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contents noV emBer 2008 Volume 18 No. 7

Features 14 Billy Bob Goes to the Coast

22

Mike McBride

18 From Beyond the Devil’s Elbow

Kevin Cochran

22 Lonely Shorelines

Martin Strarup

26 Ike and more

Billy Sandifer

30 Ike spikes the curve on Sabine

Chuck Uzzle

departments 28 Coastal Birding

Billy Sandifer

34 Let’s Ask The Pro

Jay Watkins

38 Fly Fishing

Casey Smartt

42 Offshore

Bobby Byrd/John Cochrane

46 Conservation

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84

CCA Texas

52 Science and the Sea

UT-Marine Science Institute

54 TPWD Field Notes

J. Dale Shively

58 Kayak Fishing

Scott Null

62 According to Scott

Scott Sommerlatte

66 Youth Fishing

Aaron Cisneros

what our guides haVe to say…

74 Dickie Colburn’s Sabine Scene

Dickie Colburn

76 Mickey on Galveston

Mickey Eastman

78 Capt. Bill’s Fish Talk

Bill Pustejovsky

80 Mid-Coast Bays with the Grays

Shellie Gray

82 Catching up with Cliff

Cliff Webb

84 Capt. Tricia’s Port Mansfield Report

Capt. Tricia

86 South Padre Fishing Scene

Ernest Cisneros

reguLars 8

Editorial

12 Letters to the Editor 68 Tips and Tricks 72 New Tackle & Gear 88 Fishing Reports and Forecasts 90 Photo Gallery – Catch of the Month 92 Gulf Coast Kitchen

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Index of Advertisers

aBout the coVer Jasmine Gordon enticed this beautiful redfish with a black shiner Super Spook Jr. wading the Lower Laguna with Capt. Ernest Cisneros. Ernest was there to coach and captured the image. www.TSFMAG.com

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Sitting here to write this column is the last thing I want to be doing right now. Fishing is taking off like a rocket and this office seems more a prison than it ever did. I am here in body but my spirit is elsewhere.

In my mind’s eye I am stalking the edge of an oyster bed in San Antonio Bay. It is cloudy with a hint of northeast breeze and I should have worn waders, but I don’t want it to be winter yet. A few yards to my right shrimp skip franticly, fleeing predators intent on getting fat. My cast is met with a sweet thump and a thrashing pull. I fight the fish gingerly to make the contest last before unhooking my prize and watching her swim away.

Overhead, a dozen pintails survey the shoreline and then settle into a marsh pond. A raspy call echoes from the backcountry telling me the whooping cranes are back.

This is Heaven on Earth and I am one with the natural world. Fears and worries of volatile markets and what has become of my retirement fund are far away. Falling deeper into the spell I can become an ancient huntergatherer. My rod and reel is a spear and my Columbia duds are replaced with scraps of hide. Sometimes I’m an explorer, the first to find this place, and I wish I could stay longer.

Is it silly to dream? Sillier still would be to never dream. Is this productive?

I would argue that it is, especially in a therapeutic sense. When I return from my dreams I realize how lucky I am to live in the same place I go to in my dreams. I count it as a blessing.

I love the Texas coast and I am thankful I found it when I did. I am thankful for the way God made me and that he put me here in this day and age. I do not believe the guys who wore hides and speared their fish were as blessed as I. If I was to compile a list of everything God has blessed me with it would take a long time to complete. My life has been that good.

On the fourth Thursday this month we will commemorate a national holiday of Thanksgiving. We will join friends, family and loved ones in feast and celebration that can be traced much farther back than struggling settlers on a rocky New England shore.

People of many cultures have done this for ions, reveling in the fruits of their labors and marking good fortune, not always on the fourth Thursday, but always with reverence and praise and dreams of being able to do it again.

When you offer a prayer of thanks for the bounty on your table, reflect on how blessed we truly are. Pray for our troops way out there in the desert and for their families who will miss them at their Thanksgiving tables. Pray for our country’s leaders that they will be blessed with great wisdom and good judgment. Pray for all our friends and neighbors who lost so much in the hurricane. Give thanks for all your blessings, and be especially thankful for your dreams.

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Letters to the editor Dear Mr. Everett Johnson and staff,

Dear Mr. Johnson,

My family enjoys your magazine and I am writing in hopes of getting

It would be a great birthday gift if this

a big “Thank You” out to everyone for their hopes, prayers and support

makes it in the magazine. Attached is a

during my mother’s illness.

picture of my first legal redfish, snagged with a homemade rod and

My mom is Emily Garza. She and my dad, Silver, love to fish. Ever

Shimano reel. My husband, Nathan, and I were drifting the grass line

since I was a small kid my parents would go fishing. They would get

of Tiger Lake in the back of Chocolate Bay. I was using fresh dead

a sitter and go drum fishing at night. We lived in Point Comfort, about

shrimp under a cork and it took no time to disappear. I set the hook

3 blocks from the boat launch. Their first boat was a Boston Whaler.

and with the wind pushing us along it didn’t seem very big. I told

It was cool and they have had many boats since then. Recently my

Nathan, “It’s a small one.” Well, he quickly got the net and came to

mom got very sick. She had a kidney stone that would not pass and

help me, just in case. When I got the fish close it darted under the

caused a blockage that led to a bad blood infection. She almost died.

boat. Nathan looked at me and said “There’s nothing small about that

I remember many days and nights in the ICU when they would let us

fish.” We got it in the boat and I proceeded to do what Nathan now

visit, my aunt Corina, my mom’s baby sister (who took this picture of my

calls my redfish dance. I was proud of the fish and Nathan was proud

mom at Magnolia Beach), would always tell my mom, “You gotta hurry

of me.

and get better Emily, you have to take us fishing again.” Mom would get

With this story, I wanted to tell Nathan happy 28th birthday and

better then worse, it was like a bad storm we were weathering. Well,

thank you for being proud of me. The fishing trips and weekends at

two months later, mom did get better. Aunt Corina told me, “You know, I

the bay with you have been more than I have ever deserved. I am

waited for your mom to smile again and she did. I waited for your mom

sure there will be many more with great redfish stories to tell. Making

to come home and she did. I am waiting to go fishing again and we will.”

memories together is priceless. So, happy birthday and we love you,

Thanks to all our friends who prayed for Mom’s healing and thanks

from Kimberly and your soon to be new fishing buddy.

to Dad who stayed so strong for us. Thank you to all my aunt’s and

Sincerely,

uncle’s and friends who supported us during this time. God does listen

Kimberly Neill

and we got our mommy back. He knew mom and dad still had a LOT of FISHING to do!

Michelle Garza Lewis

Dear Kimberly and Nathan, Dear Michelle,

Please accept my apology that this didn’t make it into the magazine

Thanks for sharing this very touching story. Family is very precious and

earlier; I hope it can still make a great gift, even if belated. Being

all of us at TSFMag want to send sincere wishes that yours will enjoy

together on the water and lucky enough to snag a red like yours is

many fishing trips together. Maybe you can send a photo when your

truly priceless. Congrats on your big red and belated birthday wishes

mom lands a big one!

to Nathan. We hope this is the first of many to come!

Everett Johnson

Everett Johnson

Send your leTTerS To: TSFMag, P.o. Box 429, Seadrift, TX 77983 12

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editor and puBLisher Everett Johnson Everett@tsfmag.com generaL manager

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Saltwater Seadrift,

November November2008 2008

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es sir; we’re pLanning to driVe down From Lubbock… like to try some saltwater wade fishin’ for a

a favored client clinched the deal. They didn’t

“Y’all have hurricanes and we have tornados.

have much of a clue what they had just bitten off

We have bass and catfish and y’all have other

but watching them chew it would be fun.

stuff. It’s kinda the same but different, right?

Lubbock, we learned, is the largest cotton producing region in the world and has been

That’s what we’re aimin’ for… somethin’ different.”

They rolled into Port Mansfield dusty and

change. And yes sir, we sure thought about flyin’

dubbed, Hub City of the Plains, for its economic

bug spattered after seven hundred hard miles,

but we’re all just a bunch of cotton farmers and

importance. Bumper stickers proclaim it more

offering firm handshakes and straight-up eye

figure half the fun is gettin’ there. Plus, we’d

succinctly as, The Hub. Some jokingly say,

contact. Naturally, hats were removed when

kinda like to look at everybody else’s fields on

“that’s because the hub is the slowest moving

presented to their second guide, Capt. Tricia,

the way.”

part of a wheel.” We also learned that Troy is

after all this is Texas. We saw all we needed to

pronounced in three syllables.

predict another great adventure, especially since

Trying to get down to business I quizzed, “OK, so just how big a boy are ya? Some of these bay bottoms aren’t exactly ‘plus size’ friendly.”

The Lubbock bunch passed what I term the “attitude inquisition” and being referrals from

These eager plowboys were booked to stay with us, six of them in two boats, for

one of the characters was named Ray Bob. Curious about their gear, I said, “OK,

three days of fishing and three nights of

shakedown time. Let’s see what ya’ll brought to

cultural comparison.

fish with.”

”We didn’t know what to look for, then it all just clicked in that smooth water.”

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So just how big a boy are ya anyway… bigger than this backlash?

bass will catch trout and redfish,” I replied.

“That ain’t what that other guide told us,” he shot back.

“What other guide? I thought y’all never did this before,” I queried, dying to know.

And thus the rest of the story came

“We’ve all fished before but nothing like this,” was our introduction to half-empty

we pulled into a featureless flat. Evidently that first wade stop wasn’t quite what they’d hoped it would be.

“We was thinkin’ it’d be deeper… call of nature and all that, and there we were with this

out. “Well, not quite, not the way you do

woman in knee deep water, in the middle of

it anyway. We tried once but ended up

nowhere. Well she strapped on a belt and tackle

pitching live bait with a guy who took us to

box and got out of the boat and took off while

a place we could have oared to. He drank

we just kinda hung around. Before we even got

up all our beer while the bait died. When

our gear on she was way out there catchin’ fish

he finally slurred that we were done I

and hollering real loud for us to catch up and we

started asking what else might work, like

had a good laugh over that. Big Bob caught up

these spoons and stuff. He said, ‘Nope,

with her first and got into some trout and so did

won’t work here, time to go.’”

And there was more, “One of our guys, a

Chad, but the rest of us were too busy taking it all in to pay much attention to what we were

spools of too heavy monofilament on too small

county judge, had to back his trailer down

supposed to be doing. It’s not every day we see

spinning reels. Rods better suited for yanking

because there just weren’t no way… an’ we

stingrays and everybody knows what happened

100 pound catfish from irrigation ditches

thought he was headed for a first aid at the

to that crock hunter guy.”

were culled, price tags and all. Fishing Tackle

cleaning table. Gotta be more to it than that we

And the story continued, “Just as we figured it

Unlimited takes great care of us so we geared

thought, and that’s why we’re here. A man can

was going to be OK, Capt. Tricia started barking

them up with the kind of stuff we use.

only look at a cork for so long.”

that we’d walked through them. She scooped

“Hey Captain, I brought my bass box, will any

Getting ready the first morning we swapped

us up and took us back around, but we had

of this stuff work down here?” one of our new

a few wife beater tees for better sun protection.

lingered a bit too long on the boat, taking that

friends wanted to know.

With farmer legs glowing below black shorts

necessary break you know.”

“Sure, bring ‘em, most any lure that’ll catch

everybody went into wide-eyed shock as

“Bringing the boat to a stop she said, ‘Well I

Elder Bob with glowing farmer legs. [Edited for glare.]

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They didn’t have much of a clue what they had bitten off but watching them chew it was fun.

guess this wade fishing just isn’t you’re forte.’ So we hopped out real quick this time knowing we couldn’t sit there because she’d stray off and talk about us.”

It was a slow day but everybody caught fish in a different world. Jay Bob did well on topwaters but his rock crusher boots sandpapered his feet. Elder Bob’s cotton legs turned pink so at least he was glowing a different color, and several other “Bobs” were born.

Bubble Bob entertained us with impressive Jacuzzi-like bubbles every time he waded beyond waist deep. Backlash Bob fought gallantly with his loaner FTU rod with the Sufix braid. Boat Bob braved Capt. Tricia’s scorn, but she routinely took the boat away from him with the Power Pole remote.

Second day, late again to the dock, they said, “Don’t ask.” But we did. It seems three bathrooms couldn’t handle the urgent needs of six men.

Elder Bob got on another hot streak. “He was in ‘em and we was giving the man his room, then Chad goes a motor boatin’ right up to him to get in “What the heck is that?” he hollered as he “busted a wake” back to the boat. Their homespun way of describing Chad fleeing certain death.

Jerking on everybody’s stringer the rest of the trip was fun, but Shark Bob didn’t think so.

Wayne hung something big. “That don’t look right,” he yelled as a cow nosed ray went nuts on the surface.

“Get this thing away from me!” And thus Ray Bob was christened.

The third day dawned slick calm with everybody intent on fishing and amazed to finally see things we had been pointing out.

“We didn’t know what to look for, then it all just clicked in that smooth water. I mean we were in ‘em and we could see ‘em!”

Being able to see the fish in the calm water kept everybody on high alert. That’s when we heard one of the Bobs shrieking, “Did you hear that? There

really mad at us back there, like a pterodactyl or something.”

It ended up being Ray Bob’s reel, a dry bearing protesting against his effort to retrieve his lure.

Overall the fishing was slow, but they did manage several limits of reds and some good trout from the adventure. Their take, though, was very different.

contact

on the action until that shark swam by.”

mike mcBride

“It was awesome. We caught plenty and learned more than we ever imagined. You can take a vacation, pay the admission, and never see much of anything. We didn’t only see it, we lived it, now we got it goin’ on.”

Mike McBride is a full time fishing guide based in Port Mansfield, Tx., specializing in wadefishing with artificial lures.

Yeah, they do, and bottom line in all of this? If you fish a lot, it’s easy to get immersed in it and forget all the small stuff that makes fishing fun.

Take some greenhorns if you need a refresher course, from far-removed places like Lubbock. Just take it slow.

it goes again! Man, I think there’s some big bird

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sometimes, eVen though you haVe Fishing partners with you out on the water, you just want to slip off by yourself and wade the lonely shoreline.

I watched from a distance as my friend Red Childers did just that this past Friday and I watched him trick some redfish with his gold spoon as he fought the soft bottom.

We had been pre-fishing a tournament in Port Mansfield for a couple of days and had only found scattered fish. The tides were well above normal and some of the places we normally wade were too deep on this trip and some places were actually fresh from recent rains. We couldn’t pattern the fish at all and we didn’t find the numbers or sizes that we were looking for in our usual haunts. We decided that we’d head north a ways on the morning of

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the tournament and hope that less boat traffic and

strung what was my first fish of the morning, I took the time to

fishing pressure might pay off for us.

take a picture of him on that lonely shoreline.

There’s something special about an early morning boat ride and especially on the morning of

At the end of our morning wade we had the three fish we were looking for; a redfish, a trout and a flounder. We

a tournament. Anticipation is high and everyone seems

were eight ounces shy of winning the over-all prize in the

supercharged and ready to go. The pre-dawn coolness

tournament. But seriously, we were able to fish together, to

with the wind in your face as you steer the boat to your

spend time together and to visit with each other and with

first destination of the morning keeps everyone fired up

dear friends, which is really what draws us to this particular tournament every year and that is reward enough for me.

and ready.

We arrived at our spot with no other boats in sight and I

Wade fishing isn’t like drift fishing with the guys and girls

think we all breathed a sigh of relief. One of the things that

in the boat having conversations. It’s a solitary thing and it

you do not want to see at the first area you are going to

gives you time to think while you hunt the fish that you are

fish is another boat already there. We idled up to the

after. It’s a time for reflection and for being one with your

shoreline, set our anchor, gathered our gear and slipped

surroundings. It is an exhilarating experience and if you

into the cool water.

happen to find a lonely shoreline to fish you’ll remember that

Red, his instincts honed by years of wade fishing, saw something that I did not and he immediately headed up shallow. I decided to split the distance from him while Sterling and my friend Glenn headed out deeper.

experience always.

The lonely shorelines seem to call to you; I guess it is something only a fisherman can understand.

