August 2007

Gulf Coast Connections

Texas Saltwater Fishing

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Tide Predictions & Solunar Feed Times Inside!

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August 2007

Texas Saltwater Fishing

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August 2007

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August 2007

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contents 10 As game as anything

Mike McBride

16 Sideways to the Wind

Kevin Cochran

22 Bodie Saves a Life Part II

Martin Strarup

26 Upwelling of Offshore Current

Billy Sandifer

28 Trading places and techniques

Chuck Uzzle

30 Night Fishing with a Light Attractor

Tim Hopkins

27 Coastal Birding

Billy Sandifer

34 Let’s Ask The Pro 38 Fly Fishing

Jay Watkins

42 Tournament Trails

Casey Smartt

Brandon Jenewein

46 Offshore

Bobby Byrd/John Cochrane

50 Conservation

CCA-Texas

54 Science and the Sea

UT-Marine Science Institute

56 TPWD Field Notes

Cindy Loeffler

60 Kayak Fishing

Scott Null

64 According To Scott

Scott Sommerlatte

68 Youth Fishing

Aaron Cisneros

72 The Lore and Legend

Jim Dailey/Everett Johnson

76 STINGRAY–Wade fisherman’s nemesis!

Everett Johnson

80 Dickie Colburn’s Sabine Scene

Dickie Colburn

82 Mickey on Galveston

Mickey Eastman

84 Capt. Bill’s Fish Talk

Bill Pustejovsky

86 Mid-Coast Bays with the Grays

Gary Gray

88 Catching up with Cliff

Cliff Webb

90 Capt. Tricia’s Port Mansfield Report

Capt. Tricia

92 South Padre Fishing Scene

Ernest Cisneros

6

Editorial

8

Letters to the Editor

Printed in the USA.

78 New Tackle & Gear 94 Fishing Reports and Forecasts 96 Photo Gallery–Catch of the Month 98 Gulf Coast Kitchen 99 Kid’s Photo Gallery–Fishing for Success

103 Index of Advertisers

This month’s cover angler is Frances Wittenburg of Edna, Texas. Frances is a student at Texas State University and was fishing the Matagorda area with Capt. Kyle Tomek, also a student at Texas State. August is a great month for redfish and Frances and Kyle say there are plenty of good reds in the Matagorda Bays.

Photo by Kyle Tomek.

Texas Saltwater Fishing

August 2007

Texas Saltwater Fishing Magazine (ISSN 19359586) is published monthly by Texas Saltwater Fishing Magazine, Inc., 58 Fisherman’s Lane, Seadrift, Texas 77983 l P. O. Box 429, Seadrift, TX 77983 © Copyright 1990 All rights reserved. Positively nothing in this publication may be reprinted or reproduced. *Views expressed by Texas Saltwater Fishing Magazine contributors do not necessarily express the views of Texas Saltwater Fishing Magazine.

Application to Mail at Periodicals Postage Rates is Pending at Victoria, TX 77901.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Texas Saltwater Fishing Magazine, Inc., P. O. Box 429, Seadrift, TX 77983.

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August 2007

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It happens every year. Coastal bay fishing falls into dog day patterns and solid trout become as scarce as diamonds. Hardwaremen get cranky and turn to redfish for the pulls they crave so desperately. Live baiters bring in record numbers of specks and a fresh batch of No-Croakin’ stickers appear on truck bumpers and center console windshields. Next thing you know somebody strikes up that old anti-croaker anthem.

Well, the drums are beating and tempers are flaring. The loudest strains of this year’s chorus can be heard in the tiny coastal hamlet of Matagorda. Until a few weeks ago, live croakers just weren’t popular there. Local bait camps didn’t sell them and importing this popular baitfish from other ports never caught on. But that’s all in the past now; reports from Matagorda indicate that yellow bait buckets are in style this season and Kahle hooks are flying off the shelves.

East Matagorda Bay, landlocked and muddy little jewel that she is, is coughing up the heaviest summertime stringers many have ever seen. The miracle bait is the chirping darling of Galveston, Port O’Connor, Rockport, and all ports south. Internet photos of full limits are common and top hands are getting “one over 25” almost daily. Trout that tape 28, 29 and 30-inches are under the knife on Matagorda’s cleaning tables.

So naturally, being the Just Keep Five guy, I get a ton of email and phone calls from another army of well-meaners bent on driving the proverbial wooden stake through the heart of croaker fishing. Answering them requires patience and tact and I do my best to deliver lots of both. But to me, banning croaker makes as much sense as banning guns. I find no reason to be mad at them. It isn’t the croaker’s fault that some people choose to harvest our spotted seatrout resource as aggressively as they do. Fact is they’d probably use wieners or Cheetos if they worked.

I say we should train our energy on other things. Maybe we should seek a ban on recreational anglers and guides glorifying and celebrating their abuse of the resource. Personally, I find the parading of hero stringers and plastering images of huge catches distasteful, no matter how they were caught. Whacking limits solely for bragging rights and advertising needs to become a thing of the past. What I’d rather see banned is harvest-based mentality.

The best analogy regarding bait banning I’ve heard was Hal Osburn’s “slippery slope.” During Spotted Seatrout Work Group sessions in 2002, Hal was fishing for public support to reduce bag limits. He told us that banning baits was not a fundamentally sound approach to fisheries management and I agree. Creel surveys indicate that live shrimp catch more trout than anything and soft plastics rank second. If we get led onto that slope, how far will we slide? Should we go after all the inventions and innovations that increase angling efficiency, or just the croaker?

What about scented lures, braided lines, high modulus composite rods, shallowrunning boats, and GPS? Conservation is a lot like religion. It begins with respect for resources and should be an all-the-time thing no matter how or when we fish. Imposing religion on nonbelievers is not the way to win converts. Leading by example and educating users of coastal resources will bear more fruit in the long run. Making a trip to Austin and participating in public comment sessions before the TPW Commissioners hits hardest of all.

I feel safe in saying that nobody needs to fish for food these days; we are too rich a society for that. And even if you do still measure value in pounds of fillets; you’re missing the greatest reward this sport can offer. So let’s do something different.

Let’s forget about peering snobbishly and waving our Corkies at the croaker guys this August; let’s get our own house in order first. Next time you wade into a limitout situation, no matter what you’re using, don’t string ten. Just keep a couple for dinner and turn the rest loose. Then instead of strutting around with a big stringer you can do it with your digital camera and show everybody the ones that got away!

Texas Saltwater Fishing

August 2007

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August 2007

Texas Saltwater Fishing

Dear Everett Johnson,

and products supplied by

I have been reading your magazine for a little over three years

your advertisers. Look at the

now. I look forward to it each month and read from cover to cover.

photos, the rods are our own

The first thing I turn to is your article, usually finding a thought

making from components

provoking idea or story. Thanks!

obtained from Fishing

To that end, I write after reading your Father’s Day article. I

Tackle Unlimited (we call

loved it! It made me think how blessed I am to have a dad that

them a Powell Custom Rods

taught me to fish and a son that loves to fish as well. We are

— another activity we enjoy

blessed to be able to fish together, Dad (Milton Powell) is 81 years,

together and we learned rod building at FTU also.) The Shimano reels and

my son Jonathan is 21 years, and I am 53 years old. We learn

fishing line came from Academy. The lures were from Salt Water Assassins

something about fishing and each other every trip. We call our trips

(also purchased at FTU) and Brown Lures. The depth finder came from

“Powell Boys outings.”

Boaters World. Our shorts, shoes and tackle boxes are from Gander

Anyway, our trips are team efforts and we benefit from reading Texas Saltwater Fishing Magazine. For Father’s Day this year we

Mountain. The tide chart is from your magazine and we learned about the general area that we were fishing from one of your guide’s articles.

made another Powell Boys outing, this time to East Galveston Bay.

So, I hope you take this “Letter to the Editor” two ways. First is a

After our normal loading of tackle boxes, ice chests, lunch kits, and

big “Thank You” from the Powell Boys. We have learned a lot from your

then the boat, we set out for another great experience. This time

magazine and find great enjoyment on its pages. Second, I wanted to

it included the best bunch of redfish we have seen in ten or more

share a short story about our Powell Boys outings and hope that you find a

years. It was like they were lined up and we had their answer. We

little enjoyment coming back to you. I wish you could be with us on our next

threw anything that look like shrimp and they were ready to dance.

fishing trip but I guess in a way you and your team already are. Thanks!

What a blast!

For three and half hours we reeled them in, only taking time to

Happy Fishing to you and your staff!

pat each other on the back and thank God we were there together.

Bob Powell

As is our tradition, reds are treated with appreciation and carefully

Houston, Texas

returned to the water to fight another day. We caught and released 31 fish, all in good condition. Look at the care my son took with

Dear Bob,

the 32” red (biggest for the day) in the photo. See the towel and

Thank you for taking time to write, we always enjoy hearing from

how carefully he is handling the fish. I love his eco-mindedness.

our readers. I think everybody who reads this will agree that the Powell

He learned that from the elder Powell. Anyway, it was a most

Boys are blessed to have each other and all the experiences in the great

successful trip, the company, the fish, God’s creation… just love to

outdoors. I also want to applaud you, your dad and Jonathon for your fine

think on it.

display of conservation. Take care and stay in touch. Good luck on your

After we arrived back at the marina, I started noting that everything we used

next Powell Boys outing!

Everett Johnson - Editor

on this trip came from information we gained

Send your letters to: TSFMag, P.O. Box 429, Seadrift, TX 77983

Texas Saltwater Fishing

August 2007

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August 2007

Texas Saltwater Fishing

the froth of an upperslot redfish protesting a curved piece of steel driven deep into its rubbery lip. Hey, wait a minute… did he say redfish?

In the eyes of some, redfish are “carp” and subordinate to the Holy Grail of big trout. So we’re

ICTURE YOURSELF STEPPING INTO THE COOL WATER of a shin-deep,

fishing for “also rans”… right? Well, no we’re not.

sandy-bottomed flat at first light. It is

to increase with the northerly designation of

dead calm. You stop to take it all in,

latitude along the Texas coast.

And to digress just a bit, let me say that I too was once guilty of this perception disorder that seems

spellbound as the big orange

I know many readers have been enjoying

ball punches through

these light-tackle challengers for years and are

the horizon. You are

darn good at it, but as for me, I am relatively new

alone except for

to this game. Reds were just never a specific

flipping mullet,

target, but now that I’m in the Redfish Riviera,

pelicans, and

let’s just say that more than the color of my

a squadron of

moustache is changing. If you put my increasing

small triangular flags wagging

maturity together with the fact that targeting trophy trout in August is kinda like hunting for a

in tight formation

pink elephant, we need to shift focus and try for

just above the water

red elephants because that’s what we’ve got down

line. You notice wakes meandering in almost every direction. Right now

here. In case you haven’t noticed, redfish are as game as anything swimming the shallows of this great blue planet.

life is good. Your first pitch is met instantly with a pull and the silence is interrupted by 10

Texas Saltwater Fishing

August 2007

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Let’s talk about the hook-set. Of everything we can do during an outing, the technical part of hooking a fish is often sorely underrated. You’ve done everything right… found the fish, gotten them to address your lure, but the final answer remains about getting them to stick. Very often, especially during these mid-day hot summer conditions we are catching these fish in, the bite can be extremely delicate. Sometimes your line just goes slack, or moves ten feet sideways before you understand what has happened. More often though, it’s just a tiny tick or the line resistance builds like you’re pulling through grass. Anytime you feel something even remotely different, point your rod toward the offender, reel down to the weight, and if it’s still there, ease back on the rod.

We don’t need to do a Bruce Lee roundhouse hookset on them, and in fact, it can be easy to take the lure away from them if they are just gumming it as they often do. Keep your line tight so you can feel the smallest of deviations, let ‘em eat for a second, then slip the hook home. Bite detection and proper timing on the hookset makes a huge difference between people going home happy or frustrated. Remember, fishing with lures is and will always be skill based.

Fishing is a wonderful indulgence, but if you really want to get good at all of this, consider what nature has to offer for the moment and go for it. Make sure your equipment is rightly matched, make good decisions where to expend your efforts, and learn to be confident fishing in that dirty water. Even though I am fishing most days, I am certainly no expert at redfish (if any truly exist), but I am certainly enjoying the learning part of all of this and especially the productive results from working hard for a hard pull. No matter what, when your line gets pulled, life is good, agree?

You big trout snobs might need to re-evaluate Mr. Redfish. Get good at catching them and your trout fishing will improve. It’s all about understanding the workings of nature, and redfish will help you get closer. Speaking of closer, you see that black tail behind those reds? To everything there is a season. I think I read that in a good book somewhere. See you there.

12

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August 2007

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for one thing, and you’ll never go wrong by pulling a swimming plastic bait near the bottom. over. They will eat a good

there are reds, and then there are REDS. Small resident redfish exist almost everywhere and can even be a nuisance at times, but

Color is often not that important, but darker baits

presentation simply because if

seem to work well in darker water. The key is

they don’t their schoolmates will. Walking into

putting something correctly sized in the right

these holes, as we have been doing lately, has

zone at the right speed. Next is the hookset. The

been some of the most rod wrenching action

bite is often extremely subtle mid-day, so good

we’ve found.

equipment coupled with an attentive mindset is

Like anything else, timing is everything.

crucial. You won’t believe how many times I get

Ridiculous summer boat traffic can alter the fish

folks complaining they aren’t getting hits, and

locating and stalking schools of thick-shouldered

clock so a lot of this has evolved into a water-

then when you examine their lure; it’s completely

bruisers is a whole ‘nother deal. Trust the

borne type of chess game, and “castling” around

peppered with teeth marks.

tournament guys who rightfully call these “money

boat congestion is as important as working around

fish” and despite their extreme skill they often get

nature. Waiting until after lunch for the Bimini top

skunked with the rest of us.

crowd to leave and then going back into little bail-

part of the overall equation is huge. Your stick

off spots has been quite productive.

needs to have enough spunk to hurl a 1/16th oz. jig

A big part of this game is understanding the patterns. Whatever you think you know; redfish

Think about it. Watch your boat traffic on flats,

Good equipment means a good rod, and this

head with authority, yet have enough backbone to

can humble you repeatedly and often. That’s

see where they might have pushed you if you were

keep a big fish from running through your legs with

fishing, and that is how it should be, otherwise

a fish, and then getting in there with determined

an exposed topwater in tow. We chose Fishing

it wouldn’t be worth messing with. One of these

effort can pay some hefty bronze dividends. Areas

Tackle Unlimited’s All Pro rods, and depending on

patterns includes working dirtier water, the same

we are talking about are slightly deeper potholes

action preferences, either the 6’6” APXL1 or the

as when we are looking for magnum-sized trout.

where the mid-day wind covers them with a color

M1 is getting the job done quite well. I don’t worry

change, wind blown guts near shorelines that turn

about breakages or hooks in the calf anymore

described in my opening paragraph, is obviously

muddy, small depressions on the flats proper, or

because I can control both.

the ultimate. However, this is very situational,

any number of places where you would hide if you

so we’ll reserve that discussion and other cool

were a fish and wanted to be left alone. You don’t

aspects of fishing for these bulldozers for future

always see visible bait either, just look for those

stories. As for now, let’s look at another way,

bail off spots next to prime areas which make

perhaps not as glorious, but still an exciting hook-

sense. They are everywhere, and by thinking

up of a truly beasty kind.

about it, we can find them.

Sightcasting in the clear shallows, as

Early morning redfish that are holding shallow

When we do find them, the actual catching

are often scattered, spooky, and downright hard

of these “lay-up” fish is either easy or specifically

to catch. Waiting until these fish drop off to the

skilled as far as presentations and retrieves go.

next water level change can give us more of a

When things are easy and aggressive, a topwater

“concentrated” opportunity. Bigger reds seem to

is a most excellent thrill tool. That obnoxious She-

enjoy nasty little holes and like to be “cloaked” with

Dog can cause some serious mid-day wreckage

the security of off-color to dirty colored water. As

when they are in the mood for it. However, most of

they pull down to various holes, guts, and other

the time, it’s the lowly soft-plastic tail pulled near the

deviations, even though they may not be feeding

bottom that will produce the most consistent results.

aggressively, there can be enough of them piled

We are still loving those Devils from Brown

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Lure Co. They don’t spin like some of the others August 2007

Texas Saltwater Fishing

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August 2007

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Jesse Arsola has quite the knack for capturing the action with his digital camera. He documented the antics of this twenty eight inch tailwalking trout after hooking her on a sidewind cast that sent his Corky scurrying along the edge of a shallow pothole.

John Gill and partner Jay Wright won the ‘07 Baffin Bash by an unlikely eight pounds!

wo men idle their boat up to a deep gut bisecting a flat and drop anchor upwind of the drop off. One climbs over the gunwale and heads sideways to the wind, sometimes casting at a right angle to the breeze, sometimes slightly upwind. When his Corky lands, it skips along, running at an angle off the edge of the gut, then turning and wobbling enticingly along the contour. He hooks his first trout less than twenty steps from the boat and stops to stand and fish.

His buddy, a “wanderer”, heads downwind out of the boat, barely pausing when he gets a strike at the edge of the gut, then crossing through the depths on the tips of his toes until he reaches a shallow flat on the far side, all the while making long casts and working his plug straight against the 16

Texas Saltwater Fishing

chop. He doesn’t notice when his partner hooks up; his eyes are focused intently on the water around his lure, watching for signs of his next strike.

When setting up a wading session for my group, I usually attempt to anchor the boat upwind of the spot to be fished, just as our two imaginary anglers did. Unless the wind is light, under eight or so miles per hour, this makes for the most comfortable and productive approach. However, I do not always proceed through the area straight downwind. Often, a sideways approach to the walking and casting produces better results.

The same truth applies to those fishing from a boat. Working a structural element or spot from an upwind position while moving crossways to the wind with a trolling motor and Power Pole is often more productive than simply drifting straight through the area.

August 2007

Whether walking in the water or casting from the deck of a boat in a controlled drift, the direction of the casts should also be considered to achieve optimal coverage of the area. Sideways casts allow lures to be worked in slightly different ways than those made straight downwind. Sometimes, fish prefer lures that move through the waves at an angle.

More importantly, casting sideways at various angles will allow anglers to thoroughly probe parts of the area before passing through them and also keeps the lure in the strike zone more of the time in certain types of terrain. Fish often lurk on the fringes of structural elements like reefs, sand bars, guts or potholes, and casting crosswind from the upwind side of such structures allows an angler to pull the lure through the strike zones along their edges. www.TSFMAG.com

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Consider the following situation: a south wind blows across a long reef that runs east to west.

The water on either side of the reef is about waist-deep, while the top of the reef is covered by knee-deep water. An angler who stays upwind of the reef and works east or west first will likely catch more fish than one who charges straight over the top of the reef to the other side. Moreover, an angler should cast in various directions while staying in the deeper water on the upwind side of the shell, making some casts directly in the line of travel, some right along the edge of the reef and some on top of the oysters.

Obviously, when a bite is felt, the angler should stop and make several more casts to the same small area before moving on. The importance of this part of the equation cannot be overstated.

Almost all fishing guides I know who specialize in wading complain about the difficulty of convincing their clients to stop and fish once they get a bite.

Trout and redfish most often swim in schools or pods; locating one fish often means locating several or many. Standing still and fishing is sometimes more productive than marching onward.

That’s where the Power Pole is a great tool for the boating angler. It allows for quickly stopping the boat without much noise in most situations so that anglers can thoroughly cover spots where they’ve located fish. When the moving begins again, that too can be done more quietly than with conventional anchors.

A wading angler working the upwind side of a reef will eventually have to return to the boat, and the direction of travel on that trek is important too. If a large number of bites were had, all on the upwind side of the shell, it might pay to back www.TSFMAG.com

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around in a small, tight circle and pass through the same stretch in the opposite direction. If fewer bites were had, walking across the reef and fishing the downwind edge might make more sense.

Working crosswind along a reef while casting ahead is relatively simple. Consider the importance of directional control in a more complex setting, one in which an east wind is blowing across a north/south running spoil bank.

Depths on the east, or upwind side, of the bar slope gently off from about a foot to nearly four feet over a span of sixty to eighty yards. On the west side, the drop off is more severe, going from a foot to five feet in less than twenty yards.

On the east side gentle slope, potholes lie in the mid-range depths. Isolated grass beds reach out into the deeper parts and narrow grassy guts reach up onto the bar itself, which is primarily sand. On top of the bar, washtub-sized grass beds are scattered here and there, concentrated at the heads of the grassy guts. Near the west edge, the vegetation starts up again, dotted with scattered potholes on top of the bar. Green fingers and potholes reach off the edge into the depths.

