Texas Spring Fishing Annual 2015

TEXAS FISHING SPRING ANNUAL 2015 Special advertising supplement of Lone Star Outdoor News

Lone Star Outdoor News O TEXAS FISHING SPRING ANNUAL 2015

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E-TEC G2: The outboard of the future from Evinrude

E

vinrude, renowned for industry-leading innovation, introduced the Evinrude E-TEC G2 engines in June of 2014, bringing bold, breakthrough design, unmatched lifetime value and unrivaled performance to the stagnant marine industry.

The Evinrude E-TEC G2 engine offers power and performance that’s unequaled in the field, but because the engine was designed from the ground up, many of the new features are decidedly consumer friendly.

Features like dynamic power steering and I-Trim controls give new boaters access to the industry and they shrink the learning curve for people who could become lifelong customers. During the Miami International Boat Show, the Marine Marketers of America recognized this feature of the new engines by awarding the Evinrude team the coveted Innovation Award for 2015 in the Outboard Engines category for the Evinrude E-TEC G2.

The industry-leading engines range from 200 hp to 300 hp and deliver 20 percent more torque, up to 15 percent better fuel efficiency and up to 75 percent fewer total regulated emissions than leading competitors’ four-stroke engines.

And the industry is taking notice. A total of 78 new dealers partnered with Evinrude in 2014, a clear indication of the excitement surrounding the new Evinrude E-TEC G2 engines. During this same time period, Evinrude added 20 premium OEM boat builders to its partner portfolio. In the past year, market-leading manufacturers such as Campion Boats, Cape Horn, Kingfisher, Tidewater, and Scout have signed supply agreements with Evinrude. The expansion in partners brings the power of choice to more consumers in

the U.S. and Canada. Consumers now have more access to Evinrude E-TEC G2’s broad range of options and the ability to choose their boat and engine package, not only for utility and horsepower, but also in design and color.

The company launched its first-generation Evinrude E-TEC technology in 2003 and added to the line a broad spectrum of horsepower options for any boating need. The innovative technology has delivered on more power and torque while achieving and surpassing the EPA’s clean air standards for more than 10 years. BRP’s technological breakthroughs with the Evinrude E-TEC technology have also allowed for fewer dealer visits and less engine maintenance over time, giving boaters more time on the water.

“BRP’s Evinrude brand is an integral part of one of the most innovative powersports companies in the world,” said Alain Villemure, vice president and general manager of BRP’s Marine Propulsion Systems division. “Our reputation for inventing and reinventing the playgrounds we’re in dictates that a new era in outboard engine technology and design would originate from BRP.” Evinrude’s configurator app helps boaters explore the engine offerings and color combinations, giving boaters the true power of choice in rigging their engine. Customize your Evinrude E-TEC G2 engine at ChooseYourETEC.com to explore all of the many combinations of power and design available with the new Evinrude E-TEC G2.

BRP’s Evinrude engine lineup from 3.5 to 300 horsepower offers customers superior value across a full range of applications. Engines are available at authorized Evinrude dealerships worldwide.

CHOOSEYOURETEC.COM

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Lone Star Outdoor News O TEXAS FISHING SPRING ANNUAL 2015

20% more torque may get you to the fishing spot before the fish even get there.

CHOOSE UNRIVALED PERFORMANCE INTRODUCING THE EVINRUDE® E-TEC® G2™ Since its introduction in 2003, the Evinrude E-TEC has delivered unbeatable low-end torque and fuel efficiency, because of its direct-injection two stroke technology. Now, the Evinrude E-TEC G2 uses PurePower Combustion to precisely mix the perfect 14:1 air and fuel ratio, delivering 20% more torque* than competitive outboards. Combine that with 15% more fuel efficiency* and 75% fewer emissions* than the leading competitors and it’s clear to see that the Evinrude E-TEC G2 delivers uncompromising performance that’s unrivaled in the outboard industry.

Experience the power of choice at ChooseYourETEC.com

©2015 BRP US Inc. (BRP). All rights reserved. ®™ Trademarks of Bombardier Recreational Products Inc. or its affiliates. * Based on BRP conducted performance and ICOMIA Fuel Efficiency testing of BRP and competitive engines.

Lone Star Outdoor News O TEXAS FISHING SPRING ANNUAL 2015

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TEXAS SALTWATER FISHING REPORT Sheepshead in numbers PACKERY CHANNEL — The sheepshead have been spawning and anglers on the Packery Channel are taking advantage, according to multiple Internet reports.

Live or dead shrimp have been catching the tasty fish in large numbers.

“Saw many people with limits and got one myself,” said one poster on the Texas Fishing Forum. “The wind was brutal but the sheepies were hungry.”

Along with shrimp, Fishbites have also been working to hook the spawning fish.

The sheepshead bite hasn’t been limited to Packery — many piers and jetties up and down the coast are reporting loads of big sheepshead and anglers taking advantage.

Top-water action GALVESTON BAY COMPLEX — According to Capt. Blake Sartor, the top-water bite has finally turned on with the arrival of warmer temperatures across the Galveston Bay complex.

