June 2008

Tide Predictions & Solunar Feed Times Inside!

www.TSFMAG.com

Just Keep Five

Texas Saltwater Fishing

June 2008

1

2

June 2008

Texas Saltwater Fishing

www.TSFMAG.com

Just Keep Five

www.TSFMAG.com

Just Keep Five

Texas Saltwater Fishing

June 2008

3

4

June 2008

Texas Saltwater Fishing

www.TSFMAG.com

Just Keep Five

Contents J une 2008 Volume 18 No. 2

features

12

38

42

96

102

12 Pass the Torch

Mike McBride

18 The Upper Laguna Madre’s Defining…

Kevin Cochran

24 Bodie and the Flounder Tournament

Martin Strarup

28 The Way of It

Billy Sandifer

32 Which side are you on?

Chuck Uzzle

36 A Dangerous Day on Matagorda

Jim Gann

dePartMents 29 Coastal Birding

Billy Sandifer

38 Let’s Ask The Pro

Jay Watkins

42 Fly Fishing

Casey Smartt

46 Tournament Trails

Brandon Jenewein

50 Offshore

Bobby Byrd/John Cochrane

58 Conservation

CCA Texas

60 Science and the Sea

UT-Marine Science Institute

62 TPWD Field Notes

Perry Trail

62 The Status of Saltwater Fishing in Texas

Larry McKinney

66 Kayak Fishing

Scott Null

70 According To Scott

Scott Sommerlatte

74 Youth Fishing

Aaron Cisneros

78 Fishing products that pass the test

Everett and Pam Johnson

what our guides have to say…

84 Dickie Colburn’s Sabine Scene

Dickie Colburn

86 Mickey on Galveston

Mickey Eastman

88 Capt. Bill’s Fish Talk

Bill Pustejovsky

90 Mid-Coast Bays with the Grays

Gary Gray

92 Catching up with Cliff

Cliff Webb

94 Capt. Tricia’s Port Mansfield Report

Capt. Tricia

96 South Padre Fishing Scene

Ernest Cisneros

reguLars 6

Editorial

10 Letters to the Editor 82 New Tackle & Gear 98 Fishing Reports and Forecasts 100 Photo Gallery–Catch of the Month 102 Gulf Coast Kitchen

107 Index of Advertisers

about the Cover Ryan Veurink is this month’s cover angler. Ryan enjoyed several days recently casting to tailing reds in the Matagorda Island marshes with Capt. Scott Sommerlatte. (Scott Sommerlatte photo.) www.TSFMAG.com

Just Keep Five

Texas Saltwater Fishing

June 2008

5

Pam and I took over Gene Baker’s Gulf Coast Connections back in April 2001 and I have to say it’s been quite a ride. At that time, this publication was a meager 24-page quarter-fold free-issue tabloid. Having no background in publishing, ad sales, or circulation; putting it together and getting it on the street each month was an incredible chore.

We learned quickly, though, and it wasn’t long before we began adding content and increasing circulation. We added the slick cover in January 2003 and made the jump to single-copy sales two months later. We really had our work cut out with that set of decisions.

We were embarked on a mission of continuous improvement that included paper and printing upgrades, inclusion of more and better photos and illustrations, expansion of the writing team, increased technical and administrative staff, and a host of others. Every decision and improvement seemed to be met with instant acceptance from readers and advertisers, and each success led us anxiously to the next challenge.

Soon, the trademark tabloid size of our magazine became a problem. Finding acceptance in prime retail locations became increasingly difficult. The mailing was becoming increasingly expensive too, not to mention that our subscriber list soon contained PO Boxes and mail slots that were too small, and mail carriers were tired of stuffing it where it didn’t fit. The only answer was to make it fit, and we did. We reduced the page dimensions by almost 20% and added more to make up the difference.

Graduating from newsprint to coated paper was an improvement we couldn’t wait to implement. Naturally, coated paper is more expensive, but the quality of the print job more than made up for it. Circulation was growing and additional sales funded the improvement. Our in-house retail delivery team grew to include four full-timers and seven part-timers servicing 1500 individual retailers in more than 225 communities.

Now we are faced with another set of growing pains. The desire to grow our publication in content and circulation still drives every decision and considerable infrastructure has already been created to support these goals. However, for the first time since we began this journey, the path is being obscured by factors we cannot control.

Paper and printing cost has risen dramatically. Rita and Katrina started this ball rolling and the paper producers are not yet fully recovered. Some producing mills were forced to close their doors for good and the ones that remain are overbooked. You don’t need to be much of an economist to conclude that paper prices have risen sharply since 2005.

Gasoline and diesel prices aren’t helping either. Our drivers pile up thousands of miles getting the magazine into dealer’s racks. Absorbing the increased cost of paper and printing would be easier without $3.50 gasoline and $4.40 diesel.

So we’ve reached another crossroad. This is not to say we have lost our way, rather, it portends that some major changes may be looming.

Since the beginning our publication has been produced more in the fashion of a newspaper than that of a magazine. Switching methods offers significant savings. Even greater economy could be accessed by downsizing to “standard magazine” dimensions. Paper manufacturers direct a large portion of their capacity to this market. Therefore, standard paper is cheaper than oversize paper.

Another option we are considering is to upgrade to a glued perfect bound seam rather than our traditional saddle-stitch binding method.

None of this is in stone yet, but I did want to give everybody a heads-up.

Whichever path we take as regards the size of TSFMag and the production method we select, we remain dedicated to bringing you the most factual, informative, up-to-date, and entertaining saltwater fishing magazine the Good Lord will allow us to put together. That will never change.

Good fishing, and be safe on the water.

6

June 2008

Texas Saltwater Fishing

www.TSFMAG.com

Just Keep Five

Texas Saltwater Fishing

June 2008

9

Letters to the editor it in all alone. It was a great day

Thursday, May 01, 2008

for her and the family to be out

Dear Everett,

together. As you can see, she had to change into something a

I have been reading your magazine for almost a year.

little more appropriate for this picture. I hope you can post this

It has been one of the most

in your magazine for her to see. We purchase your publication

informative sources of fishing

every month and love it. You guys and gals are doing a great

in Texas that I have found.

job reporting for all the outdoor enthusiasts' out there. Keep up the good work and happy fishing.

Recently a friend of mine told me how much fun he and

Thanks,

his son share when out on the

Chuck Hinojosa

water together. After seeing his enthusiasm, I decided to

Dear Chuck,

purchase my first boat. Since

Way to go! We gets lots of mail, but the letters about

our recent purchase, my son and I have been on the water at

parents taking kids fishing are my favorites. Tell Hunter we send

least once a week (and would probably do it more if my wife didn't mind).

My son, A.J., is four years old and wakes up every morning and asks if

congratulations on her angling accomplishment and hope to see more very soon. Good fishing! E. Johnson-Edtor

we are going fishing. I must tell you, nothing puts a smile on my face more than seeing his excitement when we pull up to the dock. I wanted to share

Sunday, March 16, 2008

this with you because I really can't remember more fun that I have had with

Dear Editor, My name is Charlie Parker and I’m currently deployed to Iraq until early

any friends like I do when my son and I are on the water.

This is important to me as I have seen the lack of parenting that is out

December of 2008, currently 6 months into my 15 month deployment. My

there these days. I have included a picture of my boy, and hoped that you

wife just mailed me a copy of your magazine (Dec issue) and I saw the little

might publish it in an upcoming issue. I want my son to see how much our

add about you supporting the troops and sending issues of your magazine. I

time together means to me when he gets older. Once again, thanks for your

would really enjoy your magazine if you don’t mind or if it isn’t to late. I am in

hard work on the magazine, and best of luck in your fishing.

a Cavalry Troop serving as a helicopter pilot flying an armed reconnaissance

Best Regards,

helicopter, the OH58D Kiowa Warrior.

My wife and two daughters are living in Rockport during my deployment

Adrian Marquez

and they will have to move again to wherever the Army will send us upon

Pearland, Texas

my return. Before my deployment my buddies came to Rockport to wish my comrade Ryan Tyler and I off, but before we left we had a good time and

Dear Adrian, Kudos for getting A.J. on the water and teaching him a love of the outdoors and fishing. My dad did the same thing for me and the memories of those early trips are priceless today. Good luck – be safe – and good

caught a large black drum. It was a memorable time in my life with all the support from the Rockport area.

There is a group called Bahia Bay Residents who put packages together for me and those I’m deployed with. They have been absolutely

fishing!

wonderful, and I can’t thank them enough. I will try and send you a

E. Johnson-Editor

couple pictures of me, my girls, and the fish we caught before my Tuesday, April 22, 2008

deployment. Thank you for your kind offer.

Everett Johnson and Pam Johnson

V/R CW3 Charles Parker

I would like to send you this picture of my daughter's first flounder. Her name is Hunter

B Troop, 1-6 CAV

Leslie Hinojosa. We were fishing just west

COB Speicher

of the Kemah/Seabrook bridge on the north

APO AE 09393

bank near the marinas Sunday afternoon 4/20/08. I took the wife and daughter out for a

Dear Charlie,

day of boating and decided to let our daughter

We have added you to our complimentary military mail list;

fish with some dead shrimp. She caught a few

hope you enjoy your magazine. If you know of any serving there

croaker before she hooked this 17 ½” flounder.

with you who would like a copy we want to know about it. We pray

She is five years old and caught it all by

daily for all the brave men and women serving our Nation in that

herself. Dad baited the hook and netted it at the

war-torn country. Godspeed in your mission.

E. Johnson-Editor

boat, but Hunter casted, hooked it, and reeled

Send your leTTerS To: TSFMag, P.o. Box 429, Seadrift, TX 77983 10

June 2008

Texas Saltwater Fishing

www.TSFMAG.com

Just Keep Five

editor and PubLisher Everett Johnson Everett@tsfmag.com

TsFMag is the leader in Texas and

exeCutive vP

growing larger every day, we are now available in over 1767 local retailers!

Pam Johnson Pam@tsfmag.com

We’ve got you covered! Retailers in these communities are now stocking our

business Manager Shirley Elliott

magazine. You can also sign up to subscribe by calling 361-785-3420 or on-

Shirley@tsfmag.com

line @ www.TsFMag.com . Reading on-line is also becoming a popular way to take our publication. Check out the FREE archived issues or purchase an E-Mag

inside saLes - advertising Coordinator

subscription. E-Mag features include easy to view pages, just like a hard copy, but

Tracey Johnson Tracey@tsfmag.com

with instant links to writers, advertisers and other subscriber services.

“we’re in 234 hometowns and growing!”

Alamo Algoa Alice Alvin Angleton Aransas Pass Atascocita Austin Bastrop Bay City Bay Colony Bayou Vista Baytown Beasley Beaumont Beeville Bellville Bishop Blessing Bloomington Boerne Bolivar Brazoria Brenham Brookshire Brownsville Bryan Buda Bulverde Burleson Burnet Castroville Cedar Creek Cedar Park Channelview Chappell Hill Clear Lake Clute College Station

Conroe Converse Copperas Cove Corpus Christi Crystal Beach Cuero Dallas Damon Del Rio Del Valle Devine Dickinson Dilley Donna Eagle Lake Eagle Pass East Bernard Edinberg Edna El Campo Elgin Elmendorf Elsa Falfurrias Fentress Flatonio Floresville Fredericksburg Freeport Friendswood Ft Worth Ft. Lauderdale Fulton Galveston Ganado Gatesville George West Georgetown Geronimo Giddings Goliad Gonzales Groves Halletsville Hankamer Harker Heights Harlingen Hawkinsville Helotes Just Keep Five

Hempstead Hitchcock Hondo Houston Humble Hungerford Huntsville Indianola Ingleside Karnes City Katy Kemah Kenedy Kerrville Killeen Kingsville Kingwood Kyle La Feria La Grange La Marque La Porte La Vernia Lake Jackson Laredo League City Leander Leon Springs Lewisville Lockhart Longview Los Fresnos Louise Lubbock Luling Lumberton Lytle Manchaca Manvel Marble Falls Matagorda Mathis Maxwell McAllen Mercedes Mesquite Midfield Midland Mission

Mt. Belvieu Mt. Pleasant Mustang Ridge Nacogdoches Navasota Nederland Needville New Braunfels Nixon Odem Odessa Orange Padre Island Palacios Palmview Pampa Paris Pasadena Pearland Pearsall Pettus Pflugerville Pharr Plainview Plano Pleasanton Point Comfort Port Aransas Port Arthur Port Isabel Port Lavaca Port Mansfield Port O'Connor Portland Poth Raymondville Refugio Richmond Rio Grande City River Park Riviera Robstown Rockport Rosenburg Round Rock San Angelo San Antonio San Benito

San Juan San Marcos Schertz Schulenberg Seabrook Seadrift Sealy Selma Sequin Sherman Shiner Silsbee Sinton Spring Spring Branch Stafford Stephenville Stockdale Sugar Valley Sugarland Sweetwater Taylor Temple Texas City The Woodlands Three Rivers Tivoli Tomball Tyler Universal City Uvalde Van Vleck Victoria Vidor Von Ormy Waco Wadsworth Wallisville Waxahachie Weslaco West Columbia West Orange Wharton Wichita Falls Wimberley Winnie Woodsboro Yoakum Yorktown

Texas Saltwater Fishing

regionaL saLes rePresentative Scott Null Scott@tsfmag.com nationaL saLes rePresentative Bart Manganiello Bartalm@optonline.net design, Layout & web MaintenanCe GRAPHiCs BY DEsiGn Jasmine and Jackson Gordon Phone: 361-785-4282 Jasmine@graphicsbydesign.biz Jackson@graphicsbydesign.biz subsCriPtion – ProduCt saLes Debbie Dugan Store@tsfmag.com Texas Saltwater Fishing Magazine is published monthly.

Subscription Rates: One Year $25.00, Two Year $45.00 E-MAG (electronic version) is available for $12.00 per year.

Order on-line: WWW.TSFMAG.COM MaKe CheCKs PayabLe to: Texas Saltwater Fishing Magazine Attn: Subscriptions P.O. Box 429, Seadrift, Texas 77983 * Subscribers are responsible for submitting all address changes and renewals by the 15th of the prior month’s issue. The U.S. Postal Service does not guarantee magazines will be forwarded.

how to ContaCt tsfMag: Phone: 361-785-3420 Fax: 361-785-2844 MaiLing address: P.O. Box 429, Seadrift, Texas 77983 PhysiCaL address: 58 Fisherman’s Lane, Seadrift, TX 77983 web: www.TSFMAG.COM Printed in the usa.

Texas Saltwater Fishing Magazine (ISSN 1935-9586) is published monthly by Texas Saltwater Fishing Magazine, Inc., 58 Fisherman’s Lane, Seadrift, Texas 77983



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.

Periodical class permit (USPS# 024353) paid at Victoria, TX 77901.

POSTMASTER: Fishing TX 77983.

Send

Magazine,

address Inc.,

changes P.

O.

to

Texas

Saltwater

Box

429,

Seadrift,

June 2008

11

“ya LiKe theM Pointynose trout donCha son?”

“Uh… yeah,” I stammered, “Caught four more this morning.”

“I know how many you caught,” the old crust barked back in his hardened tone.

“Yes Sir,” I blurted in humbled reverence.

I had seen this crusty coot wading at the end of the crashed out pier; you couldn’t miss him in his shiny yellow slicker and Jungle Jim hat.

He was always by himself, and even if you got within talking distance, which I had already tried, he pretended he was alone. I was curious and somewhat honored he was even speaking to me.

“What’s up with you walking past all them good fish and messing with those pencils?

Why don’t you throw up here close where all them stub tails are?”

I didn’t have a clue what he was talking about but he was a fascinating old goat. I could almost smell the paint and lacquer when he launched into his “good old days” story.

Reminiscing aloud, he turned back towards me with squinty, sun-weathered eyes.

“We used to make our own floaters. We’d whittle out a good shape and then go bullfrog huntin’ right there behind that bluff. We’d skin ’em, tan ’em, then stretch ’em over the plugs with a few coats of lacquer.”

At the time I was throwing a yellow-bucktailed Johnson Sprite like most everybody else; but now I was being schooled in something that would eventually float me higher than any plug.

He pointed to a Cotton Cordell Red Fin neatly pinned to his heavily weighted, color-coded hat.

The lure looked like it had been beat to Hell and back with a stiff wire brush.

“Go get you one of these, and be sure and get

12

June 2008

Texas Saltwater Fishing

www.TSFMAG.com

Just Keep Five

Sprite was and Johnson The red reel time. rowing at the what I was th

the rainbow trout colored one. Chunk it up there

a Christmas tree kid and finding something you

barking old man in the yellow slicker jacket for

near the grass on the bank at sun-up. Just work it

weren’t supposed to. I saw the ones I missed for

showing me what I’d not seen before.

slow and keep it on top. Then we’re gonna see if

days afterwards, replaying the scenes over and

you still wanna keep stomping out there up to your

over in my mind.

danged neck.”

It wasn’t so much the catching part, although

I didn’t know why he was giving up such a

I became determined to find and string as many of those big fish as I could. I guess it was so that I could prove to whoever cared that I too

that was awesome. It was the mere fact that I

could be successful. Coming home with a big

large piece of the coveted big trout puzzle. I never

had gained something, and that “something” was

strap became akin to a young buck Indian riding

found out either, because I never saw him again

huge. I fascinated over what it all might mean for

tall into camp with a belt full of scalps.

except from a distance. But I did what I was told.

future sun-ups in endless places. Predictably,

The next morning I threw my new broken-back plug at the bank just like I had been counseled.

Within an hour trout fishing as I knew it changed

The initial excitement of learning was soon

the torch he passed propelled me on a quest that

replaced by the compulsion of even bigger hauls,

would last for years.

and I started getting frustrated if I walked out of

I began probing the new world of shallow water

the water without dragging great bounty behind

forever. I caught two fish that morning but they

with new purpose. Responsibility took a back seat,

me. To finish this little story, we’ll have to fast

were bigger than anything I’d ever handled.

there was an insatiable animal now driving me

forward about 25 years.

Watching solid trout swirl and magically

toward new and bigger conquests. I was hooked

materialize out of shallow water was like being

deep and I remain there. I will always thank the

I was fishing with a friend this past weekend that is about as new to saltwater fishing as I was

Get you one of these and chunk it up near the grass along the bank at sun-up.

www.TSFMAG.com

Just Keep Five

Texas Saltwater Fishing

June 2008

13

back then. With a simple one-liner he handed

like a uniquely radiant sunrise, but the best

the final measurement, we might as well

back the valuable lesson from a time where

thing he said he saw that day was his new

just go pick corn.

excitement came from things not measurable

plug getting blown three feet out of the water.

in pounds and ounces.

It was his first explosive witness, and even

crusty old goat with a yellow jacket. I

though he missed the fish, it counted as one

sometimes wonder if all I’m missing

of the five.

is the jacket. My greatest hope is that

After I apologized for having a tough day and not putting us on a thick-shouldered trout bite, he said, “Well, I just don’t see it

It’s natural for us to gauge the success

Someday I’ll probably be a

I too can pass a torch to new anglers

like that. I figure that if I can see five things

of a fishing trip by what we can carry home.

as bright and long-lasting as that old

that I’ve never seen before I can call the day

Man has been supplying the camp for a long

Red Fin was for me. I hope I can

a success.”

time and those instincts still run deep, even

remember to include how the hunt

I thought about how I felt back on the bluff

through domesticated veins. However, if we

is always better than the kill; how the

with the old man; when the shear newness of

just stop for a moment, it’s also easy to

little things that happen throughout the

the experience far-outweighed any stringer.

re-live the excitement we felt when we were

day end up mattering most… not just

My friend mentioned things he had counted,

new to the sport. If we ever lose that, and

the big ones lying dead at the end.

rely solely on the number we can knife as

Discovering new patterns and techniques that work on bigger fish still sends spikes of adrenaline and lifts me to new heights of obsession.

And although “big” will always be big, it’s not always the “biggest” part of the day.

There is so much more to fishing than the act itself; even those little pointy-nosed trout count too. See you on the water, and quit

ContaCt

stomping out there to your danged neck.

MiKe MCbride

You like them pointy-nose trout, doncha son?

14

June 2008

Texas Saltwater Fishing

www.TSFMAG.com

Just Keep Five

www.TSFMAG.com

Just Keep Five

Texas Saltwater Fishing

June 2008

15

16

June 2008

Texas Saltwater Fishing

www.TSFMAG.com

Just Keep Five

www.TSFMAG.com

Just Keep Five

Texas Saltwater Fishing

June 2008

17

he Laguna Madre differs from most other Texas bays in a couple of significant ways. First, it is relatively shallow throughout its expanse and second, it has virtually no oyster reefs. Consequently, vast stretches

the exception of the portions covered by depths greater than about five feet. The largest section of grass-free bottom is found in the deep hole adjacent to Yarbrough Pass. The silty floors in most of the channels in the Lagoon are also devoid of grass, particularly the Intracoastal Waterway. Otherwise, virtually all of the bottom sprouts some kind of sea grass, which makes for a grand spectacle to gaze upon, but also creates a kind of problem. Though grass is nearly everywhere, the fish simply aren’t.

of this treasured ecosystem superficially

Locating fish within the meadows normally requires

appear to have an intimidating sameness or

finding one of two things, either potholes within the beds or

lack of variety in features.

Like all other bays, the Mother Lagoon does have its defining elements; some are more obvious than others. The best fishing in the upper reaches of this estuary, stretching from the north end of the Land Cut to Corpus Christi Bay, will almost always be associated with one of four prominent features: grass beds, sand bars, channels and/or rocks.

Grass beds help give the Upper Laquna its elegant and scenic effect. When the water is in its naturally clear state, they appear as dark green blankets spread over the bottom. To those accustomed to fishing in the relatively murky waters of Upper Coast bays, looking on these waving beds can create a nearly feverish level of anticipation. I remember the joy I felt when I first walked among them, as I realized I’d found my way to a targetfishing paradise.

Sea grass carpets most of the bottom of the bay, with 18

June 2008

Texas Saltwater Fishing

Low lying rocks, guts, potholes and grass mats lie within close proximity to one another in the area that produced this Laguna trout. www.TSFMAG.com

Just Keep Five

large mats of dead vegetation. The potholes,

areas like those.

or sand pockets, as some refer to them,

Mostly in the middle of the bay lie the man

appear as pale, cream-colored spots within

the man made channels. The dredging of these channels, most prominently the ICW, led to

made sandbars, or spoil banks. Spoil banks on the

the formation and ongoing restructuring of the

the darker, emerald beds. They can be found near

upper coast are often studded with oyster beds,

sand bars. As material is removed to create

land in the shallows or farther offshore; most hold

but in the Lagoon, they exist as shallow sand bars

and maintain the channels, it is piled up nearby,

fish at some time or another, especially those

bearded with beds of grass. Some spoil banks

making the sand bars.

adjacent to other features.

are better than others in terms of fish holding

Potholes lying next to mats of dead grass

Currently, the ICW is the only channel

capacity. Man made bars with gentle slopes and

receiving regular maintenance, but in the past,

almost always hold at least a few fish. The

ample potholes in the grass along those slopes

oil companies dredged other ditches in order to

persistent winds help form the mats by driving

usually hold more fish than spoils with sharp drop

move heavy machinery over the water. These

floating vegetation onto the bank. Since the

offs and fewer potholes. As with the grass mats,

partially silted channels, many of which are visible

prominent wind in south Texas is a southeast

the ends and edges of the bars will often hold fish,

on satellite images like those found on Google

wind, most of the mats lie on the west shore, along

especially where there are sets of potholes along

Earth, are utilized by trout, redfish and flounder.

the famous King Ranch. A haven for all kinds of

and near these margins.

Temperature extremes can concentrate fish in the

small sea creatures, these mats are the anchor for the first link in the food chain.

Focusing on potholes near the mats is a good way to find trout and redfish, but there are other fish-holding features within the mats themselves.

channels of the Laguna Madre.

Justin McCaughan caught this trout out of potholes near a mat of grass piled up on the shoreline.