I have a tidbit of news to pass along before closing… I

I saw Red’s fishing rod bent and the arc told me that

promised Captain Wayne Stark of Port Mansfield that I would

it was a good fish that had fallen for the gold spoon he

include this in my article this month. — Captain Wayne wants

was using. I was moving faster than I normally do when

everyone to know that the cancer he has been fighting is

I wade; maybe I was just pumped up for the tournament

in complete remission and that he is doing well. He is once

or maybe I wanted to get to a certain gut that I like to fish,

again back out on the bays doing what he loves to do; fishing!

but moving too fast cost me a decent fish right off the bat.

He wanted me to express his appreciation to all of you who

“Slow down” that little voice told me and I did. I threw my

kept him in your thoughts and prayers and that he is very

lure to the same area multiple times, did a complete

grateful for everything the fishing community did for him.

360 fanning my casts as I did, but whatever had grabbed the bait and taken drag wasn’t falling for

We sure are glad that you’re doing so well Captain and I can’t wait to sit down and visit with you again soon.

that lure again.

On this morning there was no talking between from a VHF radio; only the sounds of bait in the water, an occasional “moo” from the Santa Gertrudis cattle on the King Ranch, and the sounds of my reel as I worked my lure. We were all concentrating on catching the fish we needed that would place us in the winner’s circle at the tournament.

I reached the end of my wade right

contact

fishermen, no music from the boat radio, no chatter

martin strarup

where the semi-soft bottom becomes a quagmire of mud and muck and I began to fish my way back towards the boat. I stopped for a moment as I felt a fish tap my bait. As I fought the fish I saw Red up in the shallows near the shoreline. After I had

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here we go with another contest.

Just like our Crab Trap Removal

and Speckled Trout Catch & Release, this one continues on the theme of good stewardship and conservation of coastal resources. And of course, you have to submit photos to document your efforts in order to qualify.

“Be Kind to Shorelines” is about leaving a piece of shoreline better than you found it. It always grieves me when wading close to the shoreline to find unsightly trash piled way up in the vegetation or high on the sand. This is trash that was carelessly discarded in some cases and things that blew innocently from passing boats. However it got there, it is a scar and disgrace upon the face of our magnificent bays and gulf shores.

So, to encourage folks to be more aware; and also to hopefully enlist support of clean-up efforts, we have created another contest. Here’s how it works. Carry a roll of trash bags, or maybe even a trash can in your boat. When you happen upon an unsightly mess on your favorite shoreline; clean it up. Have a fishing buddy snap a photo of your clean-up effort and another of the trash being disposed of properly. Submit photos via email to Everett@TSFMag.com or by regular mail to TSF Magazine – PO Box 429 – Seadrift, TX 77983.

Categories for this contest will be Greatest Haul, Most Unusual, and Most Helpers. We will award three prizes in each category. Prizes will consist of guided fishing trips with Capt. Everett and Capt. Pam Johnson in the POC-Seadrift area (and we’ll probably snag a few bags of trash while we’re on the water), fishing tackle, subscriptions to this magazine, and TSFMag logo tee shirts and fishing caps.

The contest will run from October 2008 through Memorial Day 2009. Pick it up, chop it up if you have to, bring it in and dispose of it properly. A coastal shoreline is a terrible thing to trash. Get involved, hands-on conservation is a wonderful thing!

Questions and comments should be directed to Everett Johnson – Editor and Publisher – TSFMag at the mail and email addresses listed above or by phoning 361-550-3637.

Note: The clean-up crew shown in the accompanying photographs are Jackson Gordon, Eleuterio and Carmen Zavala. Jasmine Gordon snapped the pics.

Eleuterio and Carmen are Jasmine’s grandparents.

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I

haVe LiVed through Four hurricanes and one Very Bad typhoon in my LiFetime and my heart goes out to all of our friends and

neighbors impacted by this monster of a storm. I sincerely hope everyone in the Corpus Christi area knows how extremely lucky we have been to escape a major incident so far this season. But it won’t always be that way. We all get our turn in the barrel if we live in the coastal zone. As I looked at all those storms in a line headed west I told my wife I felt like the Texas coast was a dart board this year with Mother Nature throwing one dart behind another at it.

We are not without fallout from Ike here in the Coastal Bend. We’ve had hard NE winds day after day with rough seas and the water has been to the dunes much of the month so there sure hasn’t been much beach fishin’ goin’ on. Tremendous amounts of debris have impacted all of Padre Island as I’m sure it has the entire Texas coast and Coast Guard reports indicate there is a lot more currently headed this way.

I recently received an inquiry from PINS personnel wanting to know if it would be possible for me to organize a cleanup to remove as much of it as possible and I sadly told them that it was not feasible. Too many large items, too many fabricated wooden structures that would have to be taken apart, and the amount of wood and other debris is probably the greatest amount I have ever seen on our beach.

Nature will have to take its course and then we’ll see what we can do on the spring Big Shell Cleanup.

We’ve had tide to the dunes for four straight days and much of the wood will be pushed by the high water to the edge of the dune line. This will continue throughout the winter whenever we get strong northeast or east winds. Blowing sand will cover

26

November 2008

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much of the debris and

There are also large quantities of ground up

tension on the line will be required to slip the

vegetation in the surf and these are going to

drag, loosen it as necessary to prevent him

make fishing tough. Whenever possible avoid

breaking the line. The most common mistake

areas which appear black in color. This is

anglers make with spinning tackle is cranking

more apt to be masses of decaying debris than

while a fish is taking line or when no line can

baitfish. We were in such a spot recently and

be gained. This practice actually has the effect

everyone using the beach take out as

large numbers of dusky anchovies had sought

of loosening the drag setting and results in line

much trash as possible and this will help. I

coppice dunes will form over it. This is the natural process which the beach uses to rebuild itself. But boy if it ain’t a circus right now. PINS is asking that

cover in the debris but predators were working

that is so badly twisted as to be worthless after

could have stacked a large flatbed trailer high

them hard in spite of it. The only way that we

this one encounter.

with ornate lawn furniture and high-quality

could fish in this area was with surface or

lumber last Sunday. So, if you need some

shallow running lures. It was impossible to fish

building material there’s an alternative to the

with bait or any deep running lure.

lumber yard; make a run to the beach and pick

The reds have been very picky so far this year. One day they want live finger mullet and

out what you need.

Driving in this debris is going to present

the next they won’t hit a live bait but will readily

real problems for beach drivers. Stay in the

take one cut in half. The cure is to use a two-

tracks of other vehicles that have passed

hook bottom rig and fish a live finger mullet on

through before you, carry lots of "fix a flat"

one and half a finger mullet on the other. Once

and speeding won’t be an issue for a while as

you determine which they prefer you can fish

speeders will have flat tires in a short period

that choice on both hooks.

of time. A small air compressor that plugs

The November surf has a reputation for

into a cigarette lighter and a plug kit are also

producing large fish and often they are

recommended. If you see a board full of nails

hooked on tackle most would consider

in or very near the existing roadway take the

too light for landing them but that is not

time to move it out of the way in the direction

necessarily true. When you hook that

of the dunes. If you don’t you might be the one

"freight train" hold the rod high and keep

that runs over it and flattens tires on the way

a good bend in it to make the fish work

back out.

harder. Make sure your drag isn’t set too

Another new rule has been announced by

loose following the strike or the fish will

PINS. Anyone bringing construction materials

build up a head of steam and take so much

(big or small) into the park needs to secure a

line that you’ll be left with too little to fight

$50 permit in advance. You cannot bring in

him properly.

material the day you purchase the permit and

Instead, tighten the drag at the

it takes a few days to get the it processed. For

beginning of that first run and make him

information concerning rules on PINS I suggest

work for every inch he gets. As the spool

visiting their web site at www.nps.gov/pais .

diameter decreases, which means more

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Texas Saltwater Fishing

David Webb landed his first-ever tripletail on a nearshore Panga trip.

November 2008

27

Photo courtesy Jimmy Jackson.

Paul Knowles with a very healthy 23lb7oz jack crevalle that he caught while sightcasting the surf in early October.

Again, keep the rod in an upright position during a run. Any time the fish stops taking line, lower the rod toward him while cranking to regain line. When the rod tip is pointed at the fish, slowly pull it back up to vertical, pulling him toward you without cranking. Then slowly lower the rod while cranking back down on him. Repeat the process until your fish is landed. All big game fishing is done this way around the world.

I had a real interesting deal happen in that black spot I mentioned finding last Sunday; there was a very shallow wash area for some distance from shore, about eight inches the edge of the drop-off standing in this shallow water casting for jack crevalle. I length: : 10 to 23 inches Wingspan: 50 to 55 inches

was tying on a new leader for his son at

Caspian tern is the

greeted by the sight of a 6-1/2 foot shark

largest of all the terns. Bulky in appearance, the Caspian tern is almost the size of a large gull. Caspian terns are very wide-spread; found in North and Central America, Europe, some of Africa

ten feet behind (shoreward) of his dad and headed straight for him. That shark was swimming in that eight inches of on his dad. It actually bumped him hard on his right calf with its nose. Scared

extending through the eye with white body and

heck out of everyone including the shark

black legs. Forages by diving almost vertically

which threw water sky high making a

from 5-20 meters above the water. Caspian terns

hasty retreat. Buddy, that was a spooky

inhabit the Texas coastal region year round.

deal and it sure makes one realize you

estuaries. Breeds on spoils and other coastal islands.

November 2008

capt. BiLLy sandiFer

water and for some reason had homed in

and Australia. Large red bill and a full black cap

Found commonly on bays, beaches and

28

the truck and we casually looked up to be

contact

deep. One of my customers was out on

can never let your guard down in Mother Ocean. What a Hoot! Be careful, be courteous, be kind!

Texas Saltwater Fishing

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. telephone 361-937-8446 website www.billysandifer.com www.TSFMAG.com

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29

Like a super student in your toughest class, there is always someone screwing it up for the rest of us by elevating the curve. The most recent example would be the effect Hurricane Ike had on Sabine Lake as it pummeled the area with 100-plus mile per hour wind and a storm surge nobody thought possible. As this huge storm made landfall pushing anywhere from 10 to 14 feet of water over parts of Jefferson and Orange counties, the entire landscape began to change, literally.

Now instead of dwelling on all the negative effects that the storm had on our area and the people that live here, I would at least like to try and find something positive about the whole situation. For those of you who frequent Sabine Lake, be prepared for a whole different animal the next time you hit the water because plenty has changed. Entire land masses have shifted as huge chunks of the shoreline broke away and are now protruding into the lake. In my fishing seminars I often referred to Sabine Lake as one big cereal bowl that was relatively void of structure when compared to other bays. This is no longer true; thanks to Ike. Since most folks are opposed to change you can expect some weeping and gnashing of teeth when fishermen show up to a favorite spot that is no longer there. Instead of lamenting over the fact that the “honey hole” is gone, take the time to search out new spots that have been created by the storm. There are plenty of new holes and guts all over the lake that are being discovered daily by local fishermen and I am sure there are plenty more yet to be found.

Some prime examples of places that have been changed forever are the shorelines near the Gator Hole, Bridge Bayou, and the flats behind Stewt’s and Sydney Island. The areas mentioned were some of the finest on Sabine Lake to chase trophy-class trout, the bottoms were hard and made for pleasant wading, and they always seemed to be full of bait and big fish. A large part of the Gator Hole shoreline has separated from the bank and has moved onto the flat we once waded; we can only wonder how this happened. Both Stewt’s and Sydney took serious beatings from the wind and water and the new guts that have formed there will serve as reminders of Ike for years to come.

Another area that got hammered was the north revetment wall on Pleasure Island. The road that led to the secluded launch on the far north tip is gone as are some of the huge rocks that made up the wall. I am sure

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November 2008

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31

this area will be full of all kinds of new structure that was deposited against the rocks; so let the exploring begin. The big flat on the north tip of Pleasure Island has numerous deposits of trees and other debris that will eventually become structure encouraging fish to congregate. The big rocks that made up the road on the north levee will also add to the bottom topography in that area and will certainly be fish magnets in due time.

The marsh has also been chewed up and spit out as a whole new project. I made a long loop through several of the areas I frequent from the refuge to the private stuff and you just can’t imagine how it has changed. I took my son, Hunter, and his buddy Conner Guillotte, and we were blown away at the things we saw. Storm debris ranging from refrigerators to picnic tables and propane bottles were strewn all over the place leading one to ask, “Where could it all come from?” Unusual stuff like couches, industrial equipment and complete walls with siding and doors intact left us scratching our heads. Timbers that were undoubtedly torn from camps or docks were everywhere, it was crazy.

Perhaps the biggest change came in the form of the rosseau cane. Places where it once grew are now barren and other places are piled high with it. Several lakes in the marsh were inaccessible due to the canals and ditches being choked with huge piles of cane. We could not get closer than a quarter mile from some.

We found backwater lakes that are now filled with small islands, chunks of shoreline that broke away and were deposited there. For many this would seem a tragedy. I like the extra structure they provide because the redfish tend to congregate around them. Remember we are looking for positives and catching more fish is certainly a positive.

The general landscape has changed as well. Acres of flattened vegetation reveal many small ponds we never knew were there. The whole thing is real eye-opener.

Large chunks of shoreline were torn away and deposited in Sabine Lake.

The fish population in Sabine appears to be alive and well despite a huge amount of fish washed up during the surge. I had white shrimp, croaker, mud minnows, and crabs in my swimming pool after the water receded. Tons of shad littered the streets of Orange and numbers of redfish, speckled trout, and others were scattered all over downtown.

The lake and marsh appear to be recovering as big schools of redfish continue to tear up the south end of Sabine and plenty of shrimp are still in the marsh awaiting the first good cold front to push them into the lake. What we need right now is a big tide of clean, oxygen-rich water to roll in here from the gulf and jump-start the healing process. The grand plan of the man upstairs is much bigger that any of us and He certainly knows best. The days ahead may well be as good as any we have ever known.

In the meantime there is a whole new lake to learn and the discovery process will be an adventure. I look forward to finding new areas to fish that were created from of TSF magazine. I appreciate all the calls and e-mails from folks checking on us; that meant more than you will ever know.

I hope you get a chance to come over and see what the new lake looks like and take advantage of some of the fine fall fishing sure to come in the weeks ahead. Be

chuck uZZLe

contact

this storm and sharing them with readers

sure to proceed with caution because there are some obstructions in the lake so keep that in mind. Enjoy your time on the water.

Some buildings near the water were destroyed, others fared better.

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November 2008

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33

J ay wa t k i n s

i want to Begin By teLLing aLL the FoLks that were in the path of Hurricane Ike that

being found 15 miles inland between Winnie

especially in areas where circulation is

and Sabine Pass.

improved. This will lead to higher populations

Right now there is a lot of debris in the bays

my family’s thoughts and prayers have been

and massive amounts of debris along the gulf

It has taken a long time for our friends in

with you. Some of my best friends and clients

beaches and passes at Port O’Connor and

Louisiana to recover from Hurricane Katrina

live in the Galveston and Baytown areas. I

Port Aransas. Cautious navigation will be a

but the marsh that survived is offering some

cannot imagine the discomfort and stress you

must for the next three months at least. There

of the best fishing ever. Louisiana already

have had to endure. Remember, God never

are probably things submerged that we will

had some of the best backwater fishing in

hands us more than we can handle no matter

not see until winter during extremely low tides.

the world so if it is better than ever I can only

how hard it may seem at the time. I know our

In the simplest of terms the bays got turned

imagine how exciting it must be now.

prayers for you are heard. I gain comfort from

upside down and it is just going to take some

that and I hope you can as well. You’ll get up,

time before things get back to normal.

dust yourself off, rebuild, and go on with your

Looking through a longer lens, hurricanes

We received a surge here in the Rockport area, about three feet to be exact. As of this writing our fishing has been tough at best. I am

lives; of this I am certain. I think of you each

can be beneficial to fisheries in many ways.

still experiencing some good days but to be

and every day.

The same surge that created so much

honest most have been tougher than normal.

devastation also scoured bay floors. Bay

The reason is higher than normal tides have

bottoms that were covered with a thick

displaced the fish. This is not uncommon

layer of silt will sport harder sand bottoms.

after a storm but it has been so many years

good. Short term we’re going to see some

Channels and drop-offs will be sharper and

since we have experienced such conditions

tough days.

more defined. Back lakes and marshes will

that many of us have forgotten the formula for

have more circulation due to the sloughs that

success. Sometimes X times Y does not equal

most in areas that took a direct hit. Any time

feed them being carved deeper and wider.