“The top-water bite is at its best right now as the warmer water has turned on the springtime trout,” Sartor posted on 2coolfishing.com. “Wade fishing with (Rapala)

NORTH SABINE: Trout are fair to good on the Louisiana shoreline on top-waters and Corkies. Flounder are fair on jigs tipped with shrimp around marsh drains. Redfish are good in the marsh.

SOUTH SABINE: Sheepshead, redfish and black drum are good at the jetty on live shrimp. Trout are fair to good around Blue Buck Point on top-waters and live shrimp.

BOLIVAR: Trout are fair to good on the south shoreline on soft plastics and plugs.

Black drum and redfish are good at Rollover Pass.

TRINITY BAY: Trout are fair for drifters working pods of shad and mullet on plastics. Redfish are fair on the north shoreline around the Spillway.

EAST GALVESTON BAY: Trout are fair to good on the south shoreline on Catch 5s, MirrOlures and top-waters. Whiting and sand trout are good on the edge of the Intracoastal on fresh shrimp. Black drum are fair to good

in the Ship Channel on crabs.

WEST GALVESTON BAY: Trout are fair to good for drifters working shell on live shrimp.

Trout, sheepshead, redfish and black drum are good at the jetty on shrimp and croakers.

Redfish are good in the back lakes on shrimp and scented plastics.

TEXAS CITY: Redfish are fair to good in Moses Lake on shrimp. Trout are fair on the reefs on live bait. Black drum are fair to good on crabs and mullet in the channel off the dike.

FREEPORT: Trout are fair at San Luis Pass on live bait. Sand trout, trout, redfish and sheepshead are good on live shrimp on the reefs in Christmas Bay and at the jetties.

EAST MATAGORDA BAY: Trout are fair to good over humps of shell on live shrimp.

Redfish are fair to good on the edge of the Intracoastal on crabs and mullet. Redfish are fair while drifting with live shrimp.

WEST MATAGORDA BAY: Redfish are fair to

2015 Freshwater Regulations

Skitter Walks and Super Spooks early, then switching to Corkies later in the morning has been producing many solid specks.”

Sartor said along with wading, finding structure has also produced solid action.

We’re also catching fish drifting and anchored over shell reefs and other structure with live shrimp,” he said.

To contact Capt. Blake Sartor, call (832) 385-2012.

Find clear water BASTROP BAYOU — Angler reports say there is a nice trout bite going on in the bayou, with nice trout in the 18-inch range being caught on soft plastics.

When the soft plastic bite dies down, a topwater like a Skitter Walk in bone color has been catching fish.

Along with decent trout, a good redfish bite has also been reported.

The best bite has been in 2 to 3 feet of water over mud, shell and grass.

The water temperatures are around 75 degrees, and the anglers willing to search out back lakes and tidal areas with clearer water are having better success finding bigger fish.

— Conor Harrison

good on the edge of Oyster Lake on shrimp and crabs. Black drum and redfish are fair to good at the jetty on crabs.

PORT O’CONNOR: Trout and redfish are fair on soft plastics over sand and grass near Grass Island. Trout and redfish are fair for drifters working the back lakes with live shrimp.

ROCKPORT: Black drum are good in the Lydia Ann Channel on crabs. Redfish are fair to good on the Estes Flats on mullet and crabs.

PORT ARANSAS: Redfish are fair to good at East Flats on gold spoons and small topwaters. Redfish, black drum and sheepshead are fair to good at the jetty on shrimp.

CORPUS CHRISTI: Trout are fair to good on the edge of the spoils on Gulps and live shrimp. Black drum and redfish are fair to good in the Packery Channel on crabs.

BAFFIN BAY: Trout are fair to good in the guts and around the rocks on soft and

2015 Saltwater Regulations

Alligator Gar Daily Bag: 1 No Minimum Length Certain areas may be temporarily closed to alligator gar fishing when optimum spawning conditions occur.

Sunfish Various species including bluegill, redear, green, warmouth & longear Daily Bag: No limit No Minimum Length

Bass The combined limit for any combination of largemouth, smallmouth, Guadalupe and spotted bass is 5 fish per day.

Largemouth & smallmouth Minimum Length: 14 inches Spotted & Guadalupe No Minimum Length Striped & hybrid striped (also known as Palmetto or Sunshine bass) Daily Bag: 5 (in any combination) Minimum Length: 18 inches White bass Daily Bag: 25 Minimum Length: 10 inches Yellow bass Daily Bag: No limit No Minimum Length

Trout Rainbow and brown Daily Bag: 5 (in any combination) No Minimum Length Walleye Daily Bag: 5 (only 2 can be less than 16 inches in length) No Minimum Length

Greater Amberjack Daily Bag: 1 Length in Inches (Minimum - Maximum) 34 - No limit

Black Drum Daily Bag: 5 Length in Inches (Minimum - Maximum) 14 - 30

King Mackerel Daily Bag: 2 Length in Inches (Minimum - Maximum) 27 - No limit

No more than one black drum over 52 inches may be retained per person per day and counts as part of the daily bag limit and possession limit.