Especially in mid-winter, when water temperatures are at their lowest, the ditches hold nearly all of the fish in the bay. Dead end channels surrounded by grass beds and potholes

When tides are relatively high, water will cover

can fill up with fish in Jack Frost’s months. Areas

them entirely, creating a super shallow lagoon

immediately adjacent to such channels will also

above the spongy, soft layers of rotting strands.

hold fish in the heat of summer, especially on

Tiny fish and other organisms occupy these

scratching low tides.

skinny puddles, probably as a way to escape the

There are also natural guts or channels in the

predators who can‘t go there.

Upper Laguna Madre, most of which run parallel

Slight depressions in the edges of the mats

to shore. A few run perpendicular to shore and into

create highways between the tidal puddles atop

shallow lakes surrounded by land. These guts can

the mats and the deeper waters of the bay. These

hold trout and redfish, of course, predominantly

corridors become ambush points where deadly

where they dead end in the lakes themselves and

encounters occur, especially when tide levels

where they empty out into the main body of the

drop and leave the tops of the mats high and dry.

bay. This type of feature is more common in the

The ends and margins of the mats always have

Lower Laguna Madre, compared with the waters

potential to concentrate schools of fish as well.

north of the Land Cut.

The sand bars in the Laguna Madre also

Just north of the Cut, along the shore of the

consistently hold fish. Two types of bars exist in this old bay, those made by currents and wind and

Kenedy Ranch, lie an abundance of rocks, the Piles of rocks and/or other debris near the

fourth main defining feature of the Upper Lagoon.

those made by the hands of man. Natural bars

edge or end of a sand bar can also create habitat

A shallow, narrow backwater pond fronted by lines

exist on both sides of the bay, more prominently

for the creatures upon which trout and redfish

of crusty rocks in the area is aptly dubbed Rocky

on the east side, where a meandering whitish

feed, providing a starting point for the food chain.

Slough. The water fronting this shore is deeper

dropoff runs along much of the shoreline. The

Many of the spoils in this bay have such junk

than that along the King Ranch closer to Corpus.

edges of that sand bar slope off rather sharply in

around their ends, so anglers exploring these

many places and are not among the best places in

areas should proceed with caution and mark

when dredging is done. Studies indicate they are

the Lagoon to find fish regularly.

the humps, rocks and pipes they find. Certainly,

the fossilized remains of carbon-based sea life

burning the edges of the bars is rife with danger,

forms left behind in long lost times when this was

Meadows and Yarbrough Flats are all exceptions,

since some of the submerged obstacles are barely

the beachfront shoreline of the Gulf of Mexico.

since they are associated with gradually sloping,

covered and are capable of snatching lower units

Though they were once believed to be identical

shallow flats, grass and potholes and even grass

from the motors of the careless.

to the rocks found in Baffin Bay, the Kenedy

The sand bars in Night Hawk Bay, the

mats. When looking for fish on the east side of the Upper Lagoon, it pays to focus on sand bars in www.TSFMAG.com

Just Keep Five

These rocks are not the kind that pile up

The spoil banks within the Lagoon are, of

rocks are now thought to be similar but made

course, associated with a related set of features,

up of different organisms. They can be most

Texas Saltwater Fishing

June 2008

19

Shallow sand bars amply covered with seagrass are great places to search for some of the big trout that make the Upper Laguna Madre famous.

Some of the shallow, grassy areas in The Lagoon are home to prized fish like this ten and a half pound trout.

treacherous, both to lower units and to those

the Lagoon helps narrow the search for

spots in the Lagoon are those in which multiple

fish in the awe inspiring expanses of this

fish holding features are found within close

exquisitely picturesque, yet potentially

algae, they have extremely uneven surfaces

proximity to each other. Any area having all four

puzzling body of water.

and holes deep within them. I’ve found it nearly

of the defining elements within yards of each

impossible to traverse some of the rocks near

other is likely to hold fish a good percentage

Rocky Slough, and won’t lead clients into their

of the time. Areas with two or three of the

midst anymore. Nevertheless, the boulders

elements deserve more attention than do those

attract and hold monster trout and redfish; that

with only one. Focusing fishing efforts on these

much is known. One way to fish them safely is to

types of areas will allow one to locate fish more

troll outside the edges of the rocks and cast to

consistently than will blindly and mindlessly

them from the deck of a boat.

drifting along and hoping the boat floats over a

attempting to wade among them.

Often covered by bright green, slippery

This is, of course, not necessary north of Baffin, on the King Ranch Shoreline. Contrary to

Many novices fish the Upper Laguna Madre

what some people think and the fact that none

that way, just drifting and hoping. Predictably,

are shown on maps or on GPS screens, there

their catch is often meager when compared with

are numerous, and I do mean numerous, rocks

those who do some homework by studying maps

along that famous stretch of land. The Ranch’s

and satellite images, searching for things under

rocks are mostly “bottom huggers”, sticking up

the surface and marking them, then applying

no more than a foot or so into the water.

what they know about the season, tide levels and

Still, they can be a hazard to boaters; planing off on a set can ruin a propeller or lower unit, so idling far away from the bank before taking

20

school of fish.

Kevin CoChran

water temperatures to make predictions about where to start the search for fish.

Experts at finding fish in this bay don’t get

off is wise along this shoreline, especially when

tunnel vision on just a few spots; the resident

tides are low. Finding low-lying sets of rocks and

trout and redfish move around quickly and can’t

noting their locations can help one find fish more

be counted on to appear in the same places over

consistently in the area, of course, particularly

and over again like they do in other bays. Still,

where sets are found near pretty potholes, grass

some spots hold fish more often than others.

mats, channels and/or sand bars.

Focusing on the four defining features of

June 2008

ContaCt

As with any bay system, the best fishing

Texas Saltwater Fishing

www.TSFMAG.com

Just Keep Five

22

June 2008

Texas Saltwater Fishing

www.TSFMAG.com

Just Keep Five

www.TSFMAG.com

Just Keep Five

Texas Saltwater Fishing

June 2008

23

mullet he had made his way to a small drain that

when the port side rod tip began to quiver.

Tommy grabbed the rod just as a fish headed

fed into the backwaters

south with the bait. He did the “mandatory” five

of Espiritu Santo Bay. He

count and then set the hook as the fish signaled

had timed the tides just

it’s displeasure by running off 20 yards of line.

right and with the moon

“Another redfish,” Tommy said out loud.

on the rise he anchored

But then the fish came to the top of the water

at the mouth of the drain

as Tommy worked it towards the boat. It wasn’t

and set two rods out, one

a redfish. Redfish aren’t flat and they’re not

on the port and one on

brown either.

the starboard side of his

“Well Mr. Connor has been keeping me

boat baited with the finger

pretty busy at the ranch and I figured you’d be

mullet. Tommy watched

out trying to pattern some flat fish cause that’s

as the line of one of the

surely what I’d be doing if I had the time,” Bodie

rods started moving

said to his friend.

addon’s was having a fLounder tournaMent and the whoLe town

slowly to the right and

“Well I’d never think to do that Bodie, I mean

picking the rod up counted to five and then set

we’re partners and all and I figure we need to be

the hook.

doing our scouting together,” Tommy said.

was buzzing about it. No, the Haddon’s

took line and made a run away from the cut.

going to be able to get off to fish the flounder

Cup wasn’t on the line for this tourney, the

Heart pounding, Tommy fought the fish and was

tournament since we’re moving cattle,” said Bodie.

grand prize was every penny that the bar

disappointed to see a slightly undersized redfish

The drag responded immediately as the fish

took in on the Friday night of the tournament and

break the surface as he brought the fish to the

that promised to be quite a chunk of change.

boat. He released the red and was reaching for

Tommy Meyers was excited. Catching flounder

“Truth be known Tommy, I don’t know if I’m

Tommy saw the flounder and knew it was bigger than most any

a fresh finger mullet

took no skill at all and it was as simple as catching some live finger mullet and fishing them on the bottom near the cuts that water and bait flow out of with a moving tide. Tommy knew exactly where to go to catch a tournament-winning flounder.

Near the old abandoned Army base is a cut that runs back into what is known as The Army Hole. Tommy knew that flounder moved in and out of this cut and he planned on testing his theory two days before the start of the tournament.

“Where have you been Tommy?” Bodie asked.

“Oh just doing this and that Bodie, I’ve been just really busy with the yard and stuff,” Tommy said.

“Well pull up a stool, have a beer and set a spell.” Bodie urged.

Tommy sat down and Eloisa set a cold beer in front of him.

“I thought you might be out scouting for flounder,” Bodie quipped to his buddy with a grin.

Tommy spewed beer and immediately started choking and gagging and Bodie slapped him on the back until Tommy caught his breath.

“Why are you so nervous Tommy?”

Bodie asked.

“I’m, I’m not nnnnervous,” stammered Tommy.

“Just went down the wrong pipe is all, just went down the wrong pipe.”

Tommy had left the boat sling early that morning and after cast netting some nice finger 24

June 2008

Texas Saltwater Fishing

www.TSFMAG.com

Just Keep Five

he’d ever caught. He set the hook again just to be

bubbles started rising from the stone and Tommy

secret so he could snatch them during the annual

sure that the fish wasn’t going to get off and he

was satisfied that the fish would be okay until he

Crab Trap Clean Up that happens every year. He

played it up to the boat. Sliding the net under the

got it to his “secret” spot.

could make a quick run out, pick up the traps and

big flounder Tommy managed to get the flounder into the boat. Laughing and snickering Tommy applied the Boga Grip and lifted it up. The Boga

“You’re not going to fish the tournament Bodie,” Tommy asked while sounding relieved.

“Doesn’t look like I’ll be able to make this one

be back in no time just to be able to say that he had done his part for the sake of conservation.

He pulled one of the traps from the shallow

scale said 8 ½ pounds and Tommy knew that if

Tommy what with everything that’s going on this

water, tossed it in the boat and headed towards

the tournament was going on at that moment he

weekend,” Bodie said.

his secret spot. Many people knew about Tommy’s

would win it.

Tommy put the big fish into his cooler and

“Oh, that’s a shame Bodie, I mean you know

private sanctuary but he still considered it to be a

us being partners and all I got a feeling we would

secret spot and the unique thing about it was that

giggled again as he marveled at the size of the

win that tournament hands down!” Tommy said

boats seldom ran through the immediate area.

flatty and then an idea struck him as he noticed

with a smile.

People didn’t fish there much because there were

that the fish was still very much alive.

Dumping the mullet out of his bait bucket

Tommy ran his boat the long way back towards town and stopped at a short slough where he

never any fish there to catch.

Tommy looked around to make sure that no

and filling it with fresh bay water, he took his

knew there were several abandoned crab traps

one was watching him, and satisfied that no one

homemade ice (empty Clorox bottles filled with

still in good condition. He had found the traps

was about, he tied a small red trotline buoy to

water and frozen) out of the cooler and started

while cast netting for bait one morning and kept

the end of a length of nylon rope and tied that

filling it up with saltwater. He put the big

that information a

to the pilfered crab trap. He had to make some

flounder in the cooler and dropped

adjustments to the trap to keep crabs from getting

the air stone from a battery-

in and the flounder from getting out. Then he

powered aerator in and

pulled the big flounder from his makeshift live well.

turned it on. Millions of

Sliding the flounder into the trap, Tommy wired the door shut then tossed it over-board and watched it sink. The only clue that it was there was the small red trotline buoy that bobbed on the surface.

“Well I’m heading to the house Tommy Boy; early morning coming up and a lot of work to do in a short period of time,” said Bodie.

“Night Bodie and I’ll see you tomorrow; this place is going to be jumping the night of the tournament.” Tommy said.

ContaCt

Continued next month…

www.TSFMAG.com

Martin straruP

June 2008

25

www.TSFMAG.com

Just Keep Five

Texas Saltwater Fishing

June 2008

27

www.TSFMAG.com

Just Keep Five

Texas Saltwater Fishing

June 2008

27

Paul Knowles with one of four large jack crevalle sightcasted from the surf on light tackle.

Lthough i’ve written voLuMes about appropriate beach driving and camping etiquette I am continually bombarded with requests for such

they are closer to the water’s edge.

slow and difficult to

2. never sPeed through

impossible. When

CaMPs — even in

traveling towards

eMergenCy situations.

the Port Mansfield

If you have a sick or injured person

jetty one has no way of knowing if there

people in a high speed dash to seek

are going to be

to begin by saying that none of these

medical assistance you will only end up

fishable areas or not.

unofficial rules were decided by me. They

in a bigger mess and possibly cause a

Eighteen months

were created and adhered to long before

genuine tragedy.

ago it cost me an

Before we get into it though, I want

I ever showed up. To be honest and fair,

3. never JuMP out in the

I’d also like to clarify right off that I don’t

MiddLe of a grouP of angLers

the 168 miles from my house to the jetties

care whether you agree with them or not.

CatChing fish.

and back. The past two trips have cost

average of $27.00 for gasoline to travel

I’m simply passing on the rules as they

It’s not necessary, and by traditional

$101.00 and $102.00 respectively in fuel.

have always been and throughout all of

beach law, it actually is not your right to

The fish are there; it’s a simple matter of

these years it has never mattered if we

do so unless specifically invited by those

whether or not conditions will allow fishing

personally agreed with them or not. We

already there. Schools of actively feeding

for them.

simply complied with them because that

game fish are in constant movement along

was the way it was done and it worked.

the beachfront. Stop and ascertain which

POC and doing big game bay fishing trips

Near as I can tell very little works down

direction the school is moving and then

there and am really enjoying it. Simply

there currently.

drive a couple hundred yards away and

makes a lot more sense to spend two

I’ve taken to trailering the Panga to

wait for them to get to you. You’ll get your

hours on a highway to reach a fishing

ALONG THE EDGE OF

chance without hard feelings, tangled lines

destination where I know we will be

THE WATER.

and large fish cutting off other’s lines.

able to fish than drive three-plus hours

Any number of different groups can

on a rough and rugged beach with no

of the road nor run fishing lines

work the same school of fish for miles

idea if we’ll be able to fish or not. Soon

across the road that would impede

productively and pleasantly if everyone

the north winds will stop and with that

the flow of traffic. When other

stays spaced out and leapfrogs the

the sargassum reaching the beach will

vehicles are present you should

movement of the school.

lessen and eventually become sporadic in

1. NEVER BLOCK THE ROADWAY

Never camp in the middle

avoid stopping in the middle of

This is a pretty simple and realistic set

appearance. The surf zone will once again

the roadway, even brief stops

of rules if you take the time to consider

return to the beautiful and bountiful place

are considered an annoyance

them. Please remember that every other

I’ve known all these years.

and impolite to your fellow beach

person on that beach has the same right

fishers and drivers. If you need

to be there and enjoy it as you do. The

beach shark fishermen rarely started

to stop, pull over to the side so

greatest enemy of our privilege to drive on

fishing before Memorial Day as the

that others can get by. It is illegal

the beach of PINS is excessive speed.

conditions were too hostile prior to

and extremely dangerous to dig

Practical and successful surf fishing

speed trap trenches across the

has been during very brief windows of

roadway. As the high tide line

opportunity since the first of the year

withdraws throughout the day

and continuing to the time of this writing

move your rod holders so that

April 26 2008. Sargassum has been

they stay at the waters edge

commonly piled three or more feet

rather than block off wonderful

high along most of the PINS beach

driving areas for others. You will

front throughout April. Travel on the

(Left) Paul Knowles with a 26 # jack crevalle on extremely lite Daiwa tackle on a Panga big game fishing trip at POC.

June 2008

beach has varied from

in your vehicle and run over two other

information; so I’ll address it again.

28

also get less sargassum on your lines if

I’m also reminded that the original

that date. We have had any number of atypically angler friendly years that

(Right) TPWD marine biologist, Todd Neahr, Joe Davila, Glenn Glazer & Joe Alcala with jack crevalle on trip donated to Sharkathon.

Texas Saltwater Fishing

www.TSFMAG.com

Just Keep Five

allowed for much earlier fishing and now we are a bit spoiled and certainly disappointed when the cycle became hostile once again.

Last summer several vehicles were ruined after becoming buried in ultra-soft sand at the water’s edge.

Sargassum is stacked several feet high and as it decays it will be covered with fresh sand which appears harmless and safe to drive on. Ol’ timers called it oatmeal as it has the same texture as oatmeal cereal beneath the thin covering of clean sand. Upon driving into one of these soft spots your vehicle instantly sinks to the frame and in most cases only a wrecker can free it.

There are tricks to fishing with minimum and moderate amounts of sargassum. Avoid excessively windy days as it moves the weed faster. Bass Assassins, weedless Body length: 52 inches. Wing span: 87 inches.

spoons and topwater lures with single hooks all work well in

Weight: 15 pounds.

weed. Shark fishers have several tricks that help. Use more

The whooping crane, our tallest bird, is native only to North

sinker weight than usual. Set baits at a 45 degree angle into the current. Braided lines work better than monofilament in

America. Listed as highly endangered, the sole remaining

sargassum. Don’t let weed build up on your line; remove it

natural wild migratory flock winters in Texas with breeding and

as it collects. Outriggers or extended rod holders will lessen

nesting in northern Canada. Efforts are underway to re-establish

the amount of weed fouling your lines. Smaller baits will hold

a second migratory flock between Wisconsin and Florida with

bottom better than large ones when the weed is prevalent

the use of ultra-light aircraft teaching the young cranes the

and impacting your lines.

migration route. There are currently 72 whooping cranes in that re-introduced flock. A non-migratory flock in central Florida

Dr. Donna Shaver of the Sea Turtle Recovery Program

numbers 37 cranes. Whooping cranes are bred in 5 locations in

Kemp’s ridley nests found

North America with young of the year used for re-introductions.

on Texas beaches. Eleven of these have been on PINS so that means twelve were found on other Texas beaches. Drivers on all Texas beaches must remain aware and alert for nesting sea turtles.

ContaCt

reports that as of 29 April; there have been twenty-three

CaPt. biLLy sandifer

birds during the late 1930s. Through extensive conservation efforts the flock that winters in Texas has increased to 266 individuals according to the 2007 census figures. The whooping crane population increased dramatically by 30 birds in 2007 as a record 65 nests produced 39 fledged young that reached the wintering grounds. Nine white-plumaged cranes died from unknown causes during the year. Current total population is approximately 523 birds including captive, non-migratory, and

Well this year so

migratory flocks.

far has been the winter seemingly without end and I doubt many of us will miss it. I sure won’t.

Life’s a Hoot; Go get you some of it.

Be Careful, Be Courteous, Be Kind.

Whooping crane populations dipped to fewer than thirty

Billy Sandifer operates Padre Island Safaris offering surf fishing for sharks to specks and nature tours of the Padre Island National Seashore. Billy also offers bay and near-tshore fishing adventures in his 25 foot Panga for many big game and gamefish species.

Plumage is almost entirely white with black primaries, has black bristles on carmine crown. Chicks are mottled cinnamon, fading to white with cinnamon skull cap as sub-adults. Greatest threats are habitat loss, loss of freshwater inflows, and collision with man-made obstructions such a power lines, fences and wind turbines. Though sexually mature at three years, most whoopers do not reproduce until age five.

Whoopers arrive in Texas during October and remain

Telephone 361-937-8446 Website www.billysandifer.com

through early April. While spending the day of March 15 on San Antonio Bay with our editor, Capt. Everett Johnson, we counted 33 individual whooping cranes; approximately 12% of the total North American migratory population… awful cool. The greatest number was sighted on Welder Flats, Shoalwater Bay, and several pairs in the marshes of Matagorda Island.

www.TSFMAG.com

Just Keep Five

Texas Saltwater Fishing

June 2008

29

30

June 2008

Texas Saltwater Fishing

www.TSFMAG.com

Just Keep Five

www.TSFMAG.com

Just Keep Five

Texas Saltwater Fishing

June 2008

31

ou Know that feeLing you get when you are about to do something that is going to cause some

caught on artificial and one caught on live bait,

that we live in; it’s a shame that more anglers

dead is dead. Respect your sport and your fellow

aren’t willing to participate for fear of their image

fishermen as long as they obey the law because

being tarnished.

we all want to enjoy our time outdoors.

Here in the Sabine area we are very fortunate

drama, well I have it right now as I stare at

Try as they might no lure manufacturer will

to have a great supply of free live bait. Anyone

this computer screen because I am about to

ever be able to create a lure that works better than

who can throw a cast net can fill their livewell

put into print the two most controversial words in

the real thing. The typical profile of the weekend

without spending a dime. Most of our local anglers

the world of Texas coastal fishing and those are

angler is not that of the high-end trophy hunter

have no idea how much money anglers on other

“live bait”. These are the forbidden words that stir

who chunks lures for hours on end looking for one

bay systems spend on live bait. Live shrimp runs

up trouble and make blood pressure numbers soar.

big fish. It’s the fisherman who takes a quart of

anywhere from $12 to $20 dollars a quart along

live shrimp or a bucket of mud minnows and looks

our coast. Now if you plan on

for anything that will bite.

fishing all day you

No matter how hard you try to stay neutral there is no greater polarizing subject along the Texas gulf coast and everybody who wets a line

Much has been made of the big trout

will probably

is involved. The thing that is most alarming to me in this dispute is the way some of the antilive bait crowd seem to enjoy stirring it up and then sitting back to enjoy the show as fishermen fight other fishermen. Just like the old saying, “divide and conquer,” if we continue fighting one another we only hurt the sport we love. I hope that even if you are against fishing with live bait that you will at least read this story and respect your fellow fishermen who subscribe to the method. They enjoy the sport just like anyone else.

Over the years I have come to realize that not every angler is a plugger or grinder. Not every fisherman lives for the blow-up or the hours of empty casts that sometimes culminate in one great fish. Are they wrong for not living and dying by the, “topwater ‘til you drop,” philosophy?

Not no… but HELL NO! In case you haven’t

phenomenon and all the hoopla that surrounds that style of fishing. I personally have devoted

buy at least

noticed the folks throwing hooks and weights

plenty of articles to the subject as well as many

three quarts, that’s

outnumber the artificial-only crowd by a large

days on the water. On the other hand, I have

an extra $36 to $60 dollars

margin. Besides what the numbers show you can’t

devoted plenty of time on the water fishing with

per trip on top of $3.00 gasoline. Anglers

tell me that somewhere down deep inside you still

live shad or mullet and I enjoy those trips just as

who fish with guides on places like Calcasieu or

don’t get a kick out of watching a cork get pulled

much or maybe even more on occasion.

Galveston not only pay guide fees, but they also

under, that’s perhaps the most basic thrill of the

There is something very calm and social about

are expected to pay for the bait as well, and that

entire sport and anybody who tries to tell you

anchoring up in the mouth of a bayou or in the

gets steep in a hurry. I don’t know how many

different is kidding themselves.

river and peacefully anticipating the next bite for

horror stories I have heard from anglers who went

whatever species shows up. Some of the best

out with a guide and paid for live shrimp only to

were a kid and stirs memories of trips from the

conversations I ever had with my son were on the

have it die halfway through the trip due to a bad

past that are as vivid as anything out there. I

back of the boat as we sat and fished live bait.

live well system or some other problem. Their only

guess if I could emphasize one point it would be

The laid back mood associated with this style of

solution was to go back to the bait stand and buy

that there is no difference between a cooler of fish

fishing is a welcome change from the hectic world

more. My wallet hurts just thinking about it.

Live bait fishing takes you back to when you

32

June 2008

Texas Saltwater Fishing

www.TSFMAG.com

Just Keep Five

Another bait we don’t see in this area is croaker, the summertime trout bait of choice on the middle and lower coast. Live croaker prices

regardless what some may think, using croaker for

rig; both are popular methods and each works

bait is perfectly legal.

well. If there is a drawback to fishing shad it’s their

While we don’t really have a consistent supply

durability; shad are difficult to keep alive for long

run $6 to $10 a dozen depending how far south

of live shrimp or croaker in our area we do have

periods if you don’t pay attention. Most anglers

you go. The number of live croaker sold on any

live bait that is every bit as good if not better, live

try to put too many shad in their live well; this is a

given summertime Saturday is staggering, and

shad. The small pogies and menhaden that thrive

recipe for disaster. All the shad in the same small

make no mistake the live croaker bait industry is

in our waters are great baits for almost any and or

space produce waste and deplete the oxygen in

a huge money maker for trawlers and bait camp

all species of fish that can be caught in our area

the water which usually kills them really quick. In

operators. Right or wrong, many who miss the fall

either fresh or salt. Besides being readily available

order to make the most of your shad don’t put too

croaker runs we used to see attribute the decline

for those who can throw a cast net the best thing

many in your live well, change your live well water

about them is that they are 100% free.

frequently, and keep the water in your live well

of the croaker to the recent rise in popularity that using them for

The summer months are tailor made for

cool by adding frozen water bottles or some other

drifting shad under a cork or fished along the

means. By taking a few extra precautions you can

bottom on a Carolina

keep your bait fresh and lively all day.