Z, but we stay the course and learn as we go.

you have storm surges over 20 feet and

There will even be some new sloughs and

winds over 100mph our bays are going to be

backwaters to explore.

Everybody’s asking, “What effect will Hurricane Ike have on the fishery?”

I can tell you this; in the long run it will be

The short term effect from Ike will be felt

completely torn up for weeks, maybe months.

Areas previously devoid of sea grasses

The storm surge displaces everything in its

may have new growth emerging soon.

path and there are reports of trout and redfish

Water quality for the most part will improve,

November 2008

I have two basic high water formulas, one for trout and the other for redfish. We’re going to discuss both but since my heart belongs to the trout I’ll start with them.

On higher tides I look for small areas of

Spoil island with sand beach forming high tide wall.

Flooded shell and grass hump off point forcing water movement between the structures.

34

of bait fish, shrimp and crabs in our estuaries.

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November 2008

35

a sk t h e pro

Mule of a redfish caught on riprap structure.

structure along shorelines that are typically

trout or red on nearly every cast. We caught

vibration. MirrOlure She Dogs, spoons and the

NOT COVERED with water. Something about

trout to six pounds; that in itself is very

Bass Assassin 4” Sea Shad are favorites. Do

the new ground, whether it be scattered shell

uncommon for these waters at that time of

not shy away from stained or dirty water when

or simply sand seem to attract the trout that

year. The way the point jutted out increased

the proper structure and bait concentrations

reside on the nearby drop-off and spotted

the current and the submerged hump

are located. Redfish love the rusty-colored

grass and sand bottom. This concentrates the

provided the ambush point. I never forgot the

chop created during high tides and stiff NE

fish in that area. More times than not, the trout

spot. As I write this you could probably catch

or SE winds. Just today we walked a small

that pull up and stage in these areas are better

fish in that area.

piece of riprap in San Antonio Bay and caught

than average fish. I think the bigger fish feel

four limits of redfish in less than three hours.

more comfortable in the higher water when

tops of reefs and to areas along a shoreline

So the next time you find yourself faced

holding on these smaller structures.

where there is either sand, a clay bank of

with unusually high tides you might consider

some sort of manmade wall. Riprap is the term

applying my formula if yours is not working.

It is important that you DO NOT get too

As frontal systems become more frequent

close. You want to barely reach the area with

I use to describe the structure we see all up

your best cast. I find that I do best when about

and down the coast used to prevent erosion.

our tides will drop and normal fall conditions

three out of five casts land in the targeted

No back lakes for me, I believe that more

will start to settle in. It promises to be the best

area. We create less disturbance when we

water in the marsh scatters the fish. Instead

of times along the middle Texas coast. As is

are farther from the structure and the fish.

of pushing back into the marsh with the higher

always the case with my articles, what works

This is very noticeable when fishing from the

water, the redfish move to main bay shores

for me is not always the way other fishermen

boat and trying to Power Pole down on a likely

where bait can be pinned against some form

see things, but it is my way.

area. I also like little out-of-the-way points with

of wall. When the tide recedes redfish move

structure that receives strong current due to

INTO the backwater.

I remember about four years ago we had

I know this is the exact opposite of what many believe and as always there are

torrential rains in October and everything

backwater areas that provide the right

from West Matagorda to Aransas was flooded

scenario for high water redfish. My redfish

and fresh and the fishing stunk. I noticed one

formula is based only upon what I have

morning the tremendous water movement

observed. The main bay shorelines, clay

around the small point that sticks out into what

banks and riprap structures are my favorites

I call Duck Pass in Carlos Bay. The bait was

and most definitely hold the easiest fish to

thick around a small hump of grass and shell

catch. I position myself along the edges of the

off the point that is normally out of the water.

“walls” and ease along looking and listening

Only a few strands of salt grass sticking up

for feeding fish. If you’ve ever seen a monster

showed me the hump. I led five guys toward

redfish knock a handful of bait out onto the

the point with instruction to stop where they

bank you know what I am talking about.

could barely reach it. For two hours it was a

November 2008

May your fishing always be catching.

contact

the higher water level.

36

The redfish formula is simpler. I look to the

I suggest using lures that create noise or

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saLtwater FLy Fishermen are FreQuentLy required to make long casts under very tough conditions. Unlike freshwater fishing, where the rules of the game are more docile and defined, saltwater casters sometimes find themselves flying by the seat of their pants to manage their fly line and make tough casts. The combination of adrenaline and crazy conditions can lead to strange results. Not all of them are good. Some of the most frustrating cast killers are tangles,

c a se y sm a rt t

twists, and half-hitches that form in the fly line when an angler is struggling to get the job done. Here are a few examples of these maddening snags and ways you can prevent them.

FLy Line tangLed on

forward stroke, form a loop (an

stripping guide

“O.K.” sign) with your fingers

Shooting line is a prerequisite for many

around the fly line and allow the

casting situations requiring distance. To shoot

line to slide freely through the

line, a long length of fly line is stripped onto

loop. The loop will act like sort of

the ground or boat deck or into a basket.

like a “pre-filter,” reducing ripples,

Several false casts are made to load the rod

tangles, and friction by funneling

and then a sweeping powerful forward stroke

the fly line smoothly toward

is made at a high angle toward the target. The

the stripping guide. This allows

caster releases his grip on the line and the

anglers to make longer, smoother

inertia of the head of the fly line pulls the loose

casts with fewer hang-ups.

Forming a loop between your forefinger and thumb helps feed line smoothly to the stripping guide.

coils through the guides at high speed. It is as though the angler was pitching a baseball with

coiLs and twists

a long string tied to it. If everything goes right

Few anglers (including me) take time to

for the cast, loose coils of unused line will rest

the loose coils of line are pulled cleanly off the

store their fly line in large loose coils after it’s

on the deck of the boat or in the bottom of the

deck and zip smoothly through the rod guides.

cleaned. They just reel it back up and pack

stripping basket. As a retrieve is made, the

it away. When they pull the line off the reel

stripping hand imparts little half and quarter

weeks or months later, the line has formed

twists to the line. These twists are subtle, and

tight coils called “memory.” If the line is dirty or

most anglers are not even aware of them.

old, or if the ambient air temperature is cold,

If an angler continues to cast and retrieve

the coils formed in the fly line are stiffer and

without clearing the twists, the dead line can

more pronounced. The coils cause friction

actually wrench itself into knots.

on the guides and instantly form stubborn

This aggravating tangle occurs when line is not smoothly fed to the stripping guide.

If you begin to notice twists in your line, find

tangles. Attempting to cast a fly line riddled

out what is causing them. Check the action

with these stiff coils is futile.

of your fly first. If it is spinning, replace it

To remove memory coils, the fly line must

with a fly that tracks straight. If your fly is not

be stretched. The line can be stretched a few feet at a time by carefully placing the fly line under your foot and pulling up gently on the

But, when we shoot line we are expecting

all at once by securing one end of the fly line

the relatively narrow guides on the rod at

to a stationary object and steadily pulling the

high speed. It’s a lot to ask. Small twists and

other end.

imperceptible ripples in the line can cause it to

38

line with either hand, or it can be stretched

a long strand of loose fly line to pass through

Twists in the fly line are another

bunch up and snag as the line is forced through

aggravating problem and they are

the guides. The symptom of this is either a

guaranteed to foil your cast. Twists can form

cobble in the line in front of the stripping guide

in the fly line two different ways. The most

or a half-hitch of line thrown around the guide.

common way twists form is when a fly spins

Both will kill the cast on the spot.

during the cast or the retrieve. The second

This type of snag however, can be easily

way twists form is a bit more mysterious. If

prevented. When you release the line on the

a caster strips out more line than is needed

November 2008

Texas Saltwater Fishing

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spinning, make sure you are discharging the full length of line on each cast. To remove twists in the line, cut off the fly and drag the full length of fly line slowly behind the boat for a few minutes. Or, remove the fly and make a long cast. Pinch the line with your stripping hand and point the rod directly at the leader while you reel the line in. Repeat this 4 or 5 times and then check to see if the twists are cleared.

Casting a fly rod isn’t easy.

Regardless of one’s level of skill or experience as a caster, there are always problems that need attention. In reality, the physics behind casting a fly rod is simple, but solving casting problems is often difficult. If you are having trouble with your cast but can’t figure out where you’re going wrong, well… join the crowd. You’re not alone!

The good news is there are This dreaded half-hitch is caused by pulling the stripping hand too far from the casting hand during the double-haul.

abundant resources available to help you. Enter Ed Jaworowski. Jaworoski is an expert fly caster, talented photographer, and lifelong fly fisherman. In his book, Troubleshooting the Cast, Jaworowski shows how to recognize, diagnose, and correct a variety of common casting problems. Troubleshooting the Cast is not a “how-

haLF-hitch Anglers who double-haul fly line often experience the frustrating problem of the line forming a half-hitch around the butt of the rod or the reel handle when the line is released. I have experienced this problem many times. The cause of the problem is usually related to the position of the hands during the cast. If the stripping hand is pulled too far away or too far back from the casting hand during the double-haul, the line flies up behind the reel after the release and can snag.

The solution to this problem is to use short hauling strokes, keeping your stripping hand close to your casting hand. Some instructors recommend positioning your hand no more than 20 inches apart. Although long sweeping hauls seem powerful, they create slack and will lead to problems when the line is released and the rod is stabbed forward.

A second (more risky) solution is to tuck the rod butt against your wrist and rotate the palm of your casting hand toward the ground as you stab the rod forward at the end of the cast. The goals of this maneuver are to block the line from looping around the butt of the rod and to let the force of gravity prevent the line from snagging on the handle of the reel. But I’ll tell you, this is a tough move to pull off and if not done correctly it can skew your accuracy. you will at times be plagued by tangles and snags. It comes with the territory. But if you discover a weak point in your cast don’t ignore it. Find the root cause and correct it. This ensures an occasional hitch won’t develop into a chronic problem.

moderate level of skill address mistakes in their casts.

In Troubleshooting the Cast, Jaworowski first provides a review of the essential principles of fly casting. These are the basic elements that describe the relationship between rod, line, and angler, and the physics of casting. Jaworowski devotes the remainder of the book to problem-solving. This is done in a page-by-page, item-by-item manner that is very easy to follow. Each page contains a single common casting problem and its solution. Where appropriate, Jaworoski discusses the relationship between different casting challenges and how their solutions tie in to the basic principles of fly casting.

Line drawings are included on each page to illustrate the physics behind different casting strokes and casting form.

It always amazes me how effective a good old-fashioned line drawing can be to simplify a complex process. The

contact

Regardless of your casting skills

to” casting book, but rather a guide to help casters with a

casey smartt has been fly fishing and tying flies for 30 years. when he cannot make it to the coast he is happy chasing fish on texas inland lakes and rivers.

straightforward reference style of the book along with simple drawings makes Ed Jaworowski’s Troubleshooting the Cast a simple effective tool that will help anglers identify their weak points and boost their skills.

Troubleshooting the Cast ed Jaworoski 77 pp. Stackpole Books, $18.95 iSBn: 978-0-8117-2942-0

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39

F i s h i n g

4

F L y

5

6

in the Last 2 instaLLments oF “simpLe saLtwater FLies,” we covered the tying steps for the

/

Bendback and the Seaducer. This month, we take a look at another simple but legendary fly — the Clouser Minnow. If you have ever cast a fly

s m a r t t

rod, chances are you have fished some version of a Clouser Minnow. In either fresh or saltwater, it has few equals.

Brainchild of Pennsylvania guide/angler Bob Clouser, the original “Clouser Deep Minnow” as it was called, was designed to catch smallmouth bass. It was a modest-looking fly and didn’t resemble much in the vise. When he was first handed a Clouser Minnow, Lefty Kreh reportedly commented that it looked like an incomplete fly. But the

done!

c a s e y

Clouser Minnow made up for its strange looks with its fish-catching ability.

No one who tried one could deny its prey-like appearance underwater or

hook: Standard saltwater #8 to 2/0 (Mustad 34007 #2 shown)

its effectiveness. Slowly but surely, the Clouser Minnow proved its worth

Thread: Clear nylon mono or colored to match body

in both fresh and saltwater, and to date, it has perhaps caught more fish

eyes: Painted lead barbell

in more places than any other pattern in existence.

Belly: Small clump bucktail

The “Clouser,” as it has come to be known, owes its success to 3

Flash: 6-8 strands Krystal Flash

basic characteristics. First, it is a simple and inexpensive fly requiring

Back: Small clump of bucktail

minimal skills and materials to tie. Second, it’s versatile. Clousers can be

cement: Sally Hansen’s Hard as Nails (nail polish)

tied to imitate baitfish, crustaceans, worms, and a variety of insects. By varying the weight of the eyes or the content of the body fibers, Clousers can be fished shallow or deep. Third, Clousers have great “fish-ability.”

Their inverted design makes them weedless and their jig-like motion is irresistible to predators. All these features combine to make the Clouser a deadly fly pattern.

1. Attach thread and build up a slight ball of thread wraps on the hook as shown. This forms an anchor point for the eyes.

2. Set eyes on thread ball and attach using zig-zag thread wraps.

Coat wraps with cement.

Perhaps the most popular color combination is chartreuse over white, with red/black eyes. Grey over white with silver flash is also a winner as is tan with brown stripes. To learn more about the design variations of the Clouser Minnow and Bob Clouser’s other patterns, I highly suggest you get a copy of Clouser’s Flies. It is a great book and will teach you everything you need to know about this legendary pattern.

3. Attach a slender even clump of bucktail the the top of the hook shank. Anchor with thread wraps in front of, and behind, the barbell eyes. Coat thread wraps with cement.

4. Rotate the fly and attach 6-8 strands of Krystal Flash on top of the hook shank. The flash should extend slightly beyond the tips of the belly fibers.

5. Attach a slender clump of bucktail over the Krystal Flash. Secure

NEW! Check out Casey’s video

VIDEO 40

November 2008

in the online E-Mag showing how to tie The Clouser Minnow. www.TSFMag.com

it with thread wraps between the barbell eyes and the eye of the hook.

6. Tie off thread and coat the head of the fly with cement. Done.

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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

Boat owners and Fishermen on the upper texas coast got a grim reminder of what a hurricane’s fury can do. Many people

several options available to protect your boat and we want to look at these and the scenario that developed during Hurricane Ike. For trailerable boats, go inland. For vessels

were caught off guard for what was to only

too large to trailer you must either run from

be a Cat 2 Hurricane, but we now know there

the storm or relocate to the safest harbor and

are other factors to consider besides the

ride it out. It sounds pretty simple, but the

Saffir-Simpson scale. The size of the storm

way circumstances changed as the storm

and where the eye wall makes landfall are

approached, it really wasn’t.

extremely important. Because Ike was so large

As everyone watched Ike come across

it was pushing a lot of water, and the shallow

the Gulf, the forecast track was pretty steady

Texas coastline encourages the storm surge

on the southern coast of Texas. The Corpus

to race inland and create incredible damage.

Christi area looked like it was going to get

The effects were devastating to say the least

hit and they started preparing for the storm.

and the Bolivar Peninsula situated less than

When the storm got closer, the track changed

15 miles northeast of the eye at landfall was

due to a weather feature coming in from

absolutely devastated. Galveston Island also

the northwest and within 48 hours Ike was

suffered major damage. Many areas looked

bearing down on Galveston. Residents of

like a war zone including the Galveston Yacht

the Houston and Galveston area who were

Basin. The eye of Ike went right up Galveston

expecting the storm to go south scrambled to

Bay. No matter what strength a hurricane

get their homes boarded up and businesses

your pride and joy will do just fine. If you have

is forecast to be, it’s where the eye comes

secured. Many boat owners found little time

a choice, travel to the east or west of the

ashore that counts. Even in small storms the

to do anything about their boat. You’d think

storms projected path.

inner core is violent. For the boater, you have

there would be plenty of time, but there really

Sixty-foot Hatteras; high and dry after the storm.

