November 2006

November 2006

Gulf Coast Connections Texas Saltwater Fishing

Gulf Coast Connections Texas Saltwater Fishing

November 2006

November 2006

Gulf Coast Connections Texas Saltwater Fishing

NOvEMBER 2006

Gulf Coast Connections

vo l u m e 16 N o . 7

IN ThIS ISSUE…

Team LMC Marine angler Eric Olson of Katy, Texas caught this beautiful 29.5-inch trout in Copano Bay. The big fish ate a bone colored Super Spook. Congrats on the big catch Eric, and kudos on your decision to snap a quick photo and then let her go!

(Photo by Lawrence Madigan)

SUBSCRIPTIONS Gulf Coast Connections is published monthly.

Subscriptions available for $34.00 per year.

E-MAG is available for $25.00 per year.

Order online at: www.gulfcoastconnections.com Or make checks payable to: Gulf Coast Connections Attn: Subscriptions P.O. Box 429, Seadrift, Texas 77983 * Subscribers are responsible for submitting all address changes and renewals by the 15th of the prior month’s issue. The U.S. Postal Service does not guarantee magazines will be forwarded.

10 Winter is where it’s at!

Mike McBride

14 Don’t Be A Weatherman

Kevin Cochran

18 November is the perfect time

Bink Grimes

22 Bodie Allen and the Rustlers

Martin Strarup

24 Stewardship Award

Billy Sandifer

26 North to Alaska Part 1

Everett Johnson

28 Let’s Ask The Pro

Jay Watkins

32 Fly Fishing

Casey Smartt

36 Tournament Trails

Brandon Jenewein

38 Offshore

Bobby Byrd/Capt. John Cochrane

42 Conservation

CCA-Texas

46 Science and the Sea

UT-Marine Science Institute

48 TPWD Field Notes

Dennis Pridgen/Leslie Williams

52 Kayak Fishing

Scott Null

56 According To Scott

Scott Sommerlatte

60 Youth Fishing

Aaron Cisneros

62 New Tackle & Gear

GCC Staff

64 Chuck’s Sabine Scene

Chuck Uzzle

66 Fishing Galveston

Mickey Eastman

68 Capt. Bill’s Fish Talk

Bill Pustejovsky

70 On the bays with the Grays

Shellie Gray

72 Catching up with Cliff

Cliff Webb

74 Capt. Tricia’s Port Mansfield Report

Capt. Tricia

76 South Padre Fishing Scene

Ernest Cisneros

SEE OUR CENTERFOLD FOR GCC’S SOLUNAR TABLE AND TExAS TIDE PREDICTIONS

2 52

82

78 Fishing Reports and Forecasts 79 Fishing Reports and Forecasts

ADvERTISING Please direct advertising inquires to: tracey@gulfcoastconnections.com or call 361-785-3420

SEND US YOUR LETTERS, QUESTIONS & COMMENTS!

80 Photo Gallery-Catch of the Month 82 Gulf Coast Kitchen 87 Index of Advertisers

vISIT US ON ThE WEB AT WWW.GULFCOASTCONNECTIONS.COM

Texas Saltwater Fishing P.O. Box 429 Seadrift, Tx 77983 Office: 361-785-3420

EDITOR AND PUBLIShER Everett Johnson

ADvERTISING Tracey Johnson

everett@gulfcoastconnections.com

Ph: 361-785-3420 or 936-520-3146 Fx: 361-785-2844

BUSINESS MANAGER Pam Johnson

tracey@gulfcoastconnections.com

pam@gulfcoastconnections.com

Ph: 361-785-3420

© Copyrighted 1990 All rights reserved. Positively nothing in this publication may be reprinted and reproduced. *Views expressed

by GCC contributors do not necessarily express the views of GCC.

Gulf Coast Connections Texas Saltwater Fishing

SUBSCRIPTION – CIRCULATION Shirley Elliott shirley@gulfcoastconnections.com

November 2006

November 2006

Gulf Coast Connections Texas Saltwater Fishing

I’m going to start by letting

everybody know how thankful I am for all the fine young men and women serving in our Armed Forces. I watch the news as reporters and politicians deliver politically motivated perceptions of how futile our mission in Iraq has become, how inept our Commander-in-Chief and his staff have turned out to be.

Remaining objective is difficult, especially when my thoughts wander to our troops, dug in somewhere out in that harsh desert, and the enemy they face; bent on the destruction of our religions, our society, our way of life. America is founded upon free speech- right enough; but I wonder how long those same reporters and politicians could enjoy this freedom if our President suddenly lost his nerve and called all the troops home? God Bless America and God Bless all those fighting for our freedom. Remember them as you say Grace over your Thanksgiving feast.

I am thankful that we enjoyed a quiet tropical storm season this past summer. After everything we went through last year, and having witnessed so much destruction from Texas to Florida, I am truly thankful that we never had a named storm come ashore in Texas in 2006.

I next want to give thanks for a most prosperous business year. 2006 has been a dandy and it ain’t over yet. We saw it coming back in January and February; there was something different in the air at the annual boat and fishing shows. It was a fresh breeze of economic energy blowing away the pall that had been hanging over our sportfishing industry for way too long.

Keeping with the business theme; I want to give thanks for all the wonderful friends we have all across Texas who contribute so much to the success of this magazine. I cannot tell you how many calls and letters and offers of help we receive every day. I had a guy come up to me at ICAST and say, “Man I can’t believe the way your magazine has grown, who do you have selling for you?” I looked him square in the eye and replied that we had literally thousands of dedicated salesmen, most of whom I had not yet the pleasure of meeting, but that I hoped to meet them all soon. I believe he thought I was off my rocker.

Next on my list is Texas Parks and Wildlife. I want to give thanks for all the wonderful people who make up this agency and do so much for us on a daily basis. Now this may not please all my readers, but as saltwater anglers, we really have a lot to be thankful for and TPWD helped create a bunch of it.

Like I tell everybody about my travels abroad, I want to kiss the ground every time my feet touch American soil again, and I feel the same way when I get back home to fish right here in Texas.

And while we’re on the subject of TPWD; I attended the Public Comment Session of the Commissioners Hearings this past August. I had to wait through what seemed like 100 or more speakers for my turn at the podium. I am very thankful that I have never been appointed to serve as a commissioner; having the patience of Job must surely be one of the qualifications. It truly amazes me that the commissioners ever get a chance to worry whether there are still enough fish in the sea.

Last, but certainly not least, I want to give thanks for continued good health and a wonderful family. Unfortunately, some of my close friends have been given some seriously heavy burdens to bear recently. I call myself blessed to be able to enjoy so much. Pam and I are in great shape and the Lord has blessed us with kids and grandkids that are happy and healthy.

