Gulf Coast Mariner Magazine March/April 2015

March/April 2015 | www.gulfcoastmariner.com

Celebrating Coastal Life H o w

t o

F i s h

BULL

TIDES & SPRING WINDS

+ Fishing Galveston Bay’s Reefs Speed Demons: Offshore Wahoo

• Surfing Galveston • Spring Gear Product Guide • A Look at Rockport-Fulton • How to Find Shark Teeth

SAILING, SEA TURTLES & MORE

[Letter from the Publisher] Admiral (Publisher) Charles Milby

Celebrate Spring’s Warmer Weather

Vice Admiral (President) Rick Clapp Rear Admiral (Editor) Mary Alys Cherry Captain (Director of Art) Brandon Rowan Commodore (Graphic Designer) Kelly Groce Sales Commodore (Director of Sales) Patty Kane Sales Crew (Advertising Executives) Shannon Alexander Judy Gaines Debbie Salisbury

Marketing is communicating the value of a product, service or brand to customers, for the purpose of promoting or selling that product, service, or brand. From a societal point of view, marketing is the link between a society’s material requirements and its economic patterns of response. Marketing satisfies these needs and wants through exchange processes and builds long term relationships.

Marketing blends art and applied science (such as behavioral sciences) and makes use of information technology.

This issue, we have prepared a particularly excellent issue of Gulf Coast Mariner Magazine for your reading pleasure. Winter is loosening its frigid, rainy grip on coastal Texas. Get outside,

6

Gulf Coast Mariner Magazine

March/April 2015

celebrate the warmer weather and thank you for picking up our magazine. Don’t forget you can read the online edition of the magazine and previous issues, no subscription necessary, at www. gulfcoastmariner.com.

And, be sure send us all of your fishing, boating, kayaking, sailing and coastal outdoor photos at art@baygroupmedia.com. You can also post them up on our Facebook for everyone to see.

Share your adventures with us and the entire Gulf Coast.

Charles Milby Publisher

Editorial Alex Crowell Capt. David Dillman Kelly Groce Patty Kane Capt. Joe Kent Bill Lyon Betha Merit Charles Milby Capt. Steve Soule Photography John Atkinson Kelly Groce Patty Kane Charles Milby Brandon Rowan Distribution Timothy Shinkle Company Gulf Coast Mariner Magazine P.O. Box 1032 Seabrook, TX 77586 For information on advertising: Phone: 281.474.5875 Fax: 281.474.1443 r.clapp@baygroupmedia.com www.GulfCoastMariner.com

FEATURES

March/April 2015

9|How to Find Shark Teeth

The secret is out! How and when to find the most shark teeth on Bolivar Peninsula’s Crystal Beach.

By A.J. Milby

10|Speed Demons

Photography of high octane wahoo at the Flower Garden Banks offshore Galveston and an accompanying GoPro video featured online.

By Brandon Rowan

12|Fishing the Reefs of Galveston Bay

A continuation of last issue’s article, now we focus on how to fish a reef for your target species.

By Capt. Joe Kent

14|Fishing Bull Tides & Spring Winds

Strong southerly winds and powerful incoming tides of Spring are the arteries that deliver the life blood to our coastal bays and estuaries.

By Capt. Steve Soule

18|Surfing Galveston

If you are considering learning how to surf, you should. A guide on where to go and how to do it.

By Kelly Groce

20|What’s In Your Bag?

A Spring product and gear guide for both men and women.

By Patty Kane

22|Playing Pirates

Just how much treasure is buried under the concrete parking lots, roads and houses of the Clear Lake area?

By Bill Lyon

26|A Look at Rockport-Fulton

A photographic sample of what this coastal treasure has to offer, including sea turtles, ancient oaks, bird watching, fishing and more.

30|The Galley: Skillet Mexican Chicken Casserole A great recipe and a galley prep guide for list makers and cook-as-you-find types alike.

By Betha Merit

34|Ask the Rigger

Your sailboat rigging questions answered by Alex Crowell, owner of Bahama Rigging.

Contents Nautical Trivia Hobie Mirage Pro Angler 17T Nautical Numbers Fishy Facts 2015 billfish tournaments Prep your boat for Spring Local ‘live aboards’ Jonathon Davis: The Yacht Sales Co. ‘Crazy’ Alan Franks 2015 sailing races

ON THE COVER Torrey Hawkins releases a 29-inch marsh redfish.

Photo by Steve Soule.

HYC Commodore’s Ball S.T.O.R.M. update Texas Coast Yachts receives award Galveston Bay Foundation’s app Keels & Wheels Galveston Bay Tides

www.GulfCoastMariner.com

7

8

Hobie Mirage Pro Angler 17T

What I love about my Hobie PA17T is its versatility, I can paddle it, pedal it, row it, sail it, or use my trolling motor. I can go anywhere. I can go in lakes, rivers, ponds, salt marshes, the bay, in the surf or even out into the Gulf. It is a very comfortable fishing platform no matter where I am. In short, I love it. Thanks again KO Sailing for setting me up with my new ride.

A n

-Don Booth

owner ’ s

Gulf Coast Mariner Magazine

testimonial

March/April 2015

NAUTICAL NUMBERS

6.25

Crystal Beach’s Toothy Treasure

The Texas State record for a Pompano is 6.25 pounds (23.25 inches) in 1989.

By AJ Milby

I

have never, ever found a shark’s tooth, even though I have lived on or near the beach for 20 years. But on Bolivar Pennisula’s Crystal Beach, people are finding them left and right.

Plus, they are finding teeth from a variety of different sharks.

According to Tracy Barnett, a long time resident and shark tooth hunter, “there is a frenzy of shark teeth to be found,” especially during the winter.

Tracy became addicted to searching for shark teeth 13 years ago after watching another woman find them consistently.

Tracy’s personal record is 79 teeth in one day, but on Jan. 18 and 20 of this year, she netted 47 on each day. She attributes January’s wealth to the North winds that push the tide out and create shell beds along the beach. She begins her search after these high tides.

Angie Busceme Scheibel is another Crystal Beach resident who is an avid tooth hunter. She averaged 1 tooth per minute on Jan. 20. That day she collected 79. She had been a casual hunter and collector for 30 years. For her, the hobby was a “time suck.” It wasn’t until last winter that she became serious. That’s when she embraced wearing rubber boots and searching in the winter, a time free of summer distractions.

She became more in tune with the surf at that time. She noted how the surf constantly sorts the teeth by size, weight and shape. She watches for shell beds to form, searching the thinner beds. She says “hunting for the teeth doesn’t even require great vision; just a mind set to shape and color.”

970 On June 2013, a 37 inch bull red was caught with more than 970 spots per side in East Galveston Bay.

“There is a frenzy of shark teeth to be found.”

Today, she believes “the teeth have a mystical quality after several other occasions when they present themselves at opportune moments. You find them when you are supposed to find them.” Now, she hunts for many reasons, not just to whittle away the time. “It involves physics, philosophy, geology, biology, history, psychology, aesthetics, meditation, tradition and fun,” she concludes.