A wader who wishes to optimally cover all parts of the aforementioned terrain will do so through careful execution of a plan, not by putting his head down and high-stepping straight downwind. Doing so would cause one to pass through most of the fish-holding zones too quickly, and to completely miss others.

The plan for fishing such a spoil effectively would involve walking sideways to the wind while casting in various directions, as if the spoil were the reef in the earlier example. Casts should be sent at every edge of every pothole or isolated August 2007

grass bed to be seen. As always, when a fish is located, the angler should stop and thoroughly cover the spot, making repeated casts in slightly different places at the location until ten or more casts have been made without a bite.

Actually, the number of casts or minutes appropriate for waiting depends upon several factors, including the size of the first fish caught, the general frequency of bites expected given the season and the presence or absence of other tell-tale signs indicating fish have been found. Most anglers should wait longer to move forward than is their usual habit; that much is certain. I know this after observing hundreds of anglers with varying degrees of expertise.

Attention should of course be paid to which “types” of casts elicit the most strikes, so that the search for fish can become better focused. If most of the strikes come on casts made at a particular type of feature, such as small potholes surrounded by dark grass, or the upwind edges of large potholes, or isolated grass beds on the edge of the bar where the grass “feathers out” into the sand, most subsequent casts should be made to those places. If the fish seem to prefer a lure skimming rapidly along the edge of some feature after being cast crosswind, or when paused in the middle of a small bright spot or atop a grass bed, more casts of that type should be made.

After thoroughly working the upwind side of the spoil for as far as the angler deems reasonable, (taking into account the number and size of fish caught) an attack on of the rest of the available terrain should be made. Walking at an angle toward the bar, back in the direction of the boat, the angler should begin making casts in various directions again, some along the front edge of the east drop off, some into the grassy fingers up on the bar, some at isolated grass beds out on the shallow sand. Moving slowly and carefully, the patient shuffler should be ready to stop and stand when fish are found.

Eventually, the trail will lead to the shallowest part of the spoil, where stealth is most critical.

Walking as slowly and quietly as possible, the savvy stalker will fish hard on this part of the trek, casting at every fishy looking spot, at any visibly nervous baitfish and at all wakes and swirls if possible. Sometimes, the biggest fish lurk right on top of ridges like these.

On the west side of the sand, casts should be sent at potholes near the edge of the drop off, also along the edge itself and eventually out to the isolated grass beds and potholes in the darker depths.

This kind of slow, zig-zagging, sideways Texas Saltwater Fishing

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Efficiently working bars like this means making casts that keep the lures in the vicinity of the edges of its features as much as possible.

Texas City tournament veteran Ari Schwartz says, “I basically try to avoid throwing a topwater straight downwind. It just seems to work better quartering the waves.”

approach to the direction of the wade and the casts will usually result in the angler figuring out where the fish are staged and inevitably in more fish caught when compared to a straight ahead downwind march. A boating angler with a trolling motor and Power Pole in light winds might accomplish the same thing, provided the boat will float over the shallowest part of the spoil. In high winds and more extreme terrain, the wader is likely to have more success than the boater time and again on this type of structural element.

The most important point is this: most anglers walk, drift and/or cast straight downwind too much of the time. Even when winds are blowing along the edges of structural elements, it is usually foolish to work straight downwind and cast along those edges, for two reasons. One, the fish are likely to be holding there, and passing through them is counterproductive, and two, casts made crosswind are often simply more effective than those made with the wind, especially with floating and suspending plugs.

Topwater lures fighting their way over the tops of waves don’t look as realistic as those worked at angles to the chop. Corkies tend to swim a little deeper and with more variable 18

Texas Saltwater Fishing

speed when worked sideways to the wind, whereas they often jump in and out of the water when pulled straight over the waves, or into strong current.

Current can create another reason to cast sideways to the wind; fish almost always feed into the flow, so lures should be made to run with the tide, not against it. Often, doing so requires casting across or into the wind.

Casting, walking and drifting with the wind are easier than consciously working sideways to it and that’s why so many anglers end up doing things that way. In my experience, the easy way is rarely the best way. The windier it gets, the more important it is to resist the temptation to simply allow the breeze to dictate the direction and speed of efforts made.

Consider the poor soul who’s just hurried downwind right through a fish-holding gut, across a wide, muddy flat to fling many fruitless casts straight at a barren bank.

When he turns and struggles back toward the boat with his arms raised across the bent rod behind his neck like Jesus dragging the cross, he sees that his buddy‘s hooked up.

Under the singing of a persistent wind, he mumbles, “That lucky rat. He never covers August 2007

as much water as I do, but he always seems to stumble right into the fish.”

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21

man appeared in the doorway and Tommy ran up to him saying, “We sure are pleased to make your acquaintance Mr. Sellers… we done heard nothing but good things about you.”

The man looked down at Tommy and said, “I’m Aubrey White, sir, Mr. Sellers’ personal and private secretary.

Mr. Sellers is waiting for you in the study… Mr. Allen?”

“Oh heck, where did I leave my manners? I’m Tommy Meyers and this here is my buddy Bodie Allen who done saved Mr. Sellers’ daughter,” Tommy blurted.

Bodie moved past Tommy and shook hands with Mr. White. “Bodie Allen”, was all he said as a way of greeting.

“If you gentlemen will follow me”, Aubrey White replied and spun on his heel and started walking down a long hallway.

Tommy was staring at every picture and every statue.

While studying a painting that looked like it was made of nothing but dots he tripped over an umbrella stand, spilling canes and umbrellas all over the tiled floor. Bodie picked Tommy up and brushed him off. “Knock it off Tommy,” he whispered in a serious tone. Tommy nodded and turned to help Aubrey White pick things up off the floor.

“Aubrey what’s all that noise?” a voice called from down the hall.

“The umbrella stand fell over”, said Mr. White, “we’ll be with you in a moment, Sir.” “Don’t worry about that now Aubrey, show our guests in, please”, the voice replied.

They rounded the corner into a

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August 2007

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Story by Martin Strarup/ Illustrations by Ben Beaty

cavernous room adorned with dozens of trophies from the Dark Continent. Elephants, zebras, Cape buffalo, lions, leopards and some animals Bodie

“Bradley told me the two of you prefer Bourbon… is that correct?” Sellers asked.

Bodie said that Bourbon would be fine and

“Hot dang Bodie, they got whore derves and I betcha they have some of that patty fur grass on that tray.” Tommy moved over to the tray and

didn’t even know existed. The floors were covered

Tommy mumbled that he could use a double as

grabbed a few crackers that had meat on them

with hides of the various animals and ivory tusks

he rubbed his sore fingers. Bodie had been drawn

and stuffed them in his mouth.

were displayed in an exhibit that made up the

to the gun case and was admiring a Model 71

center of the room.

Winchester .348 lever gun when his host walked

do hope it’s to your liking”, said Douglas Sellers.

up and handed him a Baccarat crystal glass.

Bodie had seen the look that Tommy had on his

Next to a huge gun case stood a man who looked like he had been born to wealth. He was

“Ah, the Model 71 is a fine rifle indeed”, said

“I see you found the petit fois gras Tommy, I

face before and he moved as fast as he could. He

dressed in safari clothes that were probably hand-

Mr. Sellers. Bodie nodded in agreement. This

grabbed Tommy and clamped a big hand over his

tailored on Bond Street in London. He wore hand-

one wore its original Lyman receiver peep sight;

mouth walking him to French doors that opened

stitched ostrich boots. The watch on his wrist was

the wood and the bluing were all mint, looking as

to a balcony. Reaching the railing, Bodie removed

worth more than Bodie could make in five years

though the rifle left the factory that very day.

his hand from Tommy’s mouth and pieces of

as a ranch foreman, but strangely he was missing

“I have a friend whose Daddy shot a bear with

cracker and goose liver spewed everywhere. Oh

the snobby countenance Bodie always associated

a rifle just like this one”, said Bodie. I’ve always

and yes, Bodie was slapping Tommy on his back

with the rich.

admired this model Winchester but I’ve never

to keep him from choking to death.

The man smiled and crossed the floor with

been able to afford it when I found one for sale.

“Good Lord, I hope that there is nothing wrong

an outstretched hand, “I’m Douglas Sellers, and

Bodie and Douglas Sellers discussed guns,

I wanted to thank you for saving Alexandria’s life

cattle, ranching, and life on the coast until Tommy

today, Mr. Allen.”

butted in and asked if they were ever going to eat.

down the wrong pipe I guess”, said Bodie. Tommy

“I sure hope you have some of that patty fur grass

tried to say something but Bodie whacked him

showed sincerity. “I’m glad that I happened by

I’ve heard so much about, I betcha it’s as good as

on the back again and no words came out of his

Mr. Sellers, but I didn’t do anything any other man

a mesquite grilled rib eye”, said Tommy.

mouth, just more goose liver and crackers.

Bodie felt the man’s strong grip and his eyes

wouldn’t have done”, Bodie replied.

“Please, let’s do away with formalities, call me Doug,” Sellers offered warmly.

“Only if you’ll call me Bodie,” he replied genuinely, still gripping Sellers’ hand.

“Done,” said Sellers relaxing his grasp, “and who is your friend here?”

Tommy Meyers started forward with his hand stuck out but the toe of his boot caught a zebra skin causing him to stumble forward. Flailing,

Douglas Sellers stared at Tommy for a

with the petit fois gras”, said Douglas Sellers.

“No sir, nothing wrong with that, just went

Fully recovered, Tommy approached Bodie

moment and then said, “Oh, do you mean petit

and whispered, “Bodie these rich folks drink and

fois gras, Tommy?” “I’m sure our chef can whip

eat some of the nastiest stuff I ever tasted in

some up for you.”

my life.”

Bodie glared at Tommy but Tommy just

Bodie told Tommy to go back to the tray and

shrugged his shoulders and looked at Bodie as if

get something without the brown pudding-looking

to say, “WHAT?” Then Tommy whispered, “Huh…

stuff on it and he’d be okay. Tommy walked to the

he’s not so hoity toity; he doesn’t even know what

tray and was looking at the various choices when

Patty fur grass is.”

Alexandria Sellers reached for one herself.

It was just about then that the girl Bodie had

“Say, that’s not patty fur grass, is it”,

Tommy caught the only thing he could reach, a

pulled from the water walked in. She was beautiful

huge elephant tusk. Problem was; the tusk wasn’t

and glided along on the skin-covered floor as if

anchored. It was simply leaning with another

moving on greased wheels. “Mr. Allen! I’m so glad

this is beluga caviar and it’s simply delicious, you

against a gold double-U shaped brace. Tommy

that you could make it, thank you so much for

will love it.” Tommy was hungry so he grabbed

sprawled full-length on the floor, but before the

what you did today”, she said.

three of the crackers and stuffed them in his mouth. Bodie noticed Tommy running for the

tusk could fall to the tiled surface Bodie stepped

“Like I told your daddy Miss, and please call

asked Tommy?

“Oh no Tommy, I can’t stand petit fois gras,

in to make the save. Bodie also stepped on

me Bodie, it wasn’t anything that anybody else

balcony, cracker crumbs falling from his mouth

Tommy’s hand, and of course Tommy began

wouldn’t have done.”

and he walked out to see what the problem was

squealing until Bodie gave him the look.

“But it wasn’t anyone else Mr. Allen, I’m sorry,

this time. “I told you not to eat anything that was

Bodie… it was you. And please call me Alex, all

brown and smooth looking Tommy.” Tommy was

the only thing you’ve saved today Bodie”, laughed

my friends do.” Bodie could feel his face flushing

gagging and snorting and spitting crumbs and

Sellers. “Shall we have a drink before dinner?”

and was saved from having to reply because at

caviar out of his mouth and told Bodie, “Wasn’t

Bodie was pleased to see Sellers stride

that moment a man entered the room carrying a

brown and smooth, it was like little balls and it

silver tray and simply announced, “H’orderves.”

tastes like rotten fish Bodie.” Bodie laughed and

“Well, it seems that damsels in distress aren’t

toward the massive bar to pour the drinks himself.

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23

told Tommy to wait for dinner, but Tommy told Bodie, “Bodie, I’m sick, that last batch of whore derves did me in. I can’t eat dinner, take me back to Haddon’s Bodie, I’ve got to have a beer and a cheeseburger or else I’ll die”, said Tommy.

Bodie hated to do it, but Tommy was pretty green around the gills. He apologized to Douglas Sellers and his daughter but told them that Tommy had picked up a stomach bug and that he sure didn’t want them to get it so he’d best get Tommy back to the house. Though disappointed, Alexandria and Douglas Sellers both understood, but made Bodie promise that he would return, perhaps without his “friend” for another try at dinner. Bodie promised them he would but in his heart he knew that he probably wouldn’t and Mr. Sellers called for Bradley Shaw to take them back to town.

Bradley had to stop the limo three times between the Sellers spread and town to let Tommy puke but other than that the drive back was uneventful. Haddon’s was still open and Bodie dragged Tommy inside, bought him a beer and ordered him a cheeseburger and asked Eloisa to heat his chicken fried steak up for him.

The next morning Bodie was lining out the fencing crews and the windmill hands when a long black limousine pulled through the gate and drove up to the foreman’s house. Alexandria Sellers dressed up like a cowgirl in clothes and boots that probably came from Rodeo Drive bounced out of the rear door before Bradley Shaw could open it. She carried a long box that was neatly wrapped and had a large red bow on it. “Bodie, this is from Daddy. He wanted me to deliver it personally and to remind that you promised to come to dinner soon.”

Bodie took the box, which he noted immediately was heavy for its size. Alexandria told him to open it later, when he had more time.

Bodie nodded and told her to thank her Daddy

“Shut up and get your butts back to work,” Bodie growled with a wry smile.

Bodie took the package inside his home and

for him. Bodie mentioned that he hadn’t seen her

placed it on the kitchen table. He opened the

companion since the incident on the bay.

card that was attached and read, “From one

“Oh you mean Mr. Fails? Well, Mr. Fails

hunter to another, I hope you do me the honor

doesn’t work for Daddy anymore, not after

of visiting my home again soon.” It was signed

yesterday anyway,” she replied.

— Douglas Sellers.

Bodie nodded and hoped that Mr. Fails was

Bodie slit the plain wrapping paper with his

better at whatever he would be doing now than he

Case pocketknife and then carefully opened the

was at running a boat.

cardboard box that it covered. Inside, wrapped

Bodie watched as Alexandria walked to the limo and then turned to face his crews who had watched the entire scene, their mouths still open.

“Sure is a pretty package you got there Bodie”,

in a silicone rifle sock, was the pristine Model 71 Winchester he had admired the evening before.

“Douglas Sellers doesn’t play fair”, said Bodie to himself. “I wonder if he can fish.”

said Jake the crew leader with a grin on his face.

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he sea was calm and crystal clear, yet every few miles along the beach I could see spots where reddish-muddy water seemed to be appearing out of nowhere along the outside bar, creating stretches of muddy surf for some distance in the otherwise Caribbean-like sea. Knowing that sharks like to use such an area to hide and then dart into the clear water and attack prey, I began dropping shark baits and was rewarded with some really good catches.

This was long before the “sit on top” kayaks arrived and baits were taken out in vinyl life rafts. I also soon learned that the water at these locations was far cooler than the surrounding clear water. I asked my mentors and was told what I was seeing was an upwelling of a deep offshore current impacting the surf zone.

The colder water was forced downward by the warmer water in the surf zone and eroding the outer sand bar when it contacted it.

As our climate changes I am seeing more of these instances and they often occur on a much grander scale. Twice during June these upwellings have impacted the shoreline of PINS for extended periods and turned 30 to 50 miles of surf zone from crystal clear to mud-colored within hours and it stayed muddy for as long as 10 days straight. Due to the amount of beach affected, they bring a strongly negative impact. Obviously there is nothing a fella’ can do about it, but when planning a trip there is a web site that shows water temps throughout the Gulf and checking this site will forewarn if such an event is in progress. The site is: http://www.

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Texas Saltwater Fishing

landbigfish.com/watertemps/ watertemperatures.cfm?ID=8 August is usually calm with clear water, little current and lots of baitfish present and this presents special problems to anglers. It is finesse fishing. And while it does present special problems there are ways to deal with it and actually it’s a lot of fun. You just gotta’ understand how to play the game. We do a lot of sight-casting from July through September and sightcasting is a favorite with most experienced anglers; including me.

The most successful tactic is to downsize both lures and leaders.

This goes hand in hand with practicing stealth when getting out of the vehicle and approaching potential target fish or structures close to shore.

It’s mind boggling to me when we see four big trout lying in a foot of gin-clear water 20 feet from the water’s edge and then when we stop the customers immediately slam the doors on the Suburban. I simply get back in the truck and say, “let’s go.” When the folks look puzzled I say, “Where are those fish you saw?” They look, and of course the fish are gone. It’s that simple.

During calm condition days the fish’s choice of lures may well be Speck Rigs, Bass Assassin 4” Sea Shad, Curly Shads and Mirrolure MirroShads and MirroMinnows. Topwater presentations often vary from the norm with Mirrolure floating twitch baits in 7M series and the 3” 28MR often producing exceptional results when all else fails.

Often, plugs of subtle color will entice aggressive strikes while gaudy colors go ignored.

I NEVER use any leader material of less than 30-pound test in the surf. Simple enough; I personally fish for really big trout and a really big trout will cut anything less with its canine fangs while shaking its head. BUT I am also acutely aware that often more fish will hit smaller diameter leaders even when using fluorocarbon. The choice is yours. I have found that if lots of large skipjack are being hooked, nothing less than 52 pound fluorocarbon or 30 pound Hard Mason leader material will survive the chaffing, and 80 pound fluorocarbon or 50 pound Hard Mason are considered minimal for tarpon.

The nesting season for the Kemp’s ridley sea turtles is winding down as of 27 June, but a few late nesters may still appear and the loggerhead and green turtles will continue to nest later into

August 2007

the summer. So far, a total of 128 Kemp’s ridley nests have been found on Texas beaches with 73 of these being on PINS. In addition, 3 loggerhead and one green turtle nests have been found on PINS. The number of Kemp’s ridley nests is up from 55 total on the Texas coast two years ago and 105 last year. These numbers are evidence of how successful the Turtle Recovery Program is and it is tragic that it is at the very time that the program is dangerously low on funding.

Replacing the ATV’s with UTV’s required all available funds early in the nesting season following the accidental death of a patroller when an ATV rolled over. With less than 2 months of use, 6 UTVs already have blown engines and the program is in dire need of contributions from the private sector.

Folks often ask me to describe the beaches of PINS and my one sentence answer is always the same. “The environment on the beach is savage and hostile and it takes its toll on all things.”

Until recently I had not understood how federal programs such as the Turtle Recovery Program operated and I found the answer rather stunning.

You might too.

I always figured, well, it’s the government and they have plenty of money. Well, that ain’t it.

Government money gets funneled to this and that and the National Park isn’t very high up on the priority list. Most National Parks have a support group of private citizens who donate and solicit donations for projects within the individual parks.

Quite simply that is how the parks survive.

There has never been any such group or effort to support PINS. At the same time Nat’l Park

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Service personnel are not allowed by federal regulation to solicit donations. Man, talk about up a creek without a paddle! At this time several individuals, including myself, are involved in the legal aspects of forming such an organization to be supportive of programs on PINS and other issues involving Padre Island, but such undertakings require time. I’ll keep you up dated as progress continues on this but in the interim the Turtle Recovery Program continues to be in need of

financial support.

Any contributions can be made directly to the Turtle Recovery Program. Mail address is Padre Island National Seashore attn: Dr. Donna Shaver P. O. Box 181300 Corpus Christi, Tx. 78480-1300 or Express mail to: PINS Ranger Station 20301 Park Road 22 attn: Dr. Donna Shaver Corpus Christi, Tx. 78418. Be sure to write “Sea Turtle Program” in the memo section of checks. Due to lack of funds, all patrols will cease on July 15th.

Vast amounts of sargassum impacted the beaches during nesting season and it is likely that some nests were missed and might still hatch in the wild through the month of August. Please drive cautiously and watch for baby turtles. If they CAPT. BILLY SANDIFER are observed please report it immediately to 361-949-8173 ext.

226/228.

Loggerhead and green turtles may continue to nest so please report sightings of their large tracks to the same numbers.