November 2008

If your boat is too large to trailer, your best

isn’t. Water levels rise and

choice is to run away from the storm. It helps

the wind starts blowing

if you start this process as early as possible

well ahead of the landfall

because the wind will be increasing and your

of a hurricane.

option to run offshore may be limited. Running

The best option for

42

31 Cabo on floating dock in Seabrook made it through Ike relatively unscathed.

inside can also be a problem because the

trailerable boats is to get

Intracoastal Waterway can get out of its banks

out of harm’s way, well away

with the approaching surge and therefore

from the coast. There is

difficult to navigate. Key bridges and locks

always the chance a tree

may be closed as the wind picks up and

can fall on it, but the odds

evacuations begin. When choosing which way

are well in your favor that

to run, consider the forecast track of the storm

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43

and how it is trending. Go in the opposite

few MPH to be classified as Cat 3) gave

direction and call ahead for dockage at a

false security to many, including us, never

secure marina, preferably with floating docks.

guessing the surge would be so great.

Your final option is to ride the storm out.

So, what should you do? Moving

This can be a very bad decision and the

the boat away from the storm is by far

photographs of what happened during

the most effective way to protect your

Hurricane Ike verify this statement. However,

investment. If you decide to ride it out, we

if you are ever forced to ride one out there are

have a few suggestions. Get into a slip on

some very important factors to consider. Ike

a floating dock in an enclosed, protected

taught us that the boats moored at protected,

marina. Fill your boat with fuel and water.

floating docks faired best. The large enclosed

Many people without power to their homes

marinas on Clear Lake with floating docks,

went down and stayed on their boat after the

soon, come by our Fox yacht Sales office

namely South Shore Harbour, Waterford

storm because it had generator power. Fuel

at Tops-n-Towers and see what two feet of

Harbor Marina and Marina Del Sol fared well

docks will most likely be out of commission.

water does to an office and showroom. We

during Ike and most of the boats in these

If you have any canvas or curtains, you might

consider ourselves fortunate; there are many

marinas escaped major damage. Even the

as well take them off because there’s a good

others that didn’t fare well at all. At Fox we

more exposed marinas with floating docks on

chance they won’t be there later and if they

have an extensive inventory of brokerage

the south side of the lake came through OK,

rip, the wind can whip them against your boat

boats and we will be glad to help you find a

all things considered. Unfortunately the north

and damage the paint or gel coat. Double all

boat or sell yours. For more information call

shore didn’t fare as well and took an extreme

of your dock lines from every angle and try

our Seabrook office at 281-291-0656 or call

beating, even with floating docks.

to spread the load evenly on all cleats. If you

Capt John Cochrane direct at 409-739-4817.

Fixed docks did not fare well on either side of the lake. Some boats that were tied properly

more important and you must remember to tie

in semi-protected fixed slips made it through

your lines high to anticipate the rise in water

OK but many did not. One strategy that failed

level. Position the boat in the center of the slip

miserably was hauling out and storing on jack

and get rid of all loose items on the dock. Also,

stands. This is a common method in Florida

check the boats next to you. It won’t do you

and the East Coast, but it didn’t work too well

much good if the boat next to you breaks loose

here in Texas. The surge was so high that the

and beats yours up.

boats floated off and ended up all over the

Preparation is the key. Don’t wait until it’s

place. Ike’s size and our shallow coastline

too late to move your boat or reserve a slip. If

produced a surge much higher than areas that

the hurricane changes course you may end

have deep water close to shore as is found

up moving for nothing or paying for a slip you

on Florida’s east coast. Also, the fact that Ike

didn’t need, but that’s OK. Ask any boaters

remained a Cat 2 (although it lacked only a

who went through Ike, Dolly or Gustav and

Shipyards and marinas all around the Galveston area were left in disarray.

November 2008

If you make it down to Seabrook any time

must stay in a fixed slip this becomes even

Two large sportfishermen that did not fare well.

44

they’ll say it is better to be safe than sorry.

Texas Saltwater Fishing

contact

BLu e wat e r

Jou r na L

Tops-N-Towers Showroom after Ike and two feet of water.

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. John is now a full time yacht broker for Fox Yacht Sales, specializing in sportfishing boats of all sizes. He concentrates his fishing efforts in the Gulf of Mexico, promoting big game fishing and billfish research.

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 Fox Yacht Sales / Seabrook 281-291-0656 Tops-N-Towers 281-474-4000 Capt. John Cochrane 409-739-4817 websites www.byrd-cochrane.com www.topsntowers.com www.foxyachtsales.com www.TSFMAG.com

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The 2008 CCA Ford/Texas State Bank/ Tilson Homes State of Texas Angler’s Rodeo ended on Labor Day (Sept. 1) at 5:00p.m., adding a chapter to the long and successful history of this popular event.

This year’s event was highlighted by the large amount of tagged redfish catches Texas anglers reported (second highest on record) in the Texas Ford Dealers Tagged Redfish Division. At the close of the event, a total of seventeen had been reported, but like last year, only three winners will be driving home the awesome Ford F-150 Texas Edition truck/Triton 22LTS boat/Mercury 150EFI motor/McClain trailer package. There were fourteen unfortunate anglers who forgot or neglected to sign up this year and it cost them dearly… to the tune of about $60,000 each!

What’s really amazing is the seventeen tagged reds caught out of sixty released is a 28% recapture rate in just three months. When Texas Parks & Wildlife releases tagged redfish, their recapture rate is only 3% annually.

Another exciting highlight this year came in the Offshore Division.

Dorado winner, Ryan Foster, not only won this division with a new STAR record, but his catch is also the new record for the Lone Star State!

“Participation was very strong,” says Bill Kinney, Tournament Director, “2008 has brought challenges for many in the fishing business with fuel prices, a slowing economy, and tropical storms, but you would hardly know it here at the S.T.A.R. offices. This year’s tournament brought in 9,600 new members for CCA Texas and we’re very pleased with that. It also marked a milestone in scholarship awards. Including 2008, the State of Texas Anglers Rodeo has now contributed $3,475,000 in scholarships to 104 recipients.”

Kinney went on to say the S.T.A.R. committee has already begun

WASHINGTON – President George W. Bush has again highlighted the importance of recreational angling to the country by signing an Executive Order that ensures federal agencies will manage fishing as sustainable activity in all federal waters, including marine protected areas (MPAs). The Order signed on Sept. 26, 2008, modifies Executive Order 12962 signed by President Bill Clinton in 1995.

“No President has ever understood the critical link between recreational angling and a strong conservation ethic as clearly as President Bush,” said Walter W. Fondren III, chairman of Coastal Conservation Association (CCA). “Recreational anglers have been the driving force behind many of the most comprehensive marine conservation victories this country has seen, and with this action the President is recognizing them as true stewards of the resource.”

In August, the President sent a memo to the secretaries of Defense, Interior and Commerce, and the chairman of the Council on Environmental Quality to include recreational fishing as part of their study of potential MPAs in the central Pacific Ocean. The Executive Order signed last week ensures that recreational angling will be managed “as a sustainable activity in national wildlife refuges, national parks, national monuments, marine sanctuaries, marine protected areas and any other relevant conservation or management area made under any federal authority, consistent with applicable law.”

“The President secured a legacy for conservationists in October 2007 when he signed an Executive Order establishing game fish status for red drum and striped bass in federal waters,” said Fondren. “He followed that today by securing anglers a place in the environment they cherish. Those two actions are a tremendous affirmation of the importance of anglers to coastal economies and to the overall health of our marine resources.”

work on the 2009 event and look to make it even bigger and better.

“We’re digging into every aspect of operation and especially seeking ways to end the logjams that have occurred in registration. 2009 will mark our twentieth year and we certainly want it to be the best ever.

We cannot thank our sponsors and official Weigh Stations friends enough, they provide the backbone and deserve all the credit and support we can generate.”

Be sure to check out the winner’s photographs on page-46 in this

CCA is the largest marine resource conservation group of its kind in the nation. With almost 100,000 members in 17 state chapters, CCA has been active in state, national and international fisheries management issues since 1977.

Visit www.JoinCCA.org for more information.

issue and mark your calendar to register early for the 20th Annual CCA State of Texas Anglers Rodeo.

46

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(Pictured left to right) 1st Redfish winner Henry Anderson.

2nd Redfish winner Shelly Acker.

3rd Redfish winner Kenny Milne.

(Pictured left to right) StarKid Sheepshead Albert Guzman III with presenter Tommy Legg of HCN. StarKid Gafftop Austin Junot with presenter Ben Carmine of NRG Texas.

StarTeen Flounder Brandon Bage with presenter Dave Knox of NRG Texas.

(Pictured left to right) StarTeen Sheepshead Brett Green with presenter Richard Webb of Tilson Homes Corp.

StarTeen Middle Coast Trout Chandler Faicikney with presenter Ryan Howland of Academy.

StarTeen Lower Coast Trout Christopher Walls with presenter Ryan Howland of Academy.

(Pictured left to right) StarTeen Upper Coast Trout Cody Green with presenter Ryan Howland of Academy.

StarKid Flounder Cole Crutchfield with presenter Ryan Howland of Academy.

StarTeen Gafftop Crystal Leger with presenter Roy Neves of Tx Fish & Game Mag. 48

November 2008

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field notes U.S.S. Queens (1944-1946)

the texas cLipper LiVed seVeraL LiVes, beginning with its christening as the USS Queens on September 12, 1944, a WWII transport and attack ship.

She carried troops and wounded from battlefields in the Pacific and was the first attack troop transport arriving at Iwo Jima.

After the war, she was modified and became the SS Excambion, one of the post-war four aces for the American Export Lines. She carried cargo and passengers between New York City and Mediterranean ports from 1948-1959.

S.S. Excambion (1948 – 1959)

The Texas Clipper is a 473ft long ship that served as the Maritime Training Vessel for Texas A&M University at Galveston for over 30 years. She measures 66ft at her widest point and is approximately 81ft tall from the keel to the top of the sun-deck rail. She weighed 7,970 lightship displacement tons with a full load displacement of over 13,000 tons.

For the last decade she resided in the US Maritime Administration (MARAD) Reserve Fleet, anchored on the Neches River below Beaumont. Texas Parks and Wildlife Department began acquisition of the Texas Clipper in 1997.

By mid-afternoon on the 3rd of November, she was heading south in the Gulf of Mexico.

TPWD had waited 10 years for this photo!

On 6 November 2006, she arrived in the Brownsville Channel and was pushed up against shore (side-saddle) at ESCO Marine shipyard.

The first action was to remove the massive amounts of debris off the ship so workers could move about. All floatables and basically anything that was not nailed down was removed.

Preparing to be cleaned and modified for reefing.

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Over 210,000 pounds of debris was removed, including hundreds of mattresses, lockers, couches and chairs.

tpw d FieLd notes

Electrical Wiring

Asbestos is a carcinogenic when exposed in the air column but is not a marine hazard underwater. TPWD elected to have all asbestos removed because of the possibility that it would be damaged during the removal of other items such as air handling systems and walls.

Overall, approximately 1,680 cubic yards of asbestos were removed.

Over 7,000 gallons of hydrocarbons, 7,000 pounds of oil sludge, and 330,000 gallons of waste water (such as bilge

Air Duct Gaskets

water) was removed.

The main objective in cleaning and modifying the ship for reefing was to keep as much ship structure and detail in place as possible. Items such as anchors remained on board as habitat and diver attractions.

Over 72,000 pounds of PCB containing material was removed, including miles of electrical wiring and air ducts that contained gaskets.

All glass was removed from windows and doors.

Some windows were widened for diver access by the removal of cross members

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next morning at day light.

Engine rooms were cleared to allow for more diver access without

On the morning of 17 November 2007, the anchor was set, lower hull

extensive entanglements. Approximately 700 tons of metal were removed

holes opened by workers, and flood values opened to begin sinking. As

during the project.

the ship took on water, it began listing to the port (left) side. The ship sank

tpw d FieLd notes

On 1 October 2007, TPWD received USEPA approval to reef the ship.

at approximately 12:30PM.

Complications in getting tug boat contracts and coordinating the news

Even though laying on its port side, the Texas Clipper is a welcomed

media \ public relations event delayed the project, pushing us into the week of November 13. As TPWD approached Reefing Week, adverse

addition to the Texas Artificial Reef Program and is having a positive

wind and wave conditions further delayed the reefing event until later in

impact on diving and fishing in the Gulf of Mexico off Texas. Our hopes

the week. Ideal reefing conditions were determined to be waves <4ft and

are that it will become a national and international dive attraction while

winds <10-15kts. The weather buoy 50 miles southeast of Corpus gave an

serving as important marine habitat.

indication of sea conditions, which ranged from 5ft to over 11ft.

Sea states and wind finally calmed down by mid morning on 16 November 2007 and the contractor decided to make a run through the jetties by that afternoon. The ship traversed the jetties by 2:30PM and headed out to sea, making a series of circles around the reef site until the

Texas

The permitted reef site is 160 acres in size and

Texas Clipper Reef

located 17nm from the jetties of Santiago Pass near

PS122

the Brownsville \ South Padre Island area. The water depth at the site is 135ft and the plan was to place the ship on the ocean bottom in an upright position. The W

Gulf of Mexico

E

top of the vessel was designed to be 50ft below the surface, making for a moderately shallow dive.

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c a p t. s c o t t n u L L

k a y a k

F i s h i n g

The first redfish after Ike. A sure sign it's going to be alright.

i’m ready For a new greeting. “got power yet?” is getting pretty old. I can’t

plainly obvious and increased by the mile as

Outback SUV saying she thought it would be

we drew closer to the Galveston area. The real

easier to maneuver through the marsh. I think

shocker came when everything turned brown.

it was because she wanted to be higher and

wait until my friends ask, “Been fishing lately?”

Dead trees, dead grass, dead everything;

drier after seeing the EPA folks. That’s alright,

nothing was green except the palms. It was

I like longer and faster kayaks anyway and I

aftermath of Ike I was itching to get back on

disheartening to say the least and pretty

wanted to see if the sixteen foot Adventure

the water. My family was lucky. We suffered

amazing to see how far up Highway 6 Ike’s

could live up to the billing.

some damage and inconvenience that under

surge had reached. A bit of fear crept into my

normal circumstances would seem fairly

mind about what shape we’d find the marsh. I

scooting along. I wasn’t so sure I’d like

major but it was nothing when compared

relish my hours spent there. It is where I go to

pedaling instead of paddling, but it was pretty

with what many others suffered. Seeing

get away from everyday cares and recharge

cool. From the look on her face, Camille was

the pictures of the homes and properties of

my batteries.

enjoying it too. It felt great to be out on the

After a couple weeks of dealing with the

friends on the fishing message boards was

Camille and I unloaded the kayaks and were

Within a few minutes I was comfortably

water again.

The Hobie Mirage Drive system consists

quite sobering. My worries pale in light of

preparing to head out when a truck pulling an

those who lost everything.

airboat arrived at the ramp. A large sign on

of cockpit pedals that connect to a pair of

the back of the boat read “EPA Emergency

rubber flippers under the hull. By pushing the

sense of hope and a touch of dread at what

Response.” Not exactly what you want to see

pedals back and forth you propel the kayak

we might find when my wife and I headed to

when launching for a fishing trip. However, they

forward at surprising speed, quite a bit faster

one of my favorite marshes. It was going to

headed north and we were going south, so that

actually than my normal paddling pace. I

be a long distance scouting trip so we opted

makes it better, right?

can get my Tarpon 160 going pretty good for

But life goes on. And so it was with some

to try out a pair of Hobie kayaks with Mirage

relatively short bursts, but with the Adventure

Once the yaks were ready, I did the

Drive and pedal instead of paddle. I’d been

gentlemanly thing and offered her the choice of

I could easily maintain that speed. The boat

wanting to try these boats for a while but it

boats. She picked the shorter and higher-riding

felt quite seaworthy and ideal for covering

always seemed the rental boats at Fishing Tackle Unlimited were booked when I

Connie Mack's house.

That was a house before Ike.

wanted to go. Finally, a free weekend and availability of the kayaks coincided.

The wind damage on the drive south was 58

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The author with a back lake redfish from the Hobie.

or wakes, which might indicate the presence of feeding fish can be targeted immediately without worry of switching between paddle

longer distances to the fishing grounds which would definitely enable kayak fishers who

rudder and use of peddle power can be used to storm change that.