Blue Marlin Daily Bag: No limit Length in Inches (Minimum - Maximum) 131 - No limit Gafftopsail Daily Bag: No limit Length in Inches (Minimum - Maximum) 14 - no limit

Gag Grouper Daily Bag: 2 Length in Inches (Minimum - Maximum) 22 - No limit

Paddlefish No harvest allowed

Exotic Aquatic Species There are special requirements associated with the harvest of harmful or potentially harmful exotic species and transport of exotic aquatic species (tilapia, grass carp).

Saugeye Daily Bag: 3 Minimum Length: 18 inches

See TPWD for more information

Crappie White, black, their hybrids & subspecies Daily Bag: 25 (in any combination) Minimum Length: 10 inches

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Ling Daily Bag: 2 Length in Inches (Minimum - Maximum) 37 - No limit Flounder All species, their hybrids and subspecies Daily Bag: 5/2 (see below) Length in Inches (Minimum - Maximum) 14 - No limit

Daily bag is 5 fish except from Nov. 1-30, when the daily bag limit is 2 fish and flounder may be taken only by pole-andline; and from December 1-14, when the daily bag limit is 2 fish and flounder may be taken by any legal means.

— TPWD

See TPWD for more information

Alligator Gar Daily Bag: 1 Length in Inches (Minimum - Maximum) No limit - No limit

Possession Limits • Twice the statewide daily bag limit.

• The only exception to the statewide possession limits in fresh water is for striped bass from Lake Texoma.

• Please note that on lakes Caddo, Kirby, Livingston, Palestine, Toledo Bend and the Sabine River below Toledo Bend where some daily bag limits are larger than the statewide daily bag, the possession limits remain twice the statewide daily bag limits listed above.

• Fish stored by a person at their residence do not apply to their possession limit.

Catfish Channel, blue, their hybrids & subspecies Daily Bag: 25 (in any combination) Minimum Length: 12 inches Flathead Daily Bag: 5 Minimum Length: 18 inches

scented plastics and twitchbaits. Redfish are fair to good over sand and grass pockets on gold spoons.

PORT MANSFIELD: Trout are fair to good on top-waters around sand and grass on Corkies, Soft–Dines and top-waters. Redfish are fair to good while drifting potholes on scented plastics under popping corks.

SOUTH PADRE: Trout are good around the spoil islands, channel edges and color changes on DOA Shrimp, scented plastics and live shrimp. Black drum and redfish are fair at the jetty on crabs and shrimp.

PORT ISABEL: Trout and redfish are fair to good on the flats on live shrimp. Redfish are fair in South Bay on DOA Shrimp and live shrimp.

Lane Snapper Daily Bag: No limit Length in Inches (Minimum - Maximum) 8 - No limit Mullet All species, their hybrids and subspecies Daily Bag: No limit Length in Inches (Minimum - Maximum) No limit - 12 (see below)

May not take from public waters, or possess on board a boat, mullet over 12 inches during October, November, December, and January. No limits apply during other months.

Red Drum Daily Bag: 3 Length in Inches (Minimum - Maximum) 20 - 28

During a license year, one red drum over the stated maximum length limit may be retained when affixed with a properly completed Red Drum Tag and one red drum over the stated maximum length limit may be retained when affixed with a properly completed Bonus Red Drum Tag. Any fish retained under authority of a Red Drum Tag or a Bonus Red Drum Tag may be retained in addition to the daily bag and possession limit as stated in this section.

Red Snapper Daily Bag: 4 Length in Inches (Minimum - Maximum) 15 - No limit

Sharks

Note: the daily bag limit is 1 fish for all allowable shark species including Atlantic sharpnose, blacktip, and bonnethead.

Atlantic sharpnose, blacktip, bonnethead Length in Inches (Minimum - Maximum) 24 - No limit Other allowable shark species Length in Inches (Minimum - Maximum) 64 - No limit Daily Bag: 0 (catch and release only) Sheepshead Daily Bag: 5 Length in Inches (Minimum - Maximum) 15 - No limit Snook Daily Bag: 1 Length in Inches (Minimum - Maximum) 24 – 28 Spanish Mackerel Daily Bag: 15 Length in Inches (Minimum - Maximum) 14 - No limit Spotted Seatrout Daily Bag: All waters north of FM 457 in Matagorda County - 10 All waters south of FM 457 - 5 Length in Inches (Minimum - Maximum) 15 - 25 with one fish over 25 inches.

Tarpon Daily Bag: 1 Length in Inches (Minimum - Maximum) 85 - No limit Tripletail Daily Bag: 3 Length in Inches (Minimum - Maximum) 17 - No limit

Goliath Grouper (formerly called Jewfish) Daily Bag: 0 (catch and release only)

Red snapper may be taken using pole and line, but it is unlawful to use any kind of hook other than a circle hook when using natural bait.