Well, I hope I find some one day. I have my rubber boots ready. These ladies’ advice is to look for the triangular shape and dark color and hunt in the winter, the most rewarding time.

40 Starfish have an eye for every arm they have. Most starfish have five arms, so five eyes.

But the sun starfish has 40 arms therefore 40 eyes.

20 Sheepshead, also known as the convict fish for their black stripes, can live to be 20 years old.

www.GulfCoastMariner.com

9

Chasin’ after high octane wahoo at the Flower Garden Banks on Bad Intentions Photography by Brandon Rowan

Blackfin tuna.

Debbie Conway reels in an early morning wahoo at the Flower Garden Banks on Feb. 9, 2015. David Weiss Jr. waits with the gaff, deckhand Tatum Frey clears the cockpit while Ron McDowell observes the fight and Capt.

Billy Wright maneuvers the boat.

10

Gulf Coast Mariner Magazine March/April 2015

A hefty wahoo ascends into the boat. This fish bit a dark colored Braid Marauder.

The battle comes to an end. Ron McDowell watches his wahoo hit the deck. This fish, also pictured top left of the previous page, threw the hook at the last second but was gaffed before it could return to the depths.

WATCH THE VIDEO

A wahoo bares its teeth as the gaff moves into position. Skirted ballyhoo was a productive bait on this trip.

See underwater footage of wahoo, tuna, amberjack and more from this trip at www.gulfcoastmariner.com, http://youtu.be/FP5u2BjqeGs or scan the QR code shown to the side.

www.GulfCoastMariner.com

11

Travis Haight and a sevenpound trout caught on a Corky Devil.

FISHING THE REEFS OF GALVESTON BAY

By Capt. Joe Kent

W

e addressed the effects

of oyster reefs on Galveston Bay fishing in the last edition of Gulf Coast Mariner Magazine and now we will expand on this by discussing fishing the reefs of Galveston Bay. To begin, let’s take a look at the definition of a reef. A reef is “a ridge of rock, sand, coral etc. the top of which lies close to the surface of the sea; a ridge or mound-like structure built by

12

Gulf Coast Mariner Magazine March/April 2015

sedentary calcareous organisms and consisting mainly of their remains.”

In the Galveston Bay Complex we have both natural and artificial reefs.

The natural reefs consist of oyster reefs, clam shell reefs and sand reefs.

The artificial or man-made reefs consist of shell, sand and gravel beds associated with oil and gas production facilities or old tires and steel reefs that are mainly oil and gas wells.

Artificial reefs associated with oil and gas facilities are not permanent and are removed soon after the well or

Lou Nuffer’s nice bull red.

platform is abandoned.

Tire reefs (chaining together old tires) are beginning to become more prevalent with the demise of so many of our natural reefs. Lower West Bay is the location of one of the popular tire reefs.

Once, oyster reefs dominated the reef picture; however, following Hurricane Ike in 2008, that domination ended and now oyster reefs make up a much smaller portion or our reefs and fishing grounds.

Clam shell reefs have a presence in

FI upper Galveston and Trinity Bays; however, they are not as prolific as in other bay systems east of here. The few we have do offer some excellent fishing much in the same manner as oyster reefs.

Sand reefs become more numerous the closer we get to the Gulf of Mexico especially around the passes. Sand reefs should not be confused with sand bars which are defined as “ridges of sand formed in a river or along a shore by the action of waves or currents”.

While artificial reefs do not initially meet the definition of reefs, after a time they become infested with barnacles and other growth that cause them to expand in size and come within the meaning of a reef.

Now that we know more about reefs in Galveston Bay, let’s discuss how to fish them.

Reef fishing is productive in all but the coldest months of winter. They are most productive in the spring and fall, two seasons when tides run unusually high. The reefs most affected by this are the shell and artificial reefs.

Deeper reefs are productive all year, especially in the summer when trout go to deeper waters. A high percentage of the deep reefs are artificial and associated with oil and gas facilities.

The best of the reefs for fishing are the live reefs that have a wealth of small marine life around which in turn starts the food chain to moving.

Farther up the food chain are the predator fish which come to feed on the lesser species such as crustaceans.

The shell and artificial reefs offer hiding places for the lower of the food chain that is until the tide begins to move and that is when the action turns on.

Fishing the reefs is best when using a float to keep the bait from snagging on the rough foundation. Live bait is the choice of most anglers.

Speckled trout have sensitive skin and are most often caught around the edges of the reefs. On the other hand, fish with scales and strong jaws or teeth are found feeding on the bottom eating crabs, live barnacles and other residents of the reefs. Sheepshead and black drum are two examples of the mid-reef bottom feeders.

Other fish are found feeding on the food chain as well. Panfish are usually thick around reefs.

Sand reefs are fished mostly by wading.

Fish feed on the wide variety of marine live that burrows into the sand for shelter and, as with the shell reefs, tidal movement sends them running for safety and again that is the best time to be fishing.

Without our reefs, fishing would not be as good in Galveston Bay. Hopefully we will see an aggressive program get underway to restore our oyster reefs and add more permanent artificial reefs.

Submit your fishing photos for our next issue to art@baygroupmedia.com

TS

Y FAC SH

Mako sharks are the fastest species of sharks in the world, swimming at speeds up to 60 mph.

Warsaw grouper can reach a length of 6 feet and a weight of 500 pounds.

Red snapper can grow to about 40 inches, weigh up to 50 pounds and live more than 50 years.

The Goblin Shark is a rare species of deep sea shark that has jaws that protrude to catch its prey.

The electric eel can produce enough electricity to light up to 10 lightbulbs. www.GulfCoastMariner.com

13

Photo: Steve Soule

BULL

TIDES Spring Winds Torrey Hawkins releases a 29-inch marsh red.

By Capt. Steve Soule www.theshallowist.com

Spring on the upper Texas Coast brings the return of many things, sunshine and warming temperatures are what we tend to notice the most.

A

s much as those two factors

make us rush to the bays, they are not the keys to angling success in the Spring. Though they do in fact play an important role, they are not nearly as influential as most anglers believe them to be.

Conditions, specifically those that we can easily detect above the water, are not the same as those that a predator like a redfish or speckled trout feels below the water’s surface. If I was to give my personal estimation of the two conditional factors that have the greatest influence, they would have to be water temperature and daily photo period. These are what

14

Gulf Coast Mariner Magazine March/April 2015

both predator and prey feel, and are the factors that drive spawning and the return to shallow bays and estuarine waters.

Beyond sun and rising water temps, wind is probably the most notable factor for anglers, and probably the one that is the most discouraging. We can’t change the wind and it isn’t always easy to forecast, but we should all understand its impact and learn to use it to our advantage.

Strong southerly winds and powerful incoming tides of Spring are the arteries that deliver the life blood to our coastal bays and estuaries. These will typically start bringing new life as early as February, and continue well into April and even May. These “bull tides” bring numerous prey species, along with their food sources, back to the shallows. Each of the returning animals’ migration, whether large or small in distance, is timed perfectly by the return or resurgence of their primary food sources.