Which ever method you prefer, live or artificial, the summer forecast looks really good for Sabine and Calcasieu. The salinity is super high right now and there are all manner of gulf species swimming around the lakes and the rivers right now so who knows what your next bite will be? Take precaution with the heat and keep an eye on the summer thunderstorms that will flare up in a hurry, but most of all be sure to enjoy your time on the water.

ContaCt

ChuCK uZZLe

bait has attained.

Live croaker are very effective and nothing proves the point better than an artificialonly guide struggling to put clients on half limits while his counterpart using croaker puts together a limit for his group well before lunch. There have been plenty of cleaning table altercations surrounding this practice, but www.TSFMAG.com

Just Keep Five

Texas Saltwater Fishing

June 2008

33

34

June 2008

Texas Saltwater Fishing

www.TSFMAG.com

Just Keep Five

www.TSFMAG.com

Just Keep Five

Texas Saltwater Fishing

June 2008

35

EDITOR’S NOTE: We received this story from Jim Gann of Bay City, TX. Jim is a retired technical manager from Celanese Chemical Co. who fishes 4-5 days per week on the bays near Matagorda. Jim and his fishing buddy, Buzzy Romine, endured a harrowing experience that nearly ended in tragedy. With Jim’s permission we are presenting it here as a service to our readers. While none of us are weather experts, doing the right thing during a dangerous storm could save your life. There are many excellent sources listed here in Jim’s story that we would encourage readers to explore. Good luck and good fishing… take appropriate caution and be safe out there. Many thanks to Jim and Buzzy for sharing this tale.

his story begins in the denver internationaL airPort on June 4, 2007. We had just spent a three day weekend with our daughter and family, especially our nine year old

back to the boat, turned on the electronics and became very alarmed. He quickly picked me up and we barely got back to the Diversion Canal before we ran into strong north winds.

On the morning of June 5 I went to my fishing camp to get

grandson. The whole weekend had been taken watching The

my gear. It was too early for weather on local TV. I met Buzzy

Arvada West Wildcats compete in a baseball tournament. Now

at Russell’s Bait Camp at the harbor in Matagorda shortly after

we sat waiting for our flight to Houston Hobby and my mind

5:00 AM. We had our cup of coffee and talked about the trip.

turned to Matagorda Bay where I spend a great deal of my time.

Buzzy said he had seen the radar and we were in the clear

I began wondering if my fishing buddies have been catching my

except for a storm out near Del Rio, some 250-300 miles

share of the fish. Has the weather been cooperating? What will

away. It was expected to proceed to South Texas. Our weather

the weather be tomorrow?

continued to look outstanding with very light wind. While at

I grabbed a window seat as I usually do for the two hour

Russell’s we met and visited with Jessie Deshotels and his two

flight. Our captain mentioned that we would be flying at 39,000

future brothers-in-law, age 17 and 12. The 12 year old told me

feet to avoid storms. During the middle part of our flight over

this was his first trip offshore. They were planning a trip about

New Mexico and North Texas I saw nothing but clouds below.

65 miles into the Gulf of Mexico. I told him it looked like a good

Upon arriving in Houston I noticed water standing on the

day and wished him well.

runway. Our shuttle driver said they had a heavy shower that

At the first crack of daylight, Buzzy and I started loading

morning but the weather was clear now. After arriving at our

his boat. During the process we met Captain Tommy Countz,

ranch near Matagorda I noticed no indication of rain or other

Ray Denson, Captain Bobby Gardner, Mary Covington and

bad weather since we had left three days earlier.

Don Carpenter who were boarding Tommy’s boat for a trip into

About 4:00 PM fishing buddy and neighbor, Buzzy Romine, called to see if I could go the next morning. He said weather forecasts indicated it was going to be a good day. I told Buzzy

West Bay. I later found out they were going after tripletail, which would take them further west than we planned on going.

Buzzy carefully picked his was through the swing bridge,

I would like to go if everything checked out with the ranch

river locks and Diversion Canal into West Bay. He wanted to

operations, animals, etc. We agreed to talk again early evening.

know where I thought we should begin our day and I suggested

After watching the weather forecast I called Buzzy agreeing

a place near the first Cullen House where we had caught

that tomorrow would be a good day. Each forecast indicated

several nice trout in the previous two weeks. The place is

diminishing chance of rain the next three days.

referred to in our crowd as “Jim’s Hole” since they see me

Buzzy and I alternate trips in our respective Gulf Coast Boats. On this day we would be going in his boat which he keeps at the Matagorda Harbor. His boat is a 23-foot Gulf Coast

fishing there often. Buzzy agreed and maneuvered his boat into the spot as we have done on many occasions.

The wind was very light but, to my surprise, from the

Vari-side which he has equipped with large-screen color GPS

northwest. We began to fish using our modified Rebel jointed

and satellite weather radar. This feature served us well last

minnows, a lure that almost always works for us in this location.

fall when an approaching front almost caught us in the bay. It

For the next two hours we were picking up nice eating size trout

was a day I will never forget because I lacked only two trout

sporadically, but often enough to keep our interest. Once, when

of finishing out limits on trout, redfish and flounder. We knew

they started hitting almost constantly, we looked up to see a

the front was close, but I wanted to catch the trout for bragging

pod of dolphins invading our playpen. Needless to say this shut

rights with my fishing friends. We noticed the weather beginning

down our catching for awhile.

to build back toward the nuclear plant to the north. Buzzy went 36

June 2008

As things slowed down I noticed I was getting pretty warm Texas Saltwater Fishing

www.TSFMAG.com

Just Keep Five

f

e

a

t

u

r

e

g

and was appreciative of some low level clouds that formed along a line similar to the shoreline of the peninsula. Soon it began to rain in large scattered drops, not enough to really get us wet, just damp and cool. The wind stopped altogether and it was getting very hot. The light rain was obviously coming from the low clouds and would soon disappear.

u

e

s

t

P

i

e

C

e

The winds blew very strong in a circular motion and the rain became ice cold. The lightning would just not let up. Buzzy began to breathe real hard and shake badly from the cold. I talked to him about rain gear or a tarp he might have in the boat. He could not remember.

I was pretty sure he had both in the nearby boat because on a previous trip in his boat he had loaned me a windbreaker. We had

By now the trout bite had slowed to an occasional strike

also discussed the possibility of just such an event happening. I told

and I decided to move nearer the boat and an oyster reef to try for

him it was routine for me to keep a small (10 x 10) plastic tarp in my

a flounder. Buzzy turned to fish in the gut that reaches back into

boat and I frequently would get on the back and under the tarp to wait

the peninsula. It was at this moment that we experienced a bolt of

out storms.

lightning that streaked across the sky but did not reach the ground. It was however very near and very loud.

Knowing Buzzy I was pretty sure he had both a tarp and raingear in his boat, if I could just get to it. I mustered the courage a couple

I immediately stepped onto the bank, unhooked my stringer of

of times but the lightning would just not let up. Also, during the water

trout and laid my rod on the ground while calling for Buzzy to join

spout the water level dropped at least a foot, maybe a foot-and-a-half.

me. He was about 200 feet away and several more lightning strikes

The boat was stuck in the mud and we’d left it in nearly three feet of

occurred before he could get to the bank. He did the same with his

water when we parked it.

stringer and rod and laid down about five feet from me. We were lying

Finally, about an hour after Buzzy had been struck, I was able

in the grass with a small knoll of sand, shell and driftwood that stood

to get to the boat and search for a tarp and raingear. It was still very

about 1-2 feet above our heads.

dark and while expecting a lightning bolt to strike the boat any second

The lightning bolts were now frequent and loud, striking the ground nearby. It was also raining hard. With no tarp or raingear we were uncomfortable and cold but mostly we were scared. I have

all I could find was a pair of waders and some towels which I carried hurriedly back to cover Buzzy.

That’s when the storm seemed to get it’s second wind and it

been caught many times in similar storms that usually cease in a few

started all over again. It was at this point that we experienced the

minutes. This time the lightning bolts seemed to be continuous and

second water spout/tornado and we were blue and freezing. I slid us

striking very near.

both down into the water for the warmth. This helped for a while but

I was remembering a story from angler friend, Tony Hamilton.

when the water level came rushing back we had to move higher to

Some years before he saw another angler and partner being

keep our heads above the surface.

struck by lightning very near to him. On that occasion the angler was killed and his partner was knocked

Buzzy seem to drift in and out of consciousness. After repeated questioning he believed the rain gear was stored under the leaning

unconscious and they had to remain with the two

post and the plastic sheet was in a box under the console. After

victims for almost two hours for the storm to let up.

another 20-30 minutes the storm eased up again and I was able to

Buzzy and I remained there on the ground for about 30 minutes when suddenly lightning seemed to strike very near although I never actually saw it hit the ground. After a second or two Buzzy’s upper body sort of lurched toward me and I called out, “Buzzy, did it hit you?”

get the gear to warm him up. One Houston TV station reported that there had been over 14,000 lightning strikes in West Matagorda Bay that morning.

As the storm moved on we were faced with the decision of whether to start in or stay put for a while. It was improving where

“I believe it did, Jim,” he replied cradling his head in his hands.

we were but it looked bad back toward Matagorda. Finally it was a go situation. Buzzy was able to transport himself to the boat while

Buzzy was straining and taking deep breaths as we

leaning on me. He seemed to be getting better as he warmed up.

do when we are trying to ward off pain. I could see no

I called Matagorda County Commissioner, George Deshotels,

obvious wound and turned him partly toward me

since his number was in my cell phone. He did not answer but the call

and felt his back.

was switched over to the JP’s office and I asked them to notify EMS

“Wow, I wouldn’t want to do that again,” Buzzy managed with a groan.

The lightning strikes increased and now were continuous. I was afraid Buzzy would try to

to meet us at the swing bridge. Just as I got our boat on plane and came out of the bayou, coincidentally, we intercepted Tommy Countz and party who had taken refuge at two different houses further down the bay as they waited out the storm. After quickly explaining our

stand up and I did not know if I could restrain him; luckily he stayed

dilemma, Captain Bobby Gardner jumped into our boat and drove us

down. I began firing any question at him I could think of just to make

to the swing bridge while I sat in the back with Buzzy to make sure he

conversation and hopefully keep him awake and coherent. Although he

didn’t fall out.

was sluggish he was responsive and kept cautioning me to not get up.

“I’ll be alright Jim, whatever happens don’t get up,” he said over and over.

Buzzy into their care, transporting him to Matagorda General Hospital in Bay City. After informing his family, Bobby Gardner and I stored his

It continued to storm and then we experienced what I believe was a tornado or water spout. Indeed, Ray Denson later told me they saw three water spouts right on top of us. He actually took a picture of them. www.TSFMAG.com

Both Matagorda and Bay City EMS met us at the bridge and took

boat in the harbor boathouse. For the first time in about three hours since the incident began, I felt a little relieved.

It was now about noon. After storing our gear at my camp and getting some dry clothes I took off for the

Just Keep Five

Texas Saltwater Fishing

…Cont’d on page 80 June 2008

37

J ay wa t K i n s

i write very few artiCLes about redfish simply because

Redfish are designed to feed close to the

the redfish connected to the areas where the

bottom. The mouth is turned downward and

choicest of forage species hang out.

I concentrate most of my fishing effort on

the eyes are situated with a downward angle.

speckled trout. This started because one could

Redfish are broad-tailed, built for power and

movement. Redfish, to me, are more current

keep more trout on a guided trip when I started

maneuverability. Always remember that fish with

sensitive than most of us give them credit for

guiding in 1980. We caught plenty of redfish

forked tails are built for speed and agility.

being. Many believe that once redfish move into

back then but I think we have even more redfish

Due to a redfish’s body shape it makes

Our third thing to consider is water

a back lake or marsh they stay, never leaving.

today. One thing is certain, we had fewer people

sense to me that the shallower the water

This is not totally true but, there is some truth

trying to catch them back then. Of course with

the easier it is for them to feed. Do not

to it, and I’m probably confusing you. Don’t feel

freezes and increased fishing pressure it did

misunderstand, I catch my biggest redfish

bad, I was for years until I actually was able

not take long for the Texas Parks and Wildlife

over deeper structure but, the reason for that

to observe just what they really do. When the

to take action and reduce redfish limits from ten

comes later in the article. By feeding shallow

water level falls, the reds actually move into

per day to five and now down to three.

the redfish can drastically reduce the area it has

the shallows, not leave with the water as lots of

to hunt. The smaller the strike zone the more

people believe. During high tides the reds often

hatcheries and stocking program, redfish

efficient the feeder. All predatory species; fish,

turn and move out of the lakes as the waters

abound today in every bay system on the Texas

fowl or mammal like to work less and eat more.

come up.

Along with the CCA, SEA, and our TPWD

coast. The rubber-lipped carp as some call

The second bit of information you need to

Here’s why I believe as I do. As tides fall the

them has been elevated to the status of king

consider concerns the fish’s diet. What is it we

actual acre feet of water is decreased, leaving

and I for one am glad to see it. Sure I prefer to

see in most every redfish we put a knife to?

less water for everything in the shallows. The

chase large trout but there is nothing that can

Crabs, shrimp, mud fish and small perch are

redfish move in and eat as the residents of the

save a day quicker and more impressively than

what I see most. Mullet- believe it or not- are

shallows are vacating. On an incoming tide

a few of these bronze-backed knuckle busters.

way down the list. I have seen snakes, rats,

the acre feet of fishable water is dramatically

Over the past few seasons our trout bite

shotgun shells and bottle tops but these are

increased, making hunting much harder due

isolated instances.

to countless new areas of flooded grasses.

has suffered from causes we cannot control.

The drought a few years ago hurt us, then in

If it moves in front of a hungry redfish

The effort spent searching for bait does not

2007 we had so much rain and run-off that our

chances are they will snap it up. We find the

outweigh the rewards so they pass on that

choice reefs held more channel cats than trout.

most crabs, shrimp and especially mud fish

option. By heading out of the shallows, a lake

Honestly… channel cats in the bay. Not too hard

in our back lakes and estuaries as well as the

let’s say, the redfish push up along the outside

to get on a stringer but, boy howdy, getting them

small ditches or drains that feed them. Ditches,

shorelines. This response to water movement

off is a chore! Just kidding, I never kept any but

drains creeks or sloughs, whatever you choose

allows them to push the bait up against a wall,

I saw some that did.

to call them, are simply pathways that keep

the shoreline is the wall.

With our trout bite off, I had to do

I have noticed over my many years of

something. Sorting through my mental

wading shorelines that redfish seem to

data banks I retrieved what I needed

congregate on areas of the shoreline where

from my early guiding years and began

there is an actual beach, not flooded grass.

searching for redfish on an increasing

Here again, at least to me, the reason is

number of trips. I found that many of

simple; here they can push the bait up

my trout enthusiasts had no problems

against dry land. The bait can only go so far,

catching and releasing redfish when the trout would not cooperate. This leads to the often asked question… What are the key elements to consider when searching for redfish?

The first thing I try to explain is that they need to know a little about the makeup of the red itself.

38

June 2008

Texas Saltwater Fishing

www.TSFMAG.com

Just Keep Five

www.TSFMAG.com

Just Keep Five

Texas Saltwater Fishing

June 2008

39

a sK t h e Pro and then it must fight its way off the shoreline to the safety of deeper water.

The vibration and commotion created by that commotion this attracts redfish. I have seen and have photos of redfish that have knocked the bait right out on dry land, and then slid up there on their side and ate the flopping fish. Hey, it’s true, hard to believe but true.

Now we know where the feed, how they feed, the foods they prefer and the effect current and water level can have, but we still haven’t made a cast. Hey, the work is locating the fish and playing the tides. The catching is usually one of the easiest pieces of the puzzle.

Here is how I approach a likely looking redfish area and how I catch them. First, I prefer to wade. Wading in back lakes and along some shorelines can be grueling business due to softer than normal bottoms. Crabs, shrimp and especially mud fish, prefer softer bottom conditions. All three bury somewhat in the soft top layers of the bottom as protection against predation. Moving WITHOUT SPOOKING is the key. If you’re spooking mullet, you’re spooking redfish. I have to laugh when I see a guy tromping across a shallow flat headed to the back of the cove. With the noise they are making the fish will be in the next county before they get to where they thought the fish would be.

I do a lot of standing and listening as I creep along. Feeding redfish are noisy; they crash and bust the surface making it hard NOT to notice them. But hear this… once they suspect that something is up they’ll disappear instantly without so much as a ripple.

Redfish have incredible senses. I believe they can sense your presence even when you’re standing still. I often kneel to reduce my silhouette and get the right angle for the cast.

Sometimes I kneel when fighting one to avoid spooking others nearby. This pays off when a fish follows the one you have hooked. If you’re lucky and land your fish without spooking others you can get two from the same spot. You have to be in stealth mode when fishing shallow, especially on days with little or no wind.

Bait selection for me is simple; I downsize to the 4-inch or 3-inch Sea Shad Assassins for shallow applications. If I am on a deeper, outside shoreline or drifting, I like the 1/2-ounce spoon. Gold, silver, black, and even chartreuse, I use them all. The vibration of the spoon spoon brings to the game is the ability to cover lots of water very effectively.

As always these are my tactics and they work well for me. I know on the tournament trail I hear tons of theories and most of them sound OK but I find myself sticking to what I know best and that is just what I have written about for

ContaCt

is critical in my opinion. The luxury the

you. Always stick with the plays that have the best blocking!

May Your Fishing Always Be Catching.

40

June 2008

Texas Saltwater Fishing

www.TSFMAG.com

Just Keep Five

www.TSFMAG.com

Just Keep Five

Texas Saltwater Fishing

June 2008

41

C a se y sM a rt t

we are aLL drawn to fLy fishing for different reasons. Some of us simply enjoy the gentle whisper of fly line streaking overhead

few moments of observation.

ShoW TheM your Fly

leT iT Be When you first spot a fish, or group of fish,

Not long ago, I was fishing with a friend in a shallow clear lake that was absolutely full of

and the sights and sounds of the outdoors,

sometimes the worst thing you can do is cast

feeding redfish. Honestly, it was a bit freakish

while others like the exercise and peace of

to them. There are several reasons why this is

how many tailing, slurping, writhing gangs of

mind angling brings. A handful of anglers fish

true. The most obvious is that firing from the

redfish were in this particular lake, and we both

because it is a competitive challenge. But

hip is a low-percentage choice. The classic

knew it. But my buddy struggled to catch one all

most of us fish because it’s thrilling. We spend

situation that comes to mind is when you spot

morning long. I watched from a distance as he

countless hours dreaming and preparing for

a fish slowly cruising away from you. Casting

got no response from fish after fish. These fish

that single moment when it all comes into focus

over his shoulder is tempting. “He’s gonna’ get

were aggressively feeding, he had the right fly

and we hook into a muscle-bound predator

away,” you think. But trying to throw a lasso at

on, and he was making quiet stealthy stalks to

making a bareback run for the horizon. Our

him will bite you in the butt nearly every time.

no avail. Finally, I slipped up closer to see why

hearts pound, our ears ring, and for a few

The usual outcome is that the line or leader

things weren’t working for him.

minutes everything else fades away. It’s cool.

The primary target of Texas saltwater fly

lands alongside him, by his eye. Redfish don’t really like fly line in their eye. If you make it past

fisherman is the redfish. They are plentiful,

that hurdle, and your fly lands safely on the

accessible, and willing to play in a wide variety

other side, your retrieve will bring it right back at

of conditions. Sightcasting these fish with

him — straight at his face. Sound like a natural

a fly rod in shallow water is one of angling’s

presentation? Redfish are suckers for an easy

great experiences. The jolt of adrenaline

meal, but that one is too good to be true.

triggered by the sight of a lumbering 5 lb redfish

Perhaps the best reason, though, to holster

easily explains why they command so much

your sidearm when you spot fish is because

control over the behavior of 200 lb men. They

you can learn something by waiting and

compel us to do strange things. I suppose

watching. I am not suggesting we all become

the adrenaline rush is linked to some ancient

ardent fish-watchers, but choosing to hold off is

gene. A cat eyeing a cricket has it. A shorthair

sort of like the angling version of, “Talking less

pointing quail has it. And buried beneath our

and listening more,” and you can benefit from

100-dollar shirts and neoprene boots, most of

it. By spending just a little time watching redfish

us still have it. We are thrill seekers.

you can find out whether they are feeding or

When it comes to fishing, I am definitely a

42

on the up’s and down’s of fly fishing for reds.

Take them for what they are worth.

cruising, what they are feeding on, and how

thrill seeker. I’ve spent more time than most,

they are responding to the current and structure

and less time than some, chasing redfish with a

around them. And you can take advantage of

fly rod. There have been successes and failures

the opportunity to photograph these fish while

and lots of wonderful memories over those

they do their thing. Your buddies might roast

years. I have learned a lot and hope to learn

you for passing up the cast, but that’s O.K..

much more. Here are a few of my observations

There is a wealth of information for you in those

June 2008

There they are... show them your fly.

Texas Saltwater Fishing

www.TSFMAG.com

Just Keep Five

My two boys, Rhodes and Foster, recently showed up with a copy of a book called Learn About…Texas Freshwater Fishes. They picked up the book in the gift shop of the Dinosaur Museum in Sattler, TX. The three of us sat down and started thumbing through the pages looking at the diagrams of different baitfish and gamefish that live in Texas lakes and streams. Several hours later, the boys were outside throwing stuff, but I was still reading through the book wishing It quickly became apparent the fish could not see his fly. His casts were landing too

I would have had it years ago in my college ichthyology days.

short — way too short. He was visibly frustrated, so I asked if he wanted me to offer a

Seriously… although this book is geared toward kids, it is

suggestion. “Please!” he said. “Hit ‘em in the head,” I told him. “If you can cast farther,

thoroughly educational and useful for adults as well.

cast farther. If you have to wade closer, wade closer. Do what you have to do, but hit one

Learn About…Texas Freshwater Fishes is advertised as a

in the head and see what happens. You can work back from there.” After a few tries, he

“learning activity book,” meaning the educational information

hooked up.

is made more kid-friendly through the addition of puzzles,

This may sound like a no-brainer, but if you want to catch redfish, you have to show

posters, and games inserted at the end of the book. Yes, those

them your fly. Sometimes that means you have to put it right in their face. They won’t

activities are fun for youngsters, but this book isn’t just for kids.

eat what they can’t see. If your casts are landing too short, or way off target, you’re

Learn About…Texas Freshwater Fishes is part activity book,

squandering the chance of a hookup. Fix it. Disregard your fear of failure and move closer.

part textbook. Besides the fun and games, it covers the history,

Watching the outcome unfold, for better or worse, is sure to be thrilling.

taxonomy, anatomy, and development of Texas freshwater

BAlAnce

fishes. Best of all, it doesn’t sugar-coat the vocabulary or skip

I have learned the hard way that a balanced life is a fundamental key to success and enjoyment on the water. There is nothing more distracting than leaving for a fishing

the details.

Do you have a hard time correctly identifying that minnow

trip with unfinished business behind you. You keep looking at your watch, checking your

in the bottom of your dip net? Well… virtually any sort of

cell phone, and quietly fretting over other burdens you know await you when the trip is

mysterious finned species you might stumble upon in a lake

through. It poisons your piece of mind, ruins your focus, and makes it altogether tough to

or river is listed in this book. The species are organized

have a good time.

taxonomically and the diagrams of the various species are

When your fishing partner is pre-occupied with worry, it’s almost as bad. You do your best to cheer him up, but his stress ends up bringing both of you down. In fact, I would rather have my buddies call me at the last minute and back out of a trip, than have them go and then worry they should be somewhere else. I know they expect the same from me.

accompanied by information on feeding habits, life history, and those cool State distribution diagrams.