Vermilion Snapper Daily Bag: No limit Length in Inches (Minimum - Maximum) 10 - No limit

Gray Triggerfish Daily Bag: 20 Length in Inches (Minimum - Maximum) 16 - No limit

Sailfish Daily Bag: No limit Length in Inches (Minimum - Maximum) 84 - No limit

White Marlin Daily Bag: No limit Length in Inches (Minimum - Maximum) 86 - No limit

Lone Star Outdoor News O TEXAS FISHING SPRING ANNUAL 2015

Outfit yourself for the season with ForEverlast

By Billy Gerke

S

pring is here and what a great sight to see all of the wildflowers in bloom. It seems the world around us has once again come to life after what seems like a longer than normal wintertime pattern.

Outdoorsman begin switching gears from deer and duck hunting mode and on into spring turkey as well as trophy trout, redfish and bass action. There is never a dull moment in the outdoors!

Outfitting correctly is important in staying ahead of each season and having a shop that can do it all is important.

Who doesn’t like a one-stop shop, right?

With that said, I want to welcome a new kid on the block in our hometown of Hallettsville. Brush to Bay Outfitters is the new South Texas outfitter of everything outdoors. The store sports everything from a full-supply archery shop to include Mathews Archery, Hoyt, Bear, Easton, Ozonics, Nikon, GameGuard and ForEverlast to a full line of fishing gear to include Simms waders, Shimano reels, Waterloo Rods, Yeti, Costa, and, of course, gear from ForEverlast.

Brush to Bay will have a full indoor range, outdoor 3-D target range, and everything to get you outfitted for your outdoor adventure. Plus, they will offer reel cleaning, line spooling and rod repair. You can find them on Facebook, at brushtobayoutfitters.com, or stop by and see them on Highway 77 two miles south of Hallettsville beginning May 4.

I know I will be a regular customer and I hope to see you there!

(361) 798-1530 • FOREVERLAST.COM

Lone Star Outdoor News O TEXAS FISHING SPRING ANNUAL 2015

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TEXAS FRESHWATER FISHING REPORT Tough week

Hybrids heating up

LAKE TEXOMA — “Humbling.”

That is the word LSON’s Mike Hughs used on his latest trip to find big largemouth bass on Lake Texoma at the 2015 State Bass Club Championship.

The teams practiced in 48-degree water temperatures, but the temperature had risen to 65 degrees by the time the tournament rolled around.

“That, combined with the lake turnover and water rising about 4 feet in the last month hurt us,” Hughs said. “We were expecting prespawn fish, but they weren’t even in prestage yet. They were stuck between their winter areas and the staging areas. Most of the bass were suspended and following bait.”

Hughs, who fishes Texoma a lot, said there was more bait in the water than he had ever seen. The fish he did catch came on a jerkbait worked near schools of shad.

“There were some fish around the smartweed,” he said. “We caught a few using spinner baits and flipping baits into pockets of the smartweed. We also caught a few nice stripers up to 15 pounds.”

In six days of fishing, Hughs boated three fish — one smallmouth, one largemouth and one striper.

“I tried everything,” he said. “Shaky heads, drop shots, etc. I just couldn’t find the right combo. But, someone is always catching them on something.

LEWISVILLE LAKE — The hybrid bite has been picking up on Lewisville the past couple of weeks, according to anglers.

The bite has been better in shallower areas near bait, although there hasn’t been much schooling action yet. Focus on windblown points and smaller coves.

Crankbaits, slabs and Sassy Shads are catching fish up to 10 pounds. The average has been about 3 to 5 pounds.

The water clarity is decent, and the lake has caught some water with recent rains. Water temperatures are around 64 degrees.

The crappie bite is also improving around brush piles.

Good days FAYETTE COUNTY RESERVOIR — Anglers on the Texas Fishing Forum are reporting a steady largemouth bass bite on Fayette.

Water temperatures are about 72 degrees, and the best action has been around structure, namely trees and stumps.

The best bait has been Texas-rigged soft plastics fished in 3 to 7 feet of water.

Along with bass, channel and blue catfish have also been good on stinkbait and shrimp.

— Conor Harrison

ALAN HENRY: Water stained; 59–63 degrees; 9.96’ low. Largemouth bass are fair on Senkos, lipless crankbaits, Shaky heads and Texas rigs. Crappie are fair to good on jigs under a slip cork.

AMISTAD: Water murky; 63–67 degrees; 28.90’ low.

Largemouth bass are fair on Senkos, spinner baits, crankbaits, and soft plastic lizards in 10–25 feet. Striped bass are fair on slabs, crankbaits, and Sassy Shad.

ATHENS: Water lightly stained; 59–63 degrees; 0.33’ high. Largemouth bass are good on Texas-rigged creature baits and Senkos.

Crappie are fair on minnows.

BASTROP: Water stained; 62–66 degrees. Largemouth bass are good on red/white spinner baits, crankbaits, and lipless crankbaits.

Crappie are slow.

BELTON: Water murky; 58–62 degrees; 11.89’ low.

Largemouth bass are fair on watermelon soft plastics and crankbaits.

BOB SANDLIN: Water murky; 58–64 degrees; 0.32’ high.

Largemouth bass are fair on white spinner baits and swim jigs. Crappie are good on minnows. White bass are good on minnows.

BONHAM: Water stained, 59–64 degrees; 0.08’ low.