Billy operates Padre Island Safaris.

Releases of Kemp’s His specialties are fishing for ridley hatchlings will sharks to specks in the Padre Island surf and bayfishing for trout occur regularly and and redfish from a poled skiff. are quite the treat to see. To get info about upcoming releases call the Hatchling Hotline at 361-949-7163.

Be Careful, Be Courteous, Be Kind.

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Five species of frigatebirds exist but the one most commonly encountered in the Gulf of Mexico is the magnificent frigatebird.

Distinctive aerial pirates with the greatest wingspan relative to weight of any bird, this species soars high over the water, never landing on its surface. The magnificent frigatebird will fish on it’s own as well as steals fish from other seabird species. Body length-40”, wing span-90”, weight-3.3 lbs.

Magnificent frigatebirds are known to inhabit bay systems as well as the open waters of the Gulf of Mexico during the months of May through August.

Adult male is solid black. Adult female has white areas on breast extending to underwings and juveniles have white head, neck and chest. Long and slender with hooked bill, short neck, and disproportionately long narrow wings and deeply forked tail the magnificent frigatebird is highly distinctive in flight.

Long used as a fish finder by near and offshore anglers but anglers

Contact Billy Sandifer Telephone 361-937-8446 Website www.billysandifer.com

throwing topwaters while one hovers a hundred or more feet above should be wary as it can and will dive vertically at awesome speed to snatch up a topwater. The magnificent frigatebird seems fond of bone Super Spooks. Just ask Capt.

David Rowsey.

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ike a scene from a bad surf movie the whole

Across the Sabine River over on Calcasieu the

“locals only” mystique plays out at

surely it is becoming more accepted but like all

the boat ramp every time a new

things it takes some time.

wading phenomenon is still very new, slowly but

angler from another bay system shows up to sample some new water. “What’s he

Now there are other examples of bringing

going to do with little boat” or “what’s that diving

new techniques to other places, take for instance

board doing over the motor” are all questions

freshwater tackle to saltwater applications. The

and smart aleck remarks that come from the

new tackle rage that it seems everyone has

close minded. Some of the coolest innovations

jumped on is saltwater spinnerbaits; they seem

in techniques and approaches often come from

to be the new trend for redfish anglers

folks who are not “locals”, these anglers bring new

because they flat out catch fish.

ideas and methods with them from their own body

Another couple of freshwater

of water and they often work really well if given

techniques that are starting to get

a chance. Perhaps the most highly publicized

some play as well are Carolina rigs and

method of fishing that is a perfect example of this

drop shots. Both of these proven methods

is wading, yes wade fishing is a relatively new

have been catching fish on freshwater

concept for those of us still in the pre-historic

reservoirs for years and now they have

times along the upper coast.

made their way to the salt where they have proven just as effective.

Real deal waders showed up in Sabine probably 10 years ago when the Gulf Coast

Now tackle is not the only technique

Redfish will readily inhale most baits used in freshwater applications, especially Rat-L-Traps.

Troutmasters ruled the world, you remember those

or example of bringing new ideas to old

drifts down Sabine Lake, catch some fish, and

glory days don’t you? I like many others scoffed

places, there are also different ways of fishing to

repeat the drift only to catch fish in basically the

at the idea until I saw the results, I couldn’t buy

achieve the same goal. One that comes to mind

same area. It was fishing on an escalator; you just

a pair of waders fast enough. Soon it became all

is dropping anchor on drifts instead of dropping

went round and round until the fish quit biting. One

the rage and is now fairly common in these parts.

buoy markers. In years past we would make long

day while fishing on Calcasieu I got schooled on

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Drop shot rigs that are so good catching sand bass on freshwater impoundments are just as deadly on speckled trout in deep water.

a better way to go about this process from

out on the action. I am sold

a local fisherman. We were both fishing

on the technique because

the same area only we were going about

it works; we really use it

it differently. The local guy was sitting on

in the spring down on the

anchor while I continued to make drift after

south end of Sabine.

drift on the same line. After about 3 passes I hear the local guy say to his buddy in the boat “that

Now by staying open to new ideas

guy has a beautiful boat, it’s a shame he couldn’t

you can greatly improve your fishing and you will

afford an anchor”. After that encounter I decided

certainly become a more successful angler. I

to try fishing like the locals and it has paid big

really enjoy applying new methods to my arsenal

dividends. If you watch these guys they keep the

because more often than not they produce. Next

anchor real handy, one or two bites in the same

time you see some new angler at the ramp don’t

area and they ease the anchor overboard and

scoff at their different approach, you just may find

fish the area thoroughly. Usually, these patient fishermen will wind up catching more fish

a new way to make your time on the water that much more enjoyable.

while others who continue to drift just miss

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Just as fisherman seek conditions where the chance of catching fish is optimized, so fish seek areas where the chance of catching their food is optimal. Most gamefish seek waters that are rich in food such as smaller fish, insects or shrimp. And, it follows, that these smaller fish, insects and shrimp congregate where their food is most concentrated. So, to catch fish, look for the location of their food chain.

Scientific research shows that this food chain has eyes sensitive to the colors of blue and green. This probably evolved because the waters these animals live in is blue to greenish in color, depending upon how much and what kind of particulate matter is suspended in the water. This is the color of their space… the equivalent of a room with the ceiling, walls and floor painted blue or green.

The source of this color comes from the white light of the sun. Sun light contains the familiar colors of the rainbow: red, orange, yellow, green, blue and purple as well as additional light

transmitted and scattered, thus giving the water

space color can detect changes in light intensity.

humans cannot see; ultraviolet and infrared. Pure

a greenish appearance. If the water contains a

This is equivalent to a world in black, white and

water, which contains little particulate matter,

lot of organic material from decaying plant life or

shades of gray. In this simplest level of visual

scatters light in the blue-purple region of the

suspended sediment, it may take on a yellow-

information processing, an animal can recognize

spectrum. Human eyes see a body of this water

brown color.

that something is different in its space — i.e., that there is food or a predator “over there”. Most

as blue. If water is rich in nutrients and contains photosynthetic microorganisms and plants, the

Fish and members of their food chain have

chlorophyll in their bodies preferentially absorb

color receptors in their eyes optimized for the

visual resource: color vision. By definition, that

red light. The remaining, unabsorbed light is

light of their “space”. Eyes that can see a single

requires that they have color receptors containing

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Texas Saltwater Fishing

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animals living in a lighted world have an additional

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light is a desirable it is not essential. Even if fish or members of its food chain have color receptors in their eyes centered at the blue or green spectrum, these same receptors have a broad but decreased sensitivity to other colors. Therefore, if a fishing light source is intense enough, other colors will also attract. For example, a sodium vapor light with its characteristic yellow color will attract fish — if intense enough. A fishing light attractor can also be white light because part of its total light energy is in the blue to green region.

The perfect fishing light would have the following properties: 1) high intensity, 2) emit its light in a color similar to the fishes space (blue or green), 3) be powered by a portable electrical supply and 4) be submersible. The last attribute is desirable because significant amounts of light at least two different visual pigments. To efficiently

energy from land — or boat-mounted lights are

perform this function in water illuminated with light,

lost by reflection off the surface of the water.

an aquatic animal would have visual pigments

Practically speaking, no commercial fishing

sensitive to the background “space” color and one

light is able to offer all of these attributes. Many

or more visual pigments offset from this blue-

high intensity lights such as tungsten-halogen,

green region, say, in the red or ultraviolet region

medium pressure mercury or metal-halide

of the spectrum. This imparts a clear advantage

lights are so power hungry that they cannot

to these animals because they can detect not

be operated for long on a battery, thus limiting

only changes in light intensity but also contrasts

convenient portability. While green colored

in color. Many fish, for example, have two color

LEDs or specially coated fluorescent lights

receptors, one in the blue region of the spectra

are energy efficient, they are not very intense.

(425-490 nm) and the other in the near UV (320-

And, many lights cannot be submerged in water

380 nm). Insects and shrimp, members of the fish

without risk of electrical shock or damage to the

food chain, have blue, green (530nm) and near

light system.

UV receptors. In fact, some aquatic animals have

With a better understanding about the vision

up to ten different classes of visual pigment in

of fish, one might ask how the colors of lures

cells of their eyes. By comparison, humans have

impact on fishing success. The answer to this

three with maximum sensitivities in the blue (425

question is a subject of much product hype.

nm), green (530 nm) and red (560 nm). It is the

Except when a lure is very close to a fish, it

differential responses of these receptor cells that

is likely that green or blue colored lures are

enable color vision.

indistinguishable from white lures. If the fish is looking downward toward a dark background,

Since it has been known for a long time that a

a light colored lure will have the most contrast

night light attracts fish, shrimp and insects, what

against the background. Likewise, red lures

is the best color for this light attractor? Based on

appear dark or black to their eyes. A red, brown

visual receptors, the light should be blue or green

or black colored lure will have greatest contrast to

— the space colors of fish and members of their

a fish looking upward toward the water surface.

food chain. However, while blue or green colored

Fish and their food chain understand this color

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Permanent lights have adequate power

relationship well. It helps protect them from

For those who embrace a cost be damned view,

supplies. Placed on poles at the end of a

there are stadium spot lights. Rated at 250, 400

dock or pier, the least expensive are 175

and 1000 watts, the parabola-shaped reflectors,

watt mercury vapor or 70 and 150 watt high

light ballasts and high intensity discharge lamps

pressure sodium vapor flood lights. Sold as

are sold separately. These lamps are designed to

security lights, they are readily available from

emit in white, blue-green, green or yellow. Unlike

most hardware or farm supply stores. They

most colored lights, they do not use colored

cost $30 to $90. Most are photocell controlled

filters. Therefore, little electrical energy is wasted

for automatic dusk-to-dawn operation and

producing and filtering out light of other colors.

the fixtures include the bulb. These lights

Obviously, for fishing waters of the Texas gulf, the

use 115V house current, are efficient in

lamp color of choice is green. A complete light

converting electricity to light and stand up

fixture and lamp will cost about $400: $200 for

well to outside weather conditions. For the

the lamp and $200 for the stadium or sports flood

purpose of a fishing light, one can redirect light

light fixture. The cost of the lamps with different

toward the water by installing a 5”X10” piece

wattage ratings are roughly the same, so most

of aluminum flashing bent into a half circle

people go for the 1000 watt monster. One source

inside the standard circular acrylic lens. These

for these lights is Light Bulb Depot (San Antonio,

security lights can also be modified to operate

TX, www.lightbulbdepot.com, Items #01060K and

submerged. This later modification yields great

#02157A). It takes two people to install these big

results. However, the modification must be

lamps and you may want to include a switch, timer,

done professionally as the high voltages that

heavy duty 10 or 12 gauge wiring and perhaps a

predators. The bottoms of many fish are white.

power these lamps can be lethal. Two sources

Predators viewing them from below will have

of complete kits, both costing about $300, are

difficulty making them out from the white light of

Green Monster Fishing Lights (Dadeville, AL,

the water surface. Conversely, the red, brown or

www.thegreenmonsterfishinglight.com) and

starts after 11 pm in the Laguna Madre. On a good

dark gray color of the top of a fish matches the

Underwater Fishing Lights (Corpus Christi, TX,

night you see dozens of speckled sea trout milling

color of deeper water or the lake or bay bottom,

www.underwaterfishinglights.com). The lamp’s

around the lights. Tail slaps abound. Shrimp and

thus making it difficult for predators to detect

power transformer is mounted on a pole in a

small bait fish are hopping out of the water. White

the fish from above. Other popular camouflage

dry location. To it is connected a waterproof

or light colored plastics, top lures and spinners

strategies are a silver or reflective surface or, as is

medium pressure mercury lamp via a waterproof

— take your pick, all work. You don’t have to cast

the case with shrimp, transparency.

cable. The lamp floats like a bobber and is held

far or long to catch your limit.

Search for fishing lights on the internet or

feature of this kind of submerged light is that its

assortment of lights. These lights fall into two

outer glass envelope gets hot enough to prevent

general groups, those that are portable and those

establishment of marine growth. This is not the

that are permanently mounted. This writer has

case with underwater pool lights — which typically

limited experience with portable lights. Further,

contain tungsten lights sealed in a waterproof

and as mentioned earlier, all commercially

housing. While pool lights operate at a safe 12

available portable lights are limited to relatively

volts, they must be frequently cleaned.

low light intensity because they are powered by Many commercial flood lights use tungsten or

headlight mounted on a Styrofoam float ring is

tungsten-halogen (quartz) bulbs. Even though they

probably the least expensive. More efficient but

work as fish attractors, they are energy inefficient

more expensive are special green fluorescent

and a large portion of their light is “invisible” to

lamps enclosed in a waterproof, submersible

game fish and their food chain. Florescent lights

plastic housing. Multiple arrays of LED lights is an

are energy efficient but commercial outdoor

up-and-comer.

fixtures using fluorescent tubes are expensive.

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Texas Saltwater Fishing

What does one get with these lights? The action

in submerged position by weights. A unique

a fishing supply catalog and you find a wide

battery. The old classic, a 12 volt automobile

circuit breaker hookup, thus adding to the cost.

August 2007

Tim Hopkins has a PhD in Biochemistry and is a CEO of scientific equipment company.

Amateur fisherman with three different fishing light attractors at the end of his pier. Night fishing “research” still in progress.

Subscriber of TSF Magazine.

Contact Tim Hopkins Telephone 918-336-3363 or 956-944-2153 Email hop@biospec.com

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Texas Saltwater Fishing

33

Story & photos by Jay Watkins

There is little doubt that Texas speckled trout fishermen regard the month of August as possibly the toughest time of year to pattern and catch quality size speckled trout. This is especially true along the middle and lower regions of the Texas coast. The upper coast has more deepwater structure to hold fish in deeper, cooler water and fishing success often reflects this. Down here, elevated water temperatures often push the fish into nocturnal feeding patterns, so naturally our daytime fishing for the higher-end specimens can be slow. Add to this the fact that quality trout are becoming increasingly scarce and you can see that your odds are decreased even more. Now factor in the crowds of summer and the odds worsen even more.

I have many anglers that book me this time of year just to see what my approach to finding and catching quality trout will be. To set the stage, let’s look at a typical August day. Water temperatures are usually in the mid 80’s; I have seen it nearing the 90-degree mark on the surface by day’s end. Salinity levels can be at all-time highs on average, although I do not think this is going to be the case this season due to all of the rain we have had in June and July.

Boat traffic has been at its peak for more than two months and tides are usually at the lowest levels of the summer months. Only January and February tides are lower. With extremely hot water temperatures, high salinity levels, fishing pressure, and low tides, our quality trout become even more nocturnal than they normally are. I feel they move as little as possible.

Predators are all about conserving energy, and the less energy expended on moving to and from feeding grounds the more energy they have to expend in the pursuit of food.

Here is what I look for this time of year. I like small areas of structure with good water movement. This can be around a small reef, a sandbar that runs out from a shoreline point or 34

Texas Saltwater Fishing

simply a gut between two reefs; the smaller guts are the best in my opinion. Trout like to hunt in small areas; I think this goes back to the energy conservation thing. When I can find such a place during the early morning or late afternoon hours it’s great, but I will take it anytime during my fishing day.

Moving water is critical when fishing points and reefs in the mid-bay areas. Without water movement the fish have little opportunity for ambush and this is not the means by which they prefer to hunt. Trout, especially those of quality size, prefer to let the current bring the food to them. These fish will stage along drop-offs and areas along the bottom with good grass or shell mixed with the contour of the bottom itself. The structure, be it grass or shell, provides ambush points and camouflage for trout. You have heard me say that trout are all about stealth, and stealth is all about blending in.

When you see the sun in this position on an August morning you should have been fishing for 30 minutes. The best action is at daylight on many days.

I like to search out areas with good nighttime feeding grounds close by. I then focus my efforts on any deeper drop-off adjacent to these. It stands to reason that when fish get in the nocturnal mode they will not travel too far from their happy hunting grounds. I fish very little at night, though. I have a beautiful wife that I enjoy staying home with and I am also on the water almost 6 days a week, so nighttime is my August 2007

time to kick back and get ready for the next day.

Coves with varied bottom structure and small creeks that feed the backwater marshes are my favorites. These coves commonly have scattered shell and sand up tight to the shoreline grass, then an area of heavier grass with fewer potholes, and finally scattered grass along the bottom as it tapers off into deeper water. I might start my morning casting right up along the shoreline and slowly work my way out to the drop-off as the sun drives bait and gamefish towards deeper, darker and cooler water. Larger trout feel more comfortable in darker water.

When I say dark, I mean water with some depth and color. I have caught tons good fish using this pattern during this time of year.

One of the more common questions is, “What tells you the area you are in is the right area?” Well, this is where experience and time on the water become so critically important. I think I wrote a piece that I called Seeing the Whole Picture about a year ago. In this article I talked about understanding things that you cannot see. From experience, I have a good mental picture of just about every area that I choose to fish in any given day. I know where the scattered shell bottom starts and the drop-off begins. I know how the scattered shell formation follows the shoreline and where the trout normally hold under the conditions of the day.

When I pull into an area and scan the surface, I look for bait activity or signs of fish over or around the structure I know to be there.

A good example would be a point extending off a shoreline into an oyster reef. The gap from where the point stops and the reef begins might only be a few feet. As current is forced through the gap it digs a very distinct gut that curves around the point. On windy days, water is often funneled through these guts at greater velocity than the surrounding areas and well deserving of greater attention when searching for signs that fish are present.

Mullet that are stacked up on the reef itself probably know that predators are waiting in www.TSFMAG.com

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35

Nice example of quality trout on offshore drop-off outside a shoreline cove.

the swift water on the up-current side. If I see a mullet flip or short hop through the gut, my past knowledge tells me that gamefish created the reaction. A gull hovering just above the gut or a slick that popped long before I was in the area and is now drifting large down-current tells me something as well. I call this fish savvy and I think it is only mastered by paying close attention to every detail that you see each day that you are out there.

When entering a cove I am looking for small slicks and bait activity. Sometimes we are able to draw a line connecting several of these signs and this is the line upon which we focus our best efforts. I promise, if you will work that line patiently and persistently, other signs will become evident as the fish continue to feed and move.

I think the mid-day periods along the deep drop-off when bait activity diminishes and there is next to no water movement are the most difficult for summertime trout anglers to handle.

I know where the trout live and they still beat me this time of year. We have to stay in the area where the fish are living though if we are going to have a chance at getting one to bite every

36

Texas Saltwater Fishing

Waders are used to protect from hot jelly fish. Nice trout caught mid-day on deep water sandbar.

now and then.

Shoreline drop-offs are often fished like this during August but the fish can be extremely hard to locate. It is a track meet and you have to cover lots of ground to find them. There is simply too much water with all the same components. It’s all alike and this can be a problem for many anglers.

This is why I like the coves verses the long stretches of shoreline drop-offs in August. One thing to keep in mind is that there are always sections of a shoreline that seem to always hold fish. I bet that upon a closer inspection you might find a small cove between two points or a tiny creek or ditch that feeds a backwater marsh on the shoreline, just inshore of where you continually find fish. My recommendation would be to spend your time and efforts in these areas along the shoreline instead of making marathon wades down the shoreline. Once trout of quality size are located, you can entice them into taking a bait if there are any real numbers of fish present. Their basic competitive instincts take over and one will often eat just to keep the others from having it.

My lure selection for this time of year and the water conditions I usually fish are simple;

August 2007

soft plastic and heavy on Bass Assassins in both 5inch shad models as well as the 4-inch paddletail Sea Shad models. The new Blurp series by Bass Assassin is really starting to turn some heads, and not just the fishermen, but the fish too. This bait is made in a variety of colors and comes in the 5-inch and 4-inch style as well as a very realistic looking shrimp pattern.

The shrimp with a 1/16th or 1/8th oz. chartreuse Number-2 screw-loc jig head is deadly. Scented baits are becoming more and more popular since the introduction of Berkley’s GULP lure series. Scented baits work at time when nothing else will, so you have got to have some in your arsenal of plastic lures.

I have no doubt that August of 2007 will have it great days, but I assure you it will also have those days when nothing seems to work.

Think about what we talked about in this article and put some of it into practice and see what happens. Oh, and if you need a private lesson, come on down!

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37

At daylight, my buddy Jon Fisher and I sat in the parked truck drinking coffee and listening to the Allman Brothers sing “Blue Sky” while fat raindrops whacked the windshield and pelted the sand. The morning was off to a nasty start. I cranked the wipers up on high to knock off the bug bodies. Between swipes we could see boats with hunched-over passengers cringing as they made frantic runs back up the Aransas Channel toward the ramps.