The marsh directly across from Connie’s

do not paddle often to increase their range.

place has always been good for a few reds so

Depending your body weight and the amount

we headed over to give it a shot. The marsh

of gear you carry, it seemed the draft of the

itself looked pretty good. Plenty of bait and

Adventure under peddle power would be about

the marsh grasses were standing tall. Other

13 to 15 inches and about 3 to 4 inches with

than scattered debris the water looked decent

the peddles in the “up” position which qualifies

enough. Within a few casts I had a bump,

it for most folks’ fishing styles.

followed by another, and then a steady pull.

Upon rounding the turn in Highland Bayou

Fish on! Okay, it wasn’t all that big. It was

the Bayou Vista area came into view. No

just a relief to catch that first fish, even if he

matter how many photographs you see of Ike’s

wasn’t much bigger than my lure. I wouldn’t

handiwork nothing prepares you for viewing

normally take a picture of such a pip-squeak,

the devastation firsthand. Many of the homes

but this little guy made my day and I wanted

were still standing, some were missing huge

to remember him. After subduing a second

sections and others were simply gone. None

mighty beast we decided to head further into

escaped unscathed.

the marsh for a better look.

The home of Connie Mack, owner of

This is where I really wanted to check out

Creative Feathers Taxidermy in La Marque,

the Hobie. I spend the majority of my time in

has always been a place I enjoyed for a quick

shallow water, too shallow to use the Mirage

visit when passing by after a fishing trip. It’s

Drive as it extends well below the hull. The

a fairly common sight to see him out there on

system is designed to allow you to enter

his raised deck waving me over for a fishing

shallow water by pressing one of the pedals

report or to provide a tip on where I might try

all the way forward which places the fins up

next. As familiar as the place is to me, I had

against the bottom of the kayak. I wasn’t sure

a hard time picking out his house. The deck

how well the boat would handle under paddle

and boathouse under it are gone and only the

power. No worries. The craft handled just fine.

pilings remain of the homes on either side.

It was easy to paddle across the shallow ponds

Camille reminded me that Connie had said

and maneuver through the winding bayous

the authorities condemned the house and had

and the draft was shallower than I had thought

wrapped it with red tape. That was about the

it would be. I was easily able to pursue reds

only way I could confirm its identity. Heavily

through areas where their backs were exposed.

damaged is an understatement. I can’t begin to

60

and rod. When a fish is hooked, a flick of the

Camille getting in on the redfish action in the marsh.

Reaching some remote lakes of greater

comprehend how it must feel to see your home

depth we had a chance to flip the pedals

of 32 years in that shape. Connie, however,

back down. Creeping slowly along deeper

has pledged to rebuild it bigger and better than

shorelines and grass beds with rod-in-hand

before. Knowing him, I have no doubt. The

is definitely where the peddle drive system

man loves living on the water and won’t let a

shines. Any sign such as busting bait, swirls,

November 2008

Texas Saltwater Fishing

fight the fish away from the school or structure, making it easier to return and try for another.

Making headway against the wind, especially when returning from a strenuous day of backcountry fishing, is perhaps the greatest advantage of a peddle boat. All too often we let our excitement lead us too far and the paddle back is a killer. Leaning back in the seat and letting your legs do the work is pretty cool.

Yes, the back marshes had plenty of reds. It was great to see them back there doing their thing like Ike had never happened. There were thousands of tiny shrimp along every shoreline.

As a red would cruise down the edge of the salt grass it would look like rain as all the little shrimp fled ahead of them. It was cool. The marsh itself was looking great. The salt grass was seeding more than I’ve ever seen, the soft mud choking some of the dead-end ponds was gone, and there was hardly any debris. It was as if the storm surge had scoured it clean for a fresh start. Mother Nature has her ways I guess.

The last couple of weeks have been pretty tough, but rest assured it’s going to be alright.

To learn more about Hobie kayaks go to www.hobiecat.com and click on kayaks. You can get a firsthand look at Fishing Tackle Unlimited in Houston and Seaworthy Marine in Rockport; tell ‘em we sent you!

contact

k aya k

F i sh i ng

Camille pedaling instead of paddling.

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c a p t. scot t som m e r L at t e

accor ding to scott

peopLe ask many Questions oF Fishing guides. One that I hear often is, “Why

the table with thousands of hours of research

had some serious ups and downs, though.

and development (through running and fishing

The first came when Chittum and his

out of dozens of other skiffs and making

partners sold the business. Before long the

are those little poling skiffs like you run so

various changes and improvements to them

new owner landed in a financial crisis that

expensive?” Answering on the spot is not

over the years) and Morejohn brought the

affected production and, needless to say, this

always easy given that some of the folks do

technical, new-age construction techniques

blemished the company’s reputation. The

not understand everything that goes into

from the sailing industry. What they came

nosedive ended with Hell’s Bay closing their

building a poling skiff. But before I dive into

up with was a very light flats skiff that

doors. HBB was no more.

it here I would like to give you a little history

could be operated with a 25 HP motor and

and background on the subject.

poled quietly in just under 5 inches of water

Gordon, the shop foreman for HBB and

Back in the mid 90s, legendary flats guides

There was a silver lining, though. Tom

with two anglers onboard. Their first effort

Chittum’s right-hand man, managed to

Flip Pallot and Hal Chittum put their heads

became known as the Hell’s Bay Boatworks

purchase two HBB Waterman molds and set

together and collaborated with master boat

Whipray-16 and it revolutionized the flats

out on his own. Now, all the brand-faithfuls,

builder Chris Morejohn to create what they

skiff as we knew it. Since then, Hell’s Bay

like me, who loved the original HBB could still

hoped would become the ultimate flats skiff. It

Boatworks (HBB) has added several other

purchase what we thought was the perfect

was the perfect combination mind you. Pallot

models to their lineup.

flats boat; light and strong with the same

and Chittum brought years of experience to

Over the course of 10 years the company

attention to detail that set their boats apart so many years ago.

now, all the brand-faithfuls, like me, who loved the original hBB could still purchase what we thought was the perfect flats boat…

62

November 2008

Texas Saltwater Fishing

But, things have changed once again. A couple of years back, HBB was bought out of bankruptcy by a gentleman named Chris Peterson. Many were leery at first and it took a couple of years for them to get things going however, I think it is now pretty safe to say that HBB is back on track. Peterson and his

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63

(Bottom Right) Vacuum bagging the hull.

wife Wendi have dedicated themselves to

the outer skin of the hull is bonded to the

returning the company to its original glory. In

core by pulling the resin through the core

fact, this could not be more evident than in

using vacuum pumps. This method provides

their latest move which was to bring back one

a very strong mechanical bond between

of the key elements of HBB original quality.

the skin and core and also allows for the

They recently bought back the Waterman

use of a lighter lamination schedule (fewer

service technician to go in and easily trace the

line of boats from Gordon and then, in an

layers) which in turn allows the substitution of

numerous wires and make necessary repairs

unprecedented move, asked him to come

a stronger, but heavier material, Kevlar, in the

in a timely fashion which in turn saves time,

back to HBB. Not too long ago I had the

outer skin. Oh, and did I mention that, not only

money and frustration in the future.

opportunity to visit with the Petersons and

is Kevlar expensive, but this entire process is

Gordon and it is obvious that they intend to remain in the skiff business.

Another cost that many overlook when

utilize the highest quality components and

comparing boats is these are produced in

materials and then step by step assemble a

one of these boats and see what makes

strict custom fashion, meaning they are built

custom skiff that may or may not have dozens

them so special.

one at a time from customer orders rather

of options that the new owner chooses for

than being mass-produced and shipped off

their custom flats skiff. Now if that is not

construction of the hull and deck. You often

to dealers. This, again, requires a great deal

enough to justify the price tag, try to look at

hear boat builders hyping “no wood” or “all

of extra labor. This could not be more evident

it this way. These boats are a life’s work for

composite” construction. For the most part

than to look at the meticulous rigging and

some and a labor of love for others. How do

this means they laminate fiberglass to a

wiring on one of these boats. Wires leave the

you put a price on that?

composite board. The problem with this is

fuse box (which they take time to label) color-

that, quite often, the lamination fails due

coded and are then grouped to follow the

to a lack of proper chemical or mechanical

same path through the boat, always at right-

bonding between the glass and the

angles, until it reaches the point where it will

composite. This is where Hell’s Bay first set

power an appliance or accessory.

Now, with that being said, let’s dig into

First off, you have to look at the

themselves apart from other builders.

To keep their boats light they opted to

64

costly and labor intensive.

As you can see, there is a lot more to these boats than fiberglass hull and motor. They

I have heard some say, “That is just an unnecessary marketing gimmick so they

use foam-cored construction in the hull (no

can jack the price up.” Well, in my opinion it

stringers) and transom. In order to do this and

is not. Let’s face it, all boats age and in turn

still create a strong, stiff hull they had to utilize

things start to wear out and deteriorate. This

a process known as vacuum-bagging where

wiring system allows the owner of the boat or

November 2008

Texas Saltwater Fishing

contact

accor di ng to scot t

My Hull after it was bagged.

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65

a a ro n c i s n e r o s

this articLe Began with a conVersation i recentLy had with someone

taken for granted when we become consumed

making themselves look funny. Relax and

with measuring trips according to numbers.

pretend you are rollerblading on a slippery

wanting to improve his fishing skills. I have

your casting much, don’t wait until you get on

if you are overly concerned about getting

been fortunate enough to be around and fish

the water to practice your casting. Long before

hit, you will never truly enjoy your wading

with many good fishermen and even more

the trip get a hula hoop and practice casting

experience. I have been next to those that

fortunate to have learned some techniques,

into it from different distances. This would

were so afraid of getting hit by a ray that I

tips, and tricks. I certainly don’t claim to know

apply especially to those wanting to learn to

found myself absorbed and more focused on

too much, much less learned all these things

use a baitcaster reel. If you wait till you get on

the bottom than concentrating on what I was

on my own. I give credit to those that have

the water, you may develop some frustration

there for. There are some great products out

taken the time to teach me and a big thank you

because it’s harder to learn on the water than

on the market that will give you protection

for giving me the opportunity to sharpen my

on land. You certainly don’t want to spend your

from those painful critters. I for one know the

skills. In this article I want to share with young

fishing time learning to cast. I am not going

pain that comes with stepping on one, but that

readers and adults what I have learned over

into specifics about equipment, but I do want

hasn’t stopped me from enjoying what I truly

the years.

to mention that regardless of your skill level,

love. During the first couple of times wading,

good equipment is needed and proper care

learn to take baby steps as you shuffle your

will take it a long way.

feet and be observant of the more experienced

I love to wade fish and I have written an article in the past about why I prefer to wade

If you are a beginner and haven’t practiced

street. Yes, there are stingrays out there. But

Jumping in the water for the first time is not

waders. At some point it will become second

never mentioned the how and why of wading.

easy, especially if you start thinking what can

nature. If the bottom is soft, it is much easier

I have been on some of my dad’s charters

bite you or sting you. When fishermen give

to step with your toes curled slightly under and

where he has taken the time to instruct and

wading a first try they tend to walk very stiff

going into the mud first followed by your heel.

and the essentials for wading. However, I

teach his clients to become better anglers.

Perhaps you are like me, a person that just loves being out on the water and always strives to learn something

Nickolaus, Hugo, and Victor enjoyed their first wading trip together.

each time out. Each fishing trip is different and should never be measured on the amount of fish caught. Take a look at the whole picture and learn to enjoy what nature brings even if your line never gets stretched. A beautiful sunrise or sunset, colorful birds of many species, the plant life, the larger animals that roam the undisturbed habitat, and of course what lives in the water can sometimes be

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November 2008

Texas Saltwater Fishing

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Nick was a quick learner and the fish cooperated on that day.

you cannot reach it. Carefully grasp the fish

stick with it. If the lucky lure is a plastic tail and

foot follows the other.

and string it before removing the hooks if you

I am short in supply, I like to carry a bottle of

are going to keep it. If you’re going to release

super glue and perform surgery on the torn

it. Stand still and allow your rod and reel to

it, revive it by holding the tail and gently swing

and almost unusable lure. This often occurs

do their job. Keeping your rod tip up to allow

it back and forth in the water to move water

when I fish for flounder; the flounder have a

the rod to bend is the proper technique. Most

through the gills. Release your grip when it

tendency to tear up the lures with their sharp

inexperienced fishermen want to quickly

regains strength and let it swim away.

teeth. All it takes is a dab of super glue to the

When you hook on to a fish, don’t follow

drag the fish in and in turn end up loosing it.

Aim each cast in a new direction. Never

a a r o n c i s n e ro s

Always remember to take small steps as one

torn part and wait ten seconds. It will be good as new. The super glue also works wonders

Make sure your drag is set correctly. If you

cast in the same spot unless you missed a

don’t know how to set it, ask someone with

bite or have reason to believe a fish

when you have a plastic lure that

experience to set it for you. As you keep your

is there. By doing this you cover as

comes off the hook on every cast.

rod tip up and line tight, try to pull back with

much water as possible, therefore

even pressure and reel in only the line you

increasing your chances of hooking

gain. Let the fish fight against the rod keeping

up. Be observant and listen for

it slightly bent, never point the rod toward the

signs of feeding fish. At times you

fish as this is a good way to break the line or

can get so close to the fish that

Just add a dab of glue to the jig head and slip the lure back on. Wait for it to dry and it’s good to go. Be sure to check your line for nicks and learn to change out your line as needed. Always wash your

tear the hooks out. When the fish

equipment as soon as you get back because

gets tired, pull back on the rod with

saltwater is very hard on it. Get yourself a cap

one hand and make the fish

and a good pair of polarized sunglasses, rub

come to your other hand, never

on some sunblock and enjoy the fishing.

I can see where this article will need a Part

reel it so close to the rod tip that

II to follow because there is so much to cover.

I hope this been informative and something you can apply to your fishing. Remember to

A dab of glue works wonders.

crouching down is the only way to avoid being

always fish within the regulations and enjoy

spotted. Remember, as you walk, your stride

your time on the water. No matter how you

sets off a wake that fish can detect. Remember

fish, whether it’s from the boat, wading, using

to take small steps and move quietly. If you

bait or artificial; like the Nike commercial says,

can hear yourself you can bet the fish can hear

“Just Do It!” Happy Thanksgiving to all.

you also.

I tend to throw a variety of lures. When one lure seems to work better than others I will

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67

tips and tricks

B y

s h a n e

m e c h e

Like a Lot oF angLers, tweaking and modiFying Lures in an effort to make them perform better is something I enjoy doing. Lately I have started using an airbrush and acrylic paints to put new color schemes on worn-out hard baits such as topwaters and Series 51 MirrOlures. The real trick to any good modification, though, is a strong, clear topcoat.

Lures with factory finishes that tend to wear easily, such as chromes, can have their lives significantly extended by adding a hard top coat. While there are different solutions, I have had much success with an inexpensive clear epoxy. Whether you are painting your own patterns or just protecting the finish of a new lure, Devcon 2-Ton Epoxy will give it a durable and glasslike finish. Here is how it works:

SuPPlieS needed: devcon 2 Ton epoxy – 30 minute working time is available at Walmart and many hardware stores in the paint section. At $1.97, give or take a dime or two, it’s cheap and effective for this application.. hobby Paint Brushes – Get the cheap nylon brushes as you will only get one use out of them. You can get a pack of 30-50 for about $3.00. The ones with short stiff bristles work best.

X-Acto #2 Precision Knife – Available at Walmart or any hobby shop for around $3.98. This will be used without the blade to hold the lure for painting and drying.

Small plastic Solo cups – yes they do have a purpose besides Jello Shots! round wooden toothpicks – Used to keep epoxy out of rings and screw holes.

STeP 1: Remove all hardware (split rings, hooks, screws, etc.) from the lure. When repainting lures with small screws such as Mirrolure 51’s, I remove the hardware and insert round toothpicks into the holes to keep the epoxy from entering. I like to cut the toothpicks to approximately ½” in length so they don’t get in the way while painting.

STeP 2: Use the X-Acto knife handle to grip one of the rings on the lure. Insert the hook ring into the head of the handle and tighten it down. In most cases, the rear ring is the best anchor point since it will give a more uniform rotation. At this point you can easily handle the lure for painting, new eyes, hardware, etc. When completed, its time for a final finish coat.