Largemouth bass are fair on crankbaits, spinner baits and chatterbaits, jigs and soft plastics.

BRAUNIG: Water stained.

Largemouth bass are slow.

Striped bass are fair on silver striper jigs.

BRIDGEPORT: Water stained, 57–61 degrees; 23.92’ low.

Largemouth bass are good on shallow to medium crankbaits in chartreuses.

BROWNWOOD: Water murky;

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58–62 degrees; 12.60’ low.

Largemouth bass are slow.

Crappie are good on minnows and white or shad Li’l Fishies in 5-12 feet.

BUCHANAN: Water murky; 60–64 degrees; 32.04’ low. Largemouth bass are good on green pumpkin JDC Craws, trailers and black/blue Whacky Sticks on jigheads along ledges in 12–20 feet.

CADDO: Water stained to muddy; 62–66 degrees; 2.30’ high. Largemouth bass are good on bladed jigs, small crankbaits and swim jigs.

CALAVERAS: Water stained.

Largemouth bass are good on green pumpkin soft plastics and crankbaits near the dam. Striped bass are good on spoons and jigs near the dam.

CANYON LAKE: Water murky; 61–65 degrees; 11.07’ low. Largemouth bass are fair on black/chartreuse hair jigs, Texas-rigged grape worms, and suspending jerkbaits on shaky jigheads.

Smallmouth bass are very good on JDC smoke/red flake tubes.

CEDAR CREEK: Water stained to muddy; 59–63 degrees; 0.02’ low.

Largemouth bass are slow on spinner baits and bladed jigs.

CHOKE CANYON: Water stained; 60–64 degrees; 28.20’ low. Largemouth bass are good on green pumpkin soft plastic worms and lizards, and on jigs over grass.

COLEMAN: Water clear; 58–62 degrees; 19.47’ low.

Largemouth bass are good on chartreuse soft plastics, spinner baits, and crankbaits. Hybrid striper are fair on silver jigs.

CONROE: Water murky;

60–64 degrees; 0.06’ high.

Largemouth bass are fair on soft plastics and lipless crankbaits.

FALCON: Water murky; 58–62 degrees; 23.66’ low.

Largemouth bass are good on green pumpkin soft plastics and spinner baits.

FORK: Water stained; 60–64 degrees; 2.98’ low.

Largemouth bass are slow on shallow crankbaits, swimbaits and hollow-body frogs.

Some fish starting to spawn.

FT. PHANTOM HILL: Water clear; 58–63 degrees; 16.86’ low. Largemouth bass are fair on flukes, lipless crankbaits and Texas rigs.

GIBBONS CREEK: Water clear. Largemouth bass are fair on watermelon red and June bug soft plastics and crankbaits. Crappie are good on minnows.

GRANBURY: Water murky; 59–63 degrees; 8.47’ low.

Largemouth bass are fair on green pumpkin soft plastics and lipless crankbaits.

GRANGER: Water murky; 60–64 degrees; 1.16’ high.

Largemouth bass are fair on white jigs along the river channel.

GRAPEVINE: Water clear; 57–62 degrees; 9.33’ low.

Largemouth bass are good on small crankbaits and weightless soft plastics. Crappie are fair.

HOUSTON COUNTY: Water stained to murky; 65–69 degrees; 0.36’ high.

Largemouth bass to 6 pounds are good on green soft plastics, swim baits, and shad-colored lipless crankbaits.

HUBBARD CREEK: Water off- color; 59–64 degrees; 30.5’ low. Largemouth bass are fair to good on drop-shot rigs, lipless crankbaits and

Texas rigs. Catfish are fair to good on nightcrawlers and live shad.

JOE POOL: Water lightly stained; 60–64 degrees; 0.33’ high. Largemouth bass are good on spinner baits, small crankbaits and soft plastics. Crappie are good on minnows.

LAKE O’ THE PINES: Water stained to muddy; 61–64; degrees; 8.11’ high.

Largemouth bass are fair on flipping jigs and bladed jigs.

Crappie are good on minnows and jigs.

LBJ: Water stained; 61–65 degrees; 0.23’ low.

Largemouth bass are very good on buzzbaits and weightless watermelon red Whacky Sticks along laydowns and stumps on creek points.

LIVINGSTON: Water fairly clear; 62–66 degrees; 0.19’ high. Largemouth bass are good on chartreuse crankbaits, spinner baits and soft plastics.

MARTIN CREEK: Water clear; 60–65 degrees; 0.07’ high. Largemouth bass are fair on top-waters and hollow-body frogs. Crappie are good on minnows and jigs.

MONTICELLO: Water clear; 59–63 degrees; 0.93’ high.

Largemouth bass are good on Texas-rigged creature baits and Beaver-type baits.

Crappie are good on minnows and jigs.

NAVARRO MILLS: Water stained; 59–63 degrees; 0.42’ high. Largemouth bass are fair on chartreuse/white soft plastics and crankbaits.

O.H. IVIE: Water stained; 59–65 degrees; 43.27’ low.