Do you know how many different shiners there are in Texas lakes and streams? Could you identify them? How about lampreys? Can you tell the difference between a ganoid scale

come first. We owe it to our friends, family, and ourselves. As much as I love the thrill of

and a ctenoid scale? What are breeding tubercles and which

fishing, I have never found in fishing any

fish have them? Which is more ancient, a gar or a sturgeon?

magical ability to take care of the other

Learn About… Texas Freshwater Fishes can provide you with

aspects of life that require my attention

the answers to these questions and teach you so much more.

and my time. Only I can do that. The best I can do is to live clean and simple, tend to the important things first, and show others I care. And when it comes time to fish I can do it with a healthy attitude and a feeling of balance. If you have that, the thrills you’re looking for

ContaCt

We all have to own up to our choices and play the hand we are dealt. First things

I really enjoyed Learn About…Texas Freshwater Fishes. If you have an interest in fish, I think you will too. Get a copy for your kids… they’ll have fun with it. When they’re through, you can sneak it away and buff up on your own fish knowledge.

There is a lot to learn. Just look between the bream chowder recipe and the sunfish seek-and-find!

Learn About… Texas Freshwater Fishes

will fall neatly into place.

Texas Parks and Wildlife publication 92 pp. Texas Parks and Wildlife Press iSBn: 1-885696-36-1

www.TSFMAG.com

Just Keep Five

Texas Saltwater Fishing

June 2008

43

f

L y

o

f

t

h

e

M

o

n

t

h

f i s h i n g

7

8

one of the Most effeCtive baitfish Patterns I have ever used is the “Chrome Clouser.” This is a flashy fluid-looking Clouser Minnow with a white craft fur belly and a body made from a large tapered clump of silver Krystal Flash. The fly is topped with a few strands of slender grey bucktail. While traditional Clouser Minnows

f L y

are tied sparse, using only a few strands of bucktail and flash to create a wispy baitfish illusion, the Chrome Clouser is tied full and fat. It is bright

9

and lively and anything but subtle. It looks great in the water and predators of all kinds will hammer it. I attribute this to the action of the tapered clump of flash used to form its body. It wriggles and writhes and reflects light in a way that is irresistible.

I have long wanted to tie an iridescent version of the Chrome Clouser to match the electric-pearlescent look baitfish radiate in clear water.

Unfortunately, most of the flash materials I experimented with were either too stiff or too limp to provide just the right action when used in bulk. Some tangled, others stretched, and some were brittle or fragile or just too darn

4

10

5

11

6

6. Cut a 4-inch long section of

expensive to squander. Then along came one that performed perfectlyPolar Flash.

Polar Flash (not to be confused with fur-like Polar Fiber) is a thin, flat, iridescent Mylar material sold in generously-sized hanks. It resists tangles and does not twist on itself like some materials when used in bulk. Polar Flash is available in a variety of colors including pearl, chartreuse, and silver. It’s a tough material but it has a surprisingly supple fluid action and it is ideal for crafting all sorts of durable saltwater patterns.

done!

I generally tie the Polar Clouser in pearl/grey on a #2 hook with medium black/white lead eyes. The key to tying this fly is to use a large clump of Polar Flash fibers that tapers to a gentle smooth point at the rear. When tied this way, the fly absolutely comes to life with a wriggling action and astonishing rainbow shine. Really… it looks great in the water. If desired, stripes or colored accents can be added to the body of the fly using permanent markers.

Polar Flash fibers. Grip the fibers in the center and taper each end

The Polar Clouser is a good choice for the surf, jetties, channels, or open water fishing. Due to its weight and bold presence, it is not the best

by randomly pulling a few fibers out

choice for spooky flats fish. Retrieve the fly with a jerky erratic stripping

slightly. Each end should come to a

motion followed by brief pauses. For predators that respond to speed, use

slender tapered point. 7. Secure the

a hand-over-hand retrieve. The Polar Clouser is durable, easy to tie, and

center point of the fibers to the hook

will make a great baitfish addition to your fly box.

shank with one half facing forward and one half facing rearward. 8. Fold

hook: Standard stainless saltwater hook #4 to 3/0 Thread: Clear nylon mono eyes: Painted lead barbell, or stainless bead chain Back: Bucktail Belly: Craft fur Body: Polar Flash head cement: Sally Hansen’s Hard-as-Nails Some of the materials you will need — lead eyes, bucktail, craft fur, and Polar Flash.

44

June 2008

1. Attach lead eyes to top of hook shank

the forward-facing ends of the fibers

using figure 8 wraps. 2. Attach a bundle

back over the hook shank as shown

of craft fur fibers on top of hook shank

and secure with tight thread wraps.

between lead eyes and eye of hook.

9. Continue to wrap down the fibers

3. Move thread to rear of hook shank,

and form a tight tapered nose on the

pull craft fur fibers snug over eyes, and

fly. 10. Overlay a long slender clump

secure to top of hook shank with thread

of bucktail fibers and secure with

wraps. 4. Wind thread back to front of

thread wraps, forming a tight tapered

hook shank and coat wraps with Sally

head. 11. Tie off thread and coat

Hansen's. 5. Rotate hook as shown.

wraps with Sally Hansen's. Done.

Texas Saltwater Fishing

www.TSFMAG.com

Just Keep Five

www.TSFMAG.com

Just Keep Five

Texas Saltwater Fishing

June 2008

45

www.TSFMAG.com

Just Keep Five

Texas Saltwater Fishing

June 2008

47

tournaMent tr aiLs

Louie Baumann hooked us up with a great prop for our Illusion, but even it could not get us out of 3" of water.

Team TTF to the rescue!

Marking a one on the side of the console with mud to indicate day one of my adventure, i was mentally prepared to be here a while.

college try to push, but no luck.

There was one other boat in the area and

way. The only boat that can run shallower than our Illusion is coming to save the day, the king

to our surprise, they were a tournament boat

of shallow water boats, a Majek Redfish Line

and as they drove by, we were able to flag them

driven by our Team TTF teammates are here

down. Our new friends, Clinton and Lisa said

after Reid promised them who knows what to

they would fish a little longer then come get us.

come get our boat.

Thirty minutes later, they stopped and took Reid

We hooked up a long rope, positioned the

and our fish to weigh in while I guarded the boat

Redfish Line in the gut we were going to fish

Running up a shallow gut, the plan is to

from pirates with my new military commando

and three of us push while the boat pulls. After

run upwind and drift out. As I drive up the gut,

knife made in China. I prepared for the long

about 45 minutes and to our surprise, we moved

we notice the gut next to it has more flow.

haul. High tide was 10 hours away and with the

our boat across the flat into the gut and we were

Somewhat pressed for time and with some

north wind that may not be enough. I bust out

home free. Reid and I could not believe we

imprecise communication at 35 mph we decide

the Prasek’s jalapeño/cheese summer sausage

moved the boat, but we were now in the gut and

to cross over to the other gut. Well no surprise

and a Powerade. Marking a one on the side of

ready to go home.

we are suddenly stuck in 3-inches of water and

the console with mud to indicate day one of my

Reid made weigh-in and we had a little

can’t move. I guess we should have seen the

adventure, I was mentally prepared to be here a

over 13-pounds. So we ended the Matagorda

bird standing nearby. Our Illusion was on solid

while. It is a good thing I have seen Tom Hanks

Redfish Series like the 120 teams that did not

ground and would not budge. I was impressed

in Castaway several times.

win, no trophy, but a story. In the end, even

we made it this far. Our boat policy is to run

As I started to think of how to keep busy and

though we did not win, I was pleased to find out

with the jackplate at 4-inches to prevent getting

how to survive after my supply of sausage and

our friends from Bay City, Mike Condit and Billy

stuck, but as we crossed the bar, I jacked up to

lemonheads ran out (about 1.5 hours), I hear the

Martin took home the trophy with two pigs that

6 and left us no margin. We make the obligatory

sweet sound of an Evinrude ETEC coming my

came in at 17.27 lbs.

Time to get ready for Port Lavaca. Reid and

Kurt Koliba and Mike Shimek preparing to throw us a line.

I are also indebted to Clinton and Lisa for the ride to weigh-in and also to Kurt Koliba and Mike Shimek for coming to pull us out. These are the good people that represent the best of what

ContaCt

tournament fishing is all about.

48

June 2008

Texas Saltwater Fishing

www.TSFMAG.com

Just Keep Five

tournaMent tr aiLs

Louie Baumann hooked us up with a great prop for our Illusion, but even it could not get us out of 3" of water.

Team TTF to the rescue!

Marking a one on the side of the console with mud to indicate day one of my adventure, i was mentally prepared to be here a while.

college try to push, but no luck.

There was one other boat in the area and

way. The only boat that can run shallower than our Illusion is coming to save the day, the king

to our surprise, they were a tournament boat

of shallow water boats, a Majek Redfish Line

and as they drove by, we were able to flag them

driven by our Team TTF teammates are here

down. Our new friends, Clinton and Lisa said

after Reid promised them who knows what to

they would fish a little longer then come get us.

come get our boat.

Thirty minutes later, they stopped and took Reid

We hooked up a long rope, positioned the

and our fish to weigh in while I guarded the boat

Redfish Line in the gut we were going to fish

Running up a shallow gut, the plan is to

from pirates with my new military commando

and three of us push while the boat pulls. After

run upwind and drift out. As I drive up the gut,

knife made in China. I prepared for the long

about 45 minutes and to our surprise, we moved

we notice the gut next to it has more flow.

haul. High tide was 10 hours away and with the

our boat across the flat into the gut and we were

Somewhat pressed for time and with some

north wind that may not be enough. I bust out

home free. Reid and I could not believe we

imprecise communication at 35 mph we decide

the Prasek’s jalapeño/cheese summer sausage

moved the boat, but we were now in the gut and

to cross over to the other gut. Well no surprise

and a Powerade. Marking a one on the side of

ready to go home.

we are suddenly stuck in 3-inches of water and

the console with mud to indicate day one of my

Reid made weigh-in and we had a little

can’t move. I guess we should have seen the

adventure, I was mentally prepared to be here a

over 13-pounds. So we ended the Matagorda

bird standing nearby. Our Illusion was on solid

while. It is a good thing I have seen Tom Hanks

Redfish Series like the 120 teams that did not

ground and would not budge. I was impressed

in Castaway several times.

win, no trophy, but a story. In the end, even

we made it this far. Our boat policy is to run

As I started to think of how to keep busy and

though we did not win, I was pleased to find out

with the jackplate at 4-inches to prevent getting

how to survive after my supply of sausage and

our friends from Bay City, Mike Condit and Billy

stuck, but as we crossed the bar, I jacked up to

lemonheads ran out (about 1.5 hours), I hear the

Martin took home the trophy with two pigs that

6 and left us no margin. We make the obligatory

sweet sound of an Evinrude ETEC coming my

came in at 17.27 lbs.

Time to get ready for Port Lavaca. Reid and

Kurt Koliba and Mike Shimek preparing to throw us a line.

I are also indebted to Clinton and Lisa for the ride to weigh-in and also to Kurt Koliba and Mike Shimek for coming to pull us out. These are the good people that represent the best of what

ContaCt

tournament fishing is all about.

48

June 2008

Texas Saltwater Fishing

www.TSFMAG.com

Just Keep Five

www.TSFMAG.com

Just Keep Five

Texas Saltwater Fishing

June 2008

49

b o b b y b y r d & C a P t. J o h n C o C h r a n e 50

there is a Lot of taLK these days about high fueL Costs and how it is impacting our daily lives. What’s even more important is how it

Lots of fuel on deck!

is going to impact our fishing this summer. Many people have speculated a drop in tournament participation and fishing effort, but we have a few ideas that might be of interest.

There are several things you can do to conserve fuel and keep costs down. Leave the dock the afternoon or night before a fishing trip.

Taking your time by easing out at 10 knots is a lot safer at night, saves on fuel and is much more relaxing for everyone on board. We introduced a 5:00 pm departure on our Texas legends tournament many years ago to allow an unhurried trip offshore with a daylight departure.

Navigating the jetties and coastal shipping traffic is a lot easier in the daylight and by the time the sun goes down you are well offshore, away from most of the congestion. By going offshore slowly, you save on fuel. It takes more time, but it costs less. Being able to leave from any Texas port in the Texas legends is also a big plus. For visiting boats, you don’t have to run down the coast just to enter the tournament.

We accept entries by mail and at several locations along the coast. You only need to go to Port Aransas if you have a fish to weigh or video to turn in (or want to come to a great party and eat great food).

Another thing you want to consider before burning a lot of fuel is where you are going.

Invest in several of the online services that keep you informed about what’s going on offshore like hilton’s realtime navigator, roffer’s Ocean Fishing Forecast, Terrafin or similar web sites. Finding out the best areas to fish before leaving the dock can save lots of fuel June 2008

cost and time. With all the information available to us these days, it doesn’t make sense to leave home without it. Sea surface temperature, water color, currents, rig locations… all of these factors play a big role in where to find the fish.

One other factor to think about is fishing the lower Texas coast. The run to the fishing grounds is shorter. Try fishing out of Port Aransas or South Padre Island, especially later in the summer when the weather gets nice.

There are not many deep water rigs, but there are many fishing spots closer to shore that are very productive. Most of these spots are 50 miles offshore or less, so it can really make a difference in your pocketbook.

Take advantage of every trip, especially when the weather is right and the fishing is Texas Saltwater Fishing

good. You’ve already spent the time and fuel cost to get way offshore, that’s your biggest expense, why not make the most of it by staying out as long as practical. It’s pretty easy to stretch an overnight trip into another day, if you have the time off and the weather cooperates.

Once you’re out there, save fuel by trolling only, no running around. If you want to move to another rig or other fishing area, troll there.

If you really want to save fuel, live baiting around a rig or drifting for tuna can really cut fuel consumption. The extra night and day puts you on the fishing grounds for the evening and morning bites which can be very productive. By doing this you get to fish more and will probably catch a lot more.

When you are ready to run in, troll inshore www.TSFMAG.com

Just Keep Five

www.TSFMAG.com

Just Keep Five

Texas Saltwater Fishing

June 2008

51

linKS To checK ouT: hilton’s realtime navigator

Troll between fishing spots to conserve fuel.

www.hiltonsoffshore.com roffer’s ocean Fishing Forecast Service www.roffs.com

Jou r na L

www.terrafin.com

bLu e wat e r

Terrafin – Sea Surface Analysis

be determined by single fish weight, largest fish

TeXAS BlueWATer chAMPionShiP The tournament entry fee is $250 per boat.

Participants are not required to enter the Blue Marlin category. Once entered, contestants can choose what categories they would like to compete in. For any category, the winner(s) will

the minimum weight is 400 lbs. For all categories, entries must also meet the current state and federal minimum lengths. Boats may fish anytime between May 24th and Sept. 1st – Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day Weekend. Anytime you go fishing you’re in the tournament. The tournament fishing area is considered the Texas Coast and adjacent waters of the Gulf of Mexico.

Boats must leave from, and return to, a Texas port reason are allowed. See complete rules for details.

Tournaments: Any boat registered in this tournament may enter a fish caught and weighed in any major Texas fishing tournament.

The entrant will be responsible for supplying documentation of weighed fish including photographs, weight, total length and short length.

Jungle rules: There are no angling rules other than the fish must be caught on an IGFA conventional rod and reel and boated by hand or gaff. Anyone may handle the fishing rod. No shooting, explosives, entangling devices, nets, longlines or other non-sporting devices may be used. cATeGorieS: Blue Marlin Pot – $2,000 Captains Pot – $250 – One place only, heaviest blue marlin.

Mates Pot – $250 – One place only, heaviest blue marlin.

Yellowfin Tuna Pot – $500

Wahoo Pot – $500

Dorado Pot – $500

Swordfish Pot – $500

For reGiSTrATion inForMATion: (Including a complete set of rules.)

Tops-N-Towers 2321 Nasa Road One Seabrook, TX 77586 281-474-4000.

Or come by Tops-N-Towers and register during regular store hours.

Tournament director – John Cochrane 409-739-4817 June 2008

towards the house and keep going until you convinced you’re out of the productive zone.

You can continue in at trolling speed while cleaning up the cockpit and putting things away. Take time to relax a minute, maybe grab something to eat or drink and enjoy your time on the water.

When you do run in, try to find the most economical speed. Everyone likes to go 30 knots, but it makes more sense to pull it back and conserve on fuel. A 500 gallon fuel bill is going cost you $2,000. We think you are going to see a lot more people pooling their resources and fishing together. Sharing the expenses has always been done when fishing offshore; we just think you’re going to see a lot more of it.

Many people we have talked to that fish a lot of tournaments are now picking a few that they want to fish most and going with these.

One tournament you might want to consider entering this summer is the Texas Bluewater championship that we put on each year.

Basically it’s a tournament that runs all summer long from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Once you’re in the tournament you can enter any of the following categories; Blue Marlin, Swordfish, Yellowfin Tuna, Dorado and Wahoo. You can get in one or two or all of them, it’s up to you.

The biggest fish of the season wins.

Any time you go fishing, you are fishing the tournament. If you catch a big fish in another tournament, no problem, it counts in this one too. It’s a fun tournament to get in because there’s no pressure and you’re always fishing it, whenever you want to. For more information about tournament fishing or to find out more about big game fishing in Texas, visit us at Tops-n-Towers we’re always happy to answer your questions.

Byrd & cochrane is an authorized broker for Fox yacht Sales, the Texas dealer for new cABo and riviera yachts. Fox has an Texas Saltwater Fishing

extensive inventory of brokerage boats as well and we will be glad to help you find a boat or sell yours. We specialize in sportfishing boats and motor yachts. Come by and get a great deal on your next boat. For more information call our office at 281-291-0656 or check out our website at www.byrd-cochrane.com or www.foxyachtsales.com.

ContaCt

in each category. For the Blue Marlin category,

to qualify. No stops in non-Texas ports for any

52

Fish flags.

MAY 24TH TO SEPT. 1ST 2008

Born in Galveston, graduate of Texas A&M, Capt. John Cochrane grew up fishing and diving the Gulf of Mexico.

He’s been a professional captain for over 25 years and has fished all over the world. At Byrd & Cochrane, he and Bobby specialize in yacht sales and sportfishing consulting. John now concentrates his efforts on big game fishing and billfish research in the Gulf of Mexico.

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 Websites www.byrd-cochrane.com www.topsntowers.com www.foxyachtsales.com www.stingercustomlures.com www.TSFMAG.com

Just Keep Five

www.TSFMAG.com

Just Keep Five

Texas Saltwater Fishing

June 2008

53

54

June 2008

Texas Saltwater Fishing

www.TSFMAG.com

Just Keep Five

www.TSFMAG.com

Just Keep Five

Texas Saltwater Fishing

June 2008

55

56

June 2008

Texas Saltwater Fishing

www.TSFMAG.com

Just Keep Five

www.TSFMAG.com

Just Keep Five

Texas Saltwater Fishing

June 2008

57

CCA Texas’ San Antonio Chapter – Annual Fundraiser Banquet April 18, 2008.

The University of Texas Marine Science Institute in Port Aransas, Texas, will be opening its doors for the 8th Biennial Open House on June 14, 2008. Bring the family for a fun-filled day and learn about the sea, coastal bays and marshes, as well as the research that goes on at the Institute. Families can take part in Field Excursions into local bays aboard research vessels (see MSI’s website for specific requirements for field excursions). Take a guided tour of our Fisheries and Mariculture Laboratory, where redfish were first spawned in 1977, or take our Sex Hormones in Fish tour to discover how similar fish hormones are to our own. Learn how we rehabilitate injured birds and sea turtles at the Sea Turtles and Birds Exhibit. Get up close and personal with a wide variety of fishes, crabs, sea urchins, sea

CCA Texas has once again been blessed

stars, and other marine life at our Pier Lab Touch Tanks.

with a successful spring banquet season with record attendance and

Enjoy the Ocean Theatre where Presidential award-

record fundraising. A strong grassroots group of dedicated volunteers,

winning teacher Pam Stryker excites kids as they learn

donors and supporters continues to make CCA Texas the premier coastal

about the lives of fishes, seahorses, crabs, and squid. Small children will

conservation organization in the United States. This grassroots group is

love Here Fishy, Fishy: Fishing for Kids, Story Time in the MSI Library,

the key to the success of CCA Texas and its long, rich history.

and the Texas Parks & Wildlife Wetland on Wheels. For more information

Banquet attendees, new members and renewals continue to set

log on to our website at www.utmsi.utexas.edu.

CCA Texas membership levels at all time highs, approaching 55,000 members who want to see the valuable Texas coastal resources remain plentiful and sustainable for years to come. Banquet attendance has seen levels at over 1,400 in San Antonio, 1,200 in Corpus Christi, 800 in the Rio Grande Valley and Victoria and continued growth in smaller chapters across the state. The newly formed San Bernard chapter, based in the East Bernard area, had a record setting event with over 500 in attendance of which over 200 were new members.

Despite concerns of the current economy; supporters, donors and buyers continue to support and set new levels of fundraising for CCA Texas. This continued support and membership levels speaks volumes in the belief of CCA Texas and the organization’s ability to continue the fight for proper fisheries management, support of Texas Parks and Wildlife Law Enforcement, funding of scientific studies used in fisheries management and resource assessments, habitat enhancement projects, Special thanks to our sponsors:

the support of five graduate level scholarships for marine biologists and

The UT Marine Science Advisory Council, Austin White Lime, CITGO, H-E-B,

the education of the general public.

IGA-Family Center, Port Aransas Chamber of Commerce, AmericanBank,

CCA Texas staff and volunteers would like to thank our members, sponsors, donors and buyers for their continued support. With you

Port Aransas South Jetty, Port Aransas Boatmen, Inc., Texas Parks & Wildlife

and the grassroots efforts, Texas coastal resources will benefit for

Department Coastal Fisheries Division, M/V MUSTANG/Billy Gaskins, Fisherman’s Wharf, and the City of Port Aransas.

generations to come.

58

June 2008

Texas Saltwater Fishing

www.TSFMAG.com

Just Keep Five

www.TSFMAG.com

Just Keep Five

Texas Saltwater Fishing

June 2008

59

60

June 2008

Texas Saltwater Fishing

www.TSFMAG.com

Just Keep Five

www.TSFMAG.com

Just Keep Five

Texas Saltwater Fishing

June 2008

61

Field notes

if you’re boating in redfish bay this suMMer, be sure to watch

any part of RBSSA but places the responsibility

Each summer of the past 3 years, divers have

out for divers! Biologists from the Texas Parks

of protecting valuable seagrasses in the hands

collected data along 35 randomly selected

and Wildlife Department (TPWD) will be in the

of boaters. The Coastal Fisheries Division

transects (lines) located in RBSSA. Divers mark

water working to evaluate the effectiveness of

(CF) of TPWD undertook a comprehensive

the location of prop scars over these 100-meter

efforts to protect seagrasses within the Redfish

public outreach campaign including personal

long lines. Secondary observations are made

Bay State Scientific Area (RBSSA).

contact, group presentations, distribution of

from the surface to validate what was seen in

printed materials, newspaper and magazine

the water. The total number of propeller scars

propeller scars left by boats were causing

articles, TV and radio interviews, public service

at each 100-meter line, information about each

significant damage to shallow seagrass flats.

announcements, signage around the bay, and

scar, and information about habitat surrounding

When a boater runs in water that’s too shallow,

postings on the TPWD website. An estimated 8

each scar are recorded. Following the

the boat’s propeller can cut into the roots of

million people have been reached through this

observation of new scars, the locations of scars

seagrass plants, leaving what is known as a

campaign. During the first year of the regulation

detected in the previous year are re-examined

prop scar across the bay bottom. Studies show

TPWD game wardens emphasized education

to evaluate scar recovery. So far, the results

that seagrass beds can take anywhere from

by issuing only verbal and written warnings. In

have been encouraging. From 2005, prior

several months to several years to recover

June 2007, the first citation was issued. As of

to the regulation taking effect, to 2006 there

following damage caused by a propeller.

February 2008, 9 citations have been issued, all

was no change in the level of prop scarring in

Depending on the species of seagrass and

of which have resulted in convictions/fines.