The Devcon 2 Ton Epoxy comes in a dual tube syringe that allows mixing portions in equal measure. Push the plunger evenly to dispense equal amounts of the hardner and resin onto a disposable cardboard or plastic container. (I like to use small Solo plastic cups) Mix it thoroughly (mixing paddle included with package) for approx 30 seconds. Try to 68

November 2008

Texas Saltwater Fishing

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Texas Saltwater Fishing

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69

mix slowly so as not to induce air bubbles into the mixture.

Allow to sit for another 30 seconds or so before painting on the lure giving it one final

tips and tricks

stir before using.

Use one of the hobby brushes to put a thin coat of epoxy on the lure. Take care around hook eyes and other features not to put too much down and keep those rings clear of the finish. Don’t worry about brush strokes and uneven application, as the material settles it will smooth out to a nice finish.

Devcon does go on rather thick, so take care not to put too much on.

As you are applying the epoxy finish to the lure, keep rotating and turning it so that the material won’t sag and the finish will remain even. Since it does not take too long for the epoxy to reach a cure point where it will no longer sag, rotating the lure by hand is acceptable. A slow turn lure dryer (4 to 6 RPM) would be needed if you were attempting to finish a number of lures at once.

Once the finish cures to a point where it will no longer sag, place it in a spot in open air not touching any surfaces for at least 12 hours. Do not touch the finish until it is fully cured as you will leave a dull fingerprint on the lure. Once dried, reinstall hardware and hooks. Now you have given your lure a new life with a nice clear and strong finish that will last much longer than most factory finishes.

TiPS And TricKS:  If you get an air bubble in the finish, flash it quickly with a heatgun or cigarette lighter while the finish is still in liquid form and it will come out. Do not overheat.  To thin out the epoxy a bit, use a drop or two of denatured alcohol in the initial mix. Use just a tiny amount as this will significantly extend the cure time.  A second coat can be added after drying if necessary or to cover over any blemishes that may have occurred or increase durability.

Best of luck and see you out on the water!

Shane Meche, The BigFishWish Company smeche@yahoo.com 70

November 2008

Texas Saltwater Fishing

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November November 2008 2008 71 71

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72

November 2008

Texas Saltwater Fishing

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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

i wish that i couLd teLL you that the dust had settled and things are back

not as fortunate. They came back after the hurricane only to find water and mud up to the chair rail in their house and Capt. Mike Rector, who lives on the bayou in Bridge City, had water up to the ceiling.

While the marinas on Cow Bayou and Adams Bayou are still locked

to normal on Sabine Lake, but

down, most of the launches can still be used. There are no amenities

it takes a long time for 2 to 3

and we average about two flats per week due to roofing tacks and nails,

feet of mud to dry. The often

but we are making progress.

maligned sea wall built to protect

I spent more days this past month cranking up a 5 horsepower

Port Arthur did its job, but in the

Honda pressure washer than my 225 Yamaha outboard, but still

process, redirected Ikeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s massive

fished enough to find that in spite of the massive fish kill, the lake

surge over the top of Bridge City

has rebounded surprisingly well. It took a while for all of the oxygen

and much of Orange.

depleted water in the marshes and bayous to empty out, but the bite

Unlike Rita, which left us wrapped in a sea of blue tarps, Ike left the

has been good.

entire area buried in a thick mixture of black ooze and decaying marsh grass.

Ninety percent of the homes in Bridge City alone were reduced to gutted shells with no flooring, no sheetrock or paneling, open windows, and personal belongings still stacked on the curb.

Only because my home is located on the north side of the Interstate-10 were we spared the flooding, but everything we had associated with our business was in south Orange and it is history.

Capt. Chuck Uzzle and his family were

Even the marinas in the bayous took a beating.

The landscape is significantly different than it was the day before Ike arrived. The road on the north revetment wall is washed out and a lot of the rocks that form the wall are on top of the levy. The surrounding marshes have been crushed and the north side of the ICW resembles a war zone. Trees are uprooted, several small boats are lodged in the mud covering the grass on the levies, and the shoreline is littered with Ike deposited several acres of marsh in the open lake.

74

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Redfish bite has been phenomenal.

pieces of buildings, clothing, and appliances.

No other stretch of shoreline, however, took a harder hit than the area between Madam Johnson and the Gator Hole. It was a magical area that produced an incredible number of big trout, but it will take a lot of healing. A huge portion of the marsh was simply torn loose and deposited in 3 to 4 feet of water in the form of massive grass covered chunks that extend at least a quarter of a mile out into the lake.

Pay attention to every floating bottle or jug you see as we have marked a great deal of partially submerged debris in the lake. The birds are working over big schools of slot redfish and small trout and it is very easy to tear up a lower unit watching the gulls!

The redfish bite is unreal and only getting better with the arrival of each new cold front. We are not catching many big trout right now, but fish in the 14 to 17 inch class are chasing shrimp all over the lake. We have already caught a few stripers in the river and they usually do not show up until much later.

I realize this report is a little shy on substance, but I am not certain as to how the fish are going to react to all of the changes in the bottom, etc., and I do not want to lead you astray. Hopefully, the worst of Ike is behind us and I promise to have a more insightful report next month. In the mean time, do not pass up a chance to fish Sabine this month as I expect the fishing to be very good.

Before I shut down the computer, I would like to take this opportunity to thank the incredible number of clients and fishermen across the state that called or emailed to offer help. An even greater surprise, that I know will please, but not surprise Everett and Pam, was the number of readers of this magazine that I have never even met that called to offer everything from money to a place to stay.

Thanks again and God bless all of you!

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75

eVeryBody is trying to get their LiVes Back

of nothing but Bolivar. Crystal Beach, Gilchrest, Caplin and Emerald

in order and my thoughts

dry since the storm and we could use some serious rain here to help

and prayers go out to all our

jump-start the recovery of our eco-systems and wildlife. It is the same

readers that were affected

over in Sabine, but enough of the devastation, let’s get to our fishing.

severely by the storm. We are

There are a lot of dead animals in amongst the debris. It has been very

Believe it or not, fishing right now on a scale of 1-10 is an 11 as far

Texans, we are resilient and we

as catching numbers of redfish and trout. The bays are swelled with

are tough; we will make it back,

herds of fish and there has not been a lot pressure or traffic on them

I am not worried about that. It

to break the schools. When you get on a school of fish you can sit on

is just a huge inconvenience

them for two hours and never stop catching. Schools of trout anywhere

that everyone is going through

from 16 to 26 inches are being enjoyed by the few anglers able to get

and like I said, my thoughts and

out there.

Redfish are the same way here in Trinity and also in East Bay but

prayers are with you.

Our area bays took a severe beating during the storm but

it is a lot more difficult to fish East Bay right now, the debris fields are just incredible. The fishermen I know that are getting out are giving

the bay waters, for the most part, are already back in surprisingly good

excellent reports and I am probably going to start back up next week.

shape, at least to the eye. The true water quality is another question

After all we’ve been through and so many friends losing businesses

though as we incurred lots of chemical and oil spills.

and homes I just haven’t felt right about it yet.

One good thing coming out of all this is that the saltwater intrusion

Same thing over in Sabine, a lot of my buddies that are going over

into some of our marshes is killing off exotic aquatic plants that are

there say the lake is on fire. It is absolutely stupid the amount of birds

a detriment to the system. I’m talking about water hyacinth and giant

working and the big fish that are under them. Topwaters or tails, just

salvinia. These non-native plants can thrive in freshwater to the point

get something in the water and you are going to catch a fish. Tons of

of choking out more beneficial aquatic plants, depleting oxygen and

shrimp are popping all over the lake along with lots of shad and glass

blocking sunlight. So if you’re looking for one good thing to come from

minnows and the open waters themselves are looking pretty healthy.

We don’t know what the long-term effect of the chemical and oil

Ike this may be it.

The surge from Ike was really incredible in the upper reaches of

spills and the huge amount of seawater entering the backcountry might

Galveston and Trinity Bay. It reached 22 ½ feet up here in Anahuac

be. There is still a lot of oil sheen in Clear Lake and the water is turning

and up the Trinity River. North of I-10 at Sulfur Cut the river level

black in some marshes, which is a sign of lots of decaying vegetation

marker went to 22 feet 8 inches. We are seeing a lot of the oaks and

and oxygen depletion. We had a fish kill in many parts of the marsh

cypress trees dying from it and parts of the marsh are looking real

system, the storm just zapped them. Freshwater fish died from the

brown. All the duck camps along the river, bayous and in the marsh

saltwater and saltwater fish died from lack of oxygen. Only time will

up there, even the famous CV Dell hunting lodge, have nothing left but

tell how this whole thing plays out and how well the important forage

pilings and slabs.

species such as shrimp and crabs are able to recover. I think Sabine

The west side of the Galveston Bay System is toast from La Porte all the way to Texas City. Houses along the shoreline are destroyed or heavily damaged for at least four blocks inland. It looks to me like

and Calcasieu may have more trouble recovering as their marshes are more freshwater and brackish oriented than ours.

Right now the fishing is awesome in the Galveston Bays and

4th Street will now be 1st Street after this storm in San Leon. Debris is

Sabine and we’re praying for a repeat of the scenario we had following

stacked everywhere and that west side is going to be very dangerous.

Hurricane Alicia back in ‘83. We had incredible fall fishing after that

All the debris from San Leon, everything from 2x4’s to telephone

storm. What we do not need is a repeat of the “F-word” meaning a big

poles, parts of houses, oil tanks, shrimp boats, you name it, it is in the

freeze this winter. Freezes seem to have a way of coming to our coast

water and posing a hazard to navigation.

right after a bad hurricane so let’s all keep our fingers crossed. We are

Trinity Bay is the same way along the eastern shore which is one of

76

Beach suffered 97% devastation. That should tell you something.

set for a great fall fishing season and I hope everybody can find a way

my favorite wade fishing spots. All the homes from Smith Point, White

to get out and enjoy it. It’ll be a great way to get your mind off the storm

Herring and Oak Island are all in the bay over there. Some of them

and all the trouble it brought us. Happy Thanksgiving; we’ve been

ended up way over on the western side where I live. East Bay is full

through a lot but we still have a lot to be thankful for!

November 2008

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77

picking up the pieces LeFt Behind From a devastating hurricane

jig tied on. We find many times that there will be redfish near bottom while the trout are active near the surface. Slow bumped Bass Assassins will often times pull heavy

is no easy task and I can tell

reds from down deep. Keep an eye open for mud boils under the birds

you from personal experience

as these are a sure sign that reds are down there rooting shrimp out of

is one that I hope and pray we

the mud and driving them higher in the water column where the birds

never have to go through again.

and trout attack them hungrily.

By the grace of God we missed

I expect our bigger trout to come out of East Matagorda Bay

the brunt of Hurricane Ike here in

compared to its counterpart West Matagorda Bay. Austin Lake, Crab

Matagorda but many of my fellow

Lake, and Oyster Lake will be a paradise for anglers seeking redfish

guides and fishing friends are still

and you can also expect a few trout to be mixed in with them. These all

dealing with the brutal aftermath.

also prime locations to pick up a few flounder. These lakes have many

Only time will heal these wounds

marsh drains feeding them and when the shrimp move the action can be

and hopefully the scars will

almost non-stop.

become invisible. You are in our

Drift fishing really comes into its own during November and provides

prayers daily. May God bless you

many options for Matagorda anglers. With bird activity in full swing,

during this difficult time

check out locations such as the Old Gulf Cut area to Three Beacon all the way to Raymond’s Reef and

We always expect

the south shoreline. Most days I’ll

November to be a great

start wading mud and shell early

month for fishing so let’s

in the morning while throwing the

take a look at what this fall

Series 52 MirrOlure, Catch 2000,

fishing season may bring.

and a variety of Corky lures.

November is known to

My favorite colors in the Corky

produce wall-hangers and

family are 01-pearl/chartreuse,

lots of days filled with just good old-fashioned limits

Lowell Everitt demonstrates his stab and grab method of landing a flounder.

of solid speckled trout and redfish. Fishing under the birds is just getting started and should be awesome throughout November as both East and West Matagorda Bays are full of shrimp. There are also tons of mullet and other baitfish indicating a good recruitment year for these species as well. Ike didn’t put much of a damper on our bays here, as a matter of fact; this hurricane actually seemed to strengthen our bays with those big tides, perhaps pushing a lot of fish from the gulf surf into our bay systems.

Look for the same fishing strategies that produced good catches in October to continue throughout November. As I mentioned above, consistent bird activity is just becoming noticeable and already we’re finding lots of nice trout under them. It’s a good idea to have two rods rigged and ready when working the birds and one of them should have a 3/8 ounce

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Bob Mills with a Texas Trio, November gives us lots of these.

91-chartreuse/gold and 95 dayglow. In the Bass Assassin family of soft plastics my pockets will be filled with 10W40, plum, and roach.

With November bringing improved chances for wall-hanger trout I would like to pass along a tidbit of advice. Big trout that hold on shell structure can be very spooky and the slightest noise will send them packing. When you and your buddies decide to wade a shell reef, by all means do not crunch the shell with your feet. Be sure to slide your feet on the bottom and slither along like an eel. Crunching shell is a no-no that alerts big trout to your presence and moves them well out of casting range. Walk forward slowly and keep your feet planted in one spot while you fish the area thoroughly.

I try to stay off the shell as much as I can and walk the muddy edge where my movement will not run them off. Remember, the more noise you make on shell the less fish you are going to catch.

Just remember that the same patterns that worked last month will repeat during November and expect some productive days on the water. Until next time be safe, wear your kill switch, and keep those Shimano reels cleaned and well-maintained. Your fishing experiences will be more enjoyable if you take good care of your equipment. May God Bless You.

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79

cooL FaLL winds indicate many things to different people. For some, the cooler breezes will mark the beginning of hunting season. Football fans will be cheering on their favorite teams while we fishermen say goodbye to the sweltering days of summer and hello to much anticipated fall fishing.

This is the time of year when Mud minnows are a good choice when fishing for flounder.

the water begins to cool with the passage of mild frontal systems.

The cooling water temperature

fishing around the shell reefs in San Antonio Bay and along the passes

triggers a feeding frenzy for trout

to the Gulf of Mexico. Let me explain how this can be applied to your

and redfish making for awesome

fishing efforts and I also want to pass along a few tips to improve your success.

Each fall the waters of San Antonio Bay become the seasonal home to a variety of fish and crustaceans. After a long dry summer and scant rainfall in the Guadalupe River watershed the upper reaches of our bays can become quite salty. This is also the time of year when white shrimp head for the fertile grounds of the Guadalupe Delta to conduct their annual spawning. Following this centuries old migration of shrimp will be numerous saltwater fish species. Sand trout, redfish, sheepshead, black drum, flounder, and of course, speckled trout will all be present. The waters of the delta region will now be brackish and able to support all of the mentioned species.

The Guadalupe Deltaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s waters flow southward and spill out into the upper half of San Antonio Bay. The Guadalupe River pours out silt, nutrients and most important, bait, as they flow onto the shell reefs of San Antonio Bay. The river continues to mold the opening of the bay and contributes to the health of important grass beds that are extremely valuable to all marine life. These areas are where shrimp become most vulnerable as they leave the delta in fall. Many species of game fish take part in the seasonal bounty and congregate looking for

Whooping cranes will arrive in November, one of the many wonders of San Antonio Bay. 80

November 2008

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an easy meal. Fishermen should have no problem locating a good bite in areas where the delta waters flow into the bay.

But the upper regions of the bay system will not be the only areas to concentrate your fishing efforts. Bull reds will be trolling the outer edge of the Matagorda Ship Channel jetties and can also be found in the surf as they too will be migrating so that they may spawn.

The spawning of redfish is really not too complicated. After the females release their eggs the males fertilize them. Once the eggs become fertilized they are now buoyant and develop into larvae, which are carried into the coastal marshes by tidal flows. It has been learned that redfish may reach breeding age as early as two years but typically they are three to five years old before they spawn. During this time they’ll move toward the open Gulf and will join the spawning schools.