We have a new granddaughter coming in February and she’ll be our fourth.

Through the miracles of medical science we’ve already seen her and the doctors say she is doing fine. Honestly, I’d be ashamed to ask for more!

®

Happy Thanksgiving and May God Bless!

Gulf Coast Connections Texas Saltwater Fishing

November 2006

November 2006

Gulf Coast Connections Texas Saltwater Fishing

Send to: Gulf Coast Connections, P.O. Box 429, Seadrift, TX 779 3

ections Gulf Coast Conn 3 adrif t, Texas 7798 P.O. Box 429, Se ur Dear Sir: subscription to yo find a check for a ll wi u yo d gazine se ma clo ur En aware of yo gazine. I became ma g hin fis ESPN. r at r ate ke saltw e Internet po manner. I play fre l ua us un chat r the the ra via in a yers fairly well ow one of the pla kn to t l ra go d ne an ge m co ns out he is the rman too and it tur he by fis a ed ’s uc He od pr x. bo s Steel Lures Hopkins Stainles for s r wa ge he na ce ma sin les sa mple lure and . He sent me a sa ing of rg py Fo e co st ton gu ys Ke sent me the Au ater fish only, he magazine aware that I saltw immediately as a n It got my attentio e. zin ga ally like. ma re I ur yo g partners and to what my fishin es lat re y o guides all tw re t tha eresting since was especially int les tic ar ptain the Ca of th e On I have fished wi were mentioned. da or over tag for Ma ily m fro known his fam times and I have few a ek hes fis las ly Ta lar rk Ma Rosenberg regu ew of mine from ph ne zine A ga s. ma ar a ye g 60 rld — gettin Kind of a small wo e. mk ar W . e ow Le kn th I wi tured folks nnsylvania that fea zine. from a fellow in Pe ceiving your maga re to d I look for ward s Thanks again an n Antonio, Texa Don Wilkinson, Sa xas Dear Don, fore moving to Te y ironic part... be all re e a... th ni r fo lva w sy No stry in Penn eel forging indu st e th in ed rk wo I small world! itor E. Johnson – Ed

Gulf Coast Connections Texas Saltwater Fishing

Howdy We just wanted to drop you a quick line and say how much my wife, 8 year old son, and I enjoy your magazine. We have been reading it for a while and are amazed at the way it has grown and deve loped. I hope it only gets bigger and bette r, for it is truly a high quality family magazine.

I work in a customer service industry and know that all too often we never hear any of the posit ive feedback so I felt compelled to let you know that you have definitely hit a home run with your hard work.

Attached is a picture of my wife’s first bull red. She has been trying to catch one for a long time and her dream finally came true last week in Galveston’s East bay. She lande d this nice 38 inch redfish and without any hesitation after snapping a few pictures let her swim away to produce more quality fish.

Please feel free to use the picture if you wish in your magazine in the “Catch of the month” or anywhere else you see fit, I know our son would love to see mommy in his favor ite “bed time” reading...

Again great job with the magazine and I wish you continued success!

Tight lines!

Vince Coppage Dear Vince, Thanks for taking time to write us.

Stories like this help make our job run a little smoother. Good luck in your fishing endeavors, and please do keep thos e photos coming!

Everett Johnson – Editor

November 2006

November 2006

Gulf Coast Connections Texas Saltwater Fishing

I don’t know about the rest of you lure junkies, but for me winter is where it’s at for

maximum inshore fishing value. When it’s time to put on waders, it’s time to get serious… trout serious that is, and it all starts in November.

Based on last year’s showing of magnumsized fish, I can’t wait for the northers to hit and wearing funny rubber pants. I even have a beat-up Corky hanging from my laptop screen for a little iconic inspiration.

Just the sight of it is making me twitch with a life force I haven’t felt since the water warmed above 65-degrees last spring.

While there are things I’m going to do the same this year, there are also a few things I’m going to do a little different. It’s all in the pursuit of great adventure, right? Big trout are one of the best excuses I know of to play hard; so let’s do it.

When we talk about getting serious, there is a distinct difference between landing a big trout by stumble-bum luck and going forth to catch these beasts on purpose; it’s more than just fishin’. Those out for mere fun need not apply. This is a dedicated effort reserved for those with realistic expectations and an unrealistic drive to grind it out for that one big bite. You’ve really got to want it, especially when harsh conditions come into play. However, down here, the prospects for hunting up a beast are indeed realistic.

TPW studies have shown that some eighty percent of all Texas trout above thirty-inches live within the Upper & Lower Laguna. Even so, many a good fisherman has fished for years yet never put a hand around twenty-eight inches of trout, a common benchmark where the word ‘trophy’ begins; never mind those over the coveted thirty-inch mark. Whether you have caught one yet matters little, you want to, and your shrine of a lure collection confirms it.

I’ve had the fortune of landing a fair share of bragging-sized trout. It’s probably not because I’m better than you; I just that I get to try more often. And for that matter, so do a lot of others.

Everybody has their own peculiar philosophy about what works, which is cool — but for this purpose, I’d better just stick to what has worked for me.

Whether you have caught one yet or not, you want to, and your shrine of a lure collection confirms it.

10

Gulf Coast Connections Texas Saltwater Fishing

Like any sort of lure fishing, it’s all about patterns, presentations, and timing; a little luck doesn’t hurt either. With big November 2006

trout we just need to tighten it all up a bit. While we can’t argue traditional patterns and places, if we lock ourselves into only what we already know, we will hobble through life wrapped up in a worn out security blanket. That reeks of mediocrity and I doubt many of us fish hard for that reason. I’m going to work a lot of the same areas this year, but take more risks. The

Using lures that make sense.

“Mullet-like” is a good thing.

risks will be spending precious time catching absolutely nothing, but the rewards of discovery can run long.

Places? Most of our bigger fish last year

looks good, STOP, no matter where it might be.

when it’s on, but ‘mullet-like’ is

One thing that looks good is spooky bait which

a good thing for winter. Corkies,

came from areas having a few things in common.

appears to be on the defensive. Sometimes you

and where grassless conditions

Structured shorelines on the west bank near

have to look closely because they are not on the

allow, MirrOlures such as the

deeper contours were big. Depressions in

surface. The art of discovery again, remember?

Catch 5, Catch 2000 and the time

shallow back-bay areas were too, especially

Timing: It’s hard to deny what was seen last

honored 51M will do it.

those just a few hundred yards from deep water.

year, and the years before count too. We caught

Interestingly enough, some of the bigger fish

big fish in all sorts of conditions; from pre-front

and slower” retrieve. That is

came from hard-packed sand. Surprise — there

southerly blows to bluebird post-norther calm.

mostly a situation specific deal.

goes that wintertime mud-stomping myth!