My old dirty truck was worth a lot less than those boats, but it was a much better place to be in a hard rain.

After an hour or so, the heavy stuff passed so we launched our kayaks and made a quick paddle toward a steep bar directly across the channel. We beached the kayaks on the bar, shuffled to the edge, and began blind casting into the depths. I nervously shifted my eyes between the water and the clouds to make sure the storm wasn’t going to somehow swoop back around and catch us like mice on a barn floor.

Fortunately, the clouds drifted off to the north and it looked like we would get in some fishing.

An hour and a half later, we were still casting off the bar without so much as a tap to show for our efforts. The skies had given us a break, but the fish hadn’t. I plopped down on the grounded kayak, picked through a fly box and wondered what it would take to pull at least one fish out of the channel. Just then, a slender shadow zooming down the sandbar caught my eye. The fish darted slightly off-course as it approached, cracked a baitfish nearly at my feet, and then vanished into the depths.

Rather than wade back out and cast into the The epoxy-coated fly on the bottom, destroyed after a half-dozen fish, is testament to the abrasive nature of the skipjack’s jaws.

38

Texas Saltwater Fishing

channel I stayed seated with a little loose line coiled in the sand and a small Clouser hanging off the end of my leader — it was a stakeout. A few minutes later another grey shadow appeared and made a blazing run down the shore searching for errant baitfish. I shot a cast out ahead of him, leading him like he was a dove with a tailwind. He grabbed the fly without slowing down and in an instant ripped out 100 feet of line. “Skipjack… a big one!” I hollered to Jon, as the fish did his first aerial end-over-end.

A few minutes later, he was flopping at my feet, still trying desperately to get away. The power of that slender fish reminded me yet again of how much I love to catch skipjacks.

Skipjacks, more properly known as “ladyfish,” are in my opinion one of the most underrated fly rod targets on the Texas Coast. They travel in huge schools, have a voracious appetite, and go berserk when you hook them. Big skipjacks will test your tackle and your angling skills with line-searing runs that are solid match for an 8wt. rod. Several years ago, I hooked a big one in the Padre Island surf that burned off half of my backing in about 10 seconds. What more could you ask for?

Most coastal anglers have encountered or caught skipjacks while fishing for other species.

Large channels, jetties, and surf zones are great places to find them. Sometimes skipjacks can be seen banging the top in huge blitzes with gulls diving over them. Other times they just buzz around below the surface chasing down anything they can grab. Skipjacks also feed in the shallows, but they can be tricky to land unless you are in a clean area like the hard sand flats of the lower Laguna Madre.

Fly fishing for skipjacks isn’t rocket science, but there are a few tricks to hooking and landing them that will greatly increase your success rate.

First and foremost, skipjacks love a moving target. A skipjack will hit all kinds of flies, but the ones he hits the most are the August 2007

A skipjack’s keen eyesight is often betrayed by his appetite.

ones trying the hardest to get away. I suppose this is due to the combination of keen eyesight and speed the skipjack possesses. If you can, use a hand-over-hand retrieve to keep your fly moving. If you have not mastered the hand-overhand retrieve, use short, rapid, staccato strips, or very long fast strips. The important thing to remember is to keep your fly moving, the faster the better.

When a skipjack strikes, quickly strike back.

Sometimes they hit hard and hook themselves, but other times they nip at your fly and never seem to get the hook. When this happens, switch to a smaller pattern, or make a faster retrieve, or both. Eventually you’ll tag one and the fight will be on.

Skipjacks don’t have sharp teeth like a mackerel, but their boney mouths are extremely abrasive and will quickly fray and weaken a leader. For this reason, I generally use a 12 inch section of 30 lb bite tippet. Lighter tippets will work but they often result in lost fish and flies. No matter what size tippet you use, check it frequently for damage. Eight weight rods and either floating or intermediate lines are a good match for skipjacks. Reels should have a smooth drag and be equipped with 100 yards of backing.

Skipjack flies need not complicated. Simple durable baitfish patterns with a bit of metallic flash work well. Clouser Minnows and Surf Candies tied on #2 or #4 hooks are fine. If you have a choice, go with smaller patterns rather than large ones and remember that whatever you throw at skipjacks will likely be destroyed. So, it’s probably not a good idea to cast high dollar flies unless you enjoy watching them disintegrate.

Hyperactive skipjacks have a habit of releasing themselves, which is good because they are really tough to handle and unhook.

The best way to do it is with a Boga Grip. There are two reasons for this. First, there is no good way to grab a slimy wriggling skipjack without squeezing the life out of him or penning him www.TSFMAG.com

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against your belly and smelling like skipjack for the rest of the week.

The second and more important reason though, is that skipjacks are on the menu of Slender and slippery, large skipjacks are nearly every large difficult to handle predator in the without a Boga Grip. sea… especially sharks. If you are catching skipjacks in the surf, be careful. A helpless flopping skipjack is an ideal target for a shark, and the shark won’t care if he grabs your fingers or your belly along with it. A Boga Grip allows you to keep the skipjack at least partially away from your fingers and your body. An even safer alternative is to lead the fish toward the beach and handle him there.

The next time you have an opportunity to tangle with skipjacks, take advantage of it. Their strength and speed make them a top notch fly quarry and their sheer numbers can wear you out. If you’re game, skipjacks are nearly always willing to play.

As fly anglers, we are fortunate to have the literature of Lefty Kreh available. The collection of books he has authored on casting, tying, and angling span the sport of fly fishing from top to bottom. One of the things I like most about Lefty’s books is that he is not afraid to dispel myths and get right down the core of what works and what doesn’t. Having spent decades pursuing fish around the world, he does this with confidence.

So, it’s no surprise that Lefty’s book 101 Fly-Fishing Tips is full of simple rock-solid advice and absent of hype. 101 Fly-Fishing Tips covers everything from handling fish to altering tackle, and demonstrates how small changes in gear and technique can make a big difference in success on the water. Each “tip” is accompanied by a photograph that clearly illustrates the text, and collectively they become a wealth of useful ideas. Pick up a copy of 101 Fly Fishing Tips. You will learn something new on every page and ask yourself time and time again, “Why didn’t I think of that?”

101 Fly-Fishing Tips 96 pp. The Lyons Press. $14.95 www.TSFMAG.com

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By Lefty Kreh ISBN: 1-58574-035-7 August 2007

Texas Saltwater Fishing

39

7

8 Recently i was

tying flies with some friends in Rockport, waiting out the ceaseless rain. A pack of flexible neon straws on top of the fridge caught my eye and reminded me of a crustacean pattern I had seen years ago. The pattern had a carapace formed from a drinking straw. I grabbed some of the neon straws and we started cutting them up. After a few tries, we produced a shrimp with a straw carapace that looked dang good. And, it was pretty easy to tie too. We thought about what to call the fly until a giganto Whataburger cup on the counter with a straw sticking out of it gave us the answer — “Whata-shrimp.”

When I got back home a few days later, I did a little research to find out what the story was on the original pattern from years back.

The internet and one of my fly books each turned up crustacean patterns called “Soda Straw Shrimp.” They were generally tied by sliding an intact section of clear straw over the hook shank to create a smooth carapace. Some used the corrugated flex portion of the straw and some did not.

The carapace on the Whata-shrimp uses the corrugated portion of the straw, split and glued to the top of the hook shank. I like the split straw better because it reveals the leggy area on the belly of the fly and seems a bit more realistic. In reality it may not make any difference at all, but it sure looks good. The colored straws used for the Whata-shrimp are called “Neon Straws” and are available just about everywhere. A box contains pink, blue, yellow, orange, and chartreuse straws — good colors for shrimp and crab flies. With a little color enhancement from a permanent marker you can make an amazingly life-like carapace from these straws.

One key to the durability of the Whata-shrimp is to coat the inside of the straw with clear DAP Kwik Seal before you anchor the straw down with thread. This will permanently affix the straw to the body of the fly and protect it from cracking or tearing loose.

If you have not yet tried DAP for your tying, you should. It is waterbased (NO FUMES!), glues darn near anything together, and it dries crystal clear and tough as nails. You can get it at most hardware stores.

The Whata-shrimp shown here is tied on a #2 hook in a caramel color scheme. The straw carapace can be shortened and slimmed down if needed to accommodate #4 or #6 hooks. By using different colored straws and permanent markers, this patterned can be tied in nearly any shade you prefer.

Hook: Mustad 34007 #2 to #6 Thread: Clear nylon mono Swimmerettes: Craft fur Whiskers: Supreme Hair Antennae: Krystal Flash Eyes: Burned 60 lb mono 40

Texas Saltwater Fishing

Belly: Pearl Ice Dub Carapace: Flex portion of drinking straw Weed guard: 40 lb mono Adhesive: DAP Kwik Seal Plus Head Cement: Sally Hansen’s Hard as Nails

9

4

10

5 6

11

6

1. Tie a small clump of craft fur to rear of hook shank. 2. Tie burned mono eyes over base of craft fur. 3. Tie small clump of synthetic hair and 2 strands of Krystal Flash over base of eyes. 4. Dub (spin) a 4 inch long section of pearl Ice Dub material onto thread and then coat hook shank with Sally Hansen’s. 5. Wind the Ice Dub forward to a point slightly behind eye of hook. Tie off thread. 6. Make a few small dots on body with permanent marker.

7. Comb out dubbed body with Velcro.

August 2007

8. Stretch out a flexible drinking straw.

9. Cut flex portion of straw in half lengthwise and taper tips as shown. Color both sides with permanent marker.

10. Coat inside of straw with Dap Kwik Seal clear household adhesive. 11. Reattach thread and tie base of straw behind eyes. Press straw down on hook shank to glue straw to body materials. Tie a short mono weed guard on belly of fly just behind eye of hook. Coat thread wraps with Sally Hansen’s. Done! www.TSFMAG.com

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Texas Saltwater Fishing

41

IT WAS BACK IN 2004. I will never

Florida and expanded across to Louisiana

of the year and they receive free entry into a

forget participating in my first redfish tournament

and eventually to Texas in 2004. The IFA has

2008 tournament. The tournaments also have

and my initial expectations of doing well. After

continued to evolve to find their niche in the

national television coverage.

fishing several Gulf Coast Troutmaster events,

redfish tournament market. An impressive

here was a tournament in which I thought I

array of sponsors support the Redfish Tour and

could excel. How hard could it be to catch

allows the tour to offer numerous contingency

with a first prize of a Ranger Banshee boat

two big old rubberlips? The tournament was

prizes from Ranger Boats, Cabela’s, Minn Kota,

rigged with a 40 HP Yamaha 4 Stroke and other

in Aransas Pass, an area I had never fished

Humminbird, Loadmaster trailers, Solar Bat

tournament extras valued at $20,000. The IFA

before, but had read plenty about. All we had to

Glasses and Keelshield. The Redfish Tour is the

Redfish Tour Championship has a first place

do was drift Estes Flats or Redfish Bay and we

only large scale tournament that offers teams a

prize of a Ranger 173 Ghost rigged with a 115

would catch two fish, and if lucky we would win.

genuine shot at a national championship at an

Yamaha 4 stroke at a total value of $34,000. No

At the captain’s meeting the night before the

affordable price.

other redfish tournament in Texas offers as rich

tournament, I decided to buy a couple of raffle tickets and when the last prize came up, I found

The entry fee for the tournaments is $400

a first prize for such a modest entry fee.

The Tour has setup the most unique and

myself winning a brand new trolling motor. As

angler friendly tournament and championship

I picked the motor up, the tournament director

format available. There are 6 divisions in the

to fish the IFA Redfish Tour Championship. So

said, “It sure is bad luck to win this, you probably

IFA Redfish Tour Series. The divisions cover

if you are like me and had to work the weekend

won’t catch anything tomorrow.” Sure enough,

the south and southeast gulf coasts. There is a

of the first Texas IFA tournament, you are not

all we went home with that weekend with was an

Florida East and West, Georgia, South Carolina,

eligible for the Divisional Team of the Year. But,

empty gas tank, a new trolling motor and plenty

Louisiana and Texas Division. Each division

but can run to Louisiana and fish a “makeup”

of bruises to our egos.

has 3 one-day tournaments that culminate in

tournament in that division and still qualify for

That tournament

Any team that fishes three events is eligible

a year-end two day championship that allows

the championship. There is no better tour for

was the first Inshore

competition between all of the divisions. Each

teams looking to represent their sponsors and

Fishing Association

division has a divisional team of the year for

have a realistic shot at winning the Redfish

(IFA) Redfish Tour

teams fishing all three events in one division.

Tour Championship for maximum sponsor

(www.redfishtour.

The divisional teams of the year compete in

exposure. And did I mention the best thing,

com) event in Texas.

the national championship for overall team

not only will fishing three events get you into

In 2004, there were 3 events called the Texas Draw and the IFA was really the only game in town for the new (at least to Texas) style redfish tournaments. The only other big tournament was the Redfish Cup which was full up and had people on a waiting list. In just over 3 years, things have changed, but the IFA Redfish Tour remains as one of the top tours in which anglers can participate.

The IFA Redfish Tour was the pioneer in the development and promotion of professional redfish tournaments. Brand new in 2000,

IFA championship trophies on display.

the IFA Redfish Tour started in 42

Texas Saltwater Fishing

August 2007

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43

2006 IFA champions, FROM FLORIDA, Lets get it back to Texas.

the championship, but the Championship is

trail, the benefits, entry

FREE. That’s right; there is no entry fee for

fees and coverage, it

a chance to win a $34,000 boat. For 2007,

is no wonder that the

the Championship will most likely be held in

tour is known as the,

the tournament setup. The angler feedback

Pensacola, Florida.

“strongest grass roots inshore tournament

is what allows the tournament to continue to

series dedicated to catch and release in

be successful for both the tournament and

competitive fishing.”

the anglers.

Last year I decided to compete in the Oh Boy Oberto Redfish Cup. Their tour schedule included two tournaments in Florida, one in

For 2007, there is one tournament remaining

As I write this, it is the week before the

Louisiana, and two in Texas. With gas at $3.00

on September 08 in Rockport, Texas. If you

IFA Redfish Tour in Corpus Christi. Yesterday,

a gallon, the entire year really took a toll on my

haven’t yet fished with the IFA, this will be the

my partner and I made a long drive to Flour

team’s pocketbook. The bottom line was that

perfect time to get acquainted with what they

Bluff and spent the day prefishing the Upper

unless you won a tournament, it was difficult to

offer and also to get your team ready for 2008.

Laguna Madre. We were successful in finding

break even. This year, I made the decision to

I have personally talked with the IFA members

the perfect school of fish. We boated a 27-inch

compete closer to home. The IFA Redfish Tour

and participated in their tournaments and

redfish, a 28¼, and a 26 ½ that would have

setup is perfect for teams that are looking to

can unconditionally say that the IFA Redfish

given us a very respectable 15-lbs for the day.

fish in their home waters and limit the amount of

Tour would not be here today after 7 years of

Like all tournaments we will hope that school

time spent traveling away from home or work. It

success without listening to the anglers and

stays in the area and that we are able to find

allows Texas tournament participation and then

bringing forward a great product. The IFA is

them again on tournament day. Not that I am

a real shot at being a Championship winner.

constantly taking input and I encourage anglers

superstitious (although I do always fish with my

When you look at the entire IFA Redfish Tour

to let them know what they like and dislike about

lucky rock), but I think at this IFA tournament I will increase my odds of winning and not buy a raffle ticket.

IFA winners at Port Aransas from April 2007.

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August 2007

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As of this writing the big game fishing in Texas has gotten off to a slow start. So far we’ve had plenty of rough weather, lots of rain and not a whole lot of fish. Yellowfin tuna have been pretty hard to come by. There are a good number of dolphin and wahoo; however the elusive blue marlin has been pretty elusive.

The weather did not bother Capt. Billy Evans and team on the Adelante who won the 3rd Annual Houston Invitational Billfish Tournament, put on by the Houston Big Game Fishing Club and held out of the Galveston Yacht Basin. Adelante owner Gaile Henry caught 2 blue marlin scoring 2000 points to win the event.

A total of 21 boats caught 6 blue marlin and 1 sailfish. The winning yellowfin tuna was 58.1 lbs caught on the Cherry Rose. The winning wahoo was 64.5 lbs. caught on the Legacy and winning dolphin was a whopping 51.7 lbs caught aboard the Nacho Cabo.

For more information about the Houston Big Game Fishing Club, go to www.hbgfc.com.

August is a great time of year for big game fishing in the Gulf of Mexico. As long as we don’t have any tropical stuff around, the seas are usually flat and the wind calm for much of the month. It’s probably the best opportunity for smaller boats to get out to deep water and try their luck with some big fish. With no wind it can get pretty hot out there, but the fishing can be even hotter.

We picked this time of year to hold the Texas Legends Billfish Tournament because of the stable weather. It is held just after the Texas International Fishing Tournament in South Padre and just before the Texas Women Anglers Tournament in Port Aransas. Tournament fishermen can stay plenty busy this month.

The Legends returns to Port Aransas where last year’s event was a great success. We are very pleased to have Marinemax/Hatteras as our title sponsor again this year. Last year thirty-two boats caught and released a total of 20 blue marlin, 5 white marlin and 8 sailfish. In addition three swordfish were also caught. Our video release format assures all releases are authentic.

The Legends was created to honor the lives of Texans who have made a difference in Big Game Fishing. The tournament is 46

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also an I.G.F.A. Offshore World Championship qualifying event. The winning team will receive an invitation to the I.G.F.A. Offshore World Championship Tournament in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. $50,000 in prize money goes to the boat that breaks the Texas State Record for blue marlin during the tournament. $15,000 in prize money also goes to the boat breaking the Texas State Record for yellowfin tuna during the tournament. The Port Aransas weigh-in and awards allows fishermen easy access to the nearby rocks and rigs that this area is famous for. The tournament has grown every year and this year should be no exception. The Legends also hosts the Texas Saltwater Fishing Hall of Fame – Big Game Awards. Inductees are awarded at the Memorial Dinner, after weighin on Saturday night. For more information or to receive a full color brochure on the Texas Legends Billfish Tournament, you may contact tournament headquarters at Tops-N-Towers, 281-474-4000.

Capt. Bill Hart last year.

Capt. Bill Hart amongst friends.

he taught many of us how to fish. He was

way. We hope you will join us for this year’s

always friendly, even to guys from up the coast

tournament in Port Aransas, August 9-12th,

that he barely knew. When someone asked

as we honor old friends, catch some great fish

him about fishing he was glad to help them

and celebrate our big game fishing heritage.

out. Capt. Bill was a true fisherman, equally

For more information please go to

at home behind the wheel of a million dollar

www.txlegends.com.

sportfisherman or in an old johnboat catching redfish. Many of us have fond memories of

Capt. Bill Hart

We didn’t know Capt. Bill Hart as well as a lot of people did, but we can tell you that he was one of the most respected captains to ever fish our waters. When the fishing was tough and no one was having much luck, Capt. Bill would pull one out of his magical hat. The fact that he won more tournaments than just about anybody else was one thing, but his legacy goes a lot further,

Capt. Bill and his thick — raspy voice on the radio. This year we had to say goodbye to an old friend.

Capt. Bill Hart grew up fishing the coastal bays and surf near Port Aransas, TX. His naval experience in World War II allowed him to get his captain license and he began commercial fishing. In 1968, he started charter fishing, first on his own boat then operating private boats for wealthy owners. He traveled around the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean fishing many areas with great success. Soon, Capt. Bill was well

Upcoming Events Texas Legends Billfish Tournament www.txlegends.com

known as he followed his “tournament trail”.

His unmistakable hoarse cry “hooked-up!” was recognized from the Bahamas to Belize. Capt.

Bill was one of the most successful captains around, winning countless tournaments

Texas International Fishing Tournament www.tift.org

including two first place wins at the Poco Bueno Invitational — the most expensive tournament in Texas and for many years the most high-priced tournament in the nation.

Texas Women Anglers Tournament www.gofishtx.com/TWA/Home

Many of the captains and mates running boats today learned how to fish from Capt. Bill.

This year we have decided to honor the

Texas Saltwater Fishing Hall of Fame www.txsaltwaterfishinghall.com IGFA www.igfa.org

Born in Galveston, graduate of Texas A&M, Capt. John grew up fishing and diving the Gulf of Mexico. A professional captain for over 25 years, he runs a 46’ sportfishing boat out of Freeport, Texas. Capt.