Largemouth bass are fair on shallow-running crankbaits, lipless crankbaits and Texas rigs. Crappie are fair to good

Lone Star Outdoor News O TEXAS FISHING SPRING ANNUAL 2015

on minnows and jigs (moving shallow).

OAK CREEK: Water stained; 60–64 degrees; 25.71’ low.

Largemouth bass are fair on spinner baits and Texas rigs.

PALESTINE: Water stained; 58–63 degrees; 1.86’ high.

Largemouth bass are fair on Shaky heads and weightless Senkos.

POSSUM KINGDOM: Water fairly clear; 60–66 degrees; 14.3’ low. Largemouth bass are fair to good on Texas rigs, split-shot weighted flukes and lipless crankbaits.

PROCTOR: Water murky; 60–64 degrees; 12.65’ low.

Largemouth bass are slow.

Striped bass are slow. White bass are slow.

RAY HUBBARD: Water clear; 60–64 degrees; 5.81’ low.

Largemouth bass are good on shallow/medium crankbaits and Texas-rigged worms.

RAY ROBERTS: Water clear; 57–61 degrees; 5.61’ low.

Largemouth bass are good on umbrella rigs. Crappie are good on minnows and jigs near brush piles.

RICHLAND CHAMBERS: Water lightly stained; 59–63 degrees; 6.21’ low.

Largemouth bass are good on Shaky heads and swim jigs.

SAM RAYBURN: Water murky; 61–65 degrees; 5.35’ high. Largemouth bass are fair on Carolina-rigged green pumpkin soft plastics and spinner baits. White bass are fair on Li’l Fishies and silver spoons.

SOMERVILLE: Water murky; 60–64 degrees; 2.38’ high.

Largemouth bass are fair on watermelon soft plastics and lipless crankbaits.

STILLHOUSE: Water murky; 61–65 degrees; 13.98’ low.

Largemouth bass are good on green pumpkin soft plastics

■ Saltwater reports: Please turn to

Page FA 4 and spinner baits. Hybrid striper are slow.

TOLEDO BEND: Water murky; 60–64 degrees; 0.60’ high. Largemouth bass are good on watermelon spinner baits, soft plastics and lipless crankbaits.

TRAVIS: Water murky; 60–64 degrees; 52.95’ low.

Largemouth bass are good on watermelon soft plastic worms, green pumpkin flukes and crawfish crankbaits in 5–20 feet.

WALTER E. LONG: Water lightly stained. Largemouth bass are fair on watermelon soft plastics and lipless crankbaits.Crappie are fair on minnows.

WHITNEY: Water murky; 59–63 degrees; 9.38’ low.

Largemouth bass are fair on chartreuse spinner baits and Carolina-rigged soft plastics in 10–25 feet. Striped bass are fair drifting live bait in 20-35 feet. White bass are fair on Pirk Minnows and slabs. Crappie are fair on minnows over brush piles.

WRIGHT PATMAN: Water stained to muddy; 61–64 degrees; 15.85’ high.

Largemouth bass are slow on green pumpkin flipping jigs and bladed jigs near shallow cover. Crappie are good on minnows. Catfish are good on trotlines.

— TPWD

New fishing regulations

New TK130 hook best for flipping and pitching

T

he Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission at its March 26 public hearing approved adjustments to bass length limits on several lakes, a change in alligator gar bag limit on Falcon Lake and clarifications to commercial crab and finfish rules.

The adopted changes to the 2015-16 Statewide Recreational and Commercial Fishing regulations, which take effect Sept. 1, include: Braunig and Calaveras Reservoirs — The largemouth bass length limit will revert back to the statewide 14-inch minimum limit.

Daily bag limit would remain at five fish.

Surgically sharpened TK130

by Eagle Claw TroKar

E

agle Claw TroKar is proud to feature this strong addition to the TroKar lineup, and a favorite among big fish anglers, the TK130. This American-manufactured hook is extremely sharp and features the world’s first surgically sharpened point, allowing it to penetrate easily and quickly with less force required. This heavy-duty, durable hook is perfect for flipping and pitching when bass fishing, can hold up in heavy cover, works great with heavy line, and features a TroKar barb to hold bait in place.

• • • • • • •

O. H. Ivie Reservoir — The length limit for smallmouth bass will revert back to the statewide 14-inch minimum limit and five fish daily bag.

Lake Nasworthy — The length limit for largemouth bass will change to a 14- to 18-inch slot limit (no harvest between 14 and 18 inches). Daily bag limit would remain at five fish.

Falcon Lake — The current daily bag limit of one alligator gar will change to five fish per day. The increased bag limit will be in effect in the all impounded waters of the Rio Grande from the Falcon Dam upstream to the Zapata/Webb County line.

The complete TK130 features: Flipping hook Extra-wide gap Barbed Straight shank Forged Welded eye Black Chrome finish

The TK130 comes in sizes 3/0, 4/0, 5/0, 6/0, and 7/0 with an MSRP of $6.99.