We even caught some during the absolute height

Matter of fact; don’t worry about

of a norther.

what anybody says about proper

The most common characteristic among these places was knee to waist-deep water with

However, there was often more. That voodoo

Don’t worry about the “slow

retrieves. Get in there and make it

distinctive bottom structure that could be found

moon phase stuff seems more pronounced

look like something that needs to be

near deep escape routes. Nothing new here, it’s

during winter, and even the old originators of

eaten and put it where it will.

all pretty simple so far, huh?

such lunacy have written as much. Many times

There is a lot of water out there and I’m

If bottom bumping is called

we would grind where we felt big fish were

for, hopping a Texas Trout Killer

intent on exploring more of it this year. I may not

holding, only to draw blanks or subtle taps until

II on a light jig-head lent a lot of

find what I’m after in every place I search but

‘something’ happened. That ‘something’ was

confidence. Same as my favorite

that’s OK because eliminating water is as good

often the moon rising or setting, especially

Corkies; I like white & chartreuse

a strategy as any. We have excellent tools now.

during big moons. Last year’s February article,

for winter work.

Google Earth and Local.Live.com have satellite

“B-Lister’s Odyssey”, outlined a prime example,

photos that will blow your mind and show us little

although the protagonists were examples of

well and I would prefer them but

nuances known only to birds in a previous era.

things we won’t discuss here.

the windows when winter fish

We need to look and think and then go put our feet on them.

Water Conditions: Every location that

Topwaters can certainly work

will come up are often small.

Weather conditions always hold the trump card however and will override most everything

Let’s don’t be a float head

else. Just because they may not be eating

here. If they won’t come up

produced large trout consistently last year had

doesn’t mean they can’t be caught. They are

or just swirl a topwater,

a similar signature; they were in the murky

somewhere, so we need to be where it makes

by all means take that

stuff with clear water nearby and with good

the most sense for the hour and get a lure in

as a small clue. Best

concentrations of the right kind of bait. Six to

there with them. That’s the grinding part and

topwaters last year

eight inch mullet seemed about right, but they

good things always come to those willing to work.

were She Dogs in

needed to be acting right as well. You can tell

Using lures that make sense: We can

when large predators are in there with them

experiment all we want with “lures not sold in

by various signs, but reading bait is a whole

stores,” but they need to have a few things in

‘nother science of its own. When we see what

common as well. Fish will eat most anything

November 2006

green/chrome …CONTINUED ON PG. 12

Gulf Coast Connections

Texas Saltwater Fishing

11

…CONTINUED FROM PG. 11

leader. Although

Our equipment is what catches and lands these

there is not much

larger fish, so enough cannot be said about

line-cutting structure

quality and care.

here, teeth and barbs

More “Mullet-like” lures.

year is refining the art of stealth. There is, and

opportunity snap away

always will be, a lot of folks out there who are,

more than once. I’m using

ugh, high on passion but low on initiative. It’s

a rod length of twenty-pound fluorocarbon

almost comical, but if you shut down for lunch

by Gamma; a line to line connection with

somebody is probably going to pull a drift right

and chartreuse Skitterwalks, but

either a double surgeon or double uni-knot. A

through the water you were planning to wade

probably because that’s what we

neatly tied and trimmed knot goes through the

next. It may be time to pen Combat Fishing -

were using. If conditions call for a

eyes just fine and gives us that extra advantage.

Part II.

slow but louder presentation, try the

One of the most sinking feelings we can have is

She Dog. For spookier situations,

watching an aristocratic trout you’ve worked so

areas to wade, good people, and I’m good. If

the full-sized Skitterwalk does

hard for swim away, especially while taking your

that doesn’t get your blood up we are genetically

a good job. For more consistent

highest confidence Corky that you keep gluing

different. If this sort of effort appeals to you,

results, drop it down.

back together.

you need to get out there this winter and set

Drag washers are going to get more attention

12

Another thing that needs to be different this

have helped hard-earned

Several things I’m going to do

also, and the standard tub of Shimano Star Drag

differently this year may seem small

Grease is as good as it gets. Yes — we use the

but can have huge consequences.

best of the best of reels, Shimano of course, but

One is taking time to tie on a

even they require a little love for best results.

Gulf Coast Connections Texas Saltwater Fishing

Just give me my Corkies, high percentage

your own personal record. They are here, where are you?

November 2006

November 2006

Gulf Coast Connections Texas Saltwater Fishing

13

“It seems lIke yesterday, but it was long ago”. In fact, it’s been nearly a decade since I was coaching football at Clear Creek High School. Now, some memories of my time on the sidelines stand out among the others; one seems particularly relevant to the life I lead today.

I was a defensive coach, running that side of the ball on the sophomore team and helping with the varsity team too. Our defensive coordinator, Blake Edwards, was a fiery man with sharp instincts for the sport and a knack for putting his players in the right positions and getting them to play hard for him.

One thing he said over and over again on the practice field was, “Don’t be a weatherman!” He yelled this to remind players not to be caught in limbo, looking around confused; in essence, he used it to emphasize the need for focus, leading to quick reads and calculated aggression. There is no place on the defensive side of the ball for players who wait for things to happen. A weatherman might study the sky, musing at the shape of the clouds and the angle of the winds, but a linebacker must decide what’s happening in an instant and flow to the point of attack with purposeful energy.

I picked up on Coach Edward’s motto and began to imitate him, both in practices and 14

Gulf Coast Connections Texas Saltwater Fishing

November 2006

The weatherman thing got me good this day; I enjoyed the beauty of the shoreline and all the creatures there, funny though I didn’t get a single bite while trying to snap a photo of this crab hiding in the grass.

enjoying time on the water. It is wise to pause and smell the roses, so to speak, but this is best done when riding in the boat, taking a on the sidelines during the games. Once, I

are going to see?” Snapping my head sharply

even built an entire pre-game speech around

to one side, I continued, “You’ll see a tornado

the saying. We were matched against the

racing right by you on the way to pay dirt,

Galveston Ball Tornadoes, and I couldn’t help

that‘s what!”

In truth, we played an inspired game that

playing up the obvious weather reference,

day, though I’m sure it had little to do with my

given their nickname.

“It’s kind of nasty out there this afternoon,

theatrics in the locker room before the game.

ain’t it?” I asked the players in the locker room

Coach Edwards came to watch the second

before the kickoff. Most of them shrugged, not

half and helped me make some adjustments

wanting to fall into the trap of admitting they’d

to our scheme. We scratched out victory in

noticed that it was a damp, chilly day, with

a tight, low-scoring game played on a sloppy

drizzling rain driven by a stiff northeast wind.

field in a steady rain.

