 06:45 PM 11:25 PM

1.17 H 0.60 L 1.13 H 0.99 L

Tue 11/6 04:21 AM 12:02 PM 08:17 PM

1.17 H 0.40 L 1.23 H

Wed 11/7 12:22 AM 03:54 AM 12:31 PM 09:45 PM

1.14 L 1.20 H 0.25 L 1.31 H

Thu 11/8 01:02 PM 11:21 PM

0.15 L 1.36 H

Fri 11/9 01:36 PM Sat 11/10 01:10 AM 02:13 PM Sun 11/11 02:26 AM 02:54 PM Mon 11/12 03:18 AM 03:40 PM Tue 11/13 03:59 AM 04:34 PM Wed 11/14 04:29 AM 05:32 PM Thu 11/15 04:46 AM 06:34 PM

38

Gulf Coast Mariner Magazine November/December 2018

1.32 H 0.64 L

0.09 L

1.40 H 0.08 L

1.42 H 0.10 L

1.41 H 0.14 L

1.38 H 0.19 L

1.33 H 0.25 L

1.26 H 0.32 L

Sun 11/18 04:22 AM 11:23 AM 03:55 PM 09:17 PM Mon 11/19 04:00 AM 11:03 AM 05:46 PM 10:08 PM Tue 11/20 03:35 AM 11:11 AM 07:12 PM 10:59 PM

1.00 H 0.66 L 0.75 H 0.60 L

0.94 H 0.49 L 0.82 H 0.73 L

0.92 H 0.31 L 0.93 H 0.86 L

Wed 11/21 03:06 AM 11:31 AM 08:34 PM 11:55 PM

0.94 H 0.12 L 1.03 H 0.99 L

Thu 11/22 02:29 AM 11:59 AM 10:12 PM

1.01 H -0.06 L 1.12 H

DECEMBER Sat 12/1 03:29 AM 11:11 AM 01:40 PM 07:51 PM

0.86 H 0.47 L 0.49 H 0.30 L

Sun 12/2 03:12 AM 10:28 AM 05:01 PM 08:52 PM

0.78 H 0.26 L 0.56 H 0.49 L

Mon 12/3 02:55 AM 10:42 AM 06:58 PM 09:56 PM

0.75 H 0.03 L 0.69 H 0.66 L

Tue 12/4 02:34 AM 11:07 AM 08:29 PM 11:10 PM

0.77 H -0.16 L 0.81 H 0.79 L

Sun 12/16 02:48 AM 10:50 AM 02:41 PM 06:51 PM

0.52 H 0.17 L 0.20 H 0.16 L

Mon 12/17 02:20 AM 10:01 AM

0.47 H 0.01 L

Tue 12/18 01:51 AM 10:05 AM

0.47 H -0.19 L

Wed 12/19 01:18 AM 10:26 AM

0.51 H -0.38 L

Thu 12/20 12:34 AM 10:57 AM 11:01 PM

0.60 H -0.56 L 0.71 H

Fri 12/21 11:35 AM

-0.71 L

Sat 12/22 12:18 AM 12:19 PM

0.80 H -0.82 L

Wed 12/5 02:02 AM 11:37 AM 09:50 PM

0.81 H -0.30 L 0.90 H

Thu 12/6 12:09 PM 11:12 PM

-0.39 L 0.94 H

Sun 12/23 01:21 AM 01:07 PM

0.86 H -0.88 L

Fri 12/7 12:42 PM

-0.43 L

Mon 12/24 02:15 AM 01:58 PM

0.88 H -0.87 L

Tue 12/25 02:57 AM 02:50 PM

0.84 H -0.80 L

Sat 12/8 12:33 AM 01:18 PM

Fri 11/23 12:34 PM

-0.20 L

Sat 11/24 01:11 AM 01:15 PM

1.21 H -0.30 L

Sun 12/9 01:38 AM 01:56 PM

Sun 11/25 02:13 AM 02:01 PM

1.28 H -0.36 L

Mon 12/10 02:28 AM 02:36 PM

Mon 11/26 03:00 AM 02:53 PM

1.31 H -0.36 L

Tue 12/11 03:06 AM 03:18 PM

Tue 11/27 03:37 AM 03:50 PM

1.30 H -0.31 L

Wed 12/12 03:32 AM 04:01 PM

Wed 11/28 04:00 AM 04:49 PM

1.22 H -0.21 L

Thu 12/13 03:42 AM 04:43 PM

Thu 11/29 04:01 AM 05:50 PM

1.11 H -0.06 L

Fri 11/30 03:47 AM 06:51 PM

0.97 H 0.11 L

0.96 H -0.44 L

0.96 H -0.42 L

Wed 12/26 03:16 AM 03:42 PM

0.75 H -0.68 L

Thu 12/27 02:52 AM 04:32 PM

0.61 H -0.50 L

Fri 12/28 02:14 AM 05:21 PM

0.48 H -0.28 L

0.78 H -0.20 L

Sat 12/29 01:48 AM 09:20 AM 12:25 PM 06:06 PM

0.38 H 0.04 L 0.07 H -0.06 L

Fri 12/14 03:35 AM 05:25 PM

0.69 H -0.10 L

Sun 12/30 01:27 AM 09:05 AM

0.34 H -0.19 L

Sat 12/15 03:14 AM 06:06 PM

0.60 H 0.02 L

Mon 12/31 01:07 AM 09:30 AM

0.34 H -0.40 L

0.94 H -0.39 L

0.91 H -0.34 L

0.86 H -0.28 L