John is also partners with Bobby in Byrd & Cochrane, specializing in yacht brokerage and sportfishing consulting. For more information go to www.byrd-cochrane.com or contact John at captjohn@ foxyachtsales.com.

A native Texan, Bobby Byrd began fishing at the young age of eight, when he was a deck hand on his Dad’s boat. He fished with his father in the Gulf of Mexico, Bahamas and Mexico for many years of his life. In 1995, Bobby combined his love of the water and boating into a business when he opened Tops-N-Towers, a custom aluminum fabrication business in Seabrook, Texas. For more information you can contact Bobby at www.topsntowers.com.

Contact Byrd & Cochrane 281-291-0656 Tops-N-Towers 281-474-4000

legacy of Captain Bill Hart at the Texas Legends Billfish Tournament. The Top Captain Award will now be known as the Capt.

Bill Hart Memorial Trophy. We consider it a privilege to have known Capt. Bill and we

Website www.byrd-cochrane.com www.topsntowers.com www.foxyachtsales.com www.stingercustomlures.com

feel fortunate to be able to honor him in this 48

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CCA Texas Executive Board

important species in the Gulf of Mexico (red drum,

recently approved $32,000 in funding for a study

southern flounder, blue crabs, shrimp, etc.) is

on the Port Mansfield Channel and its impacts to

dependant on flow and circulation through tidal

seatrout through Port Mansfield using otolith

recreational fisheries in the Laguna Madre, Texas.

inlets and a reduction in the flow and/or closure of

microchemistry and genetic analyses.

This study will be conducted by Dr. Greg Stunz,

Port Mansfield Channel may lead to lower larval

Ph.D. with Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi.

supply and ultimately a decrease in fisheries

to complete. The first year will be spent collecting

The Port Mansfield Channel has historically

3. Examine migration patterns of spotted

This study will take approximately two years

productivity in the lower Laguna Madre. This

data and the second will be spent putting this

provided water exchange between the Gulf of

study will shed light on the effects of reduced

important information together and writing the

Mexico and the lower Laguna Madre; however,

flow and/or a closure of this inlet. In addition

scientific analysis that will be published in peer-

there has been much concern recently over the

to the habitat and flow studies, geographic

reviewed scientific journals.

rapid closure of this inlet due to sedimentation.

characteristics of spotted seatrout will be studied

This potential closure has many recreational

in the lower Laguna Madre area using otolith

billion/year industry to Texas. The recreational

anglers concerned and how it would impact the

and genetic-based techniques to examine if the

industry is important to coastal communities

species that use it for access to nursery habitats.

closure of the Port Mansfield Channel will affect

up and down the Texas coast and especially to

Dr. Stunz’s study will provide much-needed

migration patterns of spotted seatrout.

the Port Mansfield area. Where fisheries data

information about many aspects of this region

Dr. Stunz’s study focuses on three objectives:

is lacking, it is important to pursue the research

including fisheries abundance, migration, and

1. Assess the impact of closing Port Mansfield

Recreational fisheries represent a $1.3

necessary in helping fisheries managers make

nursery habitat use in the Port Mansfield Channel

Channel on sport fish populations in the lower

the right decisions and provide the data to fight

area of the Laguna Madre.

Laguna Madre.

for the actions needed to maintain these

Larval transport from offshore spawning

2. Examine impact of Port Mansfield Channel

grounds to estuarine nursery habitats for

on nursery recruitment potential for sportfishes

For Crystal Beach resident,

and then went in to clean house and do other

Deborah Alston, “Luck Be a Lady”, or in this case

chores. When I finished my work I decided to

a tagged redfish for a lucky lady angler. And

try my luck again. I had just baited my hook with

guess what, it happened on the luckiest day of

a shrimp and cast the line when my daughter

the year, July 7, 2007 (7-7-07)… how appropriate!

called. I sat in my chair at the bulkhead and told

Here’s her story.

her I would have to let her go if I caught a fish.

I grew up fishing Crystal Beach with my dad.

sensitive ecosystems.

With my rod in one hand and the phone in the

East Bay and the Dirty Pelican pier were our

other, I got a hard bite and hooked what I could

revealed a red tag. I’ve always wondered what

favorite places. My husband and I would borrow

tell was a big fish. I quickly said “Jess I have a

the STAR tags look like and where they place

his dad’s aluminum boat (no motor) and paddle

big fish, I have to let you go.” I think I hung up

them. There was no mistake, this fish had a

out past the surf to fish until we purchased our

before she could say good-bye, but she’s used

tag. I could not believe it. I continued to call out

first boat. Now I have the good fortune to live on a

to her mom fishing and I know she didn’t take

trying to get somebody’s attention when I saw my

canal and can fish at my home.

it personally.

neighbor, Mike Didio, across the street. I finally

I have been in the STAR Tournament for a few

The fish made several good runs and rolled a

got his attention and he began walking toward

years now and every time I fish I think maybe

couple times, I couldn’t help but wonder if it might

me. I kept telling him to hurry and he shouted out,

today I’ll catch a tagged redfish. My husband

be a tagged redfish. I was by myself and knew

“I’m coming Deborah, what is it?” When I told him

teases me about fishing so much and always

I would need somebody to help with the net. I

I had a tagged red he began moving very quickly

talking about catching a tagged red. But I tell him

began calling out for my next door neighbor but

and just then Tina drove up. With Mike’s help on

that you can’t catch a tagged redfish unless you

no one was outside. I kept calling and finally Tina

the net I successfully landed the fish.

fish. Fishing is my sport and my time to relax and

McGee from across the canal called back.

enjoy being outdoors.

Saturday morning, I fished for a couple hours 50

using nearby habitats in the lower Laguna Madre.

Texas Saltwater Fishing

I continued to work with my fish. As it got close to the bulkhead, it turned on its side and August 2007

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…Continued from page 50

was an old tag from a previous tournament year. We placed the fish in the cooler and headed immediately to Stingaree Marina. Brad and Jim Vratis looked at it and removed the algae to reveal Tag #T730, the CCA tag for this year! I began to jump up and down and I am still floating around in disbelief!

As of mid-July, we’ve had reports of seven tagged redfish caught and so far Deborah Alston is the only confirmed winner. She will receive a 2007 Ford F-150 “Texas Edition” truck with a 22-foot Blue Wave 220 Super Tunnel boat during the STAR Awards Ceremony on Oct. 4, 2007. Fifty-three tagged redfish are still out there swimming around just waiting to be caught and plenty of prizes are still up for grabs. WOULD SOMEBODY CATCH ONE, PLEASE?!!!

Four Ford truck/Blue Wave boat/Mercury motor combos and five Blue Wave boat/Mercury motor combos hang in the balance.

Don’t end up like the other unlucky anglers who caught tagged redfish and instead of enjoying a new truck and boat had some very expensive filets! Don’t let this happen to you! There is still time to enter. The “largest, richest, longest saltwater tournament anywhere”, so the media says, continues until 5p.m. on Monday, Sept. 3 (Labor Day). Anglers have the whole month of August, plus three days in September to try their shot at way over a $1,000,000 in prizes in Texas’ largest, richest, summer-long, saltwater fishing event. Get everyone signed up for the 2007 STAR.

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Field Notes

When the 80th Legislature

3 is a culmination of careful and deliberate

from Texas Parks & Wildlife Commission, Texas

finally adjourned at midnight on May 28, 2007,

work by a core group of dedicated and diverse

Water Development Board (TWDB) and the

Senate Bill 3 had passed. Governor Perry signed

stakeholders and is endorsed by interests

Texas Commission on Environmental Quality

the legislation on June 15, making Senate Bill 3

ranging from environmental groups to

(TCEQ). The Advisory Group will conduct public

effective September 1, 2007. Although several

water developers.

hearings and specifically address ways to ensure ecological soundness of river, bay and

sections of the “omnibus” water bill contain controversial measures, environmental flow

For the first time in Texas Senate Bill 3

estuary systems. The Advisory Group is also

protection enjoys broad support. However this

sets out a comprehensive, statewide approach

required to issue a report by December 1, 2008,

wasn’t always the case.

for reserving sufficient water to protect

summarizing hearings and studies, proposed

environmental flow regimes for Texas rivers

legislation, progress in implementation and any

and bays. An “environmental flow regime” is a

other findings and recommendations.

Texas has evolved in its thinking about the importance of environmental flows. In the not

schedule of seasonal and yearly river inflows

too distant past, the conventional wisdom, at

that reflects seasonal and yearly fluctuations

least among water developers, was that any

adequate to support a sound ecological

of the Texas Environmental Flows Science

drop of water that made it to the coast was a

environment and to maintain the productivity,

Advisory Committee (Science Committee). The

drop of water wasted. When the mighty Rio

extent and persistence of key aquatic habitats.

Science Committee, to be appointed by the

Grande ceased to flow to the Gulf of Mexico

For example, to support a sound ecological

Advisory Group, will develop recommendations

in 2001 (picture below), the debate seemed to

environmental in an estuary like San Antonio Bay

to provide direction and consistency to existing

shift from whether environmental flows should

(see picture below), seasonal freshwater inflows

environmental flow methodologies and programs

be protected to how environmental flows

needed to maintain salinity gradients in the bay

at TCEQ, TWDB, and TPWD and the work of

should be protected. More than one attempt

are important. See the March 2005 issue of Gulf

basin and bay expert science teams.

was made to find consensus on the issue but

Coast Connections article “Freshwater Inflow

finally during the most recent legislative session

Needs Studies – The Texas Bays and Estuaries

The Advisory Group is also responsible for

success was achieved. Article 1 of Senate Bill

Program” for a description of how environmental

appointing the basin and bay area stakeholder

flows are determined.

Senate Bill 3 also calls for the creation

committee for each river basin and bay system.

Each stakeholder committee must include at least 17 members who reflect a fair and equitable balance of interests ranging from agricultural interests to environmental interests.

Recreational water users, including coastal recreational anglers and businesses supporting water recreation as well as commercial fisherman are specifically identified as interests to be represented on the stakeholder committees. Each local

The new legislation creates

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Texas Saltwater Fishing

stakeholder committee will in turn appoint an

the Environmental Flows

expert science team to assist in the process.

Advisory Group (Advisory Group

TPWD, TCEQ and TWDB will provide technical

for short), consisting of house

assistance and may serve as non-voting

and senate members, governor

team members on these expert science

appointees and a member each

teams. Environmental flow regimes are to be

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1, 2007. The Trinity/San Jacinto and Sabine/

as soon as reasonably

Neches River and bay systems make up the

possible — considering

first phase bay-basin systems. Those basin and

recommendations

bay stakeholder committees are required to

from stakeholder

create expert science teams by March 1, 2008

committees, expert science teams and in

— who are then expected to finalize and submit

coordination with TCEQ, TPWD, and TWDB.

environmental flow regime recommendations

Finally, the Advisory Group will establish

by March 1, 2009. The stakeholder committees

schedules for other areas not specifically listed.

will submit comments on the recommendations

by September 1, 2009 and the TCEQ will adopt

Stakeholder committees with assistance

environmental flow standards by September

of expert science teams will prepare and

1, 2010.

submit for approval by the Advisory Group a work plan that establishes periodic review

developed and recommended by the expert

of the recommendations and standards at

and basin stakeholder committees for the second

least once every 10 years, prescribes studies

committees, and submitted to TCEQ for formal

phase of bay-basin systems, the Colorado/

and establishes a schedule for validation or

adoption as commission rules. TCEQ may not

Lavaca and Guadalupe/San Antonio/ Mission/

refinement of recommendations and standards.

issue new water right permits or amend water

Aransas river and bay systems by September

right permits if the issuance of the permit will

1, 2008. The Advisory Group will appoint the

flow standards for every bay-basin system in

impair environmental flow set-asides previously

members to the stakeholder committees for the

the state is complete, Texas will have

established by rule.

third phase of bay-basin systems, the Nueces

accomplished something no other state has

river and bay system, the Rio Grande river and

been able to do: protect environmental flows

bay system, and the Brazos river and bay system

for future generations.

The Advisory Group is directed to appoint

58

The Advisory Group is directed to appoint bay

science teams, adopted by the stakeholder

bay and basin stakeholder committees for the

by September 1, 2009. The Advisory Group will

first phase of bay–basin systems by November

establish a schedule of tasks for groups 2 and 3

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August 2007

When the process to establish environmental

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over to the dark side. No, I’m not talking about power-boating or joining PETA. The dark side I speak of is fishing when the sun don’t shine.

Night fishing from a kayak can be the ticket to getting your fishing fix without ending up suffering a heat stroke. I don’t think I need to remind you that August and September are traditionally two of the hottest months along the Texas coast. The scorching sun coupled with dead calm winds can wilt even the most hardcore fisherman. Many folks simply restrict their fishing time to the period from dawn until the sun rises far enough above the horizon to start the oven. On the worst days, that time period might only be two or three hours. For those of you who don’t live close to the water it gets to the point that you’re spending as much time on the road as you are on the water so why not take advantage of the dark and add a few hours to your next fishing trip?

The most common objection I hear to fishing at night is that guys don’t want to spend an entire night out on the water. They tell me it’s simply too much lost sleep to be worth it.

Somehow they’ve equated night fishing with pulling an all-nighter. Well folks, it doesn’t have to be that way. There’s no rule stating that you have to be out there from dusk until dawn. Why not plan a late evening trip that extends two or three hours past dusk? Or how about getting up and hitting the water at 3:00am instead of timing your launch with sunrise? Watch the tides and solunar charts to pick a time where the prime feed occurs just before dawn or right after dusk.

You might lose a few hours of sleep, but with a little planning I’m sure you can work in an afternoon nap to make up for it.

Excuse number two: The boogey man. For some reason it seems like there’s more potential to run across a giant shark or some other maneating creature during the night. I’ll be the first to admit that every noise is amplified in the dark.

Every splashing mullet or school of spooked baitfish sounds like a bull shark on the attack. In reality the potential threats are pretty much the same as during the light of day. You are far more 60

Texas Saltwater Fishing

likely to suffer oyster cuts or hook yourself than get your leg gnawed off by a killer shark.

A little common sense and caution should get you through the trip unscathed, just like a day trip.

What it all comes down to is that there is something strange about being out on the water in the dark. Man is very vision oriented and restricting or taking away our vision makes us uneasy. We rely heavily on our sense of sight in most every activity. And this certainly holds true for fishing. Everything from simple navigation to locating feeding fish is easier in the daylight. Ever try throwing your baitcaster on a pitch black night? You’d be surprised how hard it is to know exactly when to apply the right thumb pressure as the lure is touching down.

Even the most educated thumb can experience a professional over-run. And we won’t even get into tying knots in the dark with 40-somethingyear-old eyes.

So how do we overcome the obstacles and make a successful and safe trip? Just like our daytime endeavors, it’s all about equipment, knowledge, and common sense. I’ll get to the equipment in a minute because all the gear in the world can’t overcome a lack of the latter two. While it is always important to have a solid respect for the water while kayaking, it is amplified at night. Getting yourself into trouble in the dark, whether due to an accident or bad weather, might mean spending several extra hours waiting for rescue crews to locate you.

Nighttime is not the right time to push the limits.

My night trips take place during stable weather and are restricted to well protected areas that I am intimately familiar with. This is not the time to go exploring new territory. Stick to places you’ve fished in the past so there won’t be any unseen surprises. You’ll want to be familiar with the depths, any structure in the area, and how the tidal currents affect the area. And go with a buddy!

Properly equipping yourself for the task at hand is essential. Of course you’ll want all of August 2007

Photo by Scott Null

It’s about time to head

your usual safety equipment such as a good quality PFD and a well-stocked first aid kit.

Beyond the normal gear, right at the top of the equipment list is multiple sources of dependable lighting. There are so many great new lights on the market these days that weren’t available a few years ago. I can remember wearing a big awkward headlamp wired to a pair of six volt lantern batteries strapped to my waist and flashlights that were so dim and unreliable you could do better by lighting a match. Our spotlights required a car battery. Now I wear a tiny headlight from Petzl with five LED lights powered by watch batteries. The whole rig weighs just a few ounces and provides enough light to confidently walk the trail down to the launch. It even shines bright enough that I can see that damned spider web size mono when I need to tie on a new lure. I’ve also found a small spotlight made by Pelican that would make a freight train headlight jealous. This is my go-to light for signaling boaters as well as locating landmarks. It runs for hours on a set of four C batteries and is watertight to 500 feet. The total weight with batteries is maybe two pounds.

Of course you’ll also need the USCG required 360 degree white light. There are several battery operated models on the market made specifically for kayaks.

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Photo by Scott Null

One of the bonuses to starting your trip late in the evening

Photo by Dean Thomas

Ken Bankes hooked up to a nightime redfish.

these days, but as most fishermen can attest to they don’t handle moisture very well. A few drops of water in the wrong place is a problem.

Unfortunately most kayak disasters involve getting wet. Go ahead and carry your cell phone with you in some sort of dry storage, but get a handheld waterproof VHF for emergency communications. Store the VHF in an easily accessible location so you won’t have to go digging for it. And while we’re on the subject of electronics, a GPS is mighty handy. Not only will it help you navigate through the dark, it’ll also provide an accurate location in the event you have to use that VHF. Now, on to the whole reason we’re out there braving the night. I can tell you from experience that the trout and reds you seek love to feed under the cover of night. This holds true throughout the year, but really comes into play when it gets hot. One of the main reasons is hot water holds less dissolved oxygen. Lower oxygen levels cause the fish to become lethargic. The cooler temperatures and increased oxygen levels at night often lead to the increased feeding activity we’re looking for. The predators also enjoy using the cover of darkness to their advantage in ambushing baitfish. One thing I’ve noticed about night fish is that they seem to be much more aggressive and less skittish.

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Texas Saltwater Fishing

fishing. The one most everyone has done at some point is fishing around pier lights. This is a highly effective route for big numbers of small fish. Sure there are occasional catches of larger trout and reds under the lights, but the majority of the time you’ll be culling through the dinks to get a few keepers. A kayak can be a great tool for cruising through the canals of waterfront communities looking for productive lights. Many homeowners have their pier lights set on timers and they’ll come on shortly after dark whether the owner is home or not. Some lights are better than others and you might need to test several before you find a good one. And while it is true that the waters are open to the public, it is bad form to horn in on a light being fished by the homeowner. You’ve got the mobility of your kayak. Avoid the conflict and move on to an unattended light. I tend to throw very small soft plastics and topwaters around the lights. Clear or silver lures seem to draw the most attention.

For consistently larger fish you’ll want to move away from the lights and get out onto the flats and in the marshes. I wish I could say there was some great secret to catching these fish, but it really isn’t a huge mystery. The big trout might be found in shallower water than normal, but for the most part I fish the same areas I fish during the daylight hours. And although they can be caught with most any type of lure, I prefer a medium sized dark topwater. These are aggressive fish that usually won’t hesitate to slam a floater. The sound of a big trout busting a bait in the dark has to be experienced to be fully August 2007

appreciated. If you like topwater bites, you need to try this.

Probably the most asked question about night fishing is in regards to the moon. Which is better, a full moon or no moon? My personal preference is a big full moon rising right after the sun sets. With that said, I’ve fished all different moon phases and caught fish. It still comes down to the same things as your daylight trips. You need tide movement, baitfish, and preferably a major/minor feeding period. I’d suggest you choose a full moon night for your first few trips for the simple reason that you’ll have more light to work with. A new moon period can be incredibly dark and you might want to get some experience under your belt before attempting a trip under those conditions.

So what are you waiting for? Now that you know there aren’t any big secret handshake kinds of mysteries involved in nighttime kayak fishing all that’s left is finding a partner to join you. Good luck and be safe out there.

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I was recently talking to a friend about the recent sale of the Anger Management (my boat of the last 6 years) and he made the comment, “If only that boat could talk.” That of course got me to thinking about all the memories that were made- the fish, the excitement and all of the smiles. Well that boat cannot talk but I thought I would share some of the memories from the first sunrise until the last.

William Meyers with a little tunny.

The Anger Management’s first sunrise.

Lots of smiles.

Lots of excitement.

Gray Thorton’s first red on fly.

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Burt Moritz with one of many reds from the best day of redfishing that I ever saw.

The last sunrise of the Anger Management.

Jay Hoffman proudly displays a nice red caught by his son David on the Anger Managements last day on the water.

Even I had the chance to catch a fish or two.

The last fish ever caught on the Anger Management.