And when the players gathered around me

“That’s good,” I said. “You guys know better than to be a weatherman when you

after the last play, I quieted them. As I did, I

are out there on that field.” My sophomores

noticed a beam of sunlight breaking through

nodded in unison. “Nobody in here is afraid of

the clouds; it had stopped raining. “Great

Galveston Ball, right? But we have to respect

game fellows!” I screamed, then pointed to

them. They are agile, quick and talented.”

the sky. “Hey look, the weather’s getting a

“And so are we,” I said. “But if we want

lot better, and NOBODY NOTICED!” They

to beat them, we need to keep our heads

erupted in a cheer and crowded close around

in the game for four quarters. Every player

me, raising their helmets in unison.

That was one of my proudest moments

must know what his assignment is and be committed to getting the job done on every

in coaching and now I can see that its

down.” My voice was rising by then.

defining theme has relevance in the world of

I picked out one of the team leaders and

lure fishing. A plugger must also resist the

leaned over in front of him, placing my nose

temptation to look around at the scenery and

inches from his. “Don’t be a weatherman!” I

other irrelevant things when on the water

yelled; his face creased into a serious snarl.

trying to catch fish.

I stood up straight and asked them, “If you are a weatherman today, you know what you

I have myself written that observing the beauty of nature is an important facet of

November 2006

snack break or when admiring a caught fish, not while actually chunking and winding.

It is good to BE a weatherman in one sense; it pays to know what the predicted winds will be, what the tides are doing and whether severe storms are imminent. But excepting the need to monitor the horizon when threatening weather is looming, there is no reason to scan the skies while fishing, especially when wading.

None of the signs that can lead a wader straight to a fish will be found there; they will all be found on or in the water. Anglers who keep their attention and eyes focused and who best sustain concentration in searching for these signs will outperform those who daydream and cast aimlessly.

Experience helps in identifying some of the more obscure fish-indicating signs like subtly nervous water, mud stirs and delicate current rips. It also takes a trained eye behind polarized glasses to see through the surface and recognize fish-holding structures on the bottom like pothole edges, dropoffs and isolated grass beds.

But an eye that is not searching for any of these things certainly will not see them.

Anglers who spend time trying to identify every boat buzzing by on the horizon, to name …CONTINUED ON PG. 16 Gulf Coast Connections Texas Saltwater Fishing

15

The natural beauty of Padre Island can take a grinder’s mind and eyes off the game in front of him.

participation sport, not a spectator sport. A lure chunker is part athlete and part artisan; a weatherman he is not. While in his element, he is much like a linebacker in a football game.

In order to make big plays, the player and the

…CONTINUED FROM PG. 15

all the ducks and shorebirds they see or who are

eyes; some are found through the ears and the

constantly having verbal duels with their buddies

nose. The sound of a trout attacking a mullet

will inevitably fail to notice some potentially

can lead good listeners straight to a feeding

important signs. I find that guiding makes it

fish, and perceptive anglers often smell the fish

harder for me to fish with optimal focus because

they catch before hooking the first one. Even

of this; my obligation to pay attention to my

anglers fishing in the dead of night can locate

customers and verbally instruct them detracts

fish through these means; in that specialized

from my ability to concentrate fully on the minutia

case, the auditory, olfactory and tactile senses

of details around us.

are elevated in importance.

It’s important to maintain both an open eye

plugger must correctly and quickly interpret subtle signs and react appropriately. Like top performers in all sports, the best anglers create their own private worlds where all superfluous things are shut out and full concentration is devoted to the details of the game.

In daylight, it’s the eyes that count the most,

and an open mind when scouring the water for

especially when fishing in clear water. Only

signs indicating the presence of fish. Unlike a

anglers with active eyes can see what is possibly

football player, who is coached on what keys to

the most important of all the signs — the sight

“read” during the week of practice leading up to

of a striking or following fish. Attracting the

each game, a lure chunker must be able to figure

attention of the fish is often much easier than is

out the signs that are most important from day to

triggering them to strike and stick.

day, even hour by hour. What should the plugger be looking for?

Billy Sandifer said it best: “Look for nothing in particular, but see everything that is there.”

In other words, a session should begin

Most moderately attentive anglers will know when a fish aggressively blows up a topwater plug, but sometimes fish slash by under the plug without striking or trail along behind, pushing up subtle, but discernible wakes seen only

without pre-conceived notions of what signs

by a focused few. The most alert anglers will

will lead to the fish, but all clues should be

sometimes become aware of fish following sub-

run through a mental filter and factored into

surface lures too.

the fish-finding equation once the fishing

Top-notch pluggers are always ready to

begins. Becoming one with the setting, the

respond when a fish has been coaxed into

most accomplished anglers sink metaphorically

showing interest in the lure. Anglers who stay

into their surroundings, scanning slowly and

poised like a shortstop eager to pounce on a

purposefully, scouring every inch of available

ground ball will have the best chance of making

water, like an osprey or heron will.

the right moves to motivate finicky fish.

Of course, not all clues come through the 16

Gulf Coast Connections Texas Saltwater Fishing

In the final analysis, lure fishing is a November 2006

November 2006

Gulf Coast Connections Texas Saltwater Fishing

17

Is there anything better in the outdoors than the bend of a rod and big splash at sunrise? As a matter a fact, there is: having a wife and daughter who enjoy spending time with dad on the water and in the field.

I am one of those guys who cherish the little things in life. The colors in an autumn sunset, the chill of a late-afternoon boat ride, the high-pitched sound of squawking sea gulls diving on shrimp, the serenity of a placid bay, the smell of a wet dog and the cacophonous clamor of a waterfowl roost.

That’s probably why I love November so much.

November puts people in a different mood — a more loving, caring, thanking and concern for your fellow man mood. Obviously, Thanksgiving plays a role in the attitude of many. I wish I could put November in a bottle and pour a drop on someone when actions warrant it.

Since we will be sitting down at our tables this month, giving thanks to the Lord for family, deliverance from trials, forgiveness of sins and the many blessings heaped on us that we do not always deserve, I thought I would list a few things I thank God for this year and for a lifetime. These 18

Gulf Coast Connections Texas Saltwater Fishing

are only outdoor-related joys, in no particular

job, but it is much harder to leave the family now.

order. If I listed everything, Everett would have to

I guess that comes with age. Being with my girls

add a dozen or more pages to this issue.

and meeting their needs is much more important

I’ll start with thanking America for allowing

to me than flying to Florida to catch a snook. What

me to make my own choices without the thumb

is even better is sharing a day on the water with

of a dictator pressing against my will. I thank

them, or taking both of them on their first duck

the military for their service, respect, honor and

hunt back in September. I have said it before and

bravery in defending our flag. I cannot begin to

I will say it again, I have never received any static

imagine what it feels like to be away from family

from my wife for hunting and fishing; and, believe

in a faraway land full of sand. We often forget

me, if you saw my log book containing how many

there are plenty of other men and women serving

days I spend in the field and on the water, you

in other lands besides the Middle East. Again, I

would consider her a saint. Thanks Shelly and Mal

cannot begin to comprehend what you are going

for loving Daddy.

through, but I want to offer heart-felt “thanks” for

I want to thank God for being a Texan. You

doing it.

never really know how good you have it until you

I am thankful for a loving wife and precious

spend time in other places. Sure, South Florida

daughter who support the leader of their house

has bigger snook and speckled trout, but it “ain’t”

with unconditional love. When I was younger, I was

Texas. Louisiana has great duck hunting and

gone much more from the house on hunting and

wonderful fishing, but it ain’t Texas. Minnesota has

fishing trips. I still make those trips as part of my

great goose hunting, but it ain’t Texas. The Florida Keys is a great place to see a bunch of tarpon, and November 2006

other things I particularly do not care for, and it sure ain’t Texas.