An entire article could be dedicated to prey species, their eating habits and

preferred habitat, but knowing a few factors that play critical roles in locating and catching trout and redfish are worthy of mention. Blue and stone crabs, white, brown and to a lesser degree, pink shrimp, glass minnows, menhaden and shad, as well as sheepshead minnows and many more all make their annual return to the estuaries during spring. They wash inshore on incoming tides towards lower salinity estuarine waters where they can thrive and find abundant microbial food sources.

Just as these animals arrive, due to abundance of food, so do their predators.

In nature, every step of the food chain is driven by three basic, instinctual needs: food, safety, and reproduction. Knowing this makes it very clear that to find our target fish, we must find its target or preferred food. As anglers, we can all benefit from a greater understanding of the life cycles and influences within our chosen fishing grounds. We must accept that sometimes the things that frustrate us the most can provide the greatest

Wendell Breazele with a nice fly caught trout.

advancement in our angling skills.

Wind can make our fishing days challenging; knowing where those winds deposit concentrations of prey species can make them more productive.

West Galveston Bay’s notorious winter “moss” can frustrate us to no end, but the realization that its “decay stage” provides possibly the largest food source for many returning and emerging prey species, might

Focus your efforts, whether on open bay shorelines, or in the marshes, on the areas populated by mullet. They are not only much easier to see, but they also eat the same decaying plant material that most of the smaller prey species dine on. Also, take the time to explore every stretch of water inhabited by shore birds such as egrets, herons, ibis and spoonbill. Areas where terns and gulls are diving are likely to have juvenile surface dwelling

Chartreuse and white Marsh Bunny fly.

Copper and chartreuse SAM fly.

“As anglers, we can all benefit from a greater understanding of the life cycles and influences within our chosen fishing grounds.” well make you look more closely at the areas most inundated.

Knowing some of the favorite prey species and their preferred habitat and food sources are great. Now, it’s up to you as a successful angler to locate them.

Most of these small species are difficult to physically locate.

Thankfully, there are some larger and more widespread animals that can help us locate the smaller food sources that often lead to greater catches. Since most every angler reading this has likely experienced fishing an area devoid of prey species and the ensuing unproductive day, we probably all can now see the importance of finding the food source.

animals, riding currents. Many of these are extremely small and hard to see, but don’t think that hungry predators would pass up on the opportunity to feast on these helpless little morsels.

Don’t let the most transitional season deter your efforts, use this season to explore and use your angling skills to locate fish in places you haven’t often looked. You will find, that even though spring fishing can be very challenging, it can also be very productive for those who armed with knowledge.

You might just find some very aggressive fish that are waiting to reward you with explosive strikes.

Dark colored Marsh Bunny fly for crab and worm representation.

S P R I N G T I M E

P L A S T I C S Norton Bull Minnow

Bass Assassin Sea Shad

Two swimbaits to use this spring are the Norton Bull Minnow in Texas Roach and the Bass Assassin Sea Shad in Slammin’ Chicken. The roach is a great color to contrast dirtier marsh water and the chicken has a light/ dark contrast and works well because purple is a common color in juvenile blue crabs. Use 1/16 - 1/8 oz. jigheads.

www.GulfCoastMariner.com

15

2015 FISHING TOURNAMENTS CAJUN CANYONS BILLFISH CLASSIC

May 26 – May 31 Venice, LA www.comefishla.com

MISSISSIPPI GULF COAST BILLFISH CLASSIC June 1 – June 7 Biloxi, MS www. mgcbc.com

EMERALD COAST BLUE MARLIN CLASSIC June 17 – 21 Miramar Beach, FL www.fishecbc.com

WORLD CUP BLUE MARLIN CHAMPIONSHIP July 4 www.bluemarlinworldcup.com

BASTANTE - JOHN UHR MEMORIAL BILLFISH TOURNAMENT July 8 – 11 Rockport, TX www.johnnybastante.com

POCO BUENO

July 15 – 19 Port O’Connor, TX www.pocobueno.com

LONESTAR SHOOTOUT

July 21 – 26 Port O’Connor, TX www.thelonestarshootout.com

TEXAS INTERNATIONAL FISHING TOURNAMENT July 29 – August 2 Port Isabel, TX www.tift.org

Prep your boat for Spring

By Capt. David C. Dillman

M

arch is the beginning

of the Spring in Galveston and along the Upper Coast. Many boats are not used during the winter and are often neglected. March ushers in warmer temperatures; now is the time to get your boat ready for the season.

First, a visual inspection of your boat should be done. Look for deep chips or cracks in your gel coat.

If they are down into the fiberglass, they should be repaired to prevent intrusion of water.

Check all of your switches and gauges and make sure they are properly working. Also check all pumps, livewell, bilge and others, for proper operation. You should also check the hoses going to them for leaks. Navigation lights are often overlooked until you need them!

Your motor should be serviced at this time. Lower unit oil needs to be changed. Check to make sure there is no water in the oil. If needed, replace the seals in the lower unit.

On four-strokes, the engine oil should be changed along with the lower unit. All filters should be replaced at this time. Check your spark plugs and replace them if needed. Fuel issues can arise on boats that have sat unused for a long time. Untreated gas can separate, so discard the old gas and start off fresh.

Today’s outboards should be serviced by professionals if more work is needed than just the preventive maintenance.

Your boat trailer should be inspected and repaired if necessary. Your wheel bearings should be replaced if they are older than three years.

Rotted bunk boards and torn carpet should be replaced. Your wrench should operate smoothly and the strap inspected for dry rot. Inspect the lights to make sure they work and don’t overlook the leaf springs, replace them if needed.

Now is the time to get your boat ready for the warmer weather and hot fishing. Boat mechanics get busy this time of year so plan accordingly.

Don’t wait till the last minute!

“Boat mechanics get busy this time of year so plan accordingly.”

www.GulfCoastMariner.com

17

Photo by Kimmy Callahan

By Kelly Groce

W

henever you hear the word surfing, most people think of Hawaii, California, or Mexico... not Texas. Luckily Texas has 300+ miles of coast along the Gulf of Mexico for the opportunity of good waves. Galveston might not always have the best surf, but at least there’s something to give us surfers our fix.

Texans will surf any kind of conditions that are coming their way whether that’s a hurricane, chasing tanker waves, ice cold waters, rain, or howling winds, but that’s

what makes us unique. We usually deal with horrible conditions, but aren’t completely aware of it because it’s all we know. That’s where the saying “if you can surf in Texas, you can surf anywhere” comes from. Once Texan surfers go to a place like California or Mexico with solid waves, we are in hog heaven because the waves are clean and come in sets.

If you are planning to learn how to surf, you should.

After your first experience, you will get bitten by the surf bug and want to go every chance you can. Spring is a great time to learn since the water temperature starts to get

warmer after the cold winter.

This article will direct you on where to surf, what you will need, etc. Have fun!

Can I take a surf lesson or join a surf camp?

Yes, Ohana Surf & Skate in Galveston offers both surf lessons and surf camps. Visit their website or call to find out the schedule and pricing.