RBSSA. From 2006 to 2007 following a year

In the 1990s, it was recognized that

physical conditions, some prop scars may

This regulation does not restrict access to

One technique of the five-year study to

divers to actually count scars in the water.

of education and enforcement, there was a

never recover. Extensive prop scarring may

evaluate the effectiveness of TPWD seagrass

69% reduction in the average number of scars!

lead to fragmentation of seagrass beds thus

protection regulations in RBSSA is to use

Furthermore, 80% of the scars observed in

diminishing their value as habitat for fish and

2006 had recovered by 2007! This is especially

other marine creatures.

In June 2000, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission (TPWC) designated Redfish Bay a state scientific area to encourage protection of seagrasses. Efforts to address the problem through education, outreach,

remarkable considering that almost

and the establishment of voluntary no-prop

70% of these were located in turtle

zones were largely unsuccessful. In May 2006

grass beds. Past

a new regulation was adopted by the TPWC

studies

which prohibits the uprooting of seagrasses by submerged propellers within the RBSSA. The regulation reads as follows: “Within Redfish Bay State Scientific Area no person shall cause or allow seagrass to be uprooted or dug out from the bay bottom by a submerged propeller.

Boaters will be in violation of the regulation if they uproot seagrass with a submerged propeller and can be fined up to $500 (Class c misdemeanor).”

62

June 2008

Texas Saltwater Fishing

www.TSFMAG.com

Just Keep Five

have shown that scars in turtle grass beds are

deep water when possible, using a push-pole,

to observe responsible boater behavior as

typically very slow to recover.

a trolling motor (trolling motors are exempt

well as reductions in prop scarring in RBSSA.

from the regulation), or simply drifting with the

In the meantime, come and enjoy this unique

wind when in shallow areas.

and beautiful body of water. Just remember to

A number of things can possibly explain the reduction in prop scarring observed in 2007. Observations by TPWD biologists and

Biologists will continue to monitor prop

be respectful of our natural resources, do your

game wardens indicate that the regulation,

scarring and boating activity in RBSSA for the

part to protect our valuable seagrass habitat,

along with the education and outreach, has

next two years using the diving technique. An

and by all means, watch out for divers!

significantly altered the behavior of boaters

aerial photography component of the study

in RBSSA. Many boaters appear to be boating

will be described in Part II of this series of

more responsibly in the area by traveling in

articles. We are hopeful that we will continue

www.TSFMAG.com

Just Keep Five

Texas Saltwater Fishing

June 2008

63

anglers but they are obviously fishing more. Is

in Texas. As noted initially what has happened in

this good news or bad news? From the individual

Texas is a phenomenon seen nowhere else.

t p w d

f i e l d

not es

angler’s perspective it may not seem like good news because it means more competition for

year period when the number of saltwater

fish and places to fish.

anglers in the USA declined by 8% (to a total of

The fact is that it is good news for all of

8,582,000) did Texas pull off such a coup? The

Does it seem to you that there are more and more boats on the bays and in front

us. There are so many pressures on coastal

answer is both simple and complex. Basically,

resources these days that we need good

the socio-economic conditions between the

reasons and lots of support to make sure that

likes of Texas, Florida and other coastal states

of you on the ramp these days, even with

our bays remains healthy and productive and

have been much the same. The same cost of

escalating gas prices? No matter how early

full of fish. Nothing seems to speak louder these

living expenses, population growth and resulting

you leave the dock someone is already on your

days than dollars and the economics of saltwater

pressures, etc. So why is Texas different? Other

favorite spot? Does it keep you at a low simmer

fishing in Texas is a big shout because of the

than the basic fact that all Texans know – we are

that the fish never seem to have a chance to

phenomenal growth we have seen over the last

just better than everyone else – I think it comes

settle down because boats keep buzzing the

five years. It is important that political leaders

down to two factors. Texas saltwater anglers are

flat? If that is what you think, you are right and

and decision-makers hear it.

a dedicated and conservation minded group that

the here are the facts to prove it.

All of these new Texas saltwater anglers

have always been willing to do what has been

buying equipment and all the things they need

necessary to protect our fishery and (all false

Service surveys the nation’s hunters and anglers

to fish have increased retail sales in our state by

modesty aside) resource managers that have

to determine how many are participating, how

32% ($319,000,000). Those sales have boosted

made the right decisions and the hard choices to

often they hunt or fish and how much they are

the amount of taxes collected by 24% or a total

support that same goal.

spending. The data that come out of that effort

$63,000,000 over those collected in 2001. The

are very important. These data help set the

impact on the Texas economy reflects that

saltwater anglers of Texas to conserve our

amount of federal dollars (generated by the

positive input.

state’s recreational fishery has long been a

Every five years the U.S. Fish and Wildlife

excise taxes we all pay on sporting goods) that

Another way of measuring that economic

The partnership between TPWD and the

model of national admiration. I know of no other

are annually returned to each state in the form

impact is in the number of new jobs all this

state where it has been so effective. When it

of sportfish restoration funding. The survey

economic activity has created. Between 2001

was determined that we needed hatcheries to

is also a valuable planning tool for resource

and 2006 an additional 5,221 jobs have been

restore red drum and spotted seatrout, Texas

managers and the most objective means

created by saltwater fishing here in Texas.

anglers responded with the funds to build the

of assessing the economic impact of these

Basically, this amounts to over 1,000 new jobs

biggest most sophisticated system in the world.

activities across the country.

each and every year over the past five years.

When it became clear that inshore shrimping

That is a claim that not too many industries can

was severely impacting the recreational fishing

make these days.

and ecosystem health, Texas anglers taxed

The American Sportfishing Association (ASA) compiles the data into a report that compares all

Today the annual economic impact of

themselves to buy out the industry to a level

states. Go to www.asafishing.org to learn

saltwater fishing on the Texas economy is a

that minimized those impacts. Ten years and

more about the ASA and find more detail

whopping $1.7 billion. That is an increase of $0.4

$12 million later we are nearing that goal. When

about the survey results.

billion a year compared to 2001.

we have proposed new regulations to protect seagrass, the spotted seatrout in the lower

of the information between

The comparison between the 2001 and

64

How did this happen? How, over this five

How does Texas compare to other states?

2006 survey (the latter recently published) are

In a word, we are in a class of our own. Both

Laguna Madre and menhaden in Texas waters,

eye opening and revealing about the state of

Florida and California, the other two of the

anglers stood right behind TPWD and said yes.

saltwater angling, especially in Texas. First

big three saltwater fishing states, saw an 18%

of all the number of saltwater anglers in our

decline in anglers over that same period. In the

not realize just how unusual this is so it is not a

state have grown by 286,650 anglers, a 25%

Gulf of Mexico Louisiana saw a 42% decline,

bad thing to restate it. Yes, we can argue and

increase, since 2001. While it may not be a very

Mississippi a 38% decline and Alabama an 8%

get mad at one another. Rough talk and genuine

realistic way of looking at it, that growth could be

decline in anglers since 2001. Of the 23 states

disagreement can break out from time to time.

expressed as an increase of 4,777 new anglers

that support saltwater angling only four other

All that aside, when the chips are down we all

a month, every month for the past five years.

states showed positive gains over this period –

have never failed to come together to do the

The number of days spent fishing by both old

Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii and Maryland. When

right thing. That, more than anything else, is why

and new anglers has grown by 50% to a total of

added together the numbers of saltwater anglers

Texas is different. The numbers don’t lie and we

15,143,000 days fishing. Not only are there more

in those states only approach half the numbers

can all be proud of what we have accomplished.

June 2008

Texas Saltwater Fishing

We are a little spoiled here in Texas and may

www.TSFMAG.com

Just Keep Five

www.TSFMAG.com

Just Keep Five

Texas Saltwater Fishing

June 2008

65

f i s h i n g

C a P t. s C o t t n u L L

K a y a K

“hey Man, you free toMorrow?”

decision is right side or left side. However,

dream about. Within easy casting distance

the recent acquisition of the Haynie got him

there was not one, but two large groups of reds

“Depends.”

to thinking about expanding his horizons and

drilling holes in the bottom. And beyond them

“I’ve got tailing reds all over the place and

offering customers the chance to paddle waters

was another group. Awesome! Before I could

that are a bit more off the beaten path.

put the paddle down Dean sailed a Spook Jr

an open day on my calendar.”

“Sounds like I’m going fishing.”

just past the closest tails. A couple of twitches and the topwater disappeared in a melee of

Corpus for two long days. Seems like during

eastern sky. Dean explained that he’d been out

splashing reds. The hook-up was solid and the

the show season I get to talk about fishing a lot

the day before and found a good concentration

first cast of the day resulted in a nice slot fish.

more than I actually get to wet a line. So when

of reds with scattered pods of tailing fish in

my good buddy, Dean “Slowride” Thomas,

some super shallow coves; perfect targets for

result, but it wasn’t quite that easy. Some of

called with that offer it was an easy decision.

stealthy kayak fishermen. The problem was

these fish were so focused on the shrimp they

Plans were set and I went to sleep that evening

they were a long way from the road and prime

were rooting out of the grass that they never

thinking about dotted tails waving in the air.

feeding time was going to be around first light.

noticed the lure. It would seem to be a sure

Thus the combination of powerboat and kayaks

thing to throw a DOA shrimp into the pile and

was the perfect solution.

come away with a hungry fish, but on this day a

I had been working a store promotion in

The next morning I met Dean at the boat ramp in Aransas Pass. Yes, I said boat ramp.

This trip would give us a chance to tryout his

The run across the bay was quick and we

I’d like to say every cast brought the same

noisy topwater was more often the answer. The

new Haynie as a kayak mothership. The kayaks

were easing into our anchorage as the sun was

were strapped alongside the center console

just peaking above the horizon. Within minutes

and the boat was in the water. All I had to do

the kayaks were in the water and loaded with

cast with the DOA. Dean complimented the

was step aboard and stow my gear.

gear. Dean eased away while I stayed back and

toss with, “That ought to get one,” as it landed

took a few requisite photos. Before I could put

just in front of the lead fish in a group of twenty.

powerboat to ferry the kayaks to more distant

the camera away he was sitting motionless at

No sooner did the words come out than I

waters. Others have been doing so for quite

the first point and looking back at me with a big

saw a swirl and felt the surge of a good fish.

a while, but Dean has been hesitant to make

grin. “There they are... please hurry up!”

Then the line went slack.

There’s nothing new about using a

that jump. Who can blame him with Lighthouse

66

As we headed down the ICW the sun was just starting to make its presence known in the

Apparently it was time to get going. No

Lakes and Brown and Root Flats only minutes

more than twenty paddle strokes later I was

down Highway 361? Most days his biggest

staring at one of those sights redfish junkies

June 2008

Texas Saltwater Fishing

fake shrimp just wasn’t getting much love.

At one point I made a beautiful on-target

“Did you lose him?”

“No, but he isn’t pulling hard enough to be a keeper,” I replied. www.TSFMAG.com

Just Keep Five

www.TSFMAG.com

Just Keep Five

Texas Saltwater Fishing

June 2008

67

f i sh i ng

How the heck could I pick an undersized red out of a pack of upper-slot fish? Turns out

K aya K

it was a decent trout. Not what I was looking for, but it would do. Of course Dean had to toss his Spook into the still tailing reds and draw a hefty strike. I knew I was going to hear about it.

“I always knew you were a trout guy at heart,” was the quip I had to endure.

The next laugh was on him. I had the camera out trying to get some action shots when Dean waved me over. He was sitting thirty feet from a huge pile of rolling, splashing, happy redfish. With the fly rod in hand and a huge grin he said, “Get a picture of a master in action.”

I adjusted the focus as he laid the fly a few feet past the party. My finger was on the button, the lighting was good, the fly was where it needed to be and… nothing. The fish were moving closer now. The next cast was more like just dangling the fly from the rod tip… still nothing. As they got closer I held the camera with one hand and tossed the DOA. “Fish on! Nice job there fish master,” rolled immediately off my tongue.

It was one of those magical mornings. Fishing with a great friend, razzing each over screw-ups and blown chances, then cheering success moments later. We literally never had more than a few minutes between the sightings of tailing pods. This went on for two solid hours.

We even got cocky and started trying to set up some photo opportunities. The results were comical at best. Schools of tailing fish don’t always listen to the director. Suffice to say we didn’t get any of those really cool action shots, but enough good ones to chronicle a great morning on the water.

The Texas coast is blessed with miles of shallow flats, marshes, and back lakes. Many are too soft to wade and too shallow for most powerboats. As most of you reading this have realized by now, kayaks are the perfect tool to effectively fish these areas. Unfortunately most of the best areas are simply too far from public access for a comfortable paddling trip. Sure, you can plan a multi-day trip and camp out on a spoil island if you have the time and energy. And those trips can be very rewarding, but the reality is that the vast majority of us can’t pull that off as often as we’d like. Adding a powerboat to the arsenal can really fisherman willing to give it a try.

If you’d like to try kayaking away from the roadside crowds give Dean a shout.

He’s now offering guided trips utilizing the Haynie to access areas around Aransas Pass and Rockport that rarely, if ever, see a kayak. He can be reached at www.slowrideguide.com

ContaCt

open up a whole new world for the kayak

or 361-758-0463.

68

June 2008

Texas Saltwater Fishing

www.TSFMAG.com

Just Keep Five

www.TSFMAG.com

Just Keep Five

Texas Saltwater Fishing

June 2008

69

C a P t. sCot t soM M e r L at t e

oKay everybody — i aM stuMPed as for what to write about this Month.

Actually, I have been getting some great ideas from both readers and our illustrious editor but, they all require a little development and I need some time to create some images to support the ideas. So, I have decided to share some new products that I have discovered recently. cArBon MArine This first item is more for the ‘skiff’ crowd that seems to be growing at an unprecedented rate here in Texas. The product is called a Tiller Piller and is built in Florida by Joe Welbourn

also added, “Once

of Carbon Marine. The Tiller Piller is a tiller

the business took

extension for small tiller-steered outboards that

off, it was only

is made of carbon fiber.

a matter of time

“I couldn’t find a tiller extension that was

before I introduced

light enough or strong enough to use on my

something new so,

little skiff,” said Welbourn, “so I just decided

I am now making

to make my own and before I knew it, people

removable casting decks and am developing a

were asking where they could get one.” He

poling platform.”

30" x 18" Black Standard Mat with White Logos and Yellow Eyes.

I have been using mine now on my 25 hp Yamaha for several months and cannot say

Designer Mats Inc. of Florida is offering

enough about the product. It is easy to put on

a PVC mat that is perfect for many small

and take off for traveling, it is light (a major

boat applications. The first thought that went

factor in anything I put on one of my boats) and

through my mind was to use it to stand on while

the price is very reasonable. The extension is

running my boat to reduce fatigue (it works

also ridiculously strong which, to me is very

great for this by the way) and then I thought-

important for safety reasons in that I would not

what about using it to line compartments. For

want to be running along, hit something, have

all these years I have been looking for the

the extension break or become unattached and

perfect material to put in the bottom of my

then lose control of the boat.

compartments to protect not only the boat, but

This product is of course for the extreme angler who is fishing from boats that are designed to fish shallow, not run shallow.

For more information about this product

the items being stored, and that would be easy to clean. By gosh, I think I have finally found it.

The mats are offered plain or custom hand inlaid mats of woven PVC. The properties

please visit Joe’s website at — www.

of the mat make it very easy to keep clean,

carbonmarine.com.

resisting mold, mildew, and fungus. The PVC is impregnated with the color as well as UV

deSiGner MATS inc.

While traveling through Florida a couple of

70

June 2008

inhibitors to prevent it from fading. There are 27 colors to choose from. The mats do not come

weeks ago I stumbled onto another product that

with a backing allowing sand, dirt and water to

I just knew that I was going to have to have.

flow through keeping the surface cleaner and

Texas Saltwater Fishing

www.TSFMAG.com

Just Keep Five

www.TSFMAG.com

Just Keep Five

Texas Saltwater Fishing

June 2008

71

aCCor di ng to sCot t

safer. Clean up is a snap, just hose it off with water and a mild degreaser.

After having tried the product it is safe to say that you will be seeing it on my boat when I get back from Florida.

To learn more about these multi-purpose mats please visit Designer Mats Inc at — www.designermats.net or call Jeff LeMieux at (941) 473-8060.

ShiMAno reelS Well Shimano finally made a change that I have been waiting on for a couple of years. You see, I have always liked the indestructible Shimano Spheros spinning reel for fishing down in Florida and for fishing at the jetties or in the surf at home in Texas. But — I quit using them and went back to using the more expensive Stradics because the Spheros casting performance left a lot to be desired due to a poor spool design.

Now, like the saying goes — things change. Shimano has updated the spool to its new and improved ‘propulsion line management system’ spool and has breathed new life into an old product. The ‘propulsion’ spool allows the line to flow of off the spool much smoother allowing for more accurate presentations and more distance on the cast. It also reduces line tangles for all of those anglers like me who have forgotten what monofilament is and think braided line is now the only alternative.

The only complaint I now have with the Spheros product line is that Shimano has yet to offer this reel in a 2000 series. The Spheros 3000 is the smallest version of this product which is just a little too big for fishing for reds and trout in the bays and backcountry. The 3000 is great when you are fishing somewhere where you might hook a slot-sized red on one cast, a 20 pound snook on the next and then a 50 pound tarpon on the next, but is a bit clumsy fishing for slot-sized fish on a lighter rod designed for finesse.

Shimano remains at the top of their game as usual which is apparent with the updated version of this reel series.

Well boys and girls, that’s it for this month. I hope I have given you some information that you can use. Until next month — best of tides.

72

June 2008

Texas Saltwater Fishing

ContaCt

All in all I would have to say that

www.TSFMAG.com

Just Keep Five

www.TSFMAG.com

Just Keep Five

Texas Saltwater Fishing

June 2008

73

a a ro n C i s n e ro s

Here's Dr. Brian Burns and 11 year old son Beau — starting them young is a treasure for the future.

Photo courtesy of Mike McBride.

the Month of June MarKs father’s day, and for this PieCe i want to take the time to write a

told us about the jellyfish and their long

big, “Thank You” to all the dads who take time

these stinging jellyfish. I got the worse part

to take their kids fishing. I also want to share

of it being wrapped around my right leg

some experiences and tell you how important

with these massive tentacles. I was on the

fishing has been in my life. I’m sure you have

verge of tears, and all my father could do

lots of fond memories fishing with your dad.

was laugh and tell me not to be a sissy. Oh,

I still remember my dad sharing the story of

I wore shorts and walked into a mass of

I wanted to grab one of those jellyfish and

how his dad, my grandfather, gave him a twenty

throw it at him. He did take care of me as we

dollar bill to go buy himself his first spinning

headed back to the dock. I think the thought

reel outfit. As my dad was sharing all the details

of going to eat at King’s Inn afterwards made

with me, I saw that spark in his eyes that one

me feel a little bit better. It’s funny now, but it

you don’t. Nevertheless, the common talk and

gets when something good happens to you.

was not back then.

the learning that takes place are memories that

That story impacted me for a while; it got me

As I look back on all of the trips, another

It was a family affair to bring in this one.

will last forever. Don’t miss out on the whole

into thinking that one day I will have stories like

one that stands out was when I got hit by a

picture because you’re too busy trying to put

that to tell. It also makes me cherish every trip

stingray. As I sat there in pain in the back of the

fish on the boat. Fathers, take the time to share

I take with my dad. Fishing with your dad or an

boat, my dad did everything he knew to make

and teach.

adult can bring lots of fun whether you catch or

me feel more comfortable. Little did he know

not. Don’t look at fishing as just pulling fish out

that his comforting words did not ease the pain.

give a man a fish, you feed him for a day. If you

of the water, but look at it as a time to bond and

He did get me to the doctor’s office in record

teach a man to fish, you feed him for a life time.”

learn some lessons in life. Some of the best

time. Not all fishing trips will turn out to be fun,

Author unknown. My version is if you give a

conversations I have had with my dad have

but they can all be lessons learned.

teenager a fish, you keep him entertained for a

been on the way back from a fishing trip. We get a chance to talk about all kinds of things.

My dad and I have had some good times

74

tentacles floating in the water. My dad and

Recently, I had the opportunity to fish with

There’s a saying that goes like this, “If you

day. If you teach a teenager how to fish, you will

some of my friends and their fathers, and the

have kept him out of trouble and won yourself a

bond that my dad and I share is the same one I

best friend.

and some bad times. I remember the time

see in my friends and their dads. All fishing trips

The best fishing trips with my dad have

when we were new to Baffin Bay, and nobody

are different. Sometimes you catch; sometimes

been when we fish alone. That’s when all the

June 2008

Texas Saltwater Fishing

www.TSFMAG.com

Just Keep Five

SUB0608

866-680-TSFM (8736) or 361-785-3420 Monday – Friday 7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

AM EX

www.TSFMAG.com

Just Keep Five

Texas Saltwater Fishing

June 2008

75

A memorable snook trip in 2004.

y

o

u

t

h

Wearing bright colors makes you visible to boat traffic.

Hugo Flores and son had a good day on the water.

in fishing there are many things to be learned that apply to our daily lives. friendly competition when

uncle that took the time to teach him how

my dad and I fish alone.

to fish.

Usually he is the one with

76

My great uncle would pick up the kids right

excuses, but that’s part

after school or on most weekends and head

of the fun. Just don’t tell

straight for the water. You could say fishing is

him I said that. When we

a legacy that is carried on from generation to

wade together, I tend to

generation. Fathers, if you have found yourself

have the stronger and

to busy to take the young ones fishing, make

longer lasting legs. If

it a point to get them out on the water soon.

I end up catching the

Teenagers or younger ones, if you seldom get

most and bigger fish,

out to fish with your dad, make it a point to

he uses the excuse that

fish with him this month. In my opinion it would

he’s the one that had to

be one of the best Father’s Day gift a father

retrieve the boat.

could receive.

I’m sure as you

In fishing there are many things to be

read this article, it will

learned that apply to our daily lives. For one,

bring back notable

it keeps us young ones out of trouble, and it

memories of your past fishing trips. I’m sure

leaves a legacy and stories that we too can

trash talking begins. It’s always a blast when we

you have great stories to share — some funny

pass on. Are you ready to continue the legacy?

sightcast to redfish because we fool each other

and some with a not-so-happy ending. Can you

A big tribute and thanks to all the fathers that

by pointing out in the direction the fish is not

remember your first fishing trip? Whom was

take the time to take their kids out fishing. Keep

going and then cast in the other direction where

it with? I know that my grandfather was not a

making a difference and Happy Father’s Day!

the fish really is. Let me tell you there is much

fan of fishing, but I’m sure glad my dad had an

June 2008

Texas Saltwater Fishing

www.TSFMAG.com

Just Keep Five

Texas Redfish Series Rolls into Matagorda May 3, 2008; Matagorda was the venue for 121 teams fishing the second stop of the Texas Redfish Series sponsored by Cabela’s, powered

by Blue Wave/Suzuki.

Saturday morning started off with beautiful weather until a front blew in from the north bringing high winds and high seas. Many anglers that crossed West Matagorda Bay made a smart choice by calling for their trailers.

"Several teams decided the risk was too great and opted not to cross West Matagorda Bay for the weigh-in," said Jim Elrod, tournament director.

The teams who managed to bring in fish found big ones with the winning stringer coming in at over 17 lbs. Those two monster redfish were hooked by the team of Mike Condit and Billy Martin of Bay City. Condit’s last win came at Port Lavaca in 2003 with his former partner Brandon Jenewein.

“I really wanted to bring home my next win in my home waters,” said Condit.

The winners found their fish on a shoreline of a back lake in West Matagorda Bay. They used their trolling motor to move slowly along grasslines. The winning fish were caught only 15 minutes apart. Condit and Martin were throwing pumpkinseed soft plastic mullet imitators and brokenback lures.

Sunday, May 4, the Malibu Texas Kayak Series sponsored by Cabela’s hosted 54 anglers who were set to battle high wind. Tom “Tombo” Bulger shattered the kayak series record for the biggest fish by bringing in a live redfish that weighed over nine pounds. Although Tom did not get to prefish and had never set paddle in the waters around Matagorda, he used his knowledge of redfish behavior and chased small schools all day.

“I would pull up and catch a few the same size. Then I would move on to another school looking for bigger fish,” said Tom. Soft plastic lures were the key to Tom’s success. Taking home the team prize was Vincent Rinando and Fil Spencer.