With all that being said… now you wonder, what are the best methods for luring one of these brutes towards your hook? Lucky for us the redfish are not picky eaters. They can be tempted with an array of treats but mullet and crabs tend to be at the top of their menu. You will also want to make sure you have replaced the old line on your reel. I prefer line in the 15-30lb-test strength range. Bull reds are built with a frame of broad muscles and have the endurance of an Indy racecar so you want to be prepared for the fight they can provide.

I can’t finish this article without mentioning my all time eating favorite… the flounder. These flatfish will be warming up for their migration back to the deep waters of the Gulf of Mexico where they spawn. Of course the best way to get a quick limit is with a gig and lights at night but I prefer the excitement of the good ole’ rod and reel method.

Fishing in cuts and inlets is imperative when fishing for flatties and an outgoing tide improves your odds greatly. Anything from fresh dead shrimp

to a 3” Sea Shad will work. I opt for a Sea Shad in electric blue or root beer, both having a chartreuse tail and rigged on a 1/16 oz. jig head. Make sure to drag your offering slowing across the bottom of these inlets and it really helps if you allow the flounder enough time to ingest your bait before setting the hook. This technique may require a few practice “misses” before one gets the hang of it.

So whether you prefer to wade and cast for trout, troll for reds, or maybe seek a few flounder, now is the time. Fall patterns have put the odds of This oversized redfish gave Kellie Ladewig a battle she won’t soon forget!

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catching in your favor.

Texas Saltwater Fishing

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81

cliff wEBB

i am sure that By now eVeryBody is very happy to say goodbye to

I would have to say best soft plastic lure has been the 5” Salt Water Assassin and the best color has been plum with chartreuse tail. The best top water lure by far has been the chrome and black She Dog.

hurricane season. Our thoughts

I am excited about my new 2009 Pathfinder 24’ Tournament Edition

and prayers have been with all

from Ronnie’s Marine here in Corpus Christi. This one has the newest

the people of the Galveston Bay

outboard technology from Yamaha and they call it the F250B. It has

region. You guys took a hard lick

digital electronic remote control by computer called, fly-by-wire. There

this year and we pray for your

is no cable or linkage from the throttle to the engine. This system is

speedy recovery. Everybody

incredibly smooth and responsive and the difference between this and

along the coast prays that each

a mechanical system is absolutely amazing. Perhaps the neatest thing

and every one of your homes

about the fly-by-wire system is the level of control it provides during

and businesses will be rebuilt

low-speed operation. Docking and getting in and out of a slip or sling is

soon and better than ever before.

now much easier. Also of note, the model year 2009 gauges are totally

After seeing the pictures of the

different. They are much more detailed and provide a good deal more

devastation, I am amazed at what Mother Nature is capable of doing. If it could be in my control Texas would never be ravaged by another hurricane.

Here in the Corpus area we were lucky to dodge Ike’s wrath.

We experienced extremely high tides with the passing of the storm and there is debris on our beaches but we can certainly live with these. We’ve had north winds almost continuously for three weeks following the storm. The north winds and cooler temperatures they brought along with low humidity have made for great weather. It took the heat off earlier than usual.

The fish have been scattered with the high tides. When we do find them they are not in large numbers as they were before the high tide. We’ll pick up a few good trout along with a lot of small ones then have move to pick up a few more.

The most productive area has been the King

Cliff says, “This new 24’ Tournament Edition Pathfinder will be the ticket for fast and safe wintertime runs to Baffin Bay.”

Ranch shoreline. The stretch between Bird Island and Humble bridge has been the most consistent. Down south in Baffin Bay it has been pretty slow.

Packery Channel jetties have been providing some very good fishing. Now that the wind and seas have calmed the fishermen who frequent that area are doing quite well catching big redfish, trout, snook and flounder.

It is good to have those jetties providing solid action when the rest of our bay systems are going through the kind of changes we’ve been seeing lately.

I get phone calls all the time from people who want to know what the fish are hitting.

Out of the many baits we have been throwing 82

November 2008

The helm layout is very clean and the new “no cable” controls are awesome.

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Jay Ray Watkins and C.R. Webb were a tough team to beat in the 2007 Texas Trout Series; C.R. will be taking the reins of the Webb family’s fishing business. information regarding engine performance and fuel consumption.

November brings cold fronts and cooler weather and the north wind will lower the tide quite a bit. This is when I start to get real excited about fishing for big trout. I have included a photograph of one of the many heavy trout I was fortunate enough to land last winter. Looking back through my fishing log book and photo album sometimes makes me wish it could be February all year.

As I close this month’s article I want to announce that I am finally going to slow down a little. After 30-something years of guiding and working on the water year ‘round Carol and I are going to try and do some of the things we have yearned to do for many years. We will be traveling some and taking fishing vacations whenever we can. My son C.R. will continue running our charter business fulltime and I will be

C.R. Webb with a nice redfish and his client.

joining him when things get real busy and helping with favored clients I have enjoyed meeting and fishing with over the years. You can rest assured I’ll be on the water with C.R. and our clients as many days as the weather will allow during “big trout” season. I have truly enjoyed my time here as the Upper Laguna/Baffin Bay writer for TSFMag and will show up on these pages as a part-time correspondent to give everybody an update and pass along a good story from time to time.

I want to say a special thanks to all my fishing clients and readers and also to Everett and Pam Johnson for having me as part of their writing team.

Good luck and good fishing.

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First oF aLL, our hearts go out Capt. Triciaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Skinny Water Adventures operates out of Port Mansfield, specializing in wadefishing with artificial lures.

to all of those impacted by Hurricane Ike. Although we escaped such catastrophic destruction from Dolly, folks here in South Texas can still identify with some of the difficult tasks lying ahead. As a word of encouragement, remember that even this too shall pass. When it finally does, the great outdoors will be waiting and fishing will help put all things back into

perspective. We are fortunate here. Everything is back to normal and fishing just simply exploded in recent weeks, better than we have seen for quite some time.

At this writing, there are still areas holding scummy-looking water but overall conditions are just fine. Ikeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s surge followed by fall equinox tides helped to clean things up and sparked a lot of movement. The shallows literally came alive with activity and cooler temperatures have kept fish shallower longer into the day. Some of our best catches have been coming off hard sand early and then moving out to thigh deep grass beds towards midday. We have been doing well with full size Skitter Walk surface plugs and my favorites have been the HCH (hot chartreuse) and ST (speckled trout.)

Fishing exploded in early October.

Other welcome news is that our trout seem to be putting on weight early this year; twenty four inch trout are weighing four pounds and a twenty six will weigh six. We are seeing good numbers of trout over twenty inches and a surprising percentage running in the twenty three to twenty five inch range. Based on recent observations I am predicting many heavyweight battles will be fought this winter.

Redfish action has been outstanding. In just a few weeks we should be seeing tightly packed schools on the flats. Usually by mid October and continuing in November they begin easing their way towards gulf passes. Most of our better reds lately have come on topwaters and the strikes have been nothing short of violent!

Full-sized Skitter Walks have been rattling up lots of fish.

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becoming violent on the surface is one of the most exciting things you can do with a lure.

Besides watching your lure, keep an eye out for other activity to address with your next cast. Always try to throw at something, a wake, a swirl, a flipping baitfish; all of these will improve your catching. In this game the eyes do indeed have it.

Predictions for next month’s fishing can never be certain but things do look encouraging. Topwaters should continue to call up excellent fish as we focus daily on the ranch shorelines. When you see active bait, eliminate water from shallow to deep until you find the depth that offers the most bites and then stay there. Find the structure most fish are holding on and you’ve got ‘em until conditions change. If the fish are not exactly with the bait they should still be nearby. There will be opportunity everywhere in November, from flats to shorelines to backwater areas. It’s just a matter of getting out there and interpreting nature.

Strong winds during northers may be uncomfortable but that’s not all bad. The Laguna generally needs a good wind to create current, plus it pushes fish to predictable areas as levels change. A simple rule is to target depressions and guts when the wind empties flats, and then concentrate further into back areas when water gets pushed into them.

Now is a good time to get your winter gear in order if it’s not already.

Yes, conditions can get uncomfortable, but they are also easily overcome with the right stuff. For me the right stuff is made by Simms.

Margaret Middleton; Skitter Walk scores again.

We were blessed with very low winds early in October. With a calm surface most of the day, it was amazing to see how much life is really

Their G4 wading jacket along with WaderWick fleece pants and tops have tamed even the worst of conditions on the water for me. Whatever you choose, choose wisely, and your precious time on the water will be much better spent.

out there. Wakes from scattering bait, reds and trout were almost everywhere you looked during the early morning hours. However, calm water can also make surface plugging difficult at times, so it can often take a lot of teasing to get fish to commit. It’s extremely important to keep your eye on the plug at all times, carefully watching for any sign that a fish might be eyeing it as a potential meal. The signs are often subtle and may just be a small hump behind the lure or baitfish scurrying to the side, spooked by the approaching predator. When you think a fish is on it but won’t commit, vary the retrieve. Sometimes simply stopping for a second and then continuing with erratic motions will get it. Speed it up, slow it down, whatever it takes, but taking a fish

Thigh deep grass beds at midday have been producing consistently.

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Fishing is FinaLLy Back to normaL and the Fish are where

a topwater over bait-filled shorelines was a sure way of getting your

they should be during the fall

exclusively. We had very few days where we found big schools of fish

period. Through late September

but there were lots of scattered singles, doubles, and small groups.

and into early October they

Trout action has improved and we have been finding them mixed

became much easier to pattern.

with the reds. The trout bite is becoming very aggressive, giving us a

The evidence of increased fall

glimpse of what is to come.

feeding can be seen as the

The high water levels made for consistent shoreline fishing. Working line stretched. Most days we found ourselves tossing topwaters

I always look forward to fishing the colder months of the year.

trout and reds are already

The cooler weather brings a significant decrease in boat traffic,

adding weight.

fish are easy to pattern and the weather is pleasant enough to fish

Just recently we experienced

all day without getting exhausted. November brings to mind last

some of the highest tides we’ve

year’s Thanksgiving. We were all sitting at the dinner table at my

seen in a long while. I took the

in-laws house as we do every year. Every member of the family had

opportunity to run around and check out some areas that are usually

something to do after lunch. I was the only one left out so I got the

inaccessible during normal tides. Hurricane Ike pushed a lot of water

bright idea to go fishing. The water temperature was a bit on the cold

our way and incredibly some of the areas where we caught fish had

side from a wintry front two days earlier and certainly not a topwater

hoof prints from cattle all over the bottom. In my opinion the surge was

day. I concentrated on a mud and shell bottom at about three and

a good thing on the Lower Laguna because it mixed all the fresh water

a half feet, working my Corky along a drop-off. I felt a slight thump

we received during Hurricane Dolly and leveled out the salinity in our

and set the hook on what was to be my first legitimate big trout for

bay system.

the winter season. The day ended with a solid trout bite and me

First time wading and her first trout.

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Daniel’s redfish came better late than never.

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releasing a twenty-eight inch trout. The best part was the great things that were to come. It was the beginning of the best winter trout fishing I have ever experienced on the Lower Laguna Madre. A year later and with the new trout regulations already in place, I am excited about the prospects this winter.

What should anglers look for? Starting in November the mornings can be a bit chilly. Sometimes it is good to

Top producers for the coming winter months.

their presence is sure to be seen.

Where should I start? Most of our bigger trout last year came from muddy bottoms; some places were so muddy that wading through it was more than difficult. Shallow flats adjacent to the ICW can be very productive this time of year.

If the weather has been on the cold side and then turns warm, look for potholes on the flats to be good producers.

During prolonged cold periods finding a muddy flat near a narrow gut can bring heaps of stretched lines. Let me not forget to mention some of my favorite winter places are close to muddy spoil islands.

What should I use? The weather and water conditions along with bait activity will dictate if I go with a surface plug or subsurface bait. If the day is warming up and the bait is active on the surface, I’m more prone to throw a topwater such as the Rapala Skitter Walk or She Dog by MirrOlure. If little or no activity is observed on the surface, my choice is usually a Corky or a Brown Lure Sea Devil. Remember that on colder days the bite can be a subtle peck. Your retrieve

This six pounder will get the chance to gain some more weight this winter.

will be determined by the water temperature, but normally it’s slower than we use in warmer months. If you miss a fish,

get a later start, waiting for the sun to warm the flats. I like to take

don’t hesitate to throw repeatedly to the same spot. In winter fish will

advantage of the early morning stillness to locate concentrations of fish

tend not to move very far if they move at all. There’s a good chance that

by the number of wakes I observe on the flats. After a few cold blasts

fish can still be caught.

redfish and trout will begin to station themselves near drop offs, muddy

Where will you find yourself this Thanksgiving Day? As for me, I will

bottoms, deeper channels and others areas that have quick deep water

be at the in-laws waiting for everybody to finish their meal and head to

access. Fish will still frequent their normal shallow water haunts but will

the mall or go hunting. My boat will be gassed up and I’ll have one foot

migrate in and out of shallow water according to the weather conditions.

already out the door. I know from experience that November brings

Unlike the warmer months I start to pay close attention to bird activity,

great fishing and that trout of a lifetime is only one turkey drumstick

especially the pelicans. The colder it gets the more attention I pay to

away. Did I say drumstick? I meant one cast away. Happy Thanksgiving

these diving, fish-finding collaborators. If they can help you locate the

and remember to thank God for all his blessings.

bait, chances are the predators will be there too. Mullet activity plays a big role this time of the year. Don’t expect the bay to come alive with active bait at the start of a chilly morning, but as the water warms up,

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HURRICANE UPDATE! We were affected by Hurricane Ike. However, we are

Randall says the impact from Ike on his lodge and fishing operation was light

back up and running and ready for your business! The fishing in November

compared with the damages further east. “The bay is also cleaning up nicely,”

should be great. There are large schools of shrimp coming out of the marsh,

he adds. “Though more than a dozen bay houses were completely destroyed

which means birds will be working. Once the first good front hits, we will see

in the Pass area, there’s not too much junk in the water creating navigation

the water level drop and the big trout arrive. Huge trout will start to appear over

hazards.” He says the fishing has been excellent lately. “Topwaters have been

oyster reefs on the north end of the lake. Turner’s Bay and the surrounding

producing like they usually do this time of year. Pink Skitterwalks and chartreuse

banks and inlets are awesome big trout spots. The fishing lately has been

She Dogs are both clicking when winds are light. In windier conditions, we are

outstanding, just as we expected, and we don't see it slowing down soon.

still switching over the live bait to get our limits. Come November, things should

Duck season is right around the corner, and we are looking forward to a

get even better. The colder it gets, the easier it is to pattern the fish. They start

great season. We are anxious for a little change in temperature and pace.

staging consistently over and near reefs and muddy areas with scattered shell.

Hopefully, there will be lots of ducks and plenty of shooting all year. Hope to

We’ve got tremendous potential and plenty of openings in the coming weeks. All

see y’all hunting or fishing soon!

we need are some ready anglers.”

James predicts one of the best fall runs of fishing for trout and redfish in

“November is prime time for fishing in East Matagorda,” Don says. “The

many years in the wake of the big blow. “Lately, I’ve been doing a lot of work

fishing is already showing signs of a great fall run. There are fish over shell out

restoring my house and trying to get back to normal, but when I have been

in the middle. We’ve had trout up to twenty six inches fishing out of the boat

fishing, the signs are there that we are set up for a really phenomenal run in

lately, some on topwaters, but mostly on Exude RT Slugs. I’m finding that the

the next couple of months. Both Trinity and East Bays are full of fish right now;

fish really like the Slugs. And they aren’t quite as offensive smelling as the Gulp

locating them by keying on slicks and working birds is pretty much a no brainer.

products. Our best fish have been coming along the shorelines in East Bay.

The problem in those bays is the debris from the storm making it dangerous

There’s a good mix of trout and redfish in the shallows, and some of the trout are

to navigate safely. Cautious anglers in those bays in coming months will find

big. Small topwaters like Spook Jrs. are working well on the flats. As the weather

easy limits most of the time. Fishing should be really good right here behind my

gets colder next month, the shoreline fishing should only improve, though

house in West Bay too, and it’s not quite so full of junk from the storm. Look for

topwaters will often lose out to the soft plastics as the lures of choice. We’ll be

the area between Confederate Reef and Green’s Cut to light up once we get a

drifting scattered shell on days when tides are low and we’ll also spend some

couple of good cold fronts later this month or in early November.”

time wading the mid-bay reefs when winds allow.”