If you have a friend that has a board and surfs, that is also a great way to learn while having fun.

Where do I surf in Galveston?

Surf any of the jetties between Pleasure Pier and 61st Street When you are first getting started, avoid the jetties with a big crowd, but don’t surf by yourself either.

Where can I rent a surfboard?

John Callahan cruising down the line in Galveston, TX. Photo by Kelly Groce

18

Gulf Coast Mariner Magazine March/April 2015

Southern Spears Surf Shop has surfboards you can rent for the whole day for only $25.

They have a variety of sizes so you can choose which one you feel the most comfortable on.

What size board do I use?

The bigger, the better. A longboard is definitely the way to go when you are trying to learn how to surf. Look to rent a board that is 8 feet long or more. Longboards are the best bet for small Texas surf.

Once you pick it up, you can try using a shortboard on the bigger days.

What other equipment/ gear do I need?

You will need a leash, wax, and a spring suit (the water might be chilly). You can get these things from any surf shop like Ohana Surf & Skate or Southern Spears.

Ohana Surf & Skate www.ohanasurfandskate.com 2814 Avenue R 1/2, Galveston, TX 77550 (409) 763-2700 Southern Spears Surf Shop www.southernspearssurf.com 6026 Seawall Boulevard, Galveston, TX 77551 (409) 744-2772

What’s in Your Bag?

By

Patty

K ane

What’s in his bag

Team Lew’s® LITE Speed Spool® LFS Series will make your springtime fishing a great experience.

Buff® USA: Multifunctional Headwear provides UV protection for your neck, ears and more.

Costa Del Mar sunglasses protect your eyes and sharpen your vision below the water.

Pelican™ ProGear™ Elite Coolers keep your drinks and catch colder, longer.

All items available at Marburger’s Sporting Goods, 1400 Bayport Blvd., in Seabrook.

20

Gulf Coast Mariner Magazine March/April 2015

What’s in hER bag

This lightweight hat provides shade and goes everywhere from boat to beach.

Sunglasses in colors to match all your spring outfits.

Designer purse with magnificent detailing. Perfect for day or evening.

Beautiful nautical jewelry for your daytime casual wear or evenings out.

Sunglasses and hat from Marburger’s Sporting Goods, 1400 Bayport Blvd, in Seabrook; Designer purse available at Glass Mermaids, 2098 Marina Bay Drive in League City; Nautical Jewelry from Home by Eagles Nest, 2800 Marina Bay Drive in League City.

www.GulfCoastMariner.com

21

By Bill Lyon

O

ne day in 1966 three boys, all about 12-years-old, were playing outside at one of their favorite spots near Clear Lake. They lived at the apartments on NASA

Parkway in Seabrook, then called the Larabie Apartments and now, still standing, are named Crews Quarters. That day, a small strip center near the apartments was being enlarged. The exact spot was directly across the road from the Turtle Club and the new addition was to be the Pine Knot Pharmacy. The construction provided large mounds of sand to make forts and whatever else a young boy’s playful and impulsive imagination might make of them. A good view of the lake and Wildwood Lagoon

22

Gulf Coast Mariner Magazine March/April 2015

An anonymous portrait of Jean Lafitte, early 19th century.

Rosenberg Library, Galveston.

stimulated the stories the boys had been told of pirates in the area only 150 years ago.

A young boy’s interest this particular afternoon was focused on a backhoe doing some trenching for the foundation of the pharmacy.

He had noticed a large round ball go rolling to the bottom of the trench after a scoop had disturbed its resting place. The worker had made a few more scoops and then planted the bucket and turned off the machine for quitting time. The curious boy raced over to inspect what appeared to be a perfectly round rock in an area where there were no rocks. He needed both hands to grasp it and lift it up. It was extremely heavy and perfectly round.

He lugged the thing home and hosed off the dirt as his mind raced with imagination at what he thought he had found.

HOME IS WHERE THE WATER IS A word with Scott Stillman, a local ‘live aboard’

Cannonballs and shot measured. They don’t look very friendly do they?

When his father came home from work and confirmed his son’s find it was hard to tell who was more excited. Over the months to follow, they researched its possible origins.

The father brought home some books from the library and his son eagerly devoured the contents. He became fascinated with the history of the area and became quite knowledgeable on weapons and artillery from the time period. k As the years went by and we both grew up, we stayed in touch. He became a city librarian and remained so until his recent retirement. He also acquired notoriety as a local authority and published author on weapons and firearms of the 19th and 20th century.

In 1996, a friend brought him some dirty metal relics he had

“How much treasure is buried under the concrete parking lots, roads and houses of the Clear Lake area?”

noticed while jogging past a newly trenched ditch alongside a new road. It was directly across NASA Parkway from where the cannonball was found.

He knew immediately what they were; some large square nails, rectangular lead plates with square holes around the edges and some canister shot all proved to be from the same time period. The plate and nails were for patching holes in ships of the day and the shot was large enough to damage smaller ships or even clear the decks if they were close enough.

As young enthusiasts of local history, we often speculated on the likelihood that Lafitte had established a camp here for guarding the entrance to Clear Lake. Now we had proof! Lafitte was also known to have taken many trips back into the bay to bury his treasures after he was given 60 days to leave the island by the United States Government.

There was only room for crew and supplies on the long journey to find a new base of operations.

He would’ve come back for the treasures another day, but was never heard from again.

How many other unreported finds are there? How much treasure is buried under the concrete parking lots, roads and houses of the Clear Lake area?

You now know of two that would have been if not for some young boys playing pirates!

Tell us about your early days of boating and how did you come up with the idea to live aboard?

I met the Bumfuzzle.com’s just before they left on their first trip and followed their adventures. Our first time alone on a boat was crossing the Gulf from Key West to Galveston. Within a few months of our crossing we moved aboard.

Do you have any pets on board?

We have one cat and one dog as shipmates.

What do you do when a hurricane or storm comes?

Remove the sails off, check the dock lines, take pictures, and drive away. That is what insurance is for and what else could we do?

What’s the best thing about living on board?

What’s the worst?

The best thing about living aboard is the gentle rocking every night. Seeing the sense of awe that people get when you say you live on a boat. The worst thing is the walk up the dock in the freezing rain or blowing cold.

Do you ever feel the need for more space? How do you deal with that?

Not really. We are not really materialistic and we live on a 42 ‘catamaran; we have room to go hide if we need to.

Have you taken any trips lately?

We sail to Port Aransas every few years. Recently its been Redfish, Double Bayou and Offatts.

Nothing since Fall, it’s been too cold but it’s warming up right now.

www.GulfCoastMariner.com

23

24

Gulf Coast Mariner Magazine March/April 2015

www.GulfCoastMariner.com

25

Rockport-Fulton A coastal treasure in pictures Photography by John Atkinson

A warm coastal sun rises over Fulton Harbor.

26

Gulf Coast Mariner Magazine March/April 2015

The Rockport-Fulton area is teeming with avian life.

Over 400 species of bird have been documented along the Texas Coastal Bend, including the eagerly sought-after whooping crane.