Talk about a memory — My friend Shane with his first snook-20 lbs.

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My dad promised he would take

the mud, and they

me to the beach to do some surf fishing this

also managed to

summer. Surf fishing is something I have never

brag about the

done and been longing to do for a very long

good fishing trips

time. I have heard and read about stories of big

they experienced.

fish and different species of fish caught in the

The culprits of this mess have no respect for the resources that we all enjoy.

surf. My anticipation was running high for the day to finally arrive, and it did with lots of humor

surf was up and the color of the water was

may I add. Joining us on the trip was my uncle

murky, but it didn’t matter. I speedily jumped

said because that got my father going again

Freddy, and when you get both him and my dad

out and started plugging hoping for that bite

tossing remarks towards my uncle about his

together, watch out because fireworks are going

that I had long waited for. Wading thru the surf

tardiness. Our first spot lacked a bite so we

to fly.

quickly made me realize that reading the water

moved on, sightseeing some as this was all

To start off, my dad is very punctual and my

was totally different than I was accustomed to

new to me. As we drove along the beach, we

uncle is not, so you can see where I am going.

on the bay. Here was this huge body of water

witnessed one lucky angler catch his meal for

My uncle was an hour late which made it an

and where the fish were I had no idea. I kept

the day, a very nice redfish.

interesting morning; that is until we reached

plugging and could not help myself look at

familiar places on the way down that brought

all the trash that people had left behind. Just

Grande River made me think of its past history

back childhood memories for my dad and uncle.

the thought of these people having so much

I had learned in history class. My uncle had

Their provoking turned into interesting stories

disrespect for the resource we so much enjoy

mentioned that not long ago the river had

about their visits and adventures to the beach.

brought an irritated feeling.

stopped flowing, which made an impact on

They talked about how much of a treat it was

68

All this talk made it even more alluring to me. As we arrived, the

During my first wade a few friends pulled up

Driving closer to the mouth of the Rio

the fishing and the fish itself. As we arrived,

to visit the beach as youngsters. They also

and mentioned the bite was on earlier in the

the river was flowing through; however, to my

mentioned a few episodes of getting stuck in

morning. I shouldn’t have repeated what they

surprise the Mexican side was not far off. We

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Fishermen on the far end are actually fishing on the Mexican side.

This lucky angler shows off his catch.

were fishing alongside two Mexican

I was so determined to catch my

anglers who seemed to be fishing

first fish on the surf that even long

on the same side as we were; only a

after my dad and uncle quit fishing

sandbar and a narrow gut separated

I kept casting away. All of sudden

us from them. The current was swift

a thump was felt at the end of my

and bait was visible. Things looked

line. I set the hook on a fish that

good for me catching my first fish on

seemed to ride the waves back to

the surf. I was on the receiving end of

shore. As it got closer, I realized it

a few small bites but nothing big.

was a skipjack, and it wanted no part

Continuing to wade and cast, I

of my grip. I enjoyed my first and

quickly learned to have nothing but

only fish of the day, soon releasing

respect for the surf. The waves kept

it back where it came from. Looking

pounding on my stomach and not far

over to the truck I could see my dad

off the shore was a deep gut with a

and uncle laughing away. This trip

strong undertow that could carry any

was a success not only because my

angler off his feet. All this was a new

dad and uncle laughed as much as I

experience for me, and I was enjoying

fished, but it brought back memories

every moment despite the slow bite.

of their childhood days and gave

Again, I could not help myself from

me an enlightening experience of

thinking about how primitive and

the resources we have in our own

beautiful this land used to be. How

backyard. Even though I struck out in

good the fishing must have been

the catching department, I received a

before the dams were built upriver.

homerun in education and stories of

The thought of all the treasures that

the past. You bet I will be back, and

lie underneath the ground from the

you too can experience what you’re

days of colonization on the banks

local beach has to offer. Remember

of the Rio Grande made this trip all

to take care and pick up your trash

worth while. It didn’t matter if the

so that others can enjoy the resource

fishing was slow just the education

that gives us much. Hurry, Surf’s Up!

Surf’s up at Boca Chica Beach.

and the beauty of the land made it interesting.

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71

jim dailey

“A look back at the way it was,” in the words of the fishermen who were there! the anchor off to a bollard and used the boat to pull it and that was pretty wild but we managed.

Jim Dailey was born at St. Joseph’s Hospital

When we got the anchor up it was bent badly and

– Houston, Texas in 1938. Jim’s father was a

pretty near useless. We were really in trouble

thoracic surgeon and served in the US Armed

at that point because there was no way to set it

Forces during WWII. His father moved them to

again and we had no spare. It was impossible to

California during the war and they returned to Houston in 1946. Being devout Catholics, Jim

attempt a bay crossing.

Some of the work we did in the early days was

Now Lex was just something else, he was a

was educated in parochial schools and then

pretty exciting. Net sets were predetermined by

fine man and knew more than anybody I ever

began his college education at Notre Dame.

the department and all the field stations on the

worked with. He knew every inch of that bay;

Jim says, “As a youngster all I cared about

coast sent crews out at the same time. Weather

he worked that big boat in behind a bar that had

was hunting and fishing, that’s what led me to

advisories were nothing like we have today and

a deep gut behind it and that put us in a safe

my career in fisheries biology.” Leaving Notre

we sometimes got surprised. We had a set to

harbor. We finally went to bed and rode out the

Dame, Jim also attended University of Texas and

make right around Thanksgiving and Lex Sutton

rest of the storm. We had a small stove going for

the University of Houston before serving in the

and I took the Snook, our 27-footer that had a

heat and I guess we were becoming asphyxiated

United States Navy. After the Navy, Jim attended

small cabin, and towed two net skiffs. We were

as I awoke about 2:00am with an awful

Texas A&M and graduated with a degree in

planning to make an overnight stay on Matagorda

headache. I got up and started looking around

wildlife science and fisheries in 1968.

Peninsula which was normal and we also took

and there were lights flashing everywhere. The

fishing tackle, shotguns and floundering gear.

guys at Palacios tried to get us on the radio but

“I had a job before I got out of school,” Jim told me. “When I left A&M I moved to Palacios

Back then when we made a set we stayed with

we had shut it off to save the battery, that’s when

and worked for Texas Parks and Wildlife as a

it overnight, fishing and maybe a quick duck hunt

they sent the Coast Guard. They came in a big

biologist for 30 years. I retired in 1998 and I

at daylight were usually part of our plan before

cutter to see if we wanted a tow but we had our

guess I’m right back where I started, all I do now

we worked the net. On this trip, we got surprised

skiffs and all our gear. Lex already had us behind

is hunt and fish.”

by a huge nor’wester and it blew like I’d never

that bar so we decided to stay. It was all pretty

Jim Dailey’s contribution to Texas coastal

seen. We had the Snook anchored about 100

wild but a great adventure none the less.

fishing is considerable. Jim joined the TPW team

yards offshore when that thing hit and the bay

when modern fisheries management was in its

was full of water. Naturally the water all piled onto

cleaned up and back in working order. My skiff

infancy and helped forge many of the strategies

the south shoreline and the breakers rolling in

had taken a pounding and was filled completely

and procedures that are the backbone of today’s

there were huge and dangerous.

with shell and sand. We cleaned it out and found

management programs. Thanks to Jim Dailey

We decided during the night that we needed to

We got started early trying to get everything

there was no damage so we got it running and

and others like him, we enjoy some of the best

move the Snook as the sea was still building. Lex

took off to get our net. I learned immediately that

fishing to be found anywhere on the gulf coast.

was running the boat and the anchor had buried

there is no time like a big norther for net fishing.

so deep that I couldn’t pull it by myself and Lex

That set caught more fish than I ever saw. It

had his hands full at the helm. Finally we tied

took a while to get it untangled and gathered

Come along and let’s listen to the conclusion of his tales of the way it was in Part IV.

and under the conditions we couldn’t even count the fish. That was one Hell of an adventure and I’m not ashamed to admit that storm really scared me. Old Lex took it right in stride though, he was quite a man and if he was scared it never showed.

Our entry into the hatchery program was another assignment that brought lots of hard 72

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73

work but also a lot of fun and adventure.

sizes for raising and studying shrimp. Back

He taught us how to check the redfish to see

Bob Kemp had taken over as the Director of

then, the management of the shrimp fisheries

if they were ready to spawn and then how to

Fisheries and he had a great vision for what

was one of TPWD’s primary projects.

get the eggs and incubate them. It was all very

we could accomplish on the coast. Kemp

Kemp had Connie Arnold come up to

crude by today’s standard but it worked and it

orchestrated the demise of the commercial

Palacios and he got us lined out on our first

lead to what has grown to become the finest

net fishing industry and set the groundwork for

projects. We wanted to build a redfish hatchery

marine hatcheries in the whole country. Almost

much of what we have going on today. Walter

but God Almighty we were green, it’s a good

all the other state agencies that have set up

Fondren and the GCCA did a fantastic job of

thing Connie knew what he was doing. They

marine hatchery facilities came to Texas and

pushing the legislature to declare trout and reds

sent me and Bob Calura down to Matagorda

patterned their facilities after ours. Today we

gamefish and we were entering a new era. Prior

Island to catch some bull reds that were ready

are stocking about 25 million redfish fingerlings

to this time, all the fish were considered most

to spawn. The Army base was still open and

every year.

valuable from a commercial perspective and

we built a holding pen there at their docks. We

little management effort was expended to build

had an old Dodge Power Wagon and some 150

has contributed positively to our redfish stocks

a recreational fishery. Kemp changed all that.

quart ice chests and our rods and reels. Now

but there is still so much yet to be discovered.

that was fun, I never took vacation back then

The one question that we had just began

because I didn’t want to miss any of it.

working on when I retired was how to measure

As soon as the netting was stopped we began to see an increase in the number of larger trout and reds, but Bob Kemp wanted

We’d run down the beach until we found a

There is no doubt that the hatchery program

the impact of the stocking program. We had

more. His background was in freshwater

likely spot and we’d get out and try to catch

begun placing micro-chips in some of the fish

fisheries and stocking programs were the

some mature fish. About the only thing we

and Bob Calura’s team at the Perry R. Bass

backbone there. Naturally, he wanted to

knew in the beginning was that we needed big

Research Station were looking into genetic

develop a hatchery program for the coast.

ones, breeders. We caught lots of reds but

markers, anything that would help us discover

the big ones were hard to come by. We knew

how many of the fish swimming in the bay and

became the Perry R. Bass Marine Fisheries

they spawned in the surf but little else. We

breeding in the gulf originated in our hatcheries.

Research Station. In the beginning, this facility

spent nearly the entire fall catching the fish

Where these programs will eventually lead us

worked mostly on shrimp culture and it had

we used to set up the first experiments. We’d

is yet to be seen but they are the best in the

almost forty acres in ponds and lakes of various

run a ¼-inch nylon rope through their lip and

country and the fishermen who come to the

throw them in the ice

coast are the beneficiaries of all that TPWD

chest and come flying

has done.

We had the facility at Palacios that eventually

back up to the Army base as fast as that old

Looking back over my career I can say

Power Wagon could

that it was great. I joined the department at

go. We’d dump them

the time when the focus was shifting from

in the holding pen and

commercial fisheries to recreational. We had

run back down hoping

no idea at that time how the popularity of

for another. Those fish

sportfishing would explode and how many

were so wild by the time

people would benefit from our work. I watched

we got ready to move

as many young biologists came through the

them to Palacios we’d

system, some moved on and found other jobs

have to drug them to

and made fortunes. For me though, I was an

prevent them hurting

outdoorsman, a hunter and a fisherman and

themselves while we

I loved the coast, leaving really wasn’t really

loaded them on the

much of an option.

Snook. Little did we

And so today as a retired Parks and Wildlife

know that Pass Cavallo

biologist, all I want to do is fish and hunt, kind

and the Matagorda Ship

of right back where I started. I’m proud of the

Channel Jetties were

work we did and I wouldn’t trade the memories

full of bull reds; but that

for anything. Right now it’s time for me to say

would have taken most

good-bye and go fishing. If you’re ever down

of the fun out of it.

along Green’s Bayou or Cotton’s and see an

Connie had us build some tanks, the

old man up in knee-deep water with a fly rod, it might just be me. Good Luck and Good Fishing!

first ones were out of plywood with seawater running through them.

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If you have ever waded, you have likely heard a buddy cry out; “Lots of rays in here… better slide your feet!”

We all hope that by dragging our feet along the bay floor we will avoid stepping on a ray. It goes without saying that our senses go on full alert when we see a ray gliding along; we shift into low gear and shuffle forward, but is that enough? What about murky water? What happens when we step in a hole? What about thick grass where rays will bed completely hidden? How about when we yank a vigorous hookset and take half a step back to gain leverage… what then? In case you haven’t noticed, rays are opportunistic hunters, fond of trailing waders and ambushing small organisms we scare up from the bay bottom.

Every angler that wades places himself in harm’s way. I think we can all shudder at the number of times something fluttered underfoot or brushed a wading bootie or bare leg. We probably also know somebody whose luck ran out.

Is experience and perfecting our wading technique enough? Capt. Mike McBride took one in the Achilles’ tendon last summer. Capt. Billy Sandifer has been hit several times in the surf, once in the sole of his foot. Capt. Lynn Smith took a hit high on his calf several years ago. Capt.

Chad Peterek was the unluckiest. Chad suffered a horrible wound in his calf a full five inches deep that required two surgeries and nearly three months of staying in the boat… a tough sentence for a wade fishing guide. I would guess these guys have at least 100 years combined experience, but obviously still not enough.

I place wading without protective gear right up there with playing with fire and handling snakes; if you do it long enough you’re going to get hit, burned or bit. It’s simply the law of averages.

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Texas Saltwater Fishing

in striking fashion as a snake does… false! The The most practical solution is donning the right tail is used mainly in pushing, much like you would gear. My personal choice is the ForEverLast Raytry to push my foot away if I stepped on you.

Guard Wading Boot… I don’t get out of the boat In the majority of these thrusts, the barb never without them! For summertime wet wading I wear contacted the boot. This would explain how we one size larger than my shoe size with fleece-lined can sometimes step on them without being stuck. neoprene wading socks. In cooler seasons I go up Depending where and with what pressure we two sizes to accommodate breathable stocking foot pinned the ray, its reaction varied from nothing to waders. Equally effective are stoutly constructed violent rearing and thrashing of its body. Stepping wading shoes like the ForEverLast Reef Boot worn on the rear-most edges of the wing brought little in tandem with the Ray-Guard Shield. reaction. Stepping with body-weight pressure on There are probably more excuses to stick with the head and front part of the wing would cause traditional wading booties and continue sliding the ray to arch its body and flutter repeatedly, all our feet than there are reasons to wade, and we the while pushing against the boot with its tail. hear lots of them. “Ray-Guard boots are heavy Direct tail strikes that allowed the barb to and restrictive. They hold water. They make my contact the boot were few and we caught none legs tired and make my feet hurt. They’re too with the camera. It is however critically important expensive.” But like rattlesnakes, we never see the to note that those few thrusts that did make one that gets us. contact never penetrated the shield that wraps the I’ve even heard guys question whether the ankle and calf regions. Good news for waders! shield on the Ray-Guard boot would stop a We also learned that it would not take a monster stingray barb in weak attempts to justify poor ray to inflict a wound high on the thick decisions. Well, if you’re one of them I wish you part of a man’s calf. I would call our luck, but if you want to know more… here’s your captured ray medium in size, yet with answer. Billy Gerke, Capt. Gary Gray and yours its body arched and tail thrust upward, truly ran a little test a few days ago. its barb was easily 12-inches above the We caught a stingray and placed it in a child’s swimming pool filled with saltwater. With a Ray-Guard wading boot attached to a piece of 2x4 stud; we put the boot to the test. What followed was very enlightening.

EJ, Billy Gerke and Gary Gray head out on the First, we learned a great deal about great stingray adventure. how the ray reacts when you step on it.

Unlike popular misconception, the ray never wielded his tail or the barb in an offensive manner. To the contrary, the tail, being prehensile, is deployed in a grasping or wrapping maneuver. Many think the tail and barb are whipped about August 2007

floor of the pool. A larger specimen could easily reach higher. A quick measurement of the barb length showed that even this medium-sized ray could have inflicted a wound of three to four inches depth, plenty deep enough to create a nasty wound channel that would require a long time to heal.

This test was performed and this report is offered purely as a service to our readers. We are not experts in stingray behavior and it is possible that a ray in captivity does not behave like one in its natural environment. I would strongly urge that should anybody decide to conduct anything similar they would exercise extreme caution‌ stingrays can be very dangerous.

I would also like to say that we do not accept product or payment in exchange for articles such as this. TSF-Magazine can take no responsibility for the performance of any product and we are offering no guarantee beyond that of the manufacture of the products demonstrated or tested. Wade fishermen should always shuffle and bedded rays should be avoided. Enjoy the great outdoors, wear your stingray protection, fish hard, and above all — fish safely!

For more information on the products referenced go to www.foreverlast.com

The stingray used in this experiment was released unharmed!

August 2007

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77

New Tackle & Gear Halo™ Shrimp Hit the Water Catching The new Halo™ Shrimp from Betts Tackle, Ltd. became an immediate favorite of guides who tested them. The Halo™Graphic shrimp caught everyone’s attention by doing one thing—catching fish.

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Texas Saltwater Fishing

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becomes. In all of our field tests, our new BLURP lures outfished live bait every time!

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The new wave of plastics is here!

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Texas Saltwater Fishing

79

SABINE

Dickie Colburn

It was simply a matter of timing… bad timing!

The cast net had all but touched Dickie Colburn is a full down when the gator suddenly time guide out of Orange, surfaced in the target zone. Not Texas. Dickie has 35 years unlike the pitcher that would love to experience guiding on Sabine retrieve a hanging breaking ball, the and Calcasieu Lakes. result was predictable. The immediate surge against the hand line indicated Contact Colburn’s Sabine that the predator had not eluded the Connection monofilament mesh.

Telephone I would gladly have given him the 409-883-0723 mangled net, but felt an obligation to Website try to free the toothy reptile. The only www.sabineconnection.com person that enjoyed the next twenty minutes of hand-to-hand combat was the wide-eyed nine-year-old shouting encouragement over his Dad’s shoulder from the back of the boat. The gator eventually left the scene free of the unwanted net and I suffered only a minor bruise inflicted by his thrashing tail.

Once our shad mature, we do our share of live bait fishing from mid-July well into the winter months. Unlike the majority of the fishing holes on the Texas coast, we fish very little live shrimp or croaker unless they find their way into our cast net. Along with the shad, we rely on small finger mullet and mud minnows.

Many of the guides that work out of the extreme north end of the lake start their day cast netting shad as a Plan B. On more than one occasion, I have fished all day long and never used the first shad, but they were there if needed.

The mortality rate was never that bad with a little ice and a good aerator in the livewell, but the secret to keeping them all alive has been the addition of an oxygen system I got from Jason Cogburn, owner of Boyd’s One Stop in Texas City. His business is dependant on keeping bait alive and he was extremely helpful in pointing out what does and does not work.

When we fish live bait, we use one of three techniques, all of which begin with a light wire 3/0 Kahle hook. Easily the number one choice when drifting the open lake is to fish the shad or finger mullet on a three to four foot leader under a small popping cork. We generally start with a split shot a foot or so up the line to keep the bait down, but we will use no weight at all at times.

We also do well on occasion, especially on the larger trout, free lining the bait with only an in-line swivel for weight. When employing this technique, we add 12-14 inches of 20- pound fluorocarbon leader below the swivel.

We switch to the Carolina rig or fish finder rig when fishing live bait in the deeper waters of the Ship Channel or the river. The size of the Pat Murphy cashed in on weight employed above the swivel is the early morning bite. dependant on the amount of current.

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Texas Saltwater Fishing

Ideally, we prefer that it bounce across the bottom very slowly rather than holding in place. Very seldom do we use anything heavier than a half-ounce slip sinker.

Outside of the fact that slot redfish have been a little hard to come by on a consistent basis, we have enjoyed an excellent summer on Sabine thus far. A tremendous amount of rain has cost us a few days, but most of the lake has remained relatively clear through it all.

The flounder bite lasted much longer than usual and we have had an excellent run on trout in the 23-27 inch class. The last two full moons had us on the water well before daylight dealing with big trout on topwaters.