There are many good people in other places, but not near as many as in Texas. I spend several days a year outside of Texas, and always say the same thing when I get

Matagorda that afternoon. I am thankful I live on

back, “man, I am glad I live in Texas.”

the coast and am able to enjoy both hunting and

“I Was Country, When Country Wasn’t Cool.”

fishing within close proximity of my home; and, am

With that said, Gulf Coast Connections was,

sunsets. They are beautiful on

thankful my dad is still around to hunt and fish with

“conservation, when conservation wasn’t cool.”

Matagorda Bay, especially in the fall.

me. I have a four-year streak of catching a limit of

There is no place like late afternoon

trout on Thanksgiving Day — I plan to make it five.

I am thankful for sunrises and

on a placid East Bay in November

I am thankful for the ethics and conservation-

when there is just enough chill in the

minded editorial content in this magazine. It takes

air to turn your ear lobes red. Ducks

time, but Texans’ mind-sets are changing from

hastening to their marsh pond roost,

“kill everything you catch” to “harvest only what

gulls picking their last shrimp before

you intend to consume.” I see it every time I run

nightfall and skies overflowing with

a charter. Ten years ago people were concerned

brilliant reds, oranges and blues make

with “limiting out.” Now, I rarely hear it. Most of

even agnostics consider there might be a God.

Barbara Mandrell and George Jones sang,

So I say, “Thanks” to the writers and editor of GCC for their love and compassion of our oceans and bay estuaries.

It is a pleasure to be a part of this publication.

my clients are concerned with spending time with friends on the water, learning new tactics, enjoying

I am thankful for my lifestyle and for my readers. I have a great job writing and

being away from the office and catching fish if

photographing the outdoors. I thank all for the

conditions warrant it. I can’t tell you how many

positive emails and even the critical ones. I read

times I hear, “Man, this sure beats being at work,”

them all and try to respond to everyone. If you ever

or “What a beautiful day!”

see me out and about in the outdoors, feel free to

Attitudes are changing. They must, according

introduce yourself. I am the same ole’ Bink Grimes

to Texas Parks and Wildlife statistics, 2,000 new

I was before the books and magazine articles. God

fishers are finding out how special the Texas

has blessed me immeasurably and I know where

coast is each month. If we want to enjoy the same

success breathes. One of my dad’s favorite sayings

pleasures of today, we must take measures to

about success is, “Son, when you think you are

sustain our fishery for an ever-growing population.

something, you are nothing.” I take it to heart.

Anglers must leave their egos at the dock for the

I am thankful to be able to enjoy November.

good of the fishery. Gone are the days of running

Ducks, geese, trout and redfish — sometimes

a fillet knife through trophy trout. Gone are the

it is a tough decision. When the wind blows, I

days of 40-trout, over-the-shoulder “hero” shots.

go hunting. When the wind calms, I go fishing.

Gone are the days of keeping fish just so you

Normally, it is a win-win with either prospect. My

could prove you caught a limit. This magazine has

dad and I usually hunt Thanksgiving morning,

been a pro-active beacon in shaping new angler

come home, eat lunch, and then fish East

attitudes, while reshaping many “old salts.”

November 2006

Gulf Coast Connections Texas Saltwater Fishing

19

20

Gulf Coast Connections Texas Saltwater Fishing

November 2006

November 2006

Gulf Coast Connections Texas Saltwater Fishing

21

Bodie Allen hAd strung his eighth flounder and figured that it was time to head back to the boat.

His friend Tommy was huffing and puffing trying to keep up with Bodie’s long stride and was struggling with the lantern and gig he was carrying.

He had only one flounder on his stringer and was carelessly dragging it behind him on the sand. Suddenly, Bodie stopped walking and turning towards the bay, turned his lantern off and just stood there staring out into the darkness. “You hear that Tommy?” “Hear what?” asked Tommy… “All I can hear is my own heart pounding. Can we please slow down a little?”

Bodie turned and told Tommy to turn his lantern off and when Tommy started to protest a curt look from the big man told him he wasn’t kidding and Tommy complied. Standing in the darkness on a hot summer night wasn’t exactly Tommy’s cup of tea and he started to imagine all sorts of things; rattlesnakes crawling over his feet, bats getting tangled in his hair, and when he imagined Karankawa Indians moving about in the salt grass he couldn’t stand it anymore and was about to complain when Bodie whispered to him. “Do you hear those cattle Tommy boy?” And by gosh Tommy could hear cattle, but there was only water out there, what in the world would cattle be doing out in the middle of the bay?

He was about to ask Bodie just that when Bodie said, “Rustlers!” “Someone is stealing Mr. Connor’s cattle and barging them out of here.” “Bodie, rustlers have guns and stuff, let’s get out of here!” Tommy said. Bodie said nothing in reply; he just stood there staring out into the dark bay, his jaw clinched and when the sounds of cattle could no longer be heard he told Tommy, “Let’s go.”

Stumbling in the dark and trying to keep up with his fast moving friend, Tommy ran into the broad back of Bodie and face first into one of the flounder that were hanging by a stringer over Bodie’s shoulder. The sharp teeth of the flounder found Tommy’s nose and he screamed in pain. Even Bodie jumped a little at the sound and figured that a rattler must have hit Tommy or that he stepped on a dead hard head or something. Bodie lit his 22

Gulf Coast Connections Texas Saltwater Fishing

lantern and in the glare he saw Tommy sitting on

moving them to another pasture. The tracks left by

the sand holding his bloody nose, his lantern and

the cattle led to an old channel that was used by an

gig lying in the sand. “Quit fooling around, pick up

oil company years ago. The channel was about a

your stuff and get in the boat!” Bodie said. “I want

foot deeper than the surrounding water and was just

to get back to Port O’Connor and check on some

perfect for a small cattle boat. The two cattlemen

things before daylight.”

stood there by the water looking and figuring how the

Tommy stowed his gig and lantern and feeling the teeth marks on his nose with his fingers he climbed

crime was committed then headed back to the truck.