Nearby Aransas National Wildlife Refuge is a hot spot for bird watching and is often visited by boats chartered specifically for this purpose.

www.GulfCoastMariner.com

27

TURTLES RETURN TO THE SEA The Padre Island National Seashore Sea Turtle Recovery Division released over 200 cold-stunned green sea turtles back into the warming waters of the Gulf of Mexico in January.

Earlier in the year the turtles washed ashore along Padre Island. Experts believe the turtles were stunned by the dropping temperatures in the Gulf.

About four hundred people were on hand to assist and cheer the volunteers who carried the turtles into the Gulf.

The sea turtle science and recovery program at Padre Island National Seashore is a part of the overall global efforts to help recover the populations of threatened and endangered sea turtles. For more information, visit Texas Parks and Wildlife online at www.tpwd.texas.gov

28

Gulf Coast Mariner Magazine March/April 2015

‘The Big Tree,’ located in Goose Island State Park, is one of the oldest living oaks in the world. It possesses a circumference of over 35 feet and is more than 45 feet tall. According to climatologists, this robust oak has survived from anywhere between forty to fifty major hurricanes, numerous floods, droughts and wildfires.

Whether it’s commercial or recreational, boating is a way of life for many in the area.

The fishing is spectacular from boat or land. There are a variety of habitats to explore like marsh, bay or beach. The Copano Fishing Pier is a popular spot.

BUT WAIT, THERE’S MORE...

This is just a small photographic taste of what the Rockport-Fulton area has to offer. Visit www.rockport-fulton. org for information on recreation, history, fishing, shopping, dining and so much more.

www.GulfCoastMariner.com

29

SKILLET MEXICAN CHICKEN CASSEROLE Serves 4 Ingredients • 4 teaspoons oil or butter • 6 tablespoons sour cream or plain Greek yoghurt • 1 cup shredded cheese, Mexican blend • 1 large can mushrooms, drained • 1 (16-ounce) jar of salsa or Ro*Tel® • 2 cups cooked rice • 1/2 of a (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained • 1 (12-ounce) can of chicken, drained • Spices to taste (cumin, cilantro, garlic, chili powder, cayenne) Directions Heat all ingredients except chicken in the skillet (or large pan on stove) over medium-low heat. As things warm through and cheese is melted, turn off heat, and gently fold in the drained chicken. Cover the pan and wait 5 to 15 minutes until the chicken is warmed through. Serve with any garnishes you have on hand, such as extra shredded cheese, diced green onions, fresh cilantro, or avocados.

30

Provisioning thoughts

By Betha Merit

A

re you a list making meal planner? Or do you like to survey your pantry and let the chef’s muse lead you where it may? Both styles apply to preparing your meals in the galley. And much depends on where you will be traveling and for how long.

Also, your fellow travelers will help you decide the types of food and drink to stock. Children, young adults, or your most food savvy friends will create quite different ideas for main dishes, snacks, and ease of presentation.

For shorter jaunts of a few days, it’s usually easier to plan meals with a list, knowing who your guests will be and tailoring to their tastes. It is efficient to buy pre-packaged sides and canned goods that are pre-seasoned, and allow for fewer leftovers and waste. Sure, making a parsley, lemon, garlic rice pilaf from scratch tastes wonderful, but time and (Continued on page 35)

Gulf Coast Mariner Magazine March/April 2015

www.GulfCoastMariner.com

31

32

Gulf Coast Mariner Magazine March/April 2015

ALAN FRANKS Bay Area Houston’s crawfish king Skillet Mexican Chicken Casserole

(Continued from page 32)

“Packaged seasonings such as dried onion soup mix and salad dressings work with many recipes also.”

storing ingredients for every side dish is not always feasible.

You can stock your galley similarly to a home kitchen pantry when it is just you and any significant others, and especially when you might be out for a long while or for several weekends in a row. Think staples over variety, due to space.

This is when you can store a large bag of brown rice, keep a variety of canned beans, diced tomatoes, paste, chiles, veggies, and select fruits for creating your own soups, main dishes, and sides. Other go-to items include oil, vinegar, salsa, and mushroom soup, to your own taste. Have a selection of dried spices including garlic, onion, dill, basil, cumin, cayenne, cinnamon etc. Packaged seasonings such as dried onion soup mix and salad dressings work with many recipes also.

Pantry breakfast items that keep well are oatmeal and granola. You can stock with flour, sugar, baking powder and such or bring pre-made biscuit mix for breakfast menus. Powdered or canned milk is an option to consider. Snacks that stack and seal well are another pantry staple. Who hasn’t skipped a meal in favor of peanut butter and crackers in a pinch?

Refrigerated/frozen and fresh goods, including meats, veggies, fruit, dairy, and bread are provisioned based on space and how long the trip lasts. Drinks typically fall under this category too, unless they are teabags, ground coffee, or powdered drinks.

Make a list of staples you have finished or are low each time you return from an excursion. This will ensure that you have what you need and not duplicates, when you bring provisions for your next outing.

How long have you been in the Crawfish business?

I’ve been in the business since 1993.

Where do your Crawfish come from?

I buy from six to ten farms around the St. Martinville, Eunice and Crowley areas in Louisiana.

Do you only sell them at the restaurant or do you also sell them wholesale to other restaurants or for corporate crawfish boils?

I have had a crawfish wholesale business since 1995 and sell to other restaurant and individuals.

When does crawfish season begin and end? How is this year’s season so far?

We are known for being the first, or one of the first and last to have crawfish. We start the second week of November and end close to August 1st. Till now, the season has been normal which means it a little challenging to get what you need depending on the weather pattern. You normally have supply problems before March.

Are the crawfish a good size this year?

They are normal right now. You see inconsistent size from November through March. One bag might have a good mix and the next may have a lot of small ones. You get what the pound produces that year. There is no factory to order them from like some people seem to think.

What is the price per pound at the Crazy Alan’s Swamp Shack?

We are known for great pricing! Monday and Wednesday crawfish are $4.99 per pound from 2 p.m. until 10 p.m. They are also $4.99 per pound Monday through Friday from 2 - 6 p.m.

Any other time our normal price is $6.99 a pound and if you buy a five pound tray, they will be $5.99. We call that the five pound special.

Do you cater special events and corporate parties? Do you cook on site?

Yes we can do any size party you want! We did the Kemah Crawfish Festival in 2011 and 2012 and cooked about 45,000 pounds in only three days. We did Pearland’s festival in 2013 2014 and went through 50,000 pounds.

Do you receive your crawfish fresh daily?

We pick up fresh crawfish every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. It takes my truck 12 to 14 hours to make one trip. www.GulfCoastMariner.com

33

SAILING

Ask the Rigger

the price starts as low as $8,000 using minimal labor, the old furling unit, standard rigging and old halyards.

It is an estimated $15,000 using maximum labor, a new furling unit, rod headstay, compact strand rigging, and new-performance type running rigging. You can always save money if you do the leg work on any job. We have all the dimensions for ordering the conversion for a plug and play installation.