Live bait will rule as the weather continues to heat up in August, but you can still do very well with both tails and topwaters this month. If you are not fishing nights under a full moon, make an effort to hit the water an hour before daylight anyway. You will have to deal with the mosquitoes, but some of our largest trout will be caught before most of the folks even leave the house.

The flats on the north end of the lake attract huge schools of bait in the cooler pre-dawn hours and afford the larger trout a quick exit to deeper water as the temperature soars. Along with the She Dog, Super Spook, and Skitterwalk, we also do very well working the Catch V at a high rate of speed just beneath the surface.

Should you opt to stick with soft plastics, we generally upgrade to the longer baits like the Assassin or Split Tail Eel rigged on a very light head or even Texas rigged with no weight at all this time of the year.

Water clarity will dictate color choice, but limetreuse, bone diamond, and red shad are hard colors to beat in August.

These are also the months to check out any and every slick you spot or smell in the open lake. You occasionally have to deal with the unwanted gafftop, but those little oily spots on the surface can produce some super topwater trout action.

We never finish fishing one of This big trout fell for a bone She Dog. these slicks without bumping something across the bottom as Paris Horton well before moving on. was proud of It is not at all unusual to find this big trout. redfish lurking beneath surface feeding trout. Aside from the soft plastic choices, you cannot beat a Trap or Hoginar when blind casting to redfish in Sabine Lake any time of the year.

It is still not too late for you or one of the kids to catch a S.T.A.R. winner. Even if it’s only chasing crabs with a piece of string and a chicken neck, I hope that you will take the time to get the kids back on the water before its back to the classroom!

August 2007

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81

I wish I had a better report but right

Galveston Ship Channel is yielding the best catches. All up and down

now it is looking bad around here.

best concentration of trout right now. Redfish are spotty. They are never

We are flooded locally and all the

in the same place two days in a row. They are just moving all around.

way up the Trinity watershed to

Everything is very disturbed right now. We have been working the

Dallas so we don’t even know for

channel, slicks, tide lines, shell humps and the sand bars out there. The

sure what’s coming. We are in our

depth has been about 6-11 feet of water, changing daily.

fifth day in a row of drenching. I have not been on the water in about three days. You have to pick your days where you can get out and get back in safely. We have freshwater running from every little brook and stream, anywhere and everywhere.

It will take more than a few days to get this fresh water out of here.

Prior to this pounding fishing was had been a mirror image of last month so I’m going to write this as though it was still going on. The

the channel, in the spoil banks and the deep reefs, they are holding the

Bass Assassins and Texas Trout Killers or Gulp, any dark color rigged on a 3/8th ounce jig head are working out real good. Most of the fish are hanging out down on the bottom but once you get them going good they are coming up and once the baits hit the water you are on. Not much bird action going on with the exception of East Bay. They have a little bit of bird action happening but there is a lot of junk under them, a lot of sand trout and small specks.

In East Bay from Hannah’s Reef all the way to Frenchy’s Reef, they are all holding good schools of fish. The fish are primarily trout but there are a few reds hiding in there. The shorelines are still yielding some pretty good catches on topwater all throughout East Bay. There are a few flounder being caught off of the shoreline on soft plastic however the trout are taking the topwater, which is where we are getting our better ones.

The best of them are coming in around six pounds, no trophies but very nice. I had a man that caught one a few weeks ago at seven and a half but for the most part we’re just getting good solid fish in the two to five pound class just about every where you want to fish.

It is quite crowed and miserable at times on the weekends. It is almost unbearable out there especially if you want to fish a reef. Just about every reef in East Bay and the Galveston Ship Channel will have about thirty to forty boats over them. There has been some good stuff happening over at Dollar Flats. Dollar Flats has been holding some good fish if you are out wading in waist deep water with topwaters. They have been some pretty solid fish in the twenty to twenty-five inch range, weighing about three to five pounds. Dickinson Bay has been pretty good on redfish; however I do not know how it will hold up with all this rain. Dickinson Bayou is probably dumping really hard just like Clear Lake and everything else. I just don’t know.

Everything will be running way behind for our fall fishing pattern with all this rain. If it quit raining right now Trinity Bay might be fishable

by September. That is how bad it is. Like I said, we have a lot of water coming from Dallas via the Trinity River. All the upstream back bays that we like to fish this time of year and on into the early fall will be affected by either the Trinity or the San Jacinto. We’re hoping that when the rain quits East Bay will hold for us and we will have a good August, time will tell.

Stay dry and hope; that’s what I’m doing.

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August 2007

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Looking back at recent patterns and fishing results, I would say that overall it has been fair to good here in the Matagorda bays. High tides, stormy weather, and a flooding Colorado River have been our adversaries. While East Matagorda Bay was awash in muddy water, I retreated to West Matagorda Bay to wade the grass beds and bars.

We threw a lot of Mirrolure 74 MR topwaters and Saltwater Assassin Blurps. A lot of reds fell to the Blurps with our trout catches coming mainly on the 74 MR plugs. Fishermen using live shrimp under a cork in East Bay faired well while drifting scattered shell in the middle of the bay. We did have a few good days drifting East Matagorda Bay and wading the north shoreline throwing the 83 MR in NSCH (black with a chartreuse head). All in all we can’t complain, just have to take it as it comes.

Hopefully, August will bring us a clearer East Bay so that we can hit those reefs and check them out. Topwater action will be Mirrolures 75 MR-CRBN, 75 MR-CRCH, 83 MR-BNSCH, and 83 MR-GCRCH. Plastics will be the Blurp in Drunk Monkey, Golden Bream, and Root Beer 4” sea shad. Sometimes while wading I’ll use a cork with my soft plastics, especially if the water is off-color. Of course, the regular sea shad in Morning Glory, Roach, Bone Diamond, and Pumpkinseed will also pay off.

Check out the wells in West Matagorda Bay and also the reefs back behind Oyster Lake in Tres Palacios Bay. Oyster Lake will sometimes go on fire with redfish action in August. Watching for the surf to pan out could be a “no brainer” if you can get in when it’s right. Call me or email me and I’ll be glad to tell you what’s going on here in the Matagorda Bay system.

Let’s talk about a recent trend here in Matagorda, especially in East Bay, that I think deserves some serious discussion. For years our homegrown Matagorda guides have done their best to protect our bay system from the widespread use of croaker as bait, and for good reason.

We’ve thrown shrimp, mullet, menhaden (shad), and all forms of artificial baits and done a pretty fair job of putting our clients on fish.

May, June, July, and August are critical trout spawning months and anyone that has done their homework knows that live croaker are an incredibly effective bait for spotted seatrout. Some believe the croaker is a natural enemy to the speckled trout because they eat the trout eggs. Whatever the reason, fishermen throwing live croakers can take limits during times when other baits and lures will catch only a few. East Matagorda Bay is a small bay, about 16 miles long and only 3½ miles at its widest point. This bay runs 5½-7 ft deep on the average. It is largely landlocked, meaning that it has no major rivers entering and there are no passes to the Gulf of Mexico to aid in replenishing our fishery.

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Yes, at this time the use of croaker as bait is legal but those of us who have fished here a lifetime fear there are great ramifications. Selfish individuals who have no appreciation for the fragile nature of this bay system have taken it upon themselves to whack limit after limit of heavy female trout during the peak spawning months. Hauling their bait from out of town in oxygenated tanks, they Larry Gerdes scored a Texas inshore are leaving with ice chests slam fishing with Capt. Bill recently. filled with their catches, too embarrassed to clean them at the local marina cleaning tables. Sadly, this has become a daily event.

East Matagorda Bay, in my opinion, is taking a hit that it may not be able to bounce back from.

I shiver to think that what happened to Port Mansfield and the Lower Laguna Madre will also happen here. As of September 1, 2007, Port Mansfield will go to a 5 fish trout limit because of overharvest. What we saw here in the first part of June was 9 to 10 croaker fishermen coming to East Matagorda Bay using 5-6 boats equipped with oxygen tanks and leaving with 80 trout that measured from 22 inches to nearly 30 inches with 8 of these measuring over 25” and all were filleted. This is now happening on a daily basis and has been drawing a ton of attention.

My personal mission in all of this is to hopefully bring an end to this daily destruction of our trout resource. No, I cannot do it alone but I am doing all I can. A few friends and I will be traveling to Austin to make a presentation to the Texas Parks & Wildlife commissioners in the very near future. A study on the effects of live croaker as bait will be needed, along with a population growth pattern for Matagorda. My last ditch effort will be a campaign to ban the use of croaker entirely. I understand that everyone may not agree with me but that is your choice. All I can tell you is that I have grown up with these Matagorda Bays and I feel a commitment to do my very best to maintain what I have come to know and enjoy so very much.

Petitions have been placed in various areas around Matagorda and Bay City. My website will also have a petition for you to sign, if you so choose. Yes, one person can make a difference but a team effort is much more powerful. I urge each and every one of you to take an interest in preserving our environment for ourselves and our future generations.

Don’t take a backseat and let the car run off the road. Take a stand and do what you think is right by getting informed and active in maintaining the health of our bay systems. Thank you in advance for becoming involved to protect our natural resources and God Bless.

August 2007

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August 2007

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As I write this month’s article the thunder

a drop off that had been producing good trout in the 17 inches and up

is rattling the windows and the rain

throwing a switch, the bite stopped. I mentioned to Anthony, who was

is still here, just like it has been for

wading next to me, “I don’t know why the bite would come to such a

seven days. Folks on the middle

screaming halt.” I had just barely finished my sentence when I felt a really

coast are not the only ones feeling

violent jerk on my stringer and when I looked back to see what was going

the effects of the heavy rains,

on all I could see was a lot of thrashing white water.

everyone from the Panhandle

category. It seemed everyone was hooking up constantly and then, like

I am not sure what all I said during the attack but I am sure the words

down to the Texas coast have had

were too graphic for this article. I was scanning the water around me,

a deluge of rain. The runoff from

making sure there were no fish parts near me, when I heard Anthony ask,

these rains will haunt us for the next

“Was that a shark?”

month at least.

Looking back in my log book at July 2006 I noticed that we received eight plus inches of rain locally

With a shaky voice I said “yes and a big one!” As I made my way back toward the boat Anthony continued to fish and I couldn’t help but think… man, he’s got some big cajones!

Right about this time my stringer float surfaced about 20 yards away so

towards the latter part of the month

I made a cast and reeled it back to me. I almost couldn’t believe my eyes

which normally only effects us for

when I noticed that the shark was nice enough to leave me four nice, fat

a short period of time; however, the

trout. I figured I must have scared him away with my shark dance before

rains we have received lately are

he could finish devouring his meal.

effecting the Hill Country as well.

This additional run off will flood the

Since Anthony was still catching I decided, what the heck, the shark is gone so I’ll keep fishing too. This seems easy enough, but every time a

Guadalupe River and in turn flood San Antonio Bay. This flooding would

mullet jumped or a trout on my stringer tugged a little I would jump like a

normally affect the Rat Pack tremendously earlier in the year, but this time

little school girl. We fished this way for about 12 minutes landing more trout

of year I have been fishing closer to the Gulf passes in West Matagorda

when all of a sudden my gray friend made a return visit. This time he spent

Bay. I am hoping the weather will soon stabilize giving me an opportunity

some time near me thrashing and eating what he wanted. At times I could

to jump back into the surf again like I was able to do in the prior months.

feel the water pressure from the movement of his tail.

I have had some excellent trips in the surf this year with most of the trout measuring 20 inches and up. I even landed a 31 inch ling fishing from

I headed for the boat and asked Anthony if he was ready to make a move. He replied “yes”, but funny enough he kept fishing with his stringer

the first sand bar. That is one of the things I like about fishing in the surf, you never know what you are going to see or catch out there. If you have the family with you and the seas are calm enough, Matagorda Island is a great place to do a little beach combing.

Normally when I fish the surf I will start the day chunking topwaters,

Imagine my surprise when I landed this 31” Ling while fishing from the first sand bar in the surf.

but the majority of our trout this year have been caught using Texas Assassins in what I like to call the “bling-bling” colors (red shad and firetiger). I have also had good success using the Assassin Swimming Shiner in the clown and baby trout colors. I rig these soft plastics on a 1/16 ounce Assassin lead head attached to a 20# test leader that is connected to a small # 8 swivel tied to the main line. The first thing you will notice about the trout in the surf is how much more aggressive and violent they are compared to trout caught in the bay waters or back lakes. They literally inhale soft plastics or topwaters without any hesitation so unless you enjoy having to retie a new lure every other cast I suggest using a leader like mentioned above.

One of the surf trips that comes to mind was when I was fishing with one of my customers, Anthony Andrews, and his friends. The trip started out normal enough, anchoring the boat on top of the “Hump” which is a large sand bar just inside of Pass Cavallo; we started to wade towards 86

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wagging behind him like he was shark proof until I brought my Shoalwater Cat up to him.

We left the “Hump” and headed for the surf. We had an early morning breeze that had already diminished to nothing as we headed south out of Pass Cavallo. We continued our way south until we found pelicans on the shoreline and others floating on the water. I can’t remember who hooked up first, but all I know was you could definitely tell you were in the surf by the fight and size of the trout. This day the water was very clear so you could easily see all the bait fish along with some small 18 – 24 inch Black Tip sharks cruising down the guts.

Every so often I would see a large school of pogies that covered about a fifty foot area take off running for their lives. Normally I wouldn’t give this too much thought, but today seemed to be the running of the sharks so I

Doug Howerton shows what is left of his do-net after his close encounter with a shark.

paid special attention to these pogies, straining to see what lurked beneath them. Sure enough, while looking towards the area that this scenario had just occurred I saw a 7 to 8 foot shark swim over the first sand bar where I was standing and come up in the gut behind me. Lucky for me the shark never even looked at my tempting stringer and boy was I glad.

This continued throughout the rest of the morning but for whatever reason the big gray shadows would just appear and then disappear not ever attempting to get close. It was almost as if they were just reminding us that we were in their backyard and not to forget it!

There are many dangers associated with fishing the surf so here are a few safety tips to remember when you venture out to fish. The closer you get to the passes the harder the current will run down the beaches which makes for

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August 2007

very dangerous fishing situations. I will never fish close to the passes for this reason. If you decide to fish near a pass please always use a PFD. You may also want to consider using a landing net if you don’t already. I have a great fear of reaching for a thrashing trout about the same time a shark does. The use of long stringers and do-nets are also great tools to consider while fishing in the surf. And then of course there are always the ever present stingrays and Man O’War jellyfish so wearing ForEverlast Ray Guard Shields and long pants is always a good idea.

There are good times to be had while fishing the surf just remember to fish hard, fish smart!

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87

The trout fishing in the Laguna Madre

and Mike Haring

has slowed down quite a bit. The

Mainstream

hotter the weather gets the harder

Marketing. They

it is to catch trout, especially on

wanted to try out

artificial lures. The water is off-color

the new scented

and dingy. It’s still green but, there’s

baits Robin has

not much visibility. We’ve had a lot of

named the Blurp.

rain which is pouring freshwater into

The last couple of

the bay systems. This is bringing

times when they

the tides up high and pushing water

were here it was

into all the inlets that are normally

springtime and

dry. For the most part this is healthy

the trout fishing

for the bays, making it good for the

was really good.

shrimp and crab harvest, but it will

We had great action

scatter the fish and it may take a

catching trout on

the owner of

while for fishing to improve again.

the scented shrimp

I had a memorable fishing trip with thirteen year old Dylon Martin

baits. Now, it is

and his family. This young man had one thing on his mind and that was

later in the year

to catch a big trout, my kind of angler. He was entered in the CCA Star

and the heat has

Tournament and hoped to win a college scholarship. I could tell that his

shut the trout bite

father had spent a lot of time fishing with him, his technique was right on

down. Luckily,

and he was attentive to everything I said.

they said that they We were both on

also like to catch

the bow of the boat,

redfish and I felt

drifting in about two

we could target

feet of water and I

some reds and do

spotted a huge trout,

well, especially with the Blurp.

as least thirty-inches

Dylon Martin was hoping for a STAR trout and he caught some nice ones, just not the one he wanted.

Robin Shiver with a good red.

Early that morning I was running down the King Ranch shoreline

long, she was lying in

and got close to a school of redfish, they were spooked and made the

the grass. I pointed her

water surface ripple. So, I shut down and positioned the boat in casting

out and Jason reacted

distance of the school. We cast the Blurp baits in front of the school

perfectly. He didn’t get

in the direction they were heading. As soon as the redfish came close

nervous or loose his

enough to the lures they keyed in on the scent and hammered it. On the

cool and he made an

first try we hooked up on three reds that were all heavy, up to thirteen

impressive cast right

pounds. We got those aboard and release and then headed out after

in front of the trout, but

the school again with the trolling motor. The key was to cast in front of

she didn’t take the lure.

the school and let it sit. If you moved it the reds would spook and they

That’s when you just

wouldn’t hit it. Robin really put the heat on those big reds. He was using

shake your head, knowing that you did everything right and it just didn’t

my Waterloo Rod, the 6’6” HP Slam Mag with twenty-pound test Power

happen. It didn’t faze him though, he worked hard and stuck with it all day

Pro braided line. He’s used to horsing in big bass and he had that

and he caught and released dozens of trout but not the one he needed. I

rod bent double. He said he was impressed with how strong the rods

know he’ll continue trying; he’s got the patience that it requires.

really were.

Recently, I had the opportunity to try out some new lures with my good friends and sponsors, the owner of Bass Assassin, Robin Shiver 88

Mike Haring and Robin Shiver with a double hook up.

Texas Saltwater Fishing

With the summer heat continuing, look for the fish on the deeper flats along the edge of the Intracoastal Waterway and other channels. On August 2007

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the calm mornings, look for the redfish tailing on the edge of the channels.

Work the drop offs with the trolling motor casting toward the edge. Try your topwater lures early in the morning and then as the day heats up switch to the Salt Water Assassin. I like the five-inch Shad and bounce it down the deep Gary Reid and his son-in-law John with a nice redfish.

edge. Work the channels top to bottom to find out if there are any fish hanging

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off the edge.

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Redfish will be a prime shallow water target in August.

Capt. Tricia here, happily reporting

conditions and the moods of the fish. Calm conditions mostly called

in from the pure waters of the Lower

decent topwater action sprinkled here and there. We are still relying on

for long casts with soft plastics or ¼ oz. spoons, but we did find some

Laguna Madre. Overall, fishing was rather challenging in July, but we still

Skitterwalks, Super Spook Jr’s, and MirrOlure Top Pups and She Dogs.

managed to catch our fish and had a great time as always. The conditions

For us, this arsenal will cover most topwater situations, but each has

weren’t exactly angler’s choice on many days, but the reality of fishing

their own time, place, and presentation. Colors don’t seem as important

with lures is that it normally does require some dedicated effort. As in any

as good presentations and it’s always the creative, attentive angler who

sport, overcoming odds is what makes the win worthy, so even on the

figures it out. When fish were present but not feeding aggressively, a slow,

days when landings were poor we landed more knowledge and a greater

loping retrieve near the bottom with a swimming plastic tail was the most

appreciation for days when nature hands it to you. During August, we can

consistent. We saw very few big trout for the period, but our redfish seem

expect nature to give us more opportunity, so we are excited about those

to be in good shape and they provided a lot of high fives and photos. The

good things to come.

trophy trout times will come later, but as for now, let’s enjoy some fun

Back to a recap of July, typical summer traffic, wind, heat, floating grass, and numerous thunderstorms kept everybody moving and

fishing for the simple sake of fishing.

It’s August, it’s hot, but what a great time for everybody with a spirit

guessing. Reliable patterns were working the shallows early, and then

of adventure to get out there in

moving out to deeper water as winds increased about mid-day. The

the water. By everybody, we are

early bite was often consistent for redfish between the sand and the first

seeing more and more mixed

grass line. However, one day they were there and the next day the hunt

groups of families, both young

would begin all over. Various lures were productive depending on water

and old, getting out of the boat together to stalk their fish on foot. Who really wants to baste in a roasting slab of fiberglass in August? Not me, and not for very long anyway! Try getting in the water this summer if you haven’t. Not only is wade fishing a great way to stay cool, but people of all ages and skill levels can walk and enjoy some quality time out there, especially here in the pristine waters near Port Mansfield.

We’ve had a wide range of

The Miller Bassler family and friends enjoying some quality time together walking in the water park.

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Flounder are a summer bonus. Dr. Phil Lindsey.

August 2007

those from seven years old to

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Mathew Butler

Kyler Valenta

D.J. Abshire, if they can cast, they can catch fish on lures.

over seventy enjoying throwing lures together, and redfish will be a prime shallow water target during August. If one can cast well, even the inexperienced can throw spoons and swimming plastic baits and be successful.