The Texas Redfish Series’ next event will be June 28 in Port Lavaca, TX. Sunday June 29 will bring the Texas Kid’s Series tournament benefiting Texas Youth Outdoors Adventures.

For more information on these tournaments visit our website: www.saltwaterseries.com. www.TSFMAG.com

Just Keep Five

Texas Saltwater Fishing

June 2008

77

Luresafety Wrap Sometimes you happen onto a fishing

Luresafety Wrap puts an end to all of these.

we receive no compensation. Further, you can

Made of flat spring steel encased in soft foam,

bet your last dollar that we have used these

product that is so simple yet makes so much

Luresafety Wrap is designed to be clamped

products extensively and they work. There is

sense you wonder why it took so long to hit the

around your rod and lure and offers a quick and

no intent to describe any one product as the

market. Luresafety Wrap is one of these.

simple solution to a problem that has plagued

only offering within a category you should

fishermen for a long time. When not clamped on

consider. So in keeping with that theme, we

holders and been snagged in the shirt sleeve or

your rod, the console grab rail is a handy place

are first going to present a general discussion

pants leg? Worse — how many times has the

to store it until needed again.

of braided fishing line, then we’re going to

Ever tried to squeeze past your console rod

hook found pay dirt in your hide?

I’ll never forget the day my buddy Pete came

Pam and I picked up three Luresafety Wraps at the Houston Fishing Show this past March

recommend three brands of braided line we have used successfully.

limping onto my porch clasping his left butt

and have put them to the test. So far they’ve

cheek to keep a full-sized Spook from skewering

been as handy and worked as well as a pocket

a confession. I was a holdout, very close-

him in more places than it already had. Seems

on a shirt. We feel confident our readers will

minded, I hated the stuff. The braided lines that

Ol’ Peter was bent over the gunwale to snap the

enjoy using them too. Luresafety Wrap can be

hit the market in the middle-90s soured me

Boga Grip on a good red when fate reminded

purchased online at www.luresafetywrap.com

deeply. Casting distance was my biggest gripe,

him just how sharp a brand new VMC Cone Cut

or you can place telephone orders by dialing

not to mention the backlashes I had to remove

treble can be.

713-203-2829.

with a Boy Scout knife. The products available

What about braided fishing lines?

today are very different but, like I said, I was a

What about the times you had to shutdown during a rough bay crossing because somebody’s lure got loose and began swinging dangerously close to your head?

As I have stated previously in these product

78

June 2008

Before going further, though, I want to make

hardhead. It took several trips with clients and friends hooking bites I couldn’t feel to soften my opinion. Noting that their casts were easily as long as mine tipped the balance in favor of another look.

The technical differences separating

reports; our purpose in these

today’s braids from the early stuff are many and

presentations is to pass along

significant and I’m hardly qualified to discuss

information that can improve

them. There are however two attributes of

reader’s fishing experiences.

modern braid that are easy to understand; early

The performance reports

braids were basically flat in cross-section and

we offer are unsolicited and

lacked the slick coatings of today’s lines.

Texas Saltwater Fishing

www.TSFMAG.com

Just Keep Five

Being round in cross-section, modern braids

hookset! The first couple of days I used braid

resistance, and how long this stuff lasts. I

have far less tendency to dig into the lower wraps

I was launching two and three pound trout

switched last July and have probably fished 100

on the spool and it flows better off the spool

skyward like ladyfish on steroids. Having

days with nothing but braid. Hoping to learn

and through the guides. The coatings that line

become a bit wiser, I now set my drag to about

which line I would like best, I filled one reel with

manufacturers are putting on their lines today are

half the tension I use with mono. Adjusting it

Power Pro, another with Sufix, and a third with

super-slick. So slick in fact that I needed to learn

tighter requires only the flick of a thumb on the

Stren, all with 20-pound test.

some new knots to use them successfully.

star drag to fight a strong fish. When you have

My fishing since July has taken me to

your fish close to hand, dialing the drag softer

many waters in search of many species and I

will greatly reduce short line pull-offs.

am pleased to report that all three lines have

The thing we like most about braid is the sensitivity that no-stretch brings to the party. It doesn’t take long before you can begin to detect

Braided line makes noise! The first time you

performed flawlessly. Anytime a reel needed to

the difference between ticking oyster shell,

hear your new braid singing through the guides

go in for service I pulled the line off and spooled

bumping a mullet or shad as you work through

when you fight a fish it’s like fingernails on a

it into another. Finally, just ten days ago, while

a raft of bait, or even having a single blade of

chalk board. Two things are going to happen,

preparing for a Chandeleur Island trip, I retired

grass foul your lure. While the plump thump of

though, and they’re both good. The singing will

all three lines and re-spooled with new braid.

an aggressively striking fish can be detected

subside somewhat as the line becomes broken-

with any line, light taps and soft pick-ups are

in. And since you’re going to be catching more

never suffered the first break-off, I never had line

telegraphed through braid like a jolt of electricity,

fish; that objectionable noise will soon become

digging into the spool, no Boy Scout backlashes,

so naturally we’re catching more fish.

sweet music.

and most importantly I’ve hooked a ton of bites I

Growing comfortable with braid does require a learning curve, though.

First, the knot slipping problem. For years we joined 20-pound mono leader to our main lines

Slow your presentations! Another thing you’ll need to learn is that your lures will require less rod tip action to make them dart and dive.

During those many days of hard fishing I

likely would have missed without it.

I’m sold. If you haven’t given braid an honest try, or maybe gave up in the learning

Whipping the rod tip as you probably do

curve, I urge that you try again soon. We are

with a five-wrap blood knot. For joining mono

with mono brings another little problem. Tip

the best equipped generation of anglers that

leader to braid, don’t do like I did, follow the

wrapping, as I call it, occurs when a bit of slack

ever hit the water and to the engineers and

manufacturer’s recommendation and learn the

line whips around your rod tip and cinches into

manufacturers who strive to bring us better

uni-to-uni knot if you do not already use it. When

a half-hitch. Learning shorter rod strokes and

gear, I say, “Many thanks.”

tying the uni-to-uni I make seven wraps of each

practicing better slack management is all it takes

line around the other and have eliminated all

to eliminate this little headache.

slipping and associated knot failures.

Soften your drag and ease up on the

www.TSFMAG.com

Just Keep Five

As for a preference between Stren, Sufix and Power Pro, take your pick… they’re all great!

No braided line discussion would be complete without mentioning strength, abrasion

Texas Saltwater Fishing

June 2008

79

hospital. One of the first people …Cont’d from page 37

1. Lightning can strike on what appears to be a clear day, traveling

I ran into was Dr. Andy Sher,

as much as 10 miles from a storm. If you can hear thunder you

another of our fishing buddies,

are somewhat at risk. Now everyone that fishes Texas bays

who assured me that Buzzy would be OK. They had been and

knows that you will not get much fishing done if you run to port

would be continuing to run tests to confirm this.

anytime you hear thunder, especially during the summer rainy

George Deshotels was there and I inquired about his son,

season. Also, on this day, the first time we heard thunder it was

Jessie, and his two young fishermen. George has not been able

directly overhead. Anytime you hear thunder, no matter how far

to talk to them since they were out of range for their telephone. He

away, it should put your weather sensory skills on high alert.

was plenty worried.

Take notice of any movement and be prepared to seek shelter

Finally Jesse and the two youngsters made it back to port with tales of terrible conditions for about three hours at sea. His two passengers were terrified in the 12 foot seas and constant lightning.

or move to a clear area. Our usual mistake is waiting too long, especially if we are in fish!

2. Storms can move as fast as 60 miles per hour. The original

Jessie was too but had to remain at the controls to fight the storm.

storm may not proceed that fast but, as can be seen from

His boat sustained substantial damage, but it brought them through.

radar scans, new storms can develop ahead of the main

A little more than two months passed when Jessie and the two boys

storm. In this case the storm literally crossed the state during a

returned to the gulf for some excellent fishing.

morning fishing trip. Use all weather guidance you can gather;

They kept Buzzy in the hospital overnight. He experienced

TV, internet, NOAA radio, National Weather Service, etc.

headaches and sore neck muscles for a few days. One of the tests

Remember — I was less than 200 feet from our boat most of the

they were running was to check for CPK in his blood. Normal level

morning and Buzzy has state-of-the-art electronics onboard. A

is around 200. The first test indicated this value was elevated to

simple mid-morning check could have alerted us to the storm’s

280. Before leaving the hospital this value had risen to around 700,

presence. The storm we passed over on our return flight from

further blood test showed this value to be declining and was normal

Denver, the appearance of a storm near El Paso at bedtime, or

in about a week. In subsequent discussions with the attending

the storm near Del Rio at 5:00 AM should have raised enough

physician I learned that CPK is createnine phosphor kinase, a

concern to at least check all sources we had available to us.

muscle breakdown product. This constituent of the blood will

3. Try to stay away from storms as much as possible. Take refuge

increase after any trauma such as this or body injury from collisions

in an automobile or closed building. Do not get under trees or

or from extreme exercise. An excessive buildup would indicate

open shelters. Do not stay in the boat; you would be the tallest

major muscle damage called rhabdomyolysis. Normal response to minor damage is to return to normal after rest, as Buzzy did.

The end result is that Buzzy is fine and back to fishing as usual.

object in the area.

4. Always carry raingear and a plastic tarp. Get on land, do not hold your fishing rod, and be sure to keep your profile

He felt as I did that it was important to get back on the water as

as low as possible. The best recommendation is to crouch

soon as possible to remove any feelings of “disconnect” we might

and remain on your feet, although I can’t crouch for two

have. We both felt that we should learn as much as possible from

minutes and this storm lasted over two hours. I also believe the

the experience so that we can continue to enjoy this great activity

desire to lie down will trump the crouch theory when it seems

that adds so much quality to our lives.

like every bolt is very near.

Everyone I had conversations with immediately after the

5. Stay out of the water, especially saltwater. I have on many

incident said we did exactly what they understood to be the best

occasions, including this one, gotten into the water for warmth.

course of action when caught in a similar situation. Two mentioned

However, the information we have gathered indicates that

that they had heard it was better to crouch down and stay on your

water being a better conductor than land will transport

feet instead of lying down. Another questioned our getting into the

the charge further. That being said, have a tarp or

water, while another said he always just got into the water with only

raingear handy. I can not over-emphasize the extreme

his head above the surface. So, figuring we had a strong warning

discomfort of being chilled to the bone which could

call, I set about to gather as much information as possible.

lead to an irrational decision on what to do next.

First let me say I have been fishing the Texas coast for over seven decades now and I expect to continue as long as I can.

These points are not for everybody. For instance,

That means the weather is always a factor and lightning storms

if you are a boat fisherman as opposed to a wader, you might want

are a part of it. So to that end I have sought information from

to consider a lightning arresting system for your boat. We found

every source I could find. We downloaded anything we could

several references to this subject during our search for information.

find on the internet, received some material from the Matagorda

Apparently these are more common around Florida which is

County Emergency Directory and the National Weather Service in

reputed to be the “lightning capital of the world.”

Dickinson, Texas.

The internet is full of information from The National Lightning

As I stated earlier, one’s tolerance for risk can reduce your

Safety Institute, NASA, National Ag Safety Database and The

fishing time but increase your safety factor. However, there are no

University of Florida. There is far too much to list it all here but I

completely safe days and people like us will still seek to maximize

have summarized some key safety points for wade fishermen.

our fishing time.

80

June 2008

Texas Saltwater Fishing

www.TSFMAG.com

Just Keep Five

Here’s how it’s going to work… We will conduct two photo contests this year. The winter-spring contest will be for fish caught January-June 2008. The summer-fall contest will be for fish caught July-December 2008. There will be a prize awarded to the winner of each contest.

Speckled trout photos only; one fish per photo. You may enter as many times as you like. All photos will become property of TSF-Mag. All photos are to be submitted via electronic mail to Everett@TSFMag.com

enter the contest today! Go to

www.TSFMAG.com

Just Keep Five

Texas Saltwater Fishing

June 2008

81

New Tackle & Gear batson enterprises This is by far the Finest Guide of it kind on the market to date!

The Batson Enterprises team – Rainshadow/Forecast/ALPS is proud to be the USA Exclusive Distributor for all the High Quality ALPS product lines.

ALPS super light weight LXN Guides

big fish wish

www.batsonenterprises.com

are ideal for casting rods and also on high quality fly rods. They are lighter, stronger and very durable.  Exclusive recessed ring design creates enhanced gluing surface between the ring and guide frame for better durability.  Exclusive recessed ring design also better protects the ring from impact.  Unique bracing shape adds strength w/o adding weight.

www.bigfishwish.com

wavePack™ wade fishing system The BigFishWish Company introduces the WavePack™ fishing system with a one-ofa-kind design for serious wade fisherman.

Specifications include dual rear rod holders; shoulder height rod holders keep reels dry and out of the way. Front shoulder straps are equipped with left /

d.o.a. Lures

82

June 2008

  

right pliers and rod holder for handsfree handling of fish or tackle. Also includes rear open tackle pouch to hold lure boxes. Fully adjustable strap system with 5” wide padded mesh belt for lumbar support makes for all day comfort. Ideal for surf or bay.

www.costadelmar.com

edgy interpretations on classic navigator and aviator looks.

Placida has a big eye look for a small to medium face shape, and is a revamped interpretation of a classic navigator sunglass. Flamingo has a similar shape to another old school Costa Del Mar classic, Havana, and is a larger frame built to fit larger heads. Cudjoe is an aviator shape with

www.doalures.com

new b.f.L –big fish Lure Fans of D.O.A. Fishing Lures will be glad to learn that the long-awaited arrival of the B.F.L. — Big Fish Lure is finally over.

The eight inch long soft plastic swim bait features the most realistic swimming action, has adjustable front lips that can be easily removed to change retrieval and



style casting guide.

Perfect for fly rod stripper guides due to light weight.

Perfect for all casting rod applications up to 30# class.

Reduces overall rod weight.

Exclusive SS316 stainless steel construction for enhanced corrosion resistance.

281-996-0007

Costa del Mar Costa Del Mar™ Revs Up the Style Meter with New Metal Sunglass Line.

If you think you know Costa Del Mar sunglasses, think again. The leader in polarized performance sunglasses broke the mold when it designed three new combination metal shades. Placida, Flamingo and Cudjoe feature aggressive styling and

360-681-2381  Up to 28% lighter than comparable "UD"

800-447-3700

attitude, with a medium-sized fit.

And like any true pair of Costa’s, the Placida, Flamingo and Cudjoe are as performance-driven as ever, with sturdy wire core, omega spring hinges and new sport-based silicone nose pads for an unparalleled comfort fit. Lens options include COSTA 400 or the ‘high-def’ 580 mirror or non-mirror.

877-362-5873/877-doa-Lure

replacement parts are available.

300-lb Through-Wire Design will slide out of B.F.L. when fish strikes bait and 3X Super-sharp Treble Hook insures fish will stay hooked.

Available in five colors.

Texas Saltwater Fishing

www.TSFMAG.com

Just Keep Five

foreverlast

www.foreverlast.com

foreverlast Pro wading belt Kit New for 2008 ForEverlast Hunting & Fishing Products introduces their latest wading accessory in the ForEverlast Pro Wading Belt Kit. This kit comes complete with 4” Back Guard wading belt, stainless steel pliers with holster, lure box and pouch, ABS plastic rod

rollo Lures

www.rollolures.com

rollo Minnow One of the biggest problems in sportfishing is how to hide your wire leader from “leader-shy” fish. Wire leaders add weight, which can interfere with the desired motion of the lure. Until now, this has always been a thing of compromise: If you don't use a wire leader, a "toothy" fish may break the line, and if you do use one,

holder, and a 15’ stringer with float.

All of this wrapped into one pack make this kit a ready to use setup for wade fishing. It is available in standard sizes from Small thru 2X-Large. Look for it now at your favorite tackle shop or visit us online at ForEverlast.com for more information.

330-402-4665

you may be limiting your chances to catch anything that is leader-shy.

The Rollo Minnow uses a unique, integrated wire leader inside of lure body.

At the moment fish strikes, wire leader unwinds from head of the lure, protecting your line against sharp teeth.

Benefits compared with use of traditional wire leader:

triangle Linewinders the new Cyclone Pro The Cyclone Pro is a professional, competition line spooling station designed for spooling up reels fast at home or on the water.

Perfect for freshwater and light saltwater casting and spinning reels, the unit has a

waterloo rod Company

361-798-1530

www.waterloorods.com

• Wire leader is invisible for suspicious fish

• Wire leader does not interfere with action of the lure

• Hidden wire leader is strong and tangle free • Constant Tension provides for secure set

www.linewinders.com

powerful motor with variable speed control and runs off standard household current or the 12-volt electric socket in your car or boat (adapter included.) The Pro bracket holds the rod, eliminating the need to remove the reel from the rod during stripping and

201-825-1212

spooling. The Cyclone Pro comes with a rugged carrying case that makes it easy to transport to a tournament, store on your boat or truck.

Some larger reels may require our large reel adapter.

361-573-0300

The new Salinity by Waterloo Rod Company offers superior sensitivity and Waterloo’s traditional craftsmanship and quality in an affordable package.

The Salinity features 316 Stainless Steel Guides that are proven to be highly corrosion resistant in any fishing condition. Available in 6’6”, 6;8”, and 7’ models.

Serious rods for serious fishing.

Be sure to ask about our special Corporate Order discounts!

www.TSFMAG.com

Just Keep Five

Texas Saltwater Fishing

June 2008

83

DiCKiE COlBuRn

Dickie Colburn is a full time guide out of Orange, Texas. Dickie has 37 years experience guiding on Sabine and Calcasieu Lakes.

Telephone 409-883-0723 Website www.sabineconnection.com

it is esPeCiaLLy niCe to be PeCKing away at the keyboard

that the gulls will be ratting out schools of trout and reds chasing shrimp all

while feeling like I am missing

fantastic June and July down there last year and that bite has already

something by not being on the

kicked off. We fished both the gulf and channel side of the rocks and

water. That had not been the

caught easy limits of fish up to five pounds on most days. The nearby short

case, but our bite drastically

rigs also yielded excellent numbers of trout when the weather allowed.

over the lake by the middle of this month.

I have not personally lost anything at the jetties, but we enjoyed a

improved this past month

Our flounder arrived early this year and the average fish has been

and June could well be a

much larger thus far. Should you find yourself catching mostly smaller

banner-month.

flounder, move out a little deeper or fish larger plastics. While it may be a

The wind that was supposed to subside in April continued to howl well into the early part of May leaving

little different approach for you, try fishing parallel to the shoreline about a cast out from the grass.

Sabine Lake anglers with muddy water and very little real estate to fish on most days. Even now, if this were your first visit to Sabine, you would be

The flounder that hold in the deeper water are usually larger and they congregate in good size pods. If you do not have a Power Pole or

less than excited about the foot or so of visibility, but it works for us.

Had generous incoming tides not cleared the water on the south end of the lake last month, I was considering a part time job upgrading the gas price placards twice a day at a local service station. Aside from cringing with every fill-up, the rising cost has chipped away at a network of dependable sources while limiting the frequency of scouting trips.

The much-anticipated good news, however, is that we have enjoyed an incredible month of both trout fishing on the south end and flounder fishing on the Louisiana side of the lake. It has been several years since we caught as many 25-inch plus trout as well as big numbers of fish in the three-pound class working the deep shell.

We managed to put only a couple of trout over eight-pounds in the boat, but I saw two over nine caught, photographed, and released. I also do not doubt the reports of two more fish over ten-pounds taken the first week of May. Since old reports are of very little use, what can you do to cash in on the bite this month? Pray that the winds will diminish just a little, find a buddy to help share the cost of gas, and choose between specks or flounder. You are going to catch some reds either way.

The key to locating the larger trout has been concentrating your efforts on the slicks. If you fish enough to have an interest in this magazine, then you do not need me wasting space with what to look for or how to approach those coveted oily spots on the water. What has been important is keeping your lure in that top part of the water column when fishing them.

A topwater lure like the She Dog or Top Dog, Jr. may be the ticket this month, but we have done very well swimming an Assassin rigged on a one-sixteenth ounce head. We have also scored well with a Catch V or 2000 as mullet have been at the top of the menu.

Drifting the Causeway reefs should remain strong throughout the month with both redfish and jacks joining the fray. Do not forget your drift sock and jig heads in several different sizes, as tempo is the name of the game.

Soft plastics bounced over the shell will produce the most consistent

Larry Berkman likes flounder almost as much as the Longhorns!

bite, but keep an eye out for slicks in this area as well. There is no doubt 84

June 2008

Texas Saltwater Fishing

www.TSFMAG.com

Just Keep Five

Christopher French was obviously pleased with this nice slot red.

Stake-Out Stik, keep your anchor handy, as you do not want to drift up on the fish once you find them.

Live bait, Gulp, and the curly tail grub tipped with shrimp are excellent choices, but we catch most of our larger flounder on four-inch Sea Shads rigged on quarter-ounce heads and spinner baits. We also take advantage of the scent factor by replacing the body on the spinnerbait with a Blurp Sea Shad.

I fish flounder exclusively with a 7-foot CastAway HG40 titanium rod and a spinning reel spooled with 6x20-pound Power Pro. I seldom if ever use a shock leader and I am pleased to announce that wind-knots are finally a thing of the past!

The secret was in the reel. I bought my first U.S. Reel, a 230SX, last fall and ordered another a week later. It is a phenomenal product. I also use it when fishing a Kwik Cork or Paradise Popper, as it will cast a mile. Simply eliminating wind-knots earned it a spot at the top of my list!

The most under fished area with the greatest potential this month is the open lake from Blue Buck to Coffee Ground Cove. One or two slicks or a tight group of birds is the easiest way to locate huge schools of both trout and reds, but it requires logging miles just looking on most days.

The cost of fuel might limit your hunting, but you will not burn much gas once you find them!

www.TSFMAG.com

Just Keep Five

Texas Saltwater Fishing

June 2008

85

things are LooKing a LittLe better.

Trinity Bay is still not ideal however it will bounce back soon. We do have a lot of fish over here but the water is still in bad shape due to all the runoff from the rivers. They have been running all spring. Come early to mid-June Trinity should be back in full force providing the creeks do not rise and the rivers do not flood again. The best fishing right now for consistency has been East Galveston Bay.

east bay I had a real good day not too long ago. We were wading in clear, kneedeep water and using Corkys. Our fish are still on a heavy glass minnow pattern along the shore lines. Competing with all that bait can be difficult sometimes but this one was our day. We had exceptional luck finessing them out of the clear water. The number of four and five pound trout we landed was very impressive.

Wind is always a factor in your fishing plans and right now it is killing us.

Anyone who ever spent more than few days on the Galveston Bay System understands that our water clarity does not hold up like the lower coast can. We can catch fish in these conditions but it usually means a lot of work to find the fish and then figure out the bite. These fish can be pretty screwy at times.

The majority of our fish are on deep shell in about six to eight feet of water. When you can get that one day a week where the wind lays down and the water cleans up a little bit, we can slide out and work slicks, tide lines and bait breaks over the shell. We are using soft plastics and doing quite well when the conditions allow.

We have some seven and eight pound trout being brought in with soft plastics from the shell reefs; especially Hannah Reef and in the south end of East Bay. Both of these areas have been holding a lot of fish. We suspect a lot of these are came from around Smith Point and been pushed off the east shoreline due to the runoff.

We are loaded up with shad and glass minnows and this always attracts lots of trout and reds to the areas they use. The biggest issue we have is timing. Over and over again you will catch the fish if you are there at the right time, and if you are not …you will not be catching. Basically we have discovered that if you find fish you have to sit on them and just make the most of your day by catching one here and there. If you are patient they will turn on and you can have a banner day.

86

June 2008

Lower gaLveston The Texas City portion of Lower Galveston Bay is holding a lot of fish.