Mr. Connor was not a happy man and told Bodie

into the flat bottom boat. Bodie shoved off from the

that he was going to contact the local sheriff and

shore, jumped in and started the small outboard. The

file a report. Bodie however had another idea. He

short ride back to the docks was a quiet one with

asked his employer and old friend to hold off on

Bodie deep in thought and the only sound other than

contacting the local law and give him a little time

the hum of the motor was Tommy groaning each and

to have a look around and do some investigating

every time he felt his now swollen nose.

himself. Mr. Connor looked at Bodie and asked

The next morning Bodie paid a visit to his boss

what was on his mind and Bodie simply said, “They

Mr. Connor, filled him in on the events of the night

took them on my watch and I’d like to think I can

before and together they drove to the holding pens

get them back.” That was good enough for the old

down at Crown Point. Sure enough there were nine

rancher and Bodie told him what he knew on the

steers missing that were being held there prior to

ride back to the ranch headquarters.

November 2006

That afternoon Bodie walked into Haddon’s

some mullet that were being harassed by some

Place and found the usual group of fishermen and

good sized Trout. As he was stringing one Tommy

cattlemen hanging about and Tommy and someone

had to ask. “Bodie, how’d you know that fella I

Bodie didn’t recognize playing pool. Bodie sat

was playing pool with was involved in stealing Mr.

down at his usual place at the bar and Eloisa the

Connor’s cattle?” “I thought they were pretty good

bartender brought him a hot cup of coffee. “Heard

old boys.” Bodie looked at his old friend and smiled.

ya’ll lost some cows last night Bodie,” Eloisa said.

Said, “your pool playing buddy was wearing Texas

Bodie grimaced and asked, “Did Tommy tell you that

Two Step snake boots and the tracks leading from

Eloisa?” “Nope, heard three guys talking about an

the holding pen down to the water Tommy…one of

hour ago that they’d heard some cows got stolen

the rustlers had on a pair of Texas Two Step snake

from the Connor place last night. “These guys still

boots.” “Those boots have a snake design imbedded

around?” asked Bodie. “Two of them left about 15

in the heel and it leaves a pretty nice track.” “But

minutes ago but one’s still here; he’s over there

Bodie, a LOT of people wear that type of boot here

playing pool with Tommy.” “They’ve been buying him

in rattler country, how’d you know it was that old

beer in here for the last week or so and he’s been

boy?” asked Tommy. “Well you old son of a gun,

hanging around with them when they’re in here.”

when Eloisa told me you had been hanging around

Bodie moved over to the jukebox and nodded

those fellas it was pretty easy to figure out it had to

to his friend while the other guy took a shot at the

be them.” Bodie replied. “Tommy, the only person

eight ball. Bodie looked down at the man’s boots

besides me and Mr. Connor that knew those cattle

and smiled. “How’s your nose today Tommy?” Bodie

were at Crown Point were some of the ranch hands

asked. “Sore as heck Bodie, I can’t even touch it and

that have worked for Mr. Connor for twenty years…

the wife put alcohol on it last night and this morning

and you.” “I told you that I had to get those steers

and that just made it hurt worse.” “Did you hear that

moved over there and you were the only other

last night Mr. Connor lost 50 head of cattle?” The

person who knew.” “When Eloisa told me that you’d

stranger looked up and said “50 head, no way we

been hanging around here with some strangers

only took…” The man made a move to run but Bodie

who were buying you beer I figured maybe the

was faster and grabbed him by the arm and swung

subject of those cattle

him around and right into Tommy who fell into the

may have come up in

jukebox and busted his already battered nose right on

conversation.” “Then

the Wurlitzer logo. Tommy screamed in pain…again.

when I saw those boots on your new friend,

The cattle rustler made another run for the door and Bodie reached up and grabbed an old

well let’s just say it all

Lamiglass rod with a mint Ambassadeur 5000 on

came together.”

Tommy looked at his

it that had an old Super Spook tied to its line. It did make for a nice decoration in the bar and as Bodie

friend with his mouth

found out still cast just fine. The big lure with three

open and his swollen

treble hooks sailed over the right shoulder of the

nose throbbing and

thief as he ran and Bodie set the hooks with all

said, “So it’s my fault

his strength. “I swear Tommy this old boy screams

that Mr. Connor got

louder than you do when he’s got something ailing

his cows stole?” Bodie

him!” Bodie said. Bodie handed Tommy the rod and

looked at his friend,

reel and said, “Here, hold a tight line on him for a

shook his head no and

minute while I ask him a few questions and if he

said, “Let’s just forget

don’t want to talk, well just you try walking the dog

about the cows and

with that old lure and stiff rod a few times and we’ll

concentrate on these

see what he says then.”

Trout…when they leave

The thief confessed to everything and gave

they don’t leave tracks

Bodie the names of those involved. The Sheriff’s

that are as easy to

department recovered the stolen cattle and the boat

follow as those made

used in the thefts and carted the thieves off to jail.

by Texas Two Step

Two paramedics worked on Tommy’s nose while

snake boots.”

he screamed and finally got the bleeding stopped.

Be Safe.

Bodie thought Tommy looked a lot like a shorter and fatter W. C. Fields.

The next morning Bodie was casting towards November 2006

Gulf Coast Connections Texas Saltwater Fishing

23

The CoasTal Bend

Bays Foundation has chosen me and my business (Padre Island Safaris) to receive one of its annual Conservation/Environmental Stewardship Awards this year. I was chosen to receive the Small Business Award for leadership for placing a high priority on protecting the region’s environment.

The main focus for the award is the Big Shell Beach Cleanup with various other odds and ends thrown in.

Y’all might have figured out by now that I don’t require a lot of personal acknowledgment or praise to do what I believe in, but I will humbly accept the award on the behalf of every hardworking and overlooked volunteer who has given of their time and energy by participating in these events over the years.

My thanks to the Coastal Bend Bays Foundation for acknowledging the efforts of these volunteers who by their very actions stand out as exceptional examples to all. My personal thoughts at present are consumed with escalating problems existing currently on PINS beaches and with very real concerns for the future of the usage of the beaches of PINS rather than sitting around patting myself on the back. I’d like to share some of them with you.

The number of visitors utilizing the four wheel drive beach of PINS on weekends is increasing

at a mind-boggling rate. Unfortunately the rate of speed while driving on the beach and the lack

Pamela Mitchell with a catch-photo-release Jack Crevalle on Sept. 27 2006.