I’m going to order a new mainsail for my 35 ft cruising boat. When I place the order should I go with two reefs or three?

I need to replace my J-80 mast. How much will a new one cost me?

If you are replacing your J80 mast, there are a lot of variables that you have to consider. The reason most change between the Hall section and the Sparcraft section is the lighter weight and more streamlined section.

There is a ton of stuff to do to switch it over. None of the rigging switches over to the new mast; the mast step has to be modified for the shorter section, the furling unit has to be changed for the longer headstay and the spin

34

Gulf Coast Mariner Magazine March/April 2015

halyard is longer on the Sparcraft section than the Hall section.

We have done three of these conversions, and the price of the section has increased every year. It was up by 20 percent in February. So if you are budgeting, beware of the price increase. A mast with no rigging and no shipping is an estimated $5,800.

Delivery is around another $900 to $1,300. If we piggy back multiple masts on our mast trailer, you can get delivery as low as $500. Depending on what is needed and upgrades to increase stiffness and performance,

I try to talk my customers out of three reefs 50’ and under. Installing the third reef adds a lot of line that you have to deal with every time you go sailing.

Most sail makers go with what they call a “slab” reef. It is a much larger reef that reduces sail quicker and ends up with the same result of the third reef.

Just remember to tie the loose cloth with something that will give way if your reef breaks. Something to substantial could tear the sail in half if it lets loose.

Self-steering systems have come a long way in the past 10 years, in your opinion what is the best system on the market?

There are multiple electronic auto-pilot systems out there. What is the best is an argument I rather not get into; but, what we have found on all systems

is that you want to install the larger system, not just the minimal system that fits your boat.

Also have plenty of power to run it, even if you go as far as to add an extra battery or two. Too many times I hear stories of people on delivery and the auto pilot runs the battery down and goes offline. In strong conditions people lose sight of how hard the unit is working; it can consume tons of power if the boat is trimmed wrong.

Make sure you take the unit offline from time to time and trim or reduce sails yourself to help the auto pilot.

Our long-range and long-time cruisers prefer the wind-driven auto pilots, but that is a story for another time.

I’m a cruiser. I do not need a racing compass. Who makes a good compass and how much does it cost to install?

All cruising boats should have a magnetic compass somewhere on the boat. I want to say it is a requirement for all boats from the factory. If your boat is not equipped with one, the bulkhead-mount compass is the easiest one to install.

We install the Plastimo Contest most of the time. They cost between $260 to $350 depending on what you want on it. There are others on the market, but this is the one most readily available.

What I look for is self-leveling with level marks, magnified-heading numbers with reciprocal numbers, and a light for night time.

Installation varies between the type of boat; around two hours for a basic install and five hours if you are installing wiring for lights. Cabinet modification is not included in these estimated times. That becomes a time and material type of job.

Stack pack or in-the-mast furling systems?

We always recommend “stack packs” or in-boom furling before in-mast furling.

With in-mast furling, you have a chance of the furling unit failing and the sail being stuck at full hoist, in or out of the mast at the worst possible time. It is tough to drop or raise an in-mast sail at the dock in perfect conditions, imagine what it would be

“A fresh water rinse will save you thousands in the future and add time between replacement.”

like in the middle of the ocean. We actually repair an in-mast furling once a week in peak season.

With a “stack pack” or in-boom furling, you have the option to drop the main if you have trouble and deal with it on the deck. The in-mast adds a lot of weight aloft that hurts performance and makes the boats riding moment higher. The last thing is the in-mast sail has a lot less sail area then the standard sail. Standard battens project the leach of the main out adding sail area and helps the way the boat sails. Consider this when purchasing a new boat.

By the way, if you get a standard mast you can add a roller boom for the same price as an in-mast furling. If you add it after market you can save more.

After a hard day of racing on the bay my headsails are covered with salt.

Does it make sense to hose them down with fresh water?

You should absolutely hose down your sails and gear with fresh water after a hard sail. Even if you go out for a day sail around the bay you should give her a good rinse.

Salt accumulation in the bearings or on the thread of sails will eventually break these parts down. The stitching on the sail will start to deteriorate, causing weakening and patches.

If you look at furling sails, the threads rot faster at the bottom where it has been wet than up top where it stayed dry. All of the gear on your boat is expensive, so a fresh water rinse will save you thousands in the future and add time between replacement.

Alex Crowell is the owner of Bahama Rigging in Kemah, a full service shop for all sailboat rigging needs.

UPCOMING SAIL RACES HOUSTON YACHT CLUB ELISSA TEXAS SPEED WEEK REGATTA April 10 - 12

HYC OFFSHORE REGATTA May 8 - 9

LEUKEMIA CUP REGATTA

June 26 - 28

LAKEWOOD YACHT CLUB J/105 TEXAS INVITATIONAL March 27 - 29

HEALD BANK REGATTA April 25 - 26

SHOE REGATTA May 16 - 17

www.GulfCoastMariner.com

35

Trevor and Megan Mulvey

H O U S T O N YA C H T C L U B

COMMODORE’S BALL Jan. 17, 2015 Houston Yacht Club Photography by Ed Matuszak, A&A Video

Houston Yacht Club Commodore Robert and Judie Williams, V/C Gordie and Ruth Keenan and R/C Steve and Martha Gillett were all on hand.

Karen Garrett McCutchen and John McCutchen share a dance.

2015 Yachtsman of the Year Corecipients P/C Bob and Stephanie Wright were some of the 200 guests who attended the Ball.

36

Gulf Coast Mariner Magazine March/April 2015

www.GulfCoastMariner.com

37

ACT NOW TO SAVE OUR ACCESS THE TO GULF WATERS An Update To The Situation Concerning Every Citizen Of Texas It’s time to make your voice heard.

T

his is an issue of importance to all citizens who value

MATCH RACING CLINIC US National Match Racing Champion and Olympic Match Racing Coach Dave Perry directs the North Sails Match Racing clinic hosted by the Texas Corinthian Yacht Club

38

Gulf Coast Mariner Magazine March/April 2015

their right to fish and access the Gulf waters. A private entity, Sustainable Texas Oyster Resource Management, LLC, also known as S.T.O.R.M., is trying to pass a bill through the 84th regulatory session in Austin to remove authority from the Texas Parks and Wild Life Department.

All citizens are urged to contact their state representative and state senators imploring them to stand against this legislation proposal by STORM. By visiting the following links you can voice your concerns about how STORM is trying to take our rights to Texas waters away from us. www.house.state.tx.us/members will take you to your state representatives. www.senate.state.tx.us/75r/senate/Members. htm will take you to your state senators.

Let your state legislature know that the citizens of Texas demand their rights to freely fish, cruise and navigate the Texas Coast.

In addition, this is a critical matter for the entire seafood industry, recreational fishermen and private land owners.

Recently, the private entity, Sustainable Texas Oyster Resource Management, LLC (STORM) has alleged that it controls the rights to 23,000 acres of water bottoms along the Texas Coast.