Fishermen in that area are experiencing the same problems we are having in Trinity and East Bay. Timing is everything it seems and the wind and weather along with the incredible numbers of glass minnows and small shad seem to be the major culprits here too. Reports I have received indicate that the best bite has been from about three in the afternoon until dark. It has made it hard on those of us who go out early because you are just tired by the time things get rolling. I have been trying to run more of my trips in the afternoon and sticking it out until right before dark when those fish really turn on.

west bay The green tide has started to roll through San Louis Pass, and despite the wind, the water clarity in that part of West Bay has been generally good and the catching is good too. Chocolate, Christmas and Bastrop bays have also been producing some nice fish. The most consistent bite has been with live shrimp, bringing in fish up to the seven pound class. There have been some reports of a thirty-inch 10-pound trout behind the Pass about a week ago. Late May and June almost always bring good wade fishing in and around San Louis Pass.

Waders should focus on tide swept guts, sandbars and ridges. I would expect that everything from Bird Island to Alligator Head and even over to the south side of West Bay around the old Rooster Collins Bait Camp and West Bay Fishing Club area will offer excellent fishing soon if it hasn’t kicked off already. Early morning wades have produced some big fish over there this time of year.

The best lure to use over here is your Mirrolures, Corkys, gold spoons and topwaters. The big trout report seems very scattered right now but good numbers of twenty to twenty-two inch class trout are coming regularly.

Our jetties are holding a lot of redfish and some solid trout and we look for that to get even get better. When the wind diminishes there will be some big trout caught out there on the jetties, especially the north jetties.

I went out there the other day and there were about forty boats lined up.

They have been keeping the secret quiet and they are catching some pretty big fish.

trinity I hate to say it but fishing in Trinity Bay is way off right now. It is going to turn around eventually but we have to get rid of a lot of runoff before it will happen. When the rivers go down and hopefully we do not get any more floods, it will be good. Late May and early June should be really good. I think things will be just about right unless we get another big flood north us.

So that’s the way it is here on the Galveston Bay System. Things are beginning to pick up and I’m sure they will continue to improve as we begin to receive more summer-like weather. Our average trout weight is very good and the numbers are sure to follow. I think we’re in for a great summer fishing season.

Texas Saltwater Fishing

www.TSFMAG.com

Just Keep Five

www.TSFMAG.com

Just Keep Five

Texas Saltwater Fishing

June 2008

87

taLK about soMe tough fishing, it seems we’re never going to get a break. I cannot remember so many northers coming during late April and early May. Just about the time the north wind subsides we get hammered again with south and southeast running anywhere from 25 to 40 mph. Let me tell you I’m ready for June and I know everybody is dying for settled weather and warm green water to chunk our lures and get some serious fishing going on.

east bay June should find me heading to East Matagorda Bay every day the conditions are favorable.

The game plan will be wading reefs and tossing MirrOlures and Saltwater Assassins. We will likely mix it up a little by drifting some of the deeper mid-bay shell.

Just because you caught them last week or even yesterday, you still have to keep your eyes peeled for slicks, jumping mullet, and maybe a little bird activity. I ask everybody that gets on my boat to keep a sharp eye and help me find the signs. June also means we’re finally done with the mud for a while as most of our trout will be lurking on hard sand and shell bottoms.

Another area of interest to some of you diehards is night wading, especially around the time of the full moon. Generally speaking, 2-3 days before and after a full moon are the best times for this. I always use the same topwaters and Bass Assassins while night fishing that I use in my daylight trips. Some may be skeptical but I assure you that fish see the same whether night or day. Chunk a morning glory Bass Assassin at night and see for yourself. I have personally caught too many trout at night on plastics for anyone to tell me any different. All I can say is give it a try yourself and see what happens.

west bay Everybody that reads my column knows that East Matagorda is my favorite of the two wonderful bays that lie right out my back door. But when it comes to early summer fishing, I’d have to say that anyone who passes West Bay may also pass on some of the best trout and redfish action on the Texas coast. When I decide it’s time for a change of scenery or the nagging wind blows me out of East Bay, I’ll head towards the guts and grassbeds of the south shoreline and I’ll be using the same lures as in East Matagorda Bay. I’ll be fishing an incoming tide and, believe you me, I will be checking my territory for sharks and sting rays. There are thousands of sting rays in West Matagorda Bay and my Josh Huffman landing another trout with Capt. Bill. faithful ForEverLast sting ray guards will be in place.

Anywhere from the Cullen Houses down to Airport Flats should be 88

June 2008

Bobby and Glenn Tackaberry with Paul Liberato fishing a beautiful sunrise in East Matagorda Bay.

considered prime country and look for the presence of finger mullet to indicate choicest areas. Back lakes like Crab Lake and Oyster Lake should also be holding a few redfish.

I like drifting Oyster Lake, usually out in the middle, and making long drifts, 1/4 to 1/2 mile in length, while throwing She Dogs. I have found Marty Weghorst; 25" trout while this to be very productive at times. wading East Matagorda Bay. Since Texas Parks & Wildlife initiated a 3 fish and 18 inch limit on tripletail, I’m a little bit more relaxed with taking people tripletail fishing. In the past, I have purposefully kept the secret because these are some of the best eating fish around and the vultures as I like to call them simply weren’t too polite, nor did they show much respect for the resource. For the first time in several years I plan to begin booking a few tripletail trips.

I’ll never forget the time I took a good friend of mine from Bellville, Steve Pawlowski, on a tripletail trip. As I mentioned I had not been booking tripletail trips and I wouldn’t take just anybody. Steve takes me hunting for axis deer every year so I made an exception for him. Well, he was fishing the Oilman’s Tournament that year and wanted to enter for tripletail so I showed him some spots and how to do it the day before the tournament.

Steve ended up in first place, second, and only a few ounces out of third.

One of Steve’s tripletail weighed in at 27.5 pounds. Not too bad for a novice; I’d say.

About three months ago Shimano gave me two Citica 100DSV reels to try. The only maintenance they received was wiping every day with a damp rag. I did not oil them at all as the test was to see how well and how long they would stand up in saltwater. I did, however, spray Line and Lure Line Conditioner - Saltwater Formula on the spools and tried to limit it to that area only. I use Power Pro braided line and the lengths of the casts I was making with them when new was excellent. To make a long story short — I just recently sent these two reels back to Shimano because I could no longer make long casts with them. Bottom line to the story is for a price tag of only $119 you’ll get yourself a great reel that requires minimal maintenance and holds up very well. Great bang for the buck!

It’s quite possible that the line conditioner I use helped and I can tell you honestly that this line conditioner is the best I have tried, especially for braided line. I can attest that you will be able to cast at least 15-20 yards further with your braided line when this product is applied. Mike Grigar at Johnny’s Sport Shop over in Eagle Lake handles this product and, as far as I know, is the only retail outlet around the area for this line conditioner.

Otherwise, you can go online at www.lineandlure.com. Folks, this product is good for all lines and I highly recommend it.

Until next time… God Bless!

Texas Saltwater Fishing

www.TSFMAG.com

Just Keep Five

ORDER FORM SUB0608

Mail to: Texas Saltwater Fishing Magazine P.O. Box 429, Seadrift, TX 77983 Phone: 361-785-3420 Monday – Friday 7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Fax: 361-785-2844 E-mail: store@tsfmag.com Please make all checks payable to Texas Saltwater Fishing Magazine PLEASE PRINT Name: Address: City: Zip: Email: Credit Card No:

State: Phone:

Exp.Date: (Need VCode on all cc’s

/ )

We accept most Major Credit Cards.

Please Check All That Apply

*All Prices include Shipping & Handling.

Subscriptions

Stickers

E-MAG 1 Year @ $12.00 ea TSFMAG SHIRTS REDHOT FISHING REDFISH Quantity: Short Sleeve $15.00 ea Available in Serene Green Long Sleeve $18.00 ea Available in Oceana Medium Large XLarge XXLarge + $2 for XXLarge FISHN’ W/ ATTITUDE TROUT Quantity: Short Sleeve $15.00 ea Available in Oceana Long Sleeve $18.00 ea Available in Ash Medium Large XLarge XXLarge + $2 for XXLarge

E-Mag

E BiG “MOR nOWTK TROu FROM H OW T H O R u THE A iCKinG OF TR X A s TE T!” TROu

Fishing caps

SUBSCRIPTIONS Quantity 1 Year @ $25.00 ea 2 Year @ $45.00 ea

Also available in white!

CookBook

Quantity: TSF LOGO SHIRTS Short Sleeve $15.00 ea Available in Brown Medium Large XLarge TSF LOGO TANK Brown $15.00 ea Medium Large

Quantity: XLarge

BOOKS Quantity Cookbook @ $21.90 ea Waters Wild @ $23.95 ea FISHING CAPS $14.95 ea Quantity: Dirt/Orange * Khaki/Dirt * * Second color under Bill only

order online!

STICKERS $3.00 ea White Black

Red

Quantity: Green

Yellow

TOTAL $ ENCLOSED www.TSFMAG.com

Just Keep Five

Texas Saltwater Fishing

June 2008

89

the fishing in May was good for the

not necessary to change colors as the fish should have no problem homing

Rat Pack and patterns seem to be

big-bodied lure. You can actually see the tip on my American Rodsmiths H3

right on schedule with previous

Titanium Ultra vibrating due to the extreme tail wiggle.

in on the “thump-thump� vibration made by the larger paddle tail on this

years except for the wind. We have

Weather permitting; our first choice of fishing spots during June will be

had more 20+ mph winds recently

the surf. The wind should start to calm down this month and we will get

than I care to remember. Strong

our first taste of the tide runners. Last summer my best action came on

southeast winds have pinned us

topwaters and the Assassin Swimming Shiners. I can remember more then

to the south shorelines when the

one occasion when we caught more trout wading with topwaters than my

better opportunities this time of

friends who were fishing from the boat using croaker. Not only did we get

year usually come on the north

more action, we were also more comfortable in the water.

shorelines of Espiritu Santo Bay. Casting soft plastics on 1/16

When fishing the surf I like to wade the first gut until the sun breaks the horizon. After the sun starts to rise you will notice the baitfish starting to

oz Assassin jigheads into the wind

move away to the second gut and I follow. The third gut may hold fish but it

made for some sore arms and

is usually the bigger species with more teeth so you will hardly ever find me

shoulders and the slack the wind

straying to that area.

puts in your line makes it tough

When I am not in the surf I’ll be in the same places I fished during

to feel a bite. Naturally we were forced to set the hook anytime we felt even a slight pressure on the line. This brings quite a few misses, especially for clients who do not fish this way often.

Over the past two years a lure that has become a favorite for redfish has now risen to the top of my artificial arsenal for my speckled friends as well. The 4-inch Swimming Shiner made by Bass Assassin has proven itself in every locale I have tried it, bait against bait, while wading with friends and customers. Within an hour of my many wades even my most skeptical clients are requesting a few to try so I have to make sure I have a good supply on hand to share.

In our normal trout green water I have been throwing the pearl/ chartreuse but when the water has been beaten into chocolate milk by strong wind I usually switch to the darker colors or solid chartreuse. Since this bait has such great tail action it probably is

within an hour of my many wades even my most skeptical clients are requesting a few to try so i have to make sure i have a good supply on hand to share.

90

June 2008

Texas Saltwater Fishing

Heavyweight reds like these have been common in the marsh and back lakes around Seadrift.

www.TSFMAG.com

Just Keep Five

More kids like Morgan Gray will be hitting the water more often now that school is out for the summer.

May. When I have wade fishermen we’ll be on hard sand and grass as these areas hold good numbers of fish during June. We will start out fishing in calf to knee-deep water early, and as the sun grows, we will slowly make our way through the deeper guts until we end up chest deep along major drop-offs.

The same techniques will hold true as well when fishing the shell reefs in San Antonio Bay. Early in the morning I like to start up shallow around the crown of the reef then slowly work your way to the deeper drop offs between the reefs or cuts in the reefs.

I use the same lures whether I am fishing shorelines or mid-bay reefs. I and many of my customers love the blow-ups and explosions you get when angry redfish and trout attack our surface lures but I found out long ago I can’t make a living throwing topwaters. It is hard to fillet a blow-up when customers are hoping to take a few home for the grill.

My go-to topwater for June will be She Dogs in chartreuse/pearl/chartreuse and chrome/black back. Whenever my speckled friends want a smaller morsel I will switch to the new MirrOMullet from MirrOlure. These smaller plugs match the size and shape of a finger mullet perfectly.

For plastics I will be slinging the lure I mentioned above, the Assassin Swimming Shiner, in pearl/ chartreuse, mostly. For backup I will have the tried and true Texas Assassins on hand in pumpkinseed/ chartreuse and bone diamond. I rig these lures on 1/16 oz Assassin jigheads with 3/0 hooks.

In May the sharks and stingrays made a strong showing all along the shorelines of Espiritu Santo, San Antonio and West Matagorda bays so make sure to wear your ForEverlast stingray guards and boots. If you plan on keeping some fillets for dinner you might consider rigging up a shark proof bucket on some type of float to keep your catch out of reach of those toothy critters. A landing net is another safety precaution I have transferred over from the surf to the bays because you don’t want to be reaching for your catch at the same time as the “man in the gray suit.”

Fish hard, fish smart! www.TSFMAG.com

Just Keep Five

Texas Saltwater Fishing

June 2008

91

CliFF WEBB

this Last Month in the Laguna Madre

outskirts of the flocks, not always in the middle.

and Baffin Bay has been a

most part. Of course when the wind is up it will get muddy but we can

challenge. I’ve used every trick

usually find some areas of cleaner water. This is when the Land Cut has

and technique you can imagine.

paid off and I’ve been spending a lot of time there. Through all of the wind

We’re wade fishing shallow flats,

of the past month it has stayed relatively clear. I’ll put out drift anchors

working the dropoff in the Land

and use the Power Pole to work the edge.

The water conditions in the Laguna Madre have been good for the

Cut, drift fishing, and sightcasting.

Our local weatherman said,

In this past month I’ve spent a lot of time in the Land Cut. It seems like we get a big wave of fish in from the south for two or three days and

“We have had a ridiculous amount

they move on through. The fishing in the Cut will slow and get spotty for a

of wind.”

few days until another wave shows up. In the old days the Land Cut would

I agree; and because of it, a single approach or pattern is not

turn on with the high spring tides and stay consistent for two months. It would be good every day and you could catch all the fish you wanted.

going to provide consistent fishing. I’ve tried to use everything I could,

It was just a big stream of fish coming in from the south for at least two

especially keeping on the move and being versatile.

months straight.

I’ve seen more shrimp in our system than I’ve seen in years. Almost

This condition in the Land Cut brings up the subject of “tide runner”

every day I see flocks of birds working. I have tried drifting the birds and

trout. These are the trout that move into the bay system from the gulf. Dr.

we will catch a few small trout and not much more. Other times, I’ll fish

Greg Stunz, professor of Marine Biology at the Texas A&M Corpus Christi Research Center, is doing a study on the tide runners and asked me to help. My job is to help collect a few trout.

He can examine the otoliths, or ear stones, in their head and take tissue samples for genetic traces to see if they match the stocks from the gulf. I have always believed in the tide runner theory. To me they look different. They are more silver with a darker back than we see on our bay fish.

Through his study he hopes to get the necessary data to support the dredging and reopening of the Port Mansfield jetties. This would be great with more water flow and hopefully bringing in more fish.

The fishing in Baffin Bay has been good when the wind gave us a chance. Most days we end up on the south shoreline seeking protection from the south and southeast wind. We have enjoyed several days wading shallow water over mixed grassbeds and sand pockets using topwater lures and some found quite a few big trout. It has amazed me how fat the trout have been. Maybe they don’t have to work as hard because the bait doesn’t spook so easily in the brown tide and they just hang around and gorge on fat baitfish.

On days when the wind was 20-mph or less I’d move

Lance Grigar with a 7-1/2 lb trout taken recently in the Land Cut.

around the corner of the mouth of Baffin and fish the spoil islands near Bird Island. The shallow grass beds are under the birds and catch a big trout, six or seven pounds, or even a big

holding good trout and redfish. Also, the flats at Yarborough Pass have

redfish. So, I’ve learned to at least stop and try the birds. The smaller fish

some trout. This area usually turns on in June and July.

are usually bunched right under the birds and more aggressive while the bigger ones will hang on the edges. My recommendation is to cast on the 92

June 2008

Upper Laguna Madre has been producing too; the areas around Dead Man’s Hole and Pita Island have been holding really good trout.

Texas Saltwater Fishing

www.TSFMAG.com

Just Keep Five

Some twenty-eight-inch trout are coming off the sand bars and shallow grass beds. They are mixed in there along with the reds. It’s been great for sightcasting. The reds have been easy to catch. The trouble is finding the scattered trout. Look for the black backs. They are in there but, very hard to find. Be prepared to spend all day in there to try and catch them.

A group from Johnny’s Sport Shop in Eagle Lake came down for a few days of fishing. One day was spent drifting under the birds. Everyone was catching trout. All of the sudden Mike Grigar sets the hook on a solid fish.

She was a lot bigger than the rest at twenty-seven inches long. He was using a Bass Assassin four-inch sea shad with a paddle tail in the new color they call chicken on a chain.

Everyone has heard the story about how the guy in the back of the boat doesn’t catch as many fish as the guys in the front. Well let me tell you it didn’t hold true on this trip. Lance Grigar really put it on us from the back of the boat. We were working the dropoff in the Land Cut. He had no problem, catching a seven and a half pound trout and several other really nice ones.

He out-fished the front and the middle of the boat with his plum/chartreuse Bass Assassin on a 1/4-ounce head.

We are hoping that early summer will bring some days of lighter wind.

The fishing should continue to improve. I hope by the time you are reading this that I will be back to my old haunts in Baffin Bay. The redfish are really showing up and I’m seeing more crabs than ever in the shallow flats. I expect a tremendous amount of redfish this summer.

www.TSFMAG.com

Just Keep Five

Texas Saltwater Fishing

June 2008

93

fishing in Port MansfieLd during spring was awesome and even the catching part was great!

Surging tides from the Gulf of Mexico pushed blue/green water into the farthest reaches of this shallow Lagoon. Seemingly overnight we saw overall levels rise more than a foot; significant for an area where the average depth is only two and a half feet. Massive rafts of nervous mullet appeared and were hammered by voracious gamefish and pelicans. From the eastern flats to the newly flooded backwater shorelines, the Laguna came alive with incredible displays of feeding activity. Although there were several days of “impressive” spring winds, we were fortunate enough to have mostly good weather and good fishermen to go with it. If what we have been experiencing lately is any

Kevin Brock fell in love with U.S. Reel Super Caster 230SX spooled with Sufix braid on a 7’ FTU Pro Series Rod.

David Sambrooks got this red to bite a slow-loped plum/chartreuse Sea Devil from Brown Lure Co.

94

June 2008

indication this may be one of those great fishing years we all hope for.

Water conditions are presently excellent with no hint of nuisance algal blooms. With the flats rinsed crystal clean, the seagrasses are growing tall and lush. One can only imagine what it would be like here every spring if our East Cut was fully open. Yes, we have flow from the gulf, but I cannot help but think even greater volume would be better; unfortunately the channel continues to silt in and we fear it could close one day. Please keep the state of the Laguna Madre in mind and help us pray for the continued quality environment this area is famous for.

Spring trout patterns were consistent and fairly predictable once you figured them out. For whatever reason, many of the better fish went “deep” sooner than expected. “Deep” here means waist deep instead of shin. Topwaters worked well when baitfish were active near the surface, especially during early morning along dropoffs near the ICW. Noisy She Dogs pulled several trout of seven-plus pounds near rafts of mullet; expecting one over eight pounds to crash your topwater was realistic. Soft plastics on 1/4 ounce jigs produced consistently any time the bait was staged lower in the water column. We relied mostly on Brown Lures. One in particular is the translucent Devil Eye in chartreuse/gold/white, which seems to fool even the finickiest fish in this clear water. For all-around use the plumtreuse on an 1/8 ounce head remains our go-to bait.

Texas Saltwater Fishing

www.TSFMAG.com

Just Keep Five

There are a lot of shrimp in the system and nearly every deep grassbed seems to be holding fish.

While we are still finding many juvenile trout far below legal size, [a great sign] we are also encouraged as the number of mid-range fish between eighteen and twenty four inches seems to be increasing.

Could the new five fish limit already be causing this improvement? Whatever the reason, our trout fishery seems to be on an impressive upswing at this time. Our redfish have also been providing lots of action and expect this to continue through the month of June.

Les McDonald, famed outdoor artist, was here with his annual Quail Unlimited outing. The first day was to be a late afternoon run and the target was trout. True to standard afternoon pattern in eightydegree water, darker plastics worked along waist deep color changes and grassbeds proved productive.

Although the bite was low and soft, everybody caught trout of impressive size, including one stubby twenty-six inch anomaly that weighed an incredible eight pounds. While those proportions are certainly uncommon, we can still expect some of these trout to remain heavy going through June. We can also expect those low and slow retrieves in windy afternoon color changes to be good starting points.

Although the bite may not be aggressive, it is a classic stack up situation where good presentations can reap great rewards.

The next morning brought classic late spring redfishing. It’s nice when redfish do what they are supposed to, and as if on cue, they were grouped thickly on the skinny flats. As the sun pushed higher they drifted to the first series of potholes just past the sand line and became easier to catch hitting everything we threw. Tails, topwaters, spoons, Gulp baits; it just didn’t seem to matter. For about two hours we stayed hooked up with some of the best fishing fun you can have with dry knees.

The next day we enjoyed another fun outing with the David Sambrooks group working dark plastics into wind-stirred color changes late in the day. Baitfish were flickering and a few curious gulls hovered along the color lines. Even though most of the bites were soft, we enjoyed excellent redfish action by slow-loping the baits near bottom. Most of these late afternoon fish ran just under the maximum size of twenty eight inches and several pushed well over the line. One thing that helped all of us feel the subtle bite was Sufix braided line, I doubt we’d have felt many of those delicate taps with monofilament. One of the guys, though standing in the middle of several continuously screaming reels, managed no hook-ups until we switched him to braid. It really does make a huge difference.

Ask Kevin Brock what he thinks of the U.S. Reels 230SX spinning reel spooled with 2O/6 Sufix braid mated with a seven-foot FTU Pro Series rod. The rig seems perfectly balanced for flats fishing, the reel is actually designed for braided line and its drag system is more than a match for anything oversized Lower Laguna reds can dish out. Fishing is always better with good gear, and the catching certainly is.

We have been very encouraged by the number of 18 to 24-inch trout we’ve been seeing. www.TSFMAG.com

Just Keep Five

Texas Saltwater Fishing

June 2008

95

hoPefuLLy by the tiMe you read this the winds of spring will

of these non-aggressive strikers.

have subsided and the summer

start working, and the cotton harvest begins, that’s when the redfish start

patterns have set in. All those

schooling up.” He was right- give or take a week or two.

In June, redfish start to school up in large groups throughout our area bays. I remember the late Captain Dan Colley saying, “When the silos

windy days brought us some

Capt. Dan taught me something with that comment. There many signs

tough fishing to say the least. We

in the natural world and our everyday surroundings that can serve as

did however manage a few days

reminders of fishing patterns that run in parallel to the seasons.

when it wasn’t blowing thirty-

What do I mean by this? As I start to see the cotton being harvested

something to enjoy some bird

in the summer, I frequent certain areas and look for redfish schools that

action in the back bays. If you

showed at the same time during prior years. During June we expect calm

have never seen fish under sea

to mild breezes in the morning and this makes the schools easy to locate.

gulls with their tails sticking out

If you happen to find one, the best way to fish for them if at all possible

of the water, it’s something that

is to hop off the boat and wade slowly into them. A stealthy approach will

needs to be on your list.

always bring you better results. Drifting over them can also bring good results, but make sure you don’t run close enough to spook them as one good spook can ruin the bite for hours.

Currently we are fishing areas holding hordes of small bait. The mullet are balled up and pretty active early in the morning, so naturally we’re

is brated h Nick cele g this in h by catc y a d k! th ir 12 b to Go Nic sh . Way fi d e r ig b

getting lots of action on surface lures. A can’t miss bait seems to be the bone-colored Super Spook Jr, and the chrome with black back has been very good too.

Productive areas have been just about any windward shoreline where you can see lots of active bait. Quite often we are finding the bait being blown out of the water by aggressive trout and redfish. This is a clear indication of fish present and a good bite in progress. If the area

As the bay waters warmed above the seventy degree mark here in the Lower Laguna Madre, the bigger trout bite suffered a bit, but the number of bites from solid keeper-sized fish was not affected at all. The redfish numbers continue to look very healthy as they have all winter and spring. In the months of April and May most of our efforts were concentrated on pothole-ridden flats and bait infested shorelines. Anytime we experienced the trout and reds just toying with our topwaters a switch to soft plastic would always entice a few

96

June 2008

This five pounder came into Angle’s hands via a topwater worked over a pothole.