24

Gulf Coast Connections Texas Saltwater Fishing

of consideration for other beachgoers and the

users and is not the answer. If you feel that you

creatures that inhabit the area are increasing at

must do this, we ask that you at least insure there

a similar pace. I recently read a long “thread” on

is a safe driving area around your camp so that we

a well-read internet message board where beach

can pass without having to drive over old lumber

users were deeply distressed at the number of

full of nails and other trash. There are many battles

vehicles careening through their camps at high

ahead for continued use of the beach and dividing

speeds. The accounts indicated that vehicles often

our forces now over issues such as these is a move

come dangerously close to small children, pets and

we simply cannot afford.

We, the beach users, must work out

the camps themselves. Then the thread turned to means of protecting you and your family from

practical solutions to these and other problems

such vehicles. Digging trenches across the traveled

or they will become ammunition hurled back at

roadway were discussed as were other, more

us by those who want to eliminate driving on

threatening, measures.

the beach. I’ll bet you on that one!

The Sharkathon-3 Tournament has come and

Whoa folks! Let’s take a deep breath and think about all this. How ‘bout we leave road rage in town

gone with 219 entries. Overall it went well, but it

and work on keeping the beach a place for people

was not without some growing pains that need to

to come to enjoy nature.

be addressed. It must be remembered that neither the overall number of participants nor the amount

The solution is simple; get your foot off that gas pedal. Speed limit is 25-mph on all Texas beaches

of prizes given will ever qualify an event as a

unless it is posted as less. The northern stretch of

success. This event started and continues as an

beach nearest the end of the pavement is posted as

“eco-friendly” event and steps need to be taken to

15 mph. slow down when approaching camps

insure that this premise remains foremost in the

and be alert at all times for the unexpected

mind of all participants.

movements of children, pets and others.

Emphasis on bringing out trash seemed less

Digging trenches is illegal and dangerous.

of an issue in this year’s event and one extremely

One of the problems with this practice is that most

trashy campsite remained immediately south

of the trenches remain after the people leave.

of the 25-mile dune after everybody pulled out.

Realistically, these folks are leaving booby traps

Unbelievably, as least to me personally, there was

scattered along the beachfront.

also an incident of coyote fishing discovered during

Others are intentionally blocking the roadway to force folks to go around their camps. This practice

involved were participants in the Sharkathon but

increases bad feelings among beach

Park Ranger Jason Lichtblau removing the remaining stump of the 55-mile marker post.

the event. I do not know whether the individuals the timing is bizarre.

Steve Naylor with a nice surf redfish; sight-casting with flygear on Sept. 28, 2006.

November 2006

For those who may not know, the

to figure that one out and what I

practice of coyote fishing has popped

have come to wonder is maybe

up every now and then as long as I can

folks bought that equipment for

remember. One individual went to the

this one single outing and have

Federal Pen over it several years ago.

no other use for it. So rather than take it home and

It involves the unimaginable practice of

stow it, they simply leave it there.

baiting a large J-style hook with a piece

This past weekend a long time annual “kill”

of meat or fish and taking it out behind

tournament took place on PINS. While many of the

the dunes on the National Seashore

camp sites were spotless; far too many others were

which is also a game refuge. A foraging

littered with trash. For seventeen years they have

coyote eats the bait and hook and is

been having this tournament in one of our nation’s

cranked in on the rod and reel and

National Seashore treasures and still they leave

beaten to death with a shovel or other

it littered. They have also ignored pleas to take a

instrument. I can’t explain why because

stand and participate in the annual Big Shell Beach

I have never been able to fathom it and

Cleanup for over a decade although they are the

I’ve been in some awful tough places

single one biggest user event of the area.

filled with some rough ol’ boys.

Malicious mischief is appearing

Tournaments bring additional visitors to PINS. As such; the organizers of these events are personally

down south for the first time in many

responsible for the conduct of participants for they

years. It seems this latest round started

are the ones who brought them there. A certain

with individuals moving the data markers

amount of policing of these events must be done by

at ridley turtle nesting sites and has now

organizers if the events can ever gain credibility as

escalated to the point where the post

responsible users of this resource.

marking the 26-mile beach and the official

If you encounter dangerous speeders on the PINS

55-mile marker post have been chopped

beaches, get their vehicle license number and report

down. I recently came upon Park Ranger

the incident to PINS personnel at 361-949-8173.

Jason Lichtblau digging out the stump of the

Same holds true for individuals observed in other

55-mile marker post. Jason then cut it off

illegal activities. It’s your beach; help be a part of

below ground level with a chain saw to insure

keeping it safe for everyone to use.

no one ran into the butt end which was left

Be Careful, Be Courteous, Be Kind!

sticking several feet out of the ground by the vandals who chopped it down.

It angered me to think of the wasted four hour

CAPT. BILLY SANDIFER

drive in a government vehicle through bad driving conditions by a park ranger with plenty of other tasks to accomplish. All this because someone couldn’t find anything better to do in this natural wonder but chop down one of the mileage posts put there for his benefit. WHAT’S UP WITH THAT? The amount of trash left by visitors is at a higher level today than I have ever seen in my life. The beach immediately alongside the Port Mansfield jetty now resembles a garbage dump on most days in spite of the efforts of various PINS volunteers, yours truly included. We simply can’t keep up.

The newest wrinkle seems to be camping for several days and then just up and leaving your entire camp behind and going home.

I’m talking general camp trash, tents, tarps, sleeping bags and the whole shebang. Tried These photos were made following a recent fishing tournament on PINS. It would be appropriate that tournament promoters would police their participants. Trashing the beaches in this manner is unacceptable.

November 2006

Billy operates Padre Island Safaris.

His specialties are fishing for sharks to specks in the Padre Island surf and bayfishing for trout and redfish from a poled skiff.

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

Gulf Coast Connections Texas Saltwater Fishing

25

Maybe it was reading Jack London’s Call of the wild as a boy or maybe from staring at all those images in hunting and fishing magazines, but for as long as I can remember the mere mention of Alaska has always made the hair stand on the back of my neck. They call it the Great Land and the name fits in every respect; from the mighty rivers, to the majestic peaks, back down to the ocean, it’s like no place I’ve ever seen.

The planning for this latest adventure began at the Houston Boat Show in January 2005. We were set up next to Rod and Randy Berg’s rod-n-real alaskan Fishing Charters, and for ten straight days we were taunted by a stack of photo albums and videos. We’d made a quick four day visit to Alaska’s Kenai Peninsula in 2000, but the stuff on their table said we needed to go back. Save for the small matter of a halfdozen tropical storms and three hurricanes last summer, we’d have gone then. This year was different though, and we flew out of Houston’s Bush Intercontinental Airport on a direct Continental flight to Anchorage on August 27.