After surviving Ike, Jim has been doing some dove hunting. “I’ve got some good fields over here, and the shooting is good. Of course, dove season winds down by the middle of November everywhere, so my next focus will be on the duck hunting. That’s starts at the beginning of the month and should be fine. There is some debris in our marshes, but we’ll be able to work around it. I will also run some deer and hog hunts. As for the fishing, it’s been good when I have been able to get out. Had easy limits of pound and a half to three pound trout in Trinity Bay the other day, focusing on bird activity. We are on the verge of some excellent wadefishing opportunities around here. Once the fronts drop the tide levels and temperatures, it will be easier to catch some bigger trout on area flats. People venturing out on their own should be cautious because of the debris. Avoid running in low light conditions and keep it slow overall.”

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Fishing has been very good since the big storm surge of Hurricane Ike. We have a good influx of Gulf water in the bays and there are schools of bait everywhere.

Redfish have been podded up along all the local shorelines chasing bait. Small topwaters with any chrome in them seem to work the best. Gulp shrimp in rootbeer and pearl have been good tails to the throw at the pods. The trout have been on the smaller side, with lots of undersize fish in the bay. Working birds have been the best indicator of trout, but it seems you have to cull five or six fish to find a keeper. Night fishing has finally taken off along the bayfront. Sand trout in the thirteen to fifteen inch range have been plentiful under the lights along 1st St pier and at the Pavilion. Glow and chartreuse spec rigs have been the colors so far this fall. November should have some good sized trout coming back into the bays over mud and shell.

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The fishing in the Laguna Madre and Baffin Bay has been good in recent weeks. The water level was very high for several weeks; north winds refused to quit and water clarity has been slow to clear up after Hurricane Ike in and around Baffin Bay. This has made the trout fishing fair, but the redfish catching has been great! The redfish in the southern end of the Laguna and Baffin have been in about two and a half feet of water, in and around sandy potholes along the south shore of Baffin and along the Kenedy Ranch. The north end of the Laguna Madre has clearer water and we’ve been catching good numbers of both trout and reds there, in about two feet of water, along the edges of spoil islands and along shorelines. The fish are really liking the new five inch Swim Bait by Bass Assassin in Gold Shiner. In coming weeks, I’ll be following the same pattern, but as water temps drop, I’ll bring out my breathable waders.

“In November, we see a transition in our fishing. Because the first few harsh fronts of the year usually arrive this month, things can change in a hurry. As long as the tides are high and it’s relatively warm, I like to focus on grassy shorelines with shallow water and sandy pockets. We’ll target those areas mostly with topwaters, especially small Super Spooks. Of course, we like soft plastics when the topwater bite fizzles. Lots of times in November, we’ll favor plum and chartreuse, although lately the old red flash has been the killer. But after fronts in November, if the water is chilled and the tides drop out, I’ll switch to reefs and scattered shell adjacent to mud flats. The fish will begin to prefer the softer bottoms in areas like San Antonio, Mesquite, Carlos and Ayers Bays.

Topwaters will work then too, but it kind of switches from an early topwater bite to a later bite as the waters warm up in the afternoon sun.”

creating a challenge for fishermen in the Rockport area lately, Blake reports.

“Fishing is pretty good, but we’ve been forced to wander a lot and cover plenty of water to get our fish. The topwater bite has been good on some outings, and of course the Sand Eels are producing too. We did have a good concentration of both trout and reds on reefs for the last couple of days.” In November, cooler temperatures and dropping tides should make the fishing easier and more productive. “I’ll be in the middle of my cast and blast season by then. Using my airboat, I’ll start off hunting the ducks in the back lakes, then fish my way out. For the fishing, I’ll prefer the grassy shorelines, and still hit some reefs too. Topwaters are usually on that time of year.” When asked about the duck hunting prospects, he says, “It will be either very good or incredible!”

Quality fishing during November requires timing trips to be as near the second day behind the passage of a cold front as possible when conditions moderate before onshore winds increase before the next cold front. Slot and oversized reds are prime this month as are hordes of jack crevalle weighing12 to 35 pounds. Topwater lures and big spoons work well on the jacks. Watch the water's edge for jacks breaking the surface and groups of pelicans often let you know their location. Bull, blacktipped and sandbar sharks can be in very good numbers and are often close to the water's edge to present sightcasting opportunities. The two largest tiger sharks we ever caught were in early November. Spanish mackerel weighing up to 8 pounds are often in the surf feeding on finger mullet as are occasional Atlantic bluefish. Pompano fishing picks up with “Fishbites” and fresh shrimp working best. Big whiting are www.TSFMAG.com www.TSFMAG.com

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it was once predicted to, but he’s also feeling the pain for those that were hurt to the north and east of here. “Fishing remains good in the Laguna Madre and Corpus Christi Bay. I’ve been having good luck sightcasting with both flies and conventional tackle in areas like Shamrock Cove, East Flats and on both sides of the JFK Causeway.” He also likes the potential along the King Ranch Shoreline in November. “The water is high and clear right now. I think we are set up for a good fall run. There have been an unusually high number of flounder in area bays this summer, so we should have a good run on them.

Cooler temperatures should also create a good bite in shallow water on redfish and some big trout. I’ll be staying in the north half of the area mostly, looking for schooling reds and keeping my eyes peeled for some trophy trout too.”

Tides have been abnormally high and baitfish are abundant everywhere,

typically present.

Joe says he was relieved to see that Hurricane Ike didn’t come to Corpus as

Bruce says both the lowered trout limit and lighter boat traffic have helped the fishing in Port Mansfield, particularly on the catch rates for middle-sized keeper trout. “We’ve been having good luck lately on the trout, throwing topwaters about ninety per cent of the time, We like the junior versions on light wind days and full-sized models when it’s choppier. I’m sticking with the darker colors on cloudy days and brighter ones under full sun. The specks are still hanging near the outside edges of the grass beds, but the reds are ganged up shallow, no more than about knee deep. For them, the topwaters are working too, along with gold spoons. Some days, the small Bomber floater-divers are best.” He mentions that offshore fishing is still good on calm days, and might last into November. “Snapper fishing is steady when we can get outside the jetties, and there may be a straggler tarpon or two left next month if it stays warm.”

We’re still seeing areas of brackish-brown tinted water; however, the flats are slowly returning to normal and producing awesome action. Limiting on trout and reds is once again commonplace and tagging the occasional oversize out of the herds is bonus. We’re having luck with gold weedless spoons and topwaters, but most of the fish we’re netting are coming on the Cajun Thunder corks trailing Gulp shrimp in glow, new penny, or nuclear chicken on a quarter ounce head. Best action is in potholes at Gas Well Flats and in schools around the drum boats on the east side. Flounder are plentiful, hitting just about anything, including a bone Jr. Spook thrown by a fellow guide. Freddy says, “ Working as shallow as possible early and moving out to the potholes with the falling tide is the best plan; without wind, sneaking up on schooling fish can be difficult, but rewarding.” This month will bring cooler weather and more opportunities.

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November 2008 November 2008

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This Rockport red was Lacey Garcia's first ever. Whata Catch!

This personal best 42.5" Arroyo City Red tested Ryan Herzogs skills in an hour and 45 minute battle.

Larry Bond of Bay City battled and released this bruising bull red on the Matagorda pier.

This 26" Lower Laguna Madre speck was no match for wade fisherman Eric Bryant.

David and Deston Dunn caught and released their first red and black drum respectively on Galveston Bay with Grandpa Marty.

Steve Harris, his daughter Ashley and son Ryan brought in this 50# drum ashore in Port O'Connor.

A fun day with family in Aransas Pass produced this nearly 30" trout for Mike Cocian.

The drum run in San Leon provided exciting fishing for Abel "3 Moons" Ruiz and crew.

Hannah loves fishing with her grandparents, Billie & Mike Kocian, you can see why as she displays her catch.

Chris Monk's bone/pumkin seed & Chartreuse Texas Trout Killer appealed to this Seabrook bull red.

Zachary Guitierrez of Lamar proudly shows off his first ever keeper trout.

Houstonian Amanda Sanchez caught & released this 38" bull on the San Luis Pass pier.

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Reid Wheatley's first wading trip with his father Wade resulted in this 27.5" Port O'Connor red.

First time saltwater angler Juan Galvan, age 10 landed his first drum in Galveston with his dad & brother.

Texas Saltwater Fishing

James Moseman reeled in this 29" red drum in Rockport with cousin Richard Conner. www.TSFMAG.com

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This west Galveston bay trout found Scott Butler's bone She Dog too tempting to pass up.

Mike Vasquez was able to catch, photo, and release this 30" red.

This tagged bull red found a crab dinner irresistible at the P.O.C jetties for Eric Barrier.

Alan Phillips of Austin made the trip down to Rockport where he caught this 38" drum.

The Upper Laguna Madre yielded this trout for Reagan Gray and her father.

Meagan Shadden snagged her first redfish which was 21" from Galveston West Bay.

A 1" sparkle beetle was tempting enough to land Beau Henry and his Papa this slot red in Shoalwater Bay.

A gray day in Burnett Bay made for good fishing providing Allen Huff with a 24" trout.

One of Prien Lake's many redfish couldn't resist Glen Riquelmy's glow Berkley Gulp shrimp.

A night at the Palacios piers included netting this 19# black drum for Clint McLain of El Campo.

The south shoreline of Matagorda Bay, plus a clown Super Spook Jr. equalled a 30.5" red for Matt Dennis.

Wharton's Greg Janak enjoyed his trip to the Matagorda Pier, catching and releasing this bull red.

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Eleven year old Halley Longstreet (aka The Fish Whisperer) boated this 20" flounder with her family.

email photos with a description of your catch of the Month to: Photos@tsfmag.com

Rhonda Krause coaxed in her first keeper red (26 incher) south of the JFK causeway.

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Mail photos to: TSFMag P.o. Box 429, Seadrift, TX 77983 November 2008

91

1 pkg. Uncle Ben’s Whole Grain Brown & Wild Rice (microwaves in 90 seconds) 16 oz. lump crab meat 2 Tbs. butter 1-½ cup chopped mushrooms 1 large shallot chopped 2 cloves garlic minced 15 saltine crackers 2 eggs 1/4 cup heavy cream salt and pepper to taste Microwave rice per package instructions.

In large skillet melt butter and sauté mushrooms, shallot and garlic for 5 minutes.

Place crackers in large baggie and crush with rolling pin.

Whisk eggs and heavy cream together.

Combine all above ingredients in bowl and mix well, transfer to casserole.

Topping: Place two slices stale bread, 1 Tablespoon fresh parsley and 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese in food processor and chop to fi ne consistency. Spread evenly atop rice and crab dressing mixture.

Bake at 350 for 25 minutes. I like to fi nish by lightly browning under broiler for one to two minutes.

Chef’s Tip: This dressing is excellent for stuffing flounder!

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1 lb. Crabmeat 2 slices bacon ½ cup onion chopped ½ cup celery chopped ¼ cup bell pepper chopped 1 clove garlic minced 2 cups crackers crushed 1 tsp. dry mustard ½ tsp. salt

½ loaf day-old French bread, cut into ½ inch cubes (about 8 cups)

2 Tbs. parsley chopped

2 (10 oz.) containers fresh oysters

Cayenne pepper (dash)

1 (3 oz.) pkg. shallots

1 bunch green onions

1 egg (well beaten)

1 medium green bell pepper

1 cup chopped celery

¼ cup milk

1 cup chopped flat leaf parsley

1 egg beaten

½ cup butter

1 ½ tsp. poultry season

4 tbsp. butter (1/2 stick)

(use only 1 tsp. poultry seasoning if adding tarragon)

1 tsp. Worcestershire Sauce

1 tsp. dried tarragon leaves (optional) 1 tsp. salt

½ tsp. black pepper

Cook bacon until crisp; crumble and set aside. Sauté

Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Spray 9x13-inch glass baking dish

crabmeat and vegetables in

with nonstick spray and set aside. Spread bread cubes over large

bacon drippings. In large

baking sheet. Toast 40 minutes. Remove bread and raise oven

mixing bowl combine cracker

temperature to 350 degrees. Once bread cubes are cool, place in large

crumbs and dry ingredients.

resealable bag and seal tightly. Roll rolling pin over bag to crush into

Add the remaining ingredients and mix thoroughly. Stuff mixture into crab

breadcrumbs and set aside.

Drain oysters and reserve

shells or in casserole dish. Bake at 350 for 30 minutes.

oyster liquor (Juice from Makes 6 Stuffed Crabs or can be presented as a side dish, also makes excellent flounder stuffi ng.

oysters). Peel shallots and chop fi nely. Chop green onions, bell pepper, celery and parsley.

Beat eggs and set aside. Heat butter in large skillet over medium-high heat. Sauté shallots, green onions, bell pepper and celery 5 minutes.

Add poultry seasoning and tarragon, if desired; sauté 1 minute. Push vegetables to perimeter of pan and add oysters; sauté 1 minute and remove from heat.

Toss breadcrumbs with skillet mixture, parsley, egg, salt and pepper in a large bowl. Add 2 to 6 tablespoons of reserved oyster liquor, according to whether you prefer a drier or moister dressing.

Spread dressing in baking dish and bake 35 to 40 minutes until lightly brown and crusty on top. Serve hot.

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winner will be featured on the cover of TSFMag and receive a high-quality rod and reel combo. Four runner-up prizes will also be awarded. Fish must be caught and released Jul 08-Dec 08, photos must be received on/before Jan 15 09. Fish must be caught in Texas waters and TPWD regs apply. Make sure your camera is set to capture high-quality images. Photos become property of TSFMag, employees and writers are not eligible. Submit entries

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For more information about these advertisers visit: http://www.texassaltwaterfishingmagazine.com/contact_advertisers_product.html

Boats, Kayaks, Outboards

Cove Harbor Marina and Drystack.....................37

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Anchor Marine.........................................Cover, 3

Espandre.......................................................... 49

Strike Pro America........................................... 43

Bernie’s Boats...................................................10

Fibertex & Supply.............................................. 75

Texas Tackle Factory........................................47

Busha Boat Works............................................47

Gulf Coast Trolling Motors................................. 59

Twin City Optical .............................................. 49

Canoesports.....................................................61

House Of Fiberglass......................................... 61

Wade Aid Enterprises.......................................77

Coastal Backwater Marine................................57

JL Marine Systems - Power Pole........................ 7

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Coastline Marine................................Cover, 3, 61

Safe Floor Company......................................... 59

Woodee Rods USA.......................................... 41

El Campo Boating Center................................. 98

Salt-A-Way........................................................37

Fishing retail locations

South Texas Trolling Motors...............................77

Academy Sports + Outdoors.......................... 50

Flatstalker.........................................................49

Specialty Aluminum Works.................................10

Boater’s World...................................................11

Gibbs Boat Company....................................... 37

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Seaworthy Marine............................................ 53

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Kroll’s Marine................................................... 63

Bio Bait - Big Bite Baits......................................24

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Real Estate

Brown Lures........................................................70

Oaks at Bentwater............................................. 61

Mt. Houston Marine..........................................43

D.O.A. Lures..................................................... 63

TideWater Properties LLC................................ 81

Rockport Marine...............................................17

EZ Drainer.........................................................77

Tournaments / Outdoor Events

Fish Slick..........................................................77

Texas Redfish Series............................................52

Shallow Sport Boats................................ Cover, 3

Fishing Tackle Unlimited - Rapala..................... 51

TPWD - Coatal Fisheries Bay Team.................. 65

Shoalwater Boats.............................................98

Forevelast Hunting & Fishing Products........... 69

Sport Marine.................................................... 83

Grind Terminal Tackle.........................................10

Aventura Jewelry................................................49

29 Suzuki Marine....................................................

Laguna Rods.................................................... 63

Crab Master - Pearl Products.............................. 92

Texas Marine................................................... 75

Luresafety Wrap................................................ 63

Coastal Creations Taxidermy............................63

The Sportsman........................................Cover, 3

Okuma Fishing.................................................33

Graphics By Design.......................................... 79

Trans Fiberglass Boat.......................................52

PDS Coroporate Sales..................................... 35

Saltwater Fishing Clinics.................................. 77

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REC Components...............................................59

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