STORM alleges to have obtained those rights from the Chambers Liberty County Navigation District by way of a lease issued earlier this year. After obtaining its purported lease, STORM has aggressively tried to assert its alleged rights over those in the seafood industry who have been lawfully operating in these waters for generations.

STORM has gone so far as to tell oyster leaseholders that it will ban them from harvesting or bedding on their own leases. STORM also has expressed plans to prevent the fishing industry from operating on Texas waters without STORM’s permission. STORM has even stated that it will arrest and prosecute anyone caught trespassing or fishing in these 23,000 acres.

To date, the TPWD and the Texas General Land Office has refused to acknowledge STORM’s position, citing the laws of the State of Texas and the powers and authorities granted to both the TPWD and the GLO to govern such matters These water bottoms and natural resources belong to the State of Texas and its citizens. No private entity should have the right to strip Texas citizens of such long standing rights.

If STORM is successful the public will no longer have commercial or recreational access to this part of the Texas Coast.

This will put in jeopardy the entire seafood industry from fisherman, harvesters, and leaseholders to processors, brokers, and restaurant owners.

A petition has been created to urge state officials at TPWD and GLO to ensure that the laws in place remain in place so as to protect our resources, our seafood industry and our State’s rights.

You can sign the petition online by going to: http://chn.ge/1xHtJA4?share id=PWuILPURo

40

Gulf Coast Mariner Magazine March/April 2015

Keels & Wheels Uncorked Event to be Held at Rolls Royce/ Bentley Houston, Thursday, March 26

T

he “6th Annual Keels & Wheels Uncorked” will be held Thursday, March 26, from 7 to 10 p.m. at Rolls Royce/Bentley Houston, inside their Showroom at Post Oak Motor Cars located at 1530 West Loop South, Houston, TX 77027.

The “Uncorked” event is hosted by The 20th Annual Keels & Wheels Concours d’Elegance, and is a fundraiser for Boys & Girls Harbor. Guests are invited to attend for an elegant evening of fine wines, exceptional food and classic automobiles. The event is also a preview for the Keels & Wheels annual classic car and vintage wooden boat show, which takes place the first weekend in May at the Lakewood Yacht Club in beautiful Seabrook, Texas.

Participating restaurants are assigned a classic automobile.

The chef of each restaurant then selects a specific wine that they feel matches the classic automobile. The chef then prepares

a hors d’oeuvre that is paired with the wine to complete the epicurean experience for the attendees to sample and consume.

Complimentary wine for the evening will be provided.

The event will also feature luxury items and experiences in the live auction as well as a silent auction for guests. Proceeds from both auctions benefit the Boys & Girls Harbor. To date, Keels & Wheels has assisted in raising more than $1.3 million for partnering charities.

Advance tickets are $75 per person or $100 at the door. Tickets may be purchased online at Keels-Wheels.com or by calling 713521-0105.

www.GulfCoastMariner.com

41

Galveston Bay Foundation Launches a Mobile Web App for Water Pollution Reporting

G

alveston Bay Foundation has

recently launched the Galveston Bay Action Network (GBAN) mobile web app, a pollution reporting and monitoring tool that can be accessed on mobile devices, computers and tablets. The web app is available for public use and viewing at www.galvbay. org/gban.

Activities such as chemical spills and dumping of wastes have the potential to pollute our environment and threaten the health of the local people, plants, and animals and, when seen, such events should be reported to the proper authorities.

Reporting activities that negatively impact our water quality, whether deliberate or accidental, can help protect Galveston Bay. The GBAN mobile web app is designed to act as a bridge between citizens who care for the safety and health of the Bay and the authorities who can help enforce those qualities. Users of the web app are able to select the type of pollution and the exact location where it’s located.

It can report across the four counties that touch Galveston Bay (Brazoria, Chambers, Harris, and Galveston Counties) and is linked to all national, state, and local governmental agencies that

42

Gulf Coast Mariner Magazine March/April 2015

are involved with water pollution cleanup and human health monitoring – no researching to find who needs to hear the information you have!

The mobile web app is designed to allow the citizens and visitors of Galveston Bay to truly be the protective eyes on the bay. Immediate reporting from citizens on pollution, whether deliberate or accidental, helps insure fast responses to the pollution issues in the bay. Visit www. galvbay.org/gban to learn more and use the web app.

This project is funded in part by a Texas Coastal Management Program grant approved by the Texas Land Commissioner pursuant to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration award No. NA13NOS4190113 and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Urban Waters Grant Program.

About Galveston Bay Foundation The mission of Galveston Bay Foundation is to preserve, protect, and enhance the natural resources of the Galveston Bay estuarine system and its tributaries for present users and for posterity. The Foundation was incorporated in 1987, and is a non-profit organization under the 501 (c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. GBF is located at 17330 Highway 3 in Webster, Texas. For further information, contact GBF at 281-332-3381 or visit the website at www.galvbay.org.

Texas Coast Yachts Receives Outstanding Sales Award

I

n 2009, Jeffrey and Cheryl Johnson decided to purchase a Jeanneau sailboat at a dealership in the Bay Area. The purchase of their new yacht would be a decisive moment for what was about to happen next!

Impressed by the quality and the craftsmanship that goes into the construction of a Jeanneau and seeing the beautiful setting of Clear Lake Shores, Jeffery and Cheryl decided to open their own Jeanneau dealership, so Texas Coast Yachts was formed.

With a lot of hard work, knowing the quality of the product and the need of service to the buyer, the dealership has grown and succeeded. Because of this dedication to excellence, last October, Texas Coast Yachts was awarded “2014 Outstanding Sales� at the Jeanneau America Dealership meeting.

Always searching for new and exciting products for their clientele, Jeffrey and Cheryl have taken on two new award winning boat manufacturers, thus becoming a dealer for

Fountaine Pajot Catamarans and NEEL Trimarans. A NEEL 45 Custom is set to arrive in Clear Lake Shores at the docks of Texas Coast Yachts in the coming weeks.

This will be the first time a NEEL Trimaran has crossed the pond and docked in Texas!

Texas Coast Yachts is now the exclusive dealer for Jeanneau Yachts, Fountaine Pajot Catamarans & Motor Yachts and Neel Trimarans, for Texas, the Northern Gulf Coast, Mexico and Central America.

The yacht sales office is located in beautiful Clear Lake Shores, a short 45 minute drive from downtown Houston, and gateway to the Gulf of Mexico, the Caribbean Sea and beyond.

Gulf Coast Yachts is a member of the Gulf Coast Yacht Brokers Association and the Yacht Brokers Association of America.

Visit the sales office in the Watergate Yachting Center, pier 11, suite 122-A, go to www.texascoastyachts.com or call 281-957-9046.