Texas Saltwater Fishing

www.TSFMAG.com

Just Keep Five

Norma had an outstanding day catching reds up shallow.

has scattered potholes it is even better. Most of our heavier trout have been coming from areas such as these. The productive depth of late has been

Pulido’s home made antler lures do catch fish.

about knee deep, but this is due to change. As we get further into June and the water temperature continues to climb, I recommend starting in the cooler shallows early and then working deeper as the day wears on.

Sightcast fishing will definitely be in the cards for June. As I said earlier the mornings should be very calm and this can call for special tactics. Remember that when the water is slick-calm getting close to fish can be difficult. A quiet approach is critical; matching the hatch or using the right size bait is equally important. If a small topwater seems to spook your target, try switching to small plastic baits or even a 1/8 oz gold spoon.

Sometime in late June our bays waters will begin to recede to their summer low levels. If you can catch the tide at its lowest point and know where these fish relocate during these lower than normal tides, you can bet you found yourself a honey hole. Find out where all water goes as the tide recedes. Small guts, drop offs, edges of the ICW, fairly large potholes, etc. are excellent places to find fish during extremely low tides. As the water comes up during the day, grass flats will come alive and a sure bet to find your desired species.

I would like to point out that the fun part about guiding is meeting people.

Recently, I had the pleasure to fish with a fun group from the Valley. They didn’t care what was at the end of their line as long as it pulled. What made this trip unique was one of the guys brought a small box of homemade lures.

As a matter of fact, the lures were made from deer antlers. Yes, that’s right I said deer antlers.

These lures were handmade by Tejano artist and legend Roberto Pulido. I have to admit I was pretty skeptical but I was also eager to see the results. We were wading along having fun and catching fish when one of the guys decided it was time to try the horn lures. It wasn’t five minutes later that he caught his first fish on one. You should have seen his face; it was lit up as bright as a full moon. He was excited as can be and proudly showed off his catch. He made a believer out of me. A lesson I learned is that when the fish are hungry they are not afraid to lock horns! www.TSFMAG.com

Just Keep Five

Texas Saltwater Fishing

Proud angler displays his catch, fish caught on a home made lure made out of deer antlers.

June 2008

97

June is one of my favorite months of the year. The fish should be everywhere, and the winds are likely to calm down. The first person to say, "I’m hot; we need a breeze," is going to walk the plank! The winds have been so unpredictable and strong lately that we can’t fish half the water we want to. This is the month for fishing birds. You will see seagulls diving, and the trout will be under them with an attitude. These fish are extremely hungry and can usually be caught in good numbers before the school goes down. The oyster reefs around the lake are also good this time of year. The cuts around the ship channel are worth a try in the end of spring, early summer. Even the Cameron Jetties will get hot as the month wears on. Topwater action is at its best in June. My final bit of advice is to fish away from the ship channel during strong incoming tides at places such as Long Point, Commissary Point, and the South and East Banks. During strong outgoing tides, head toward the channel at The Washout, Nine Mile Cut, and The Old Jetties.

“Fishing is okay right now, nothing great. Winds seem to keep things challenging on most days, but we’re still able to catch some fish. About two thirds of the fish are out in the middle, so they’re pretty hard to get at when the winds are up. The fish on the shoreline are all really shallow. You’ve got to stay right on the bank when you are wading. Best lures for wading lately have been topwaters or Bass Assassins rigged on the flutter jig hooks. We’ve been catching some fish wading around San Luis Pass and on the shorelines in East Bay around scattered shell near marsh entrances. When the breeze dies, we are heading out to the mid-bay reefs and working slicks and birds. Out there, we’re throwing mostly Bass Assassins on regular jigheads, sometimes a little heavier ones to get distance and reach out under the flocks. The average size of the fish overall is good, with trout up to about six pounds. With all the shrimp in the bays and all the rain we had over the last year, we are set up for an awesome summer of fishing.”

Weather has been the determining factor in the fishing in Galveston this spring, Jim says. “It’s basically feast or famine. When the winds are strong, everybody is pinned into some small areas of fishable water and it gets tough. One tide days are also creating problems, muddying up the water. On the tougher days, I like to stick with the Stanley Wedge Tails; they attract more strikes in dirty water. But in better weather, we’re catching plenty on SheDogs and Super Spooks. There are birds working out in the middle, redfish in the marshes, and some solid trout along area shorelines and in the surf. I’ve had a couple of good days already in the surf, with trout up to 26 inches and good numbers in the 20 to 24 inch class. Also, I heard reports of the Rollover Surf producing some giant trout again, with one over 10 pounds. They also had some eights and nines during that little run. June should be a little easier, or at least more consistent. Typically, we get lighter winds by then.

When light winds coincide with four tide days, we’ll catch all we want.”

98

June 2008

“Fishing has been good despite higher than usual winds most of the time lately,” Randall reports. “Today, we’re having a pretty typical outing. We’ve got seventeen or eighteen trout, two reds and a flounder. We just left some small trout biting to find some bigger fish. Tides have been really high a lot, making it hard to fish some of our spots, but we’re consistently finding and catching plenty of fish. Got to the surf one time already and really lit ‘em up. I see lots of activity related to that in terms of incoming baitfish, jacks inshore, stuff like that. I think the surf will be steady in June. Best lures this month have been the salty chicken Sand Eel, the big one, and 51 MirrOlures in bone/chartreuse. As we see the pretty water roll in from the surf next month, the red magic Sand Eel will probably catch fire.”

He’s excited to be running his new JH Performance boat, Shamu. “It’s one of the prettiest boats I’ve ever had, and it’s really easy to get in and out of. The new 200 Etec is running great, as was the old one when I quit using it. These motors are almost like magic.”

“We’ll be focusing mostly on West Bay in June,” Tommy predicts. “We like to start off inside the grass beds early with topwaters for the trout, using blue/orange Skitterwalks and bone Spook Jrs. As the sun gets up, we move to the outside bars and key on deeper grass, switching over to Norton Sand Eel Jrs. in voodoo and black magic. As far as locating the fish, we’ll key on slicks and bait activity. There’s an abundance of glass minnows right now. For the reds, we’ll stay shallower and use both the jr. Sand Eels and also the Texas Tackle Factory eighth ounce copper spoons, just reeling them along slow and steady.” He also mentions another couple of options that open up this month. “We’ll start looking for the tripletail in June too.

There are already a few showing up, and numbers should be good by the first of the month. Also, anytime the surf is calm, we’ll head out there to look for trout. East Bay is kind of a last resort for me this month, though I do spend some time drifting scattered shell in the west end if other options aren’t producing.”

Fishing in the Palacios area is the best I have seen in years. Loads of bait in the bays have trout, redfish and flounder chasing them all over the place. Redfish have been the most fun fish we have been targeting. Pods of fish from 25 to 32 inches have been cruising area sand/clay flats and blasting topwaters. SheDogs in chrome and black/gold/orange have been the best lures as of late. Our best trout bite has come out in the bays over deep structure around wells and wrecks. Live shrimp rigged 4 to 5 feet under a popping cork has accounted for the best eatingsized fish. Flounder ranging from 15 to 19 inches have been common on most nights with several bigger ones to 22 inches. A word of caution to folks fishing the south shoreline of West Matagorda Bay. The sharks are back. We have already lost several stringers to some big boys. Fishing in June should continue to sizzle.

We will continue to hunt reds on area flats, focusing on depths of 2 feet and less, and also targeting one of my favorite species, the tripletail, at the wells and buoys.

Texas Saltwater Fishing

www.TSFMAG.com

Just Keep Five

Lynn is partial to chrome topwaters in June. “We’ll be fishing those sandy pockets along main bay shorelines most of the time this month,” he says. “I like to throw topwaters a lot this time of year. We stick with the shiny ones mostly, like the chrome/blue SheDog and the Spook jrs. in the same colors. We’ll focus on areas with deep water pretty close by, but we’ll target bright spots in the grass and on top of sand bars where the water is knee deep to maybe waist deep. In some of these places, the trout and redfish will be found together. In other areas, the reds stay somewhat shallower than the trout. With all the wind we’re having this year, staying inside the bays is likely to be required on most days in June, but as soon as I can, I’ll be heading to the surf. The same topwaters will work out there, especially the SheDogs. The key when fishing this time of year is to find mullet, and I mean lots of mullet. Knocking rafted-up bait out of the way with the topwaters is a sure way to find some of the trout and reds lurking under them.”

“Fishing continues to be hot around Rockport recently,” reports Blake. “We are catching limits of both trout and redfish on most trips. The topwater action has been good most of the time. On the windiest days, it pays to stay on leeward shorelines. There have been schools of redfish and trout mixed on sandy bottoms with good amounts of grass. When the wind lets up some, all kinds of other options become available, including windward shorelines and open water reefs. On the reefs, topwaters will still work some of the time, but the old Norton Sand Eels in dark colors like pumpkinseed/chartreuse and purple/chartreuse will often produce better around the shell. We haven’t been able to get out to the surf much yet, but we’ll have our eye on that in June. I like to walk in at Cedar Bayou some of the time, especially if it’s a little too windy for running up and down the beach in the boat. But when the conditions are calm enough, it’s great to go out of the jetties and head north, cruising and looking for rafts of bait, working birds and slicks.”

June is the beginning of the highest quality surf fishing of the year, provided we get a break from the sargassum. Various shark species are present and available on casted and kayaked baits. Spanish mackerel, Atlantic bluefish, ladyfish, and whiting are usually in good supply with tarpon, king mackerel and redfish being in varying numbers. Topwater fishing for speckled trout becomes good in June and this will continue throughout the summer. Surf run trout are interesting and typically they will either hit topwaters or Bass Assassins but NOT both. If neither of these will produce, try blue/silver Rattletraps, MirrOlure Glad Shads or gold or silver spoons. For Spanish mackerel and ladyfish it's hard to beat Speck Rigs but you should replace the mono leader with small diameter solid wire or heavier mono to avoid cutoffs. Be careful driving at the water's edge; a thin layer of sand covering decaying sargassum can mire any vehicle. www.TSFMAG.com

Just Keep Five

It has been good and it’s getting better, the fish catching, that is. The strong winds have made it tough, but I’m still finding scattered areas with decent water clarity. Baffin Bay has been producing some very nice trout, up to 30 inches. The water along the Kennedy Ranch shoreline is in great shape and it has also been producing some big trout and red fish. In June, I will be fishing in 12 to 24 inches of water early in the morning before the wind starts to blow hard with MirrOlure She Dogs in colors like CRBN, CRCH and GCRCH. As mornings warm up, I will also be fishing with sixteenth ounce Bass Assassin Spring Lock jig heads rigged with Bass Assassin Slurps in colors like good penny and pearl. Bass Assassin bone diamond, plum/chartreuse and glitter bug will always be in one of my pockets for times when the fish do not want to go after topwater baits. Live bait like shrimp and croaker should be catching many fish in water that is wind blown and dirty. I will be fishing in water that is less than three feet deep.

Joe likes the month of June for fishing shallow and sightcasting. “In June, the winds typically die down somewhat, which helps with what I’m doing. I’ve been taking customers who use the flyrods quite a bit lately, and it’s easier to function when winds aren’t howling. Clear, shallow water and bright skies are also a help to fly fishermen, because we are able to see the fish we’re trying to catch and present the flies to them more effectively. Right now, the clear water is in the northern reaches of my area, starting around the bridge and spreading into Corpus Christi Bay. I’ll be checking the Land Cut and Nine Mile Hole next month too. Some years, the water clears up in there pretty good in summer. 2006 was a banner year for redfish in the Hole. You’d just cruise along until you saw the big schools making a wake, then troll into them and catch all you wanted. Last year was a totally different story; it was much tougher to find and catch the fish in there.

But it’s always worth checking once the warm months arrive.”

In June, the spring winds normally stop howling with such intensity in the Port Mansfield area. “The highlight of June will be that the winds give us a little break.

When they do, we try to get offshore as often as we can. We’ll be chasing tarpon and bull reds up and down the beach. It’s also a great time to target the sow snapper a little deeper. It sets up to be a banner year for the blue waters if we can get out there enough. As far as fishing in the bays, the trout pattern is pretty simple. We target the outside edges of the grass beds in three and a half to four feet of water mostly. On days when winds allow, we’ll throw topwaters just about all day, light colored ones on bright days and dark ones on the cloudier days.

When the winds muddy things up a little more, we turn to the Cajun Thunder corks and suspend the Berkley Gulps under them. It’s often almost too easy to catch ‘em on those things. Redfish action in shallower waters early in the morning should be a good bet too. They’ll be on the bright sand next to shore at daybreak.”

At first light, we’re throwing Maulers trailing quarter ounce jigheads on 15 inch, 20 pound test leaders with a Gulp shrimp in glow or pearl, catching as many shallow reds as possible before the outgoing tide slows or boat traffic kills the bite. As soon as we limit on reds, we’re heading to the dropoff to finish our trout limit with the same set ups. So it’s limit, limit; you can’t ask for better fishing than that! At the time of this writing, we’re still experiencing very high winds more days than not. Usually, the wind picks up out of the southeast around noon, but it’s so windy lately that it can’t really blow much harder and leave you with any kind of decent visibility. Freddy says, “The fish are much more active when the water is full of oxygen from the wind. Even the small reds are fighting like crazy. On calm days, it’s tough to get near a redfish in shallow, clear water, much less cast far enough to entice a bite.” The problem is deeper water can get really rough and muddy; however, we’re hoping the wind will be with us far into the summer months.

Texas Saltwater Fishing

June 2008

99

Sayde Crowder landed this bull red while fishing the Galveston Jetties.

Louis Sorola caught and released this 34" snook while out kayaking the LLM.

Lynda Breland caught and released this 40" red from Mitchell's Cut.

Oscar Gonzalez proudly shows off his catch of the day from Boca Chica Jetties.

Tanner Wallace lands his first keeper red while fishing Rockport.

Holly Casley snagged this 28 red from the Lower Laguna Madre.

Robbin Nelson lands this red while fishing SPI.

Tera Hooks hooked this nice 27.5 red while fishing the Aransas Channel.

100

June 2008

Haley Garza of Woodsboro snagged this red while fishing Copano Bay.

Eileen Nguyen landed this 28" red while fishing Holly Beach Louisana.

Mary Hakala of San Antonio show how she reels them in during the Texas Redfish Series.

Chase Pinerio hooked his first red.

Josh Williams lands his first king fish while fishing Port A.

Roxanne Herndon snagged this black drum after a twenty minute fight.

Matthew Cimo caught and released this nice red while fishing with family in Freeport.

Texas Saltwater Fishing

Eddie Cabarubio and Mike Kazmierczak hooked up a nice pair of bull reds. www.TSFMAG.com

Just Keep Five

Christian Lopez fought this 37" red from the Galveston Jetties.

Robert Cunningham landed this 37" black drum from Bayside Terrace Civic Pier.

Odis Graham landed this 38" 26.37 # grouper which landed him the new state record! Way to go!

Lisa Thompson lands her first red while fishing the Lower Laguna Madre.

Ray Cisneros lands this 40# drum while fishing with Capt Dewayne Newbern in POC.

Sterling Cash lands his first tarpon from POC while out with father and guide Capt. Curtiss Cash.

Sunset at Christmas Bay…what a beautiful way to end the day fishing. Photo submitted by: Charlie Minter

Jackeline Rodriguez of Pearland, hooked this 22" red from Galveston Bay.

Michael Andrew snags a trout and a red from East Matagorda Bay.

Taylor Beckam shows off her shark from the POC Jetties.

Slater Curl proudly shows off his little catch of the day.

Brad Neutzler caught and released this nice 28.25" trout from Lower Laguna Madre.

June 2008

101

102

June 2008

Texas Saltwater Fishing

www.TSFMAG.com

Texas Saltwater Fishing

June 2008

103

t e x a s s a lt wat e r f i s h i n g h o l e s

MATAGORDA

104

June 2008

Texas Saltwater Fishing

www.TSFMAG.com

Just Keep Five

louisiana

www.TSFMAG.com

Just Keep Five

Texas Saltwater Fishing

June 2008

105

your ad could be here hurry call 361-785-3420 for more details.

Texas Saltwater Fishing Magazine has part-time employment opportunities for circulation route Sales. houSTon, AuSTin & SAn AnTonio AreAS. For more information contact Everett Johnson at Everett@tsfmag.com 361.550.3637

HOOK YOUR FISHING FRIENDS UP! Buy a 12-month subscription at regular price and you can also purchase up to three 12month subscriptions, for friends not already subscribing, at a reduced price‌

ONLY $20.00!

106

June 2008

Available for Non-Subscribers ONLY

Texas Saltwater Fishing

www.TSFMAG.com

Just Keep Five

Boats, Kayaks, Outboards

For more information about these advertisers visit: http://www.texassaltwaterfishingmagazine.com/contact_advertisers_product.html Boats, Kayaks, Outboards Adventure Yamaha and Marine.....................................45 281-484-7200

Anderson Marine......................................................... 93 800-416-9003

Bernie’s Boats..............................................................16 361-573-7809

Busha Boat Works....................................................... 53 979-245-3369

Canoesports................................................................ 67 713-660-7000

Carolina Skiff - Sea Chaser...........................................15 800-422-7282

Coastal Backwater Marine........................................... 47 409-927-1462

Coastline Marine.................................................... Cover 713-614-2057

El Campo Boating Center............................................. 75 800-843-2201

El Pescador Boats..........................................................61 361-983-4832

Flats Cat...................................................................... 41 281-342-3940

Flatstalker.....................................................................26 361-857-7074

Gibbs Marine................................................................73 713-526-4349

Gulf Coast Boats........................................................... 3 713-477-7119

Gulf Coast Marine..........................................................6 800-622-2449

Hill Country Boats...................................................Cover 512-342-2622

Hobie Cat Company.................................................... 67 1-800-HOBIE-49 / 1-800-462-4349

Huff Marine................................................................. 34 361-991-0369

JH Performance Boats.................................................87 979-233-1852

Kroll’s Marine...............................................................65 800-882-4461

LMC Marine Center........................................ 8,9, Solunar 888-797-9805

Lone Star Yacht Sales................................................. 22 281-334-3500

Majek Boats.................................................................. 4

JL Marine - Power Pole..................................................5 888-442-4900

Safe Floor Company.................................................... 71 281-435-5904

Salt-A-Way.................................................................. 73 714-550-0987

South Texas Trolling Motors......................................... 71 361-939-8970

Specialty Aluminum Works...........................................16 361-575-1477

Stake Out Stik..............................................................71 409-718-7694

Tops-N-Towers....................................................... Cover 281-474-4000

Yeti Coolers.................................................................69 512-394-9384

Fishing Products (rods, reels, tackle, etc.)

All Star Rods............................................................... 31 800-347-3759

American Rodsmiths..................................................... 2 713-466-7849

Batson Enterprises, Inc................................................59 360-681-2381

Big Fish Wish Company................................................85 281-850-3980

Bimini Bay-Tsunami.......................................................91 800-688-3481

Bio Bait - Big Bite Baits............................................... 41 877-222-7429

Bomber Lures................................................................ 15 479-782-8971

Boone Bait Co..............................................................39 407-975-8775

Brown Lures.................................................................. 68 877-460-4619

Castaway Rods............................................................57 936-582-1677

Costa del Mar...............................................................35 386-677-3700

D.O.A. Lures................................................................ 67 877-362-5873

Fish Gillz..................................................................... 56 713-855-5885

361-552-1870

Mt. Houston Marine..................................................... 31 281-447-7689

Pathfinder Boats.......................................................... 21 888-Shallow / 888-742-5569

Rockport Marine...........................................................17 361-729-7820

Ron Hoover RV & Marine Center....................................4 800-545-8818

Sail and Ski................................................................... 49 210-734-8199

Sea Vee Boats....................................................... Cover 281-220-2400

Shallow Sport Boats............................................... Cover 956-233-9489

Shoalwater Boats.......................................................108 361-983-4134

Sport Marine................................................................59 281-238-0060

Suzuki........................................................................... 1 800-247-4704

Texas Marine...............................................................85 409-898-7632

Trans Fiberglass Boat.................................................. 60 361-972-6629

Boat Accessories Cove Harbor Marina and Drystack............................... 22 361-790-5438

Espandre.....................................................................57 281-543-1230

Gulf Coast Trolling Motors............................................67 281-481-6832

House Of Fiberglass.................................................... 71 361-853-2541

Jet Dock.....................................................................108 361-972-2122

www.TSFMAG.com

Just Keep Five

361-573-0300

Woodee Rods USA......................................................53 281-723-4154

Fishing retail locations Academy..................................................................... 54 888-922-2336

Bass Pro Outdoor World................................................ 7 800-BassPro (800-227-7776)

Blue Water Ships Stores...............................................16 281-334-7583

Boater’s World.............................................................23 800-826-2628

David’s Tackle Box........................................................87 281-342-9669

Fishing Tackle Unlimited.............................. 27, 61, Cover 281-481-6838

Gander Mountain........................................................... 51 800-282-5993

Roy’s Bait & Tackle...................................................... 39 361-992-2960

Speedy Stop........................................................Solunar 361-582-5100

Tackle Box...................................................................93 361-575-8700

Victoria All Sports...................................................... 71 361-575-0655

Real Estate ERA Realty...................................................................73 361-572-3333

South Padre Island Golf Club....................................... 55 888-943-3622

Tidewater......................................................................87 512 659 4754

Troy Giles Realty..........................................................63 956-761-2040

Waterview Home Magnolia Beach................................. 60 281-330-3342 / 512-738-0456

Tournaments / Outdoor Events CCA Star Tournament.................................................. 72 713-626-4222

Fish Slick.....................................................................87

Port Mansfield Fishing Tournament...............................26

Fishbelly Lures............................................................ 65

Salty Texans present "For the Family Benefit"............... 81

361-991-3102

Marshall Marine...........................................................30

Waterloo Rods.............................................................69

718-232-2634

Foreverlast.................................................................. 77 361-798-1530

Fuji............................................................................... 27 251-943-4491

27 Gold Marlin....................................................................

888-604-0008

H&H Fishing Rods........................................................17 713-875-7827

Laguna Rods............................................................... 65 979-921-9910

Livingston Lures............................................................95 210-857-8381

Luresafety Wrap........................................................... 85 713-203-2829

Markar Brothers LLC Rollo Lures................................. 30 330-402-4665

Mud Hole.....................................................................71 866-790-RODS (7637)

Okuma........................................................................ 34 800-466-5862

Penn................................................................... Solunar 215-229-9415

Rapala............................................................................ 3 800-874-4451

Rods by Pepper........................................................... 87 409-737-1136

Shimano.......................................................................35 800-274-4626

Strike Pro America.......................................................57 409-621-1126

Texas Tackle Factory....................................................47 361-575-4751

956-944-2354

Shrimpfest 2008............................................................. 73 361-785-2251

Texas Deep Sea Rodeo............................................... 56 713-816-5004

Texas Hunting & Sportsmand Expo...............................45 956-664-2884

Texas Saltwater Series................................................ 77 210-385-3333

Toast of the Coast Fishing Tournament.........................49 361-510-2636

Miscellaneous Aventura Jewelry........................................................... 47 713-932-0002

Coastal Creations Taxidermy....................................... 85 888-737-5452

Graphics By Design......................................................81 361-785-4282

Mission Wall Systems................................................ 59 888-572-0097

Pearl Products Crab Master........................................... 93 850-994-4168

Russo Marine Financial.................................................. 61 877-899-8166

Saltwater Fishing Clinics.............................................. 87 361-563-1160

Texas Application Specialists......................................... 65 281-558-4696

TSFmag Store................................................................... 81 361-785-3420

TSFmag Subscription Form............................................. 75 361-785-3420

Triangle Linewinders....................................................30 201-825-1212

Wade Aid Enterprises.................................................. 87 888-923-3243

Texas Saltwater Fishing

June 2008

107

108

June 2008

Texas Saltwater Fishing

www.TSFMAG.com

Just Keep Five