(720) 941-8700 EAGLECLAW.COM OR TROKAR.COM

TroKar_LoneStarOutdoorNews_Ad_March2015.pdf 1 3/17/2015 2:36:04 PM

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Lone Star Outdoor News O TEXAS FISHING SPRING ANNUAL 2015

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Girl time

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t’s time to line up youngsters for summer camps, and Outdoor Texas Camp has a new offering at the Homer Martin Ranch along the Llano River. The Outdoor Texas Girls Camp, available for girls ages 9 to 16, will specialize in teaching hunting and fishing activities to young women interested in the outdoors.

“We started off doing boys and girls camps 12 years ago, but had a difficult time getting the girls to come out,” said camp founder David Todd. “I always felt bad about it. We really want the girls to learn about the outdoors — so we decided to try it.”

Todd said the ranch is the perfect setting to learn and play, and the ranch’s beauty, located about one hour north of Fredericksburg, is unsurpassed.

“There is no place else in Texas they can get this,” he said. “We have held archery and fly-fishing camps at the Homer Martin Ranch in the past, and it is the perfect setting for our first Girls Hunting and Fishing Camp. The Llano

Hunting and fishing camp helps reach young outdoorswomen River offers great free-time opportunities for swimming and fishing, especially fly-fishing. We have a few openings for our fly-fishing camp at the ranch as well, held June 7-13.”

The camp will offer instruction in archery, rifle and handgun shooting, fly-fishing, fly-tying and kayaking, game calling and scoring, and other activities. Like all of the other camps, the girls camps utilize top instructors in each field to provide the best instruction in a fun atmosphere. Guided fishing trips on the river will follow fishing instruction.

They encourage campers to sign up this month before it fills up.

“Campers will get to select their favor-

ite activities and customize the camp experience to their liking — it’s like a menu for both hunting and fishing activities,” Todd said. “The week is divided into 24 sessions of activities and I expect archery will be popular, as will fly-fishing — the girls are really good at that.”

The Girls Camp will be held July 5-11. The cost is $1,125 per camper and the camp will be limited to 16 girls. Transportation to and from the camp will take place at Cabela’s in Buda.

(830) 562-3354 or (512) 217-1587 OUTDOORTEXASCAMP.COM

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Lone Star Outdoor News O TEXAS FISHING SPRING ANNUAL 2015

Smorgasbord of flavors with Searching Scents from Pro-Cure

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nglers who know about Pro-Cure know they make all of their Super Gel scents out of real whole fresh bait.

For the bass anglers, they use real threadfin shad, gizzard shad, crawfish, night crawlers and leeches. For the inshore saltwater anglers, Pro-cure uses real mullet, menhaden shrimp, blue crab, squid, etc. These are all great scents when you know what your target fish is feeding on.

What happens when an angler is not sure what his target species is feeding on? Introducing “Searching Scents.” For the largemouth bass scents, the Super Gel to use is “Trophy Bass.” It is made from real ground threadfin shad, gizzard shad, crawfish, night crawlers and leeches. Big bass can find whatever interests them with this scent, and it really turns

KEEP YOUR TACKLE

big bass on! For the Inshore saltwater angler Pro-Cure offers Super Gel in its “Inshore Salt Water Formula.” It’s made from real whole mullet, menhaden, shrimp, crab and squid. It’s a smorgasbord of flavors big reds and trout can’t resist.

ON DECK With the new Plano Guide Series™ Tackle Bag, your favorite baits and lures are always ready and accessible. A molded top conveniently holds a ProLatch™ StowAway® utility box to organize all of your frequently used tackle. And down below, this compact bag holds a set of additional StowAway utility boxes that can be called up whenever needed.

NEW Guide Series™ Tackle bags 467410 3700 HYDRO-FLO™ GUIDE SERIES™ TACKLE BAG

467310 3700 GUIDE SERIES™ TACKLE BAG

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465010 3500 GUIDE SERIES™ TACKLE BAG

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BASS SEE UV LIGHT! Bass actually find their prey by the reflection or bounce of UV light off their prey. Only Pro-Cure Super Gel is UV enhanced – bait scent fish see as well as smell

A plastic worm under UV light without Super Gel on it. It’s almost camouflaged against a weedy bottom.

Guaranteed Payout In Cash & Prizes

The same worm with UV enhanced Super Gel smeared on it. Bass have to see it before they can eat it!

“I fished my whole life without ever hooking a double digit bass.

The very first day I tried Super Gel I landed this 11.5 pound lady.

Super Gel really does work!”

Dick Guliani

Lake Fork, TX June 20 & 21 2015 Open Tournament • Individual Competition

Bonus Cash Awards

Top Senior, Top Female, & Top Youth and Drawing for Early Entries

In addition to UV FLASH only Pro-Cure Super Gel is made from real whole fresh bait - real gizzard shad, real threadfin shad, real rainbow trout, real crawfish, real night crawlers and leeches – we use nothing artificial in our bait scents.

Then it’s i super charged with powerful amino acids that intensify the natural smell of the bait while stimulating an impulse in a bass’s brain to feed!

If you want to catch bigger bass than you ever dreamed possible give Super Gel a try…

professional grade products since 1984 BASS SEE UV LIGHT!