Come meet the team at Gulf Coast Texas Yachts and see why they are No. 1.

www.GulfCoastMariner.com

43

44

Gulf Coast Mariner Magazine March/April 2015

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

MARCH

APRIL

Sun 3/1 10:40 AM 09:04 PM

-0.3 L 0.7 H

Mon 3/16 10:32 AM 08:55 PM

-0.1 L 0.9 H

Mon 3/2 11:29 AM 09:15 PM

-0.2 L 0.6 H

Tue 3/17 11:33 AM 08:41 PM

-0.1 L 0.8 H

0.6 L 0.6 H -0.2 L 0.6 H

Wed 3/18 12:29 AM 03:43 AM 12:29 PM 08:24 PM

0.8 L 0.8 H 0.0 L 0.8 H

Wed 3/4 12:10 AM 04:13 AM 12:49 PM 08:59 PM

0.6 L 0.6 H -0.1 L 0.5 H

Thu 3/19 12:45 AM 05:53 AM 01:22 PM 08:08 PM

0.6 L 0.8 H 0.2 L 0.7 H

Thu 3/5 12:33 AM 05:29 AM 01:22 PM 08:42 PM

0.5 L 0.6 H 0.0 L 0.5 H

Fri 3/20 01:21 AM 07:35 AM 02:14 PM 07:55 PM

0.5 L 0.9 H 0.4 L 0.7 H

Fri 3/6 01:01 AM 06:39 AM 01:51 PM 08:22 PM

0.4 L 0.6 H 0.1 L 0.5 H

Sat 3/21 02:03 AM 09:10 AM 03:04 PM 07:41 PM

0.3 L 0.9 H 0.6 L 0.7 H

Sat 3/7 01:32 AM 07:48 AM 02:19 PM 08:00 PM

0.3 L 0.6 H 0.3 L 0.5 H

Sun 3/22 02:49 AM 10:47 AM 03:54 PM 07:24 PM

0.1 L 0.9 H 0.8 L 0.8 H

Sun 3/8 03:04 AM 10:00 AM 03:44 PM 08:37 PM

0.2 L 0.6 H 0.4 L 0.5 H

Mon 3/23 03:38 AM 12:37 PM 04:48 PM 06:53 PM

0.0 L 1.0 H 0.9 L 0.9 H

Tue 3/24 04:29 AM 03:12 PM

0.0 L 1.0 H

Wed 3/25 05:27 AM 05:42 PM

0.0 L 1.1 H

Thu 3/26 06:31 AM 06:31 PM

0.0 L 1.1 H 0.1 L 1.1 H

Tue 3/3 12:09 AM 02:34 AM 12:12 PM 09:12 PM

Mon 3/9 03:38 AM 11:25 AM 04:05 PM 08:13 PM

0.1 L 0.6 H 0.5 L 0.6 H

Tue 3/10 04:17 AM 01:25 PM 04:01 PM 07:49 PM

0.1 L 0.6 H 0.6 L 0.7 H

Wed 3/11 05:03 AM 07:30 PM

0.0 L 0.8 H

Fri 3/27 07:43 AM 07:08 PM

Thu 3/12 05:58 AM 07:33 PM

0.0 L 0.8 H

Sat 3/28 09:00 AM 07:35 PM

0.1 L 1.1 H

Fri 3/13 07:03 AM 07:56 PM

-0.1 L 0.9 H

Sun 3/29 10:11 AM 07:52 PM

0.2 L 1.0 H

Sat 3/14 08:15 AM 08:26 PM

-0.1 L 1.0 H

Mon 3/30 11:12 AM 07:58 PM

0.3 L 0.9 H

Sun 3/15 09:26 AM 08:51 PM

-0.1 L 1.0 H

Tue 3/31 12:53 AM 03:35 AM 12:04 PM 07:54 PM

0.8 L 0.9 H 0.3 L 0.9 H

NOAA GULF COAST TIDAL PREDICTIONS www.tidesandcurrents. noaa.gov/tide_ predictions.shtml?gid=225

46

Gulf Coast Mariner Magazine January/February 2015

Wed 4/1 12:37 AM 05:25 AM 12:49 PM 07:43 PM

0.8 L 0.9 H 0.4 L 0.8 H

Thu 4/16 12:04 AM 05:50 AM 12:07 PM 06:03 PM

0.7 L 1.0 H 0.6 L 1.0 H

Thu 4/2 12:48 AM 06:43 AM 01:29 PM 07:26 PM

0.7 L 0.9 H 0.5 L 0.8 H

Fri 4/17 12:29 AM 07:31 AM 01:08 PM 05:49 PM

0.5 L 1.1 H 0.8 L 1.0 H

Fri 4/3 01:08 AM 07:51 AM 02:06 PM 07:06 PM

0.6 L 0.9 H 0.6 L 0.8 H

Sat 4/18 01:03 AM 08:58 AM 02:11 PM 05:32 PM

0.3 L 1.2 H 1.0 L 1.0 H

Sat 4/4 01:31 AM 08:54 AM 02:43 PM 06:42 PM

0.5 L 1.0 H 0.8 L 0.8 H

Sun 4/19 01:42 AM 10:23 AM

0.2 L 1.3 H

Sun 4/5 01:57 AM 09:57 AM 03:21 PM 06:14 PM

0.4 L 1.0 H 0.9 L 0.9 H

Mon 4/20 02:24 AM 11:52 AM

0.1 L 1.3 H

Tue 4/21 03:08 AM 01:36 PM

0.0 L 1.3 H

Mon 4/6 02:26 AM 11:06 AM

0.3 L 1.1 H

Wed 4/22 03:56 AM 03:26 PM

0.1 L 1.3 H

Tue 4/7 02:58 AM 12:35 PM

0.2 L 1.1 H

Thu 4/23 04:49 AM 04:36 PM

0.1 L 1.3 H

Wed 4/8 03:36 AM 04:07 PM

0.2 L 1.1 H

Fri 4/24 05:48 AM 05:19 PM

0.2 L 1.3 H

Thu 4/9 04:22 AM 05:20 PM

0.2 L 1.2 H

Sat 4/25 06:55 AM 05:45 PM

0.3 L 1.2 H

Fri 4/10 05:16 AM 05:59 PM

0.2 L 1.3 H

Sun 4/26 08:07 AM 05:59 PM

0.4 L 1.2 H

Sat 4/11 06:20 AM 06:27 PM

0.2 L 1.3 H

Mon 4/27 09:19 AM 06:01 PM

0.5 L 1.1 H

Sun 4/12 07:32 AM 06:40 PM

0.2 L 1.2 H

Mon 4/13 08:47 AM 06:39 PM

Tue 4/28 10:24 AM 05:54 PM 11:58 PM

0.6 L 1.0 H 0.8 L

0.3 L 1.2 H

Tue 4/14 09:58 AM 06:28 PM

0.4 L 1.1 H

Wed 4/29 05:08 AM 11:21 AM 05:39 PM

0.9 H 0.7 L 1.0 H

Wed 4/15 12:12 AM 03:28 AM 11:05 AM 06:16 PM

0.9 L 0.9 H 0.5 L 1.0 H

Thu 4/30 12:00 AM 06:36 AM 12:15 PM 05:20 PM

0.7 L 1.0 H 0.8 L 1.0 H

NOAA GULF COAST MARINE FORECAST www.nws.noaa.gov/ om/marine/zone/ gulf/gulfmz.htm