Yes, wade fishing can require some physical work, but most anglers catch fish because they want to and are willing to put in the effort. If the kids shown in the accompanying pictures can do it, most anybody should be able if they are healthy and have enthusiasm. These younger fishermen are excited, energetic, and have obviously been encouraged and coached by their parents or other role model. A guided trip for them can be a long lasting experience and can help to train them in the right way. A spinning reel with braided line will make it easy to feel the bite and set a hook. It doesn’t take but a few good pulls to make most of them happy as they are taking in much more than just fish.

In August we should see larger groups of redfish using the shorelines during early daylight hours. With the lower wind early we expect better opportunity for sight-casting. This is what many redfish aficionados live for, and it is my first passion. Casting to fish we can see is one of the most rewarding things we do, no matter what type of fish it is. Weedless spoons and small plastics will be the main tools. Our Laguna Madre redfish make this a world class destination and I am excited about spending another August in the sand.

As far as trout go, deep will be the key during the hot part of the day.

However, the shallows cool off quickly overnight and we can often find good trout mixed in with the reds before the sun warms everything up again. Flounder can be a nice bonus during August. Topwater action can be outstanding, and at the risk of being repetitive, using Gamakatsu live bait single hooks helps tremendously in avoiding floating grass. We like the 3/0 for mid-sized baits such as Skitterwalks, and 1/0 for plugs the size of a Super Spook Jr. Be sure and use two split rings so the hooks hang in line with the bait, the front one facing forward and the rear hook facing back. It works and we’re not missing any fish when they want it.

Young or old, August is one of the better months to target redfish and have a blast catching them. No matter how experienced we might be, the learning part of fishing is what keeps the sport fresh for all of us. Those redfish can

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The month of August quickly reminds me of tropical storms and hurricanes that intensify out in the Gulf of Mexico. It was not long ago in the month of August; I was sitting on the boat taking a break from a fun day of kayaking the back lakes of the Laguna Madre with my son when I received a phone call from a friend wanting to know some information on a boating matter.

As we talked for a few minutes, he figured out that I was out on the water. He probably thought I was crazy because at that time a major hurricane was predicted to head straight for us. Here I was enjoying the addiction that I so much love when I should have been boarding up my home and preparing for the big storm. Instead, I was exploring new areas that were now accessible because of the higher tides and catching big fish in areas you would never image fish would roam.

The fish were tight on shorelines and ever so busy seeking out their next meal. It was this same day in August that I caught my limit of reds without ever casting. How did I do that? I was on a kayak paddling through once exposed areas that were now filled with water and holding huge redfish that bared their backs out of the water. The best part was they didn’t even notice I was there. A kayak allows not only quick mobility but the stealth to get really close to fish. I was able to stalk redfish and get close enough to dangle my lure in front of their hungry eyes. As these massive redfish took off with my bait and made strong runs, they managed to tow me behind through the shallow flat.

Such experiences can occur in the month of August because of the high influx of water in our bay systems that storms may cause. Most of July was spent fishing deeper holes due to extremely low tides. However, in the month of August this is not so; quite often tropical depressions start to develop or move thru the Gulf of Mexico bringing plenty of water into our system. The yearly return of hurricane season can sometimes be deadly and Ruben “Snookdude” Garza certainly a nuisance for with a 34-inch snook. folks near the gulf, but for 92

Texas Saltwater Fishing

Richie Homminga caught his PB 39 inch snook on an amber Sea Devil Brown lures.

our bays, the Brad’s recent catch of a personal best influx of new trout of 29 1/2 saltwater into inches, 8 1/4 lbs. our system plays a major role in keeping our system in a vigorous state. All this new water brings new life and refreshes our bays and back lakes that were once stagnant. These once stagnant waters now become the home of millions of eggs and fry from all sorts of marine creatures that stand a chance of survival in the back lakes, marshes, and creeks of the Lower Laguna Madre.

The August high tides allow redfish to pod up in good numbers on sea grass beds rooting for crabs and tiny shrimp. During the early morning we tend to target flooded shorelines and then move to slightly deeper water as the activity begins to slow down along the water’s edge. Our choice of bait early in the morning will be topwaters like Super Spook Jr’s, but as we move to waist-deep water, the small sea devils from Brown Lures in amber and chartreuse will be our preferred bait. Working potholes is a sure place to find a predator ready for a drag screeching fight. In addition, try to remember areas that you fished and had good success during the spring season high tides as these patterns will return with the stormy high tides of August.

Down on this part of the coast, floating grass will continue to be a problem. We have somewhat alleviated the problem by using single hooks on our topwaters as my clients have now gotten accustomed to using without doubting they will lose fish. Single hooks have saved many days, even in the grassiest situations. Calm mornings will be the norm this time of the year making it easy to locate rafts of mullets which will usually

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The snook bite was on for these anglers.

attract plenty of game fish.

I do have to say that the fishing for the past two months has been incredible; lots of big fish have been caught and released. Wading waist-deep water has been the most productive in catching quality fish. A recent trip that comes to mind is the day I fished three regular clients out on the bay with no boating pressure around us all day. The day got off to a slow start, but one of the guys did land an oversize red. Before heading to the next stop one of the clients mentioned he wanted to catch a big trout. My thoughts were, “Any other orders? Please state them now before we leave.” We had not been on big trout in a while, and I didn’t have a clue where I could find one to his specification.

However, I had been on good redfish and lots of them. Away we went to our second spot. Before the guys jumped off, I instructed them that there were fish to be caught here, but it meant we had to work to find them. I commented that we would have to wade from here to there which was a little less than half a mile. As they waded, it all started well by them catching a few keepers and lots of little trout, enough to keep us interested and going forward.

When we reached a dead zone, I walked back to the boat to bring it closer so the guys could take a break from their long wade. As we drank and ate some snacks, I heard comments like, “Hey, so and so say’s there’s no fish here; why don’t we try another spot.”

Again my thoughts were held back, and my response to that comment was, “I know there’s fish here. All conditions show they are here; we just have to work to find them.” By now the negative comments were working on my mind, and I started second guessing myself before we took another plunge. I Father and son team got snookered (Matthew Boyd & Matt Jr).

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told the guys we would walk another fifty yards. If there was no bite fifty yards past the boat, we would get up and go to the next spot. It wasn’t thirty yards past the boat that their best fishing day ever would be found.

We got into a solid school of redfish and trout that had us busy for a solid two hours. Double and triple bent rods were the norm. One lucky cast by the least experience angler of the group managed to hook up on a trout of a lifetime. She went twenty-nine and a half inches and weighed in over eight pounds. After the bite came to a halt, the guys were showing signs of wearing down so we decided to call it a day. Before we left, I did respond with a comment, “Aren’t you glad I followed my instincts and decided to stay put.”

My client’s response was, “I’m sorry I second guessed you, and that was certainly my best day of fishing.” If there is a lesson to be learned, go with your prior knowledge and gut feelings; sometimes you may be wrong, but not on this day.

The month of August will require for you to take a close look at the weather before heading out. Think shorelines early and waist to belly deep later in the day. Large schools of redfish will roam the flats in the month of August, and chances of finding tailing reds in the back bays are very possible. In addition, tarpon fishing will be near its peak down here. But, don’t be like me; make sure you prepare for the storm before you follow your addiction. Remember, big storms bring high tides and big fish.

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As August arrives and the summer heat reaches its peak, we will be fishing mostly in the deeper waters of the Calcasieu Ship Channel, around the Cameron Jetties and at the nearshore oil platforms out to about eight miles or so. The Superior oil platforms to the east and the Johnson’s Bayou platforms to the west of the Cameron jetties will all typically hold good numbers of trout. Many other species of fish will be found around the legs of the rigs, including redfish, cobia, tripletail and Spanish mackerel. Some of these fish are bruisers, so bring the bigger rods just in case you hit a school that’s hard to manage on trout tackle.

Our many miles of beaches will be holding good quantities of both specks and redfish. The fishing in Big Lake will still be good early and late in the day. The mid-day bite is slow during this time of year in the hot water. In general, August is a month for quantity and variety rather than quality. Hot baits will be topwaters (early & late in the day), Norton Sand Eels, grubs and Cocohoes.

“The highfin blue catfish are running real good around here!” Randall jokes.

“We’ve got some areas that are messed up with all the runoff. The surf is muddy, with the south wind blowing the Brazos run off this way. Chocolate Bayou is messing up the back bays and the lower part of West Bay doesn’t look too good either. Christmas Bay is looking better than the others. Strong incoming tides coming through the pass help it stay saltier and more clear than some of the other areas. I’ll be working in there on upcoming trips and also plan to run further up West Bay and do some scouting. The water up that way usually stays a little saltier, and sometimes the fish get pushed in there from both sides.”

He is still hoping to get into the surf this summer if possible. “What we need there is some days with more east in the wind. An east wind will blow better water onto our beaches, and if it does, the fish should be on a strong feed. Look for fast action on topwaters if such a scenario unfolds.”

James says the fishing is excellent in Galveston lately, especially considering the rain and wind. “I’d give it about an 8 out of 10. We’re catching limits regularly, mostly by keying on slicks. There’s good fishing around abandoned well pads in the vicinity of the ship channel, on East Bay reefs and on the ship channel spoils. Bird action is spotty, but the fish are decent under the flocks when they are working.

Most of the bite has been on Bass Assassins, jigging them close to the bottom. I’ve had some customers having luck lately with the new “Blurp” lures, the ones that have a small paddletail, especially the pink and chartreuse ones. Wading has been less consistent than boat fishing, but I have had some good trout up to four and five pounds while wading with topwaters. Sometimes the topwaters are working around the slicks out of the boat too.”

Fishing for silver kings is set to bust wide open, he predicts. “We’ve been working a wad of bait for several days. Kingfish are thick; the tarpon should show up soon.”

Best bet lately for quality fish in the Matagorda area is wading East Bay reefs.

“We’ve got more freshwater coming down the Colorado than I’ve seen in all my 30 years of fishing here,” Tommy says. “It’s fresh way down West Bay, but East Bay is in real good shape. Of course, getting on the mid-bay reefs over there requires light winds, which we haven’t had the usual run of either. We haven’t been able to get into the surf much at all since May, but that should change if the rain stops.

Some time in August, the winds should lay and make the reef fishing in East Bay better, and the freshwater problem should be less in West Bay and the surf too. I’ll be looking to target grass beds in West Bay, shallow early with She Dogs and She Pups, then moving out to the main bay drop offs a little later, throwing gold and copper quarter and eighth ounce weedless spoons. We will have lots of grass, and the weedless spoons are great tools for dealing with that. Towards the end of the month, we should see redfish schooling activity as it gets closer to their spawn.”

“The freshwater just hit over here,” Jim says. “It’s coming from both ends of the bay. In the past, when it’s been like this, we’ve keyed on the south shoreline. The tide brings salty water onto that side better. After the first couple of days of inundation, runoff like this usually makes for good fishing in isolated pockets of salty water.”

On a funnier note, he says he just came back from one of the most exciting tournaments of his life. “We were fishing the Elite Series of the Redfish Cup in Alabama. First day, we ran from Lulu’s Bait Camp 142 miles all the way to Louisiana and finished in 6th place. The wind got up the second day, but we went back to Louisiana anyway. The ride back was like a Nascar race, only rougher. I’ve never seen such steep, tall waves so tightly stacked. Knocked all kinds of stuff off the boat trying to get to the weigh-in in time, but were late by 3 minutes. 142 miles and we’re late by 3 minutes! Missed the top five because of the penalty points. Actually, I was so sore and tired that I was almost relieved!”

Fishing has been tough with all the freshwater in the bay system. The key to finding fish lately has been finding saltwater, and that usually means making the 13 mile run across to the shoreline of West Matagorda. Redfish have been up tight to the shorelines and taking small topwaters such as Baby Skitterwalks in blue/orange, She Pups in chrome/chartreuse and bone Spook Jrs.. Texas Redkillers in red/white and roach have also been hot baits for the reds. Trout have been staging out deeper off the shoreline in three to five feet of water over sand. The best bite has been on a falling tide, and the best lures have been Texas Trout Killers in pumpkinseed/ chartreuse and bone diamond. We have been catching a few tripletail, although all the freshwater has moved them back towards Port O’Connor. The best method for these continues to be live shrimp rigged four to five feet under popping corks fished around gas wells and buoys. Turtle Creek and Keller Creek will be some good spots to target fish when the saltwater returns.

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The speckled trout fishing in the Laguna Madre has been good, but the average size is still lower than I expected for this season. The redfish have been scarce, and I believe the reason for this is the water level getting high as a result of all the rain we’ve had. The shallow flats have become flooded because of the high water level and this created more area for the reds to roam around in. The water level is now receding, and this should concentrate both the trout and reds, making it easier to locate the schools that are common for this time of the summer. Because of the brown tide and all the runoff, water clarity in parts of Baffin Bay is poor. The poor water clarity has made it necessary to fish with live bait when fishing Baffin and live croaker has been the most effective. In areas with better water clarity, MirroLure She Dogs in chrome and bone early in the morning have been catching some nice trout. Bass Assassins in good penny and pearl are also working for trout in grass and potholes. Don’t forget your Ray Guards when wadefishing.

“Fishing is good over here lately,” Lynn says. “We’ve got some runoff in a few areas, but nothing too bad. Catching a lot of solid trout in the 16 to 22 inch range and seeing an occasional fish around 25 or a little better. Some of our fish are coming out of water that is fresh on top, but saltier beneath. You can see the layering in your prop wash and also if you taste the water, you can detect a little salt. Best bite has been on soft plastics, both roach and bone diamond Bass Assassins for me. There is a good topwater bite at times too, especially on the calmer days. If the wind blows all night, it’s not as good for the topwaters. We’ve been wanting to get into the surf all summer, but haven’t been able to do that much yet. It’s been too rough mostly. In fact, there was one boat that was overturned recently just outside of Pass Cavallo. It is critical to be really careful when trying to anchor the boat in the surf when it’s anything more than dead calm. Every year, we seem to see three or more boats flipped in the surf because they are caught off guard by the waves.”

Like many others, Blake cites freshwater runoff as more than significant in the Rockport area lately. “We’ve got orange river-looking water in lots of places right now. It’s ruined some areas, but of course it makes other areas more productive at the same time. In particular, the bays between San Antonio and Aransas can be good. The bays on either side of them are really fresh, and sometimes a lot of fish get squeezed in there. Corpus Christi Bay is good too, especially the east end.

There’s pretty water over there, and it’s a good summer spot for redfish anyway.

Speaking of reds, we usually have a lot of them in the surf in August. If the wind allows, I’ll be heading that way next month. Walking in from Cedar Bayou is a good choice. It should be good for both trout and reds if winds are light. Also, drifting and trolling shallow grassy flats in the saltier areas should be hot for reds all month.

Try flats near passes or anywhere you find clear, salty water. The fish should be schooling and easy to see by the wakes they push when they move.”

Typically August is still and hot with clear water and light currents. An abundance of baitfish are present. Live bait and a wide array of artificials are productive on both redfish and speckled trout. Targeting areas of food chain activity and deep inshore pockets is a good plan. Driving slowly and looking for resting fish in the shallow nearshore waters can lead to sight casting opportunities. Whiting and palometa are plentiful on peeled dead shrimp but tend to be rather small. Ladyfish and Spanish mackerel are often encountered in areas containing dusky anchovies.

Speck rigs and spoons work for both species but often a wire leader is advisable to avoid cut offs by sharp teeth and gill rakers. Tarpon are possible. Most sharking success will be on baits kayaked far offshore, but at times individual sharks can be sight-cast in mid-day by those keeping an alert vigil while patrolling close to shore. Tides are usually moderate to minimal but some soft spots remain along the beachfront and drivers need to proceed cautiously. www.TSFMAG.com

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Joe says the changing tide levels and rainy days have made for some interesting fishing lately in the Laguna/Baffin area. “Some of the water around here is better than in other areas. We’ve had some sight casting opportunity in the clear water when we can find it. Trouble is, it doesn’t really stay in the same place for extended periods of time. There has been good fishing in the front of Baffin, around Cathead and the Badlands and on the south shoreline in recent weeks. There are also lots of fish coming out of the Land Cut. Others are having success in the northern reaches of the Laguna Madre, near the bridge and in front of Flour Bluff. Best bite has been on pumpkinseed/chartreuse and plum/chartreuse Bass Assassins.”

He hopes this August will pan out like the last few. “I’ve had good luck in 9 Mile Hole in recent years in mid to late-summer. We’ve been able to visually keep track of large schools of reds and stay with them by using the trolling motor. When you can do that, you can catch them easily on the plastics or on flies.”

“Water here is over a foot above normal and has been for more than a week,” Bruce reports. “It’s got our fish a little spread out to say the least. There is some pretty water in the vicinity of the East Cut, but the tide is really ripping out most of the time around there. August should only get better as conditions return to more of a normal thing. We’ll be doing a little night wading for big trout, particularly on the full moons, throwing big topwaters on shallow flats adjacent to deep drop offs.

But mostly, we’ll be looking to head offshore as much as we can. The tarpon and king mackerel and snapper fishing is great in August. We try to target pelagic fish we can catch on artificials as much as possible. The kingfish bite topwaters well and the tarpon can be sight cast at times when they get schooled up good. Even the snapper can be caught on lures by those willing to do a little jigging. Big trout in the surf will always be a possibility, especially if we get the typical light winds of late summer going. Usually, a west wind in the morning will flatten the waves.”

Usually July is a month of dead calm mornings, but it’s not so this year. To date we’ve had plenty of wind early and overcast conditions most days along with some heavy rains in the upper Rio Grande Valley, keeping the hypersaline west side oxygenated and brackish in some areas, depending on tide movement.

The airboat traffic and seismic charges have moved out and surprise, surprise, the trout have moved in big time. They’re hitting just about anything under a cork or jigged on the bottom, but the larger fish are coming on soft plastics or Berkley Gulp shrimp in molting, new penny, and nuclear chicken colors under a Cajun Thunder cork. We’re fishing the potholes in three to four foot depths early and the deeper drop offs later in the day.

Freddy says, “We’re hearing reports that the tarpon are thick at the end of the jetties, feeding on balled-up schools of rainbow minnows. Fishing right at dark using live mullet is your best bet for success on the silver kings.”

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Jim Sury caught and released this 39” black drum while fishing Mitchels Cut in Sargent.

Jose Hernandes snagged this 38” 20 lb. bull red while fishing the Galveston Jetties.

Josh Neumeyuer proudly displays his 25” trout and 27” red that he landed on a Pink Exude while fishing the Upper Laguna Madre.

Brad Paris hooked this 28 1/2” trout while fishing in Baffin Bay.

Danny Marriott came all this way from England to trick this 29” trout. Way to go!

Steven Plant releasing a 23” trout caught while fishing in Port O’Connor.

Dwight Bengtson landed this 37” bull red while off shore in Galveston.

Roland Ortega of Victoria tackled this 47” red while fishing the POC Jetties.

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Rudy Soliz caught and released this 36” black drum while fishing the Brownsville ship channel.

August 2007

Steve Anderson caught & released this nice trout while out in East Matagorda Bay. www.TSFMAG.com

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Phillip Garcia landed this nice red on a pumpkin seed Norton San Eel while fishing the old causeway in Port Lavaca.

Fred McBride landed this 24” trout on a pearl & charteuse Rip Tide.

Cody Quent caught and released his first red measuring in at 38”.

Jose Gonzales tackled this 27 1/2” trout out of his kayak while fishing Dickinson Bay.

Kayak fishing in Espiritu Santo produced this topwater hungry speck for Jack Gordon and son Jackson.

Darren Weber releasing this nice 24” trout while fishing in Shoalwater Bay.

Matt McNeil caught and realeased this 30 1/2” trout in the Laguna Madre.

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Trent May of Tarzan, proudly shows off his drum landed on a Saltwater Assassin.

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G GAZ I N MA E

AS SALT X W TE

FISH R E IN AT

We want to thank Sharon Preslar of Port O’Connor, Texas for contributing this month’s recipes. Sharon’s husband, Jerome, worked as a shrimper in the local bays for thirty years. Sharon says that when your husband is a shrimper you learn to prepare lots of tasty shrimp dishes.

We hope you enjoy these as much as we did.

–Pam Johnson

Gu s n lf C o cti oast e n C on

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MATAGORDA

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