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Lone Star Outdoor News O TEXAS FISHING SPRING ANNUAL 2015

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Tournament begins Redfish Lodge’s season

By Craig Nyhus

Lone Star Outdoor News

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cool front bringing 30-plus mph northeast winds didn’t hamper the efforts of fishermen at the 9th annual Redfish Lodge Invitational Catch and Release Tournament held at the Redfish Lodge on Copano Bay in Rockport on April 4.

“The impetus for the event was because we couldn’t sleep in every bedroom and make sure everything was working properly,” said lodge owner Melissa Rogers. “We wanted to have someone we knew check everything out — and they had great suggestions. It turned into an annual charitable event from there.”

The event, held near the beginning of the lodge’s season and involving several of the lodge’s top repeat customers, benefits a charity or person of the group’s choice. This year’s recipient was Kirk Colvin, a fisherman who has fished the event nearly every year but is currently battling cancer.

The rules were simple. Only artificial lures could be used, all fishing was catch-and-release, and the total length of the redfish, speckled trout, black drum and flounder caught by the two-person team won. Fish caught by the guides didn’t count.

While the fishing for some was tough, each team caught at least three fish and a few teams located the hard-to-find clearer water and found more fish ready to bite. The team of Wes Webb and Ric Gonzales topped the field with 185 inches, consisting of primarily redfish landed on top-water lures.

“Some of those fish were angry,” said the winning team’s guide and Redfish Lodge General Manager Brian Holden.

Fishing in a huge north wind has plenty of drawbacks, but guests and guides said going fishing still beats staying home, and commented on some of the positives.

“There were only two boats at the ramp where we launched, and both were in the tournament.”

“We drifted Estes Flats on a Saturday and there were only two other boats.”

“We didn’t have to watch out for kayaks — and there were no airboats.”

“The game wardens wouldn’t come out in these conditions.”

“My casting ability got a lot better, as long as it was with the wind.”

Special recognition was given to Gary Liefer for a graceful entry into the water for the morning’s first wade and a wet remainder of the day spent fishing.

“They said to enter from the bow because it was too deep off the back of the boat,” Liefer said. “Well, it was deep off the front, too.”

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Lone Star Outdoor News O TEXAS FISHING SPRING ANNUAL 2015

Rapala’s new Shadow Rap moves unlike anything before

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t day’s end, a shadow doesn’t die; it slowly fades away.

So it is with Rapala’s new suspending jerkbaits, the Shadow Rap and Shadow Rap Deep. Combining a horizontal struggle with a vertical fade, the lure perfectly mimics a minnow’s final, quivering moments before its end of days — triggering unforgettable strikes as predator fish move in for an easy meal.

“The Shadow Rap does something I’ve never seen another bait do — I call it the ‘death quiver,’” said three-time Bassmaster Classic qualifier and 2014 Forrest Wood Cup Champion Randall Tharp. “When you pause it on slack line, it shimmies from side to side as it’s suspending there. So even when it’s sitting still, it looks just barely alive.”

Tharp and fellow Rapala pros Michael Iaconelli, Brandon Palaniuk, Ott DeFoe and Jacob Wheeler were armed with Shadow Raps last month at the 2015 Bassmaster Classic on South Carolina’s Lake Hartwell.

The baits were unveiled there to the public for the first time, but the Rapala pros have had them for months. And they are impressed. Big time.

“It could win the Bassmaster Classic,” said Palaniuk, the 2013 Classic runner-up.

“You can bet that the Rapala Shadow Rap is going to be in my boat.”

Wheeler, a FLW Forrest Wood Cup champion and runner-up, was equally enthusiastic about the Shadow Rap heading into his first Classic.

“That fading away action I think might

RAPALA.COM

just be the ticket to getting those fish to bite down there at Hartwell,” said Wheeler.

“That bait does stuff that not another bait out there in the market does.”

While most jerkbaits follow a forward trajectory with each twitch of the rod tip, the Shadow Rap’s action stands out. “Not only will it dart side to side, but with a certain jerk, you can make it spin around almost 180 degrees,” Tharp explained. “But it also moves vertically too — it will dive down, then move up.”

So a Shadow Rap will trigger bites on its initial kick and its snap back to life, as well as on its slow-fading fall.

“It’s perfect — it’s exactly what I want,” said Iaconelli, the 2003 Classic Champ. “I want that bait to have these little tiny movements — little tiny flashes and rolls. Then, on the pause, I want it to be just barely lurking out — just barely going down.”

Featuring a minnow body profile, flat sides and metallic finish with textured scales, the Shadow Rap is designed to target bass and other gamefish in 2- to 4-feet of water. The Shadow Rap Deep targets fish in 4- to 8-feet. Both models come armed with three No. 6 VMC Black Nickel Round Bend Hooks and are available in 14 color patterns.

WAKE THE CRANK

UP!

TOPWATER WAKING ACTION SINGLE BALL RATTLE ROTATED HOOK HANGERS CIRCUIT BOARD LIP SELF-TUNING LINE TIE

NEW

K

AN WAKE-CR APPROVED BY

BRANDON PALANIUK

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Lone Star Outdoor News O TEXAS FISHING SPRING ANNUAL 2015