The flight was like the night before Christmas. Pam dumped a pile of Alaskan fishing magazines in my carry-on bag and for nearly six hours all I did was thumb pages and stare at pictures, way too keyed up to read. Finally we touched down to a perfect sunny afternoon (rare there), jumped in the rent car and sped south toward Seward, Soldotna and Homer.

Being a clear day, we saw tons of stuff we’d missed on our first trip. And being a Sunday meant all the residents

26

Gulf Coast Connections Texas Saltwater Fishing

were trailering their boats back north to Anchorage so they could go to work on Monday. Everybody fishes in Alaska, or at least that’s what the bumper-to-bumper northbound traffic had me believing as we hurried toward Soldotna.

Checking in was easy, Rod had us all set up in one of their eight cabins, right on the bank of the Kenai River. I was making my third trip hauling gear when our neighbor came running up with an eight pound silver he’d just landed from the dock. Pam was running around in the woods behind the house trying to get a good picture of a cow moose. Why do I always get the fun jobs?

Heading back for the last load, I bumped into the camp host. The Berg’s have the place set up with a 24/7 on-site team who assist with everything from fishing tackle, boots and raingear to local directions, where to shop and eat, and of course shooing moose out of the yard. I was handed two neatlytyped pages of itinerary for our seven day stay and hurriedly informed that if I needed anything else the hosts would be down at the dock… the neighbor’s wife had just hooked

another big silver.

The itinerary declared our first day’s fishing adventure would be a halibut trip on Cook Inlet. Rod and Randy have an office at Ninilchik about 40-miles from Soldotna to handle their halibut charter business. There we met Dave, our boat captain, who signed us in, checked our licenses and placed all our gear in the boat. Trailering to Deep Creek where we would launch took only a couple minutes and we were soon next in line to go.

Now the folks at Deep Creek have a very unique way of launching boats. It begins by unhooking your trailer from the truck and taking a seat in the boat. Next, a behemoth

November 2006

of a John Deere roars up in a cloud of diesel and shoves the whole rig into the ocean.

The boat floats off and the tractor drags the trailer up the beach and parks it. Different; but then how else could you do it on a shoreline covered with volleyball-size rocks where the tide can change 25 feet in the span of a few hours?

Being nuts about flounder, Pam and I were dying to get into the halibut. A thirty minute run to the south had us anchored and lowering baits in hopes for 100-pounders. The currents though were running at a wicked 7.5 knots and even 5pound weights were hardly enough to get the baits down where the really big fish lurk. After nearly two hours of dogged effort Captain Dave opted to abandon the mission and moved us to a place where “we’d get lots of chickens” as they call the smaller halibut.

Let me tell you, 2-pound weights in 80foot depths are a walk in the park compared to 5-pounders in 300-feet. And even if we wouldn’t get a shot at a barn door the chickens were plentiful and made for great sport. We marveled as fish after fish in the 15 to 20-pound class kept our rods doubledover three and four at a time. For a couple of South Texas flounder freaks this was a fun game; and the halibut fillets alone are worth the trip.

The boat ride back was spectacular with plumes of several active volcanoes plainly visible in the clear afternoon sky. Sea otters, puffins and a host of rare shorebirds just added icing to the experience. The folks from Deep Creek Custom Packing who handle all the fish processing, freezing, and shipping chores for Rod-n-Real customers met us back at the Ninilchik office. They take great care with the containers and

name tags to insure that each angler receives the fish they checked in and the processing is performed exactly as ordered.

Our fish arrived home via UPS, vacuum bagged, still frozen like a rock, and in perfect shape. All that’s required when it’s time to cook is thawing them out.

Day Two took us back north about 90miles to the seaport of Seward. Resurrection Bay is one of Alaska’s premier venues for salmon, ling cod, halibut and rock bass. Like the branch office at Ninilchik, Rod-n-Real maintains a full-time operation at Seward, running charters in season for all the available species. Our targets here would be silvers, rock bass and maybe a halibut or two if we were lucky. The tackle we would use was much lighter and the depths were less than 30-feet on average which made the fishing considerably easier than the heavytackle halibut game and not much different than our light tackle work at home.

Our captain was a true professional and looked the part of the rugged seafarer that he is. At only 29, you wouldn’t guess he’s packing 15 years of charter fishing experience, but Eric started as a deckhand when he was barely 14, so do the math.

Friends call him ‘Popeye’ and one look confirms it, Eric’s forearms resemble most folk’s thighs. That’s what a decade and a half of hardcore halibut fishing will do for a young man.

The ride to the fishing grounds was an hour filled pleasantly with local fact and lore and the scenery was breathtaking. Giant granite spires sprouted from the sea-green depths and rose into the sea mist. A colony of sea lions “Aarrpped” their protests as we idled close for photos and every crevice in

November 2006

the granite made a perch for one rare sea bird or another.

Reaching our first stop, Eric unrolled the rods and gave us a quick lesson in mooching; a vertical jigging technique wherein a banana shaped weight causes a lure or dead bait to spiral enticing as it falls through the water. We had to make several moves but Eric knows his trade. Drifting a small inlet about two miles offshore one of Alaska’s many glaciers did the trick. We literally fought heavy-weight silvers until our arms ached.

Day Three found us airborne, winging over Cook Inlet toward Big River Lakes and more salmon than you could shake a graphite rod at, but that will have to wait for next month. Y’all come back now ya hear!

Gulf Coast Connections Texas Saltwater Fishing

27

I have many dads as well

as moms ask me how old should a child be when you start teaching them to fish. My answer is, “as soon as they can hold a fishing pole, even if they need your help to hold it.” I have family photos of myself and my children with fish and fishing gear at ages that neither they nor I can truly remember.

Activities we do with our children at very young ages are very important in molding and shaping their adult lives. My father was a high school football coach. He spent his life dedicated to shaping lives. Winning was important but it took a back seat to morality and self-disciple. I have had three men in my life that have helped me in my adult years and one woman. These have been God, my father, my grandfather on my mother’s side, my true grit mother and Pat Smith my junior high principal and family friend. All of the above loved fisherman or were and still are fishermen except mom.

All of these men and women set forth ground rules that were simple to follow. Do as you were asked and all went well. Stray from that path and face the consequences. None of the above enforced the consequences with anger. Punishment was set down with the BEST INTREST of the child at its core. Not until I was a parent myself did I feel the pain of enforcing rules. IT DOES HURT US MORE THAN IT HURTS THEM. I have had many difficulties in my life but NEVER ONCE have I thought for one moment that someone else was to blame for my problems.

At this point your probably wondering what this all has to do with fishing and starting them out young.

Fishing was the one of the tools my grandfather and father used to help give me the desire to do the right things in life.

My mother tells a story of the hard times my family faced financially and emotionally after losing my sister, Sandra Kay at age 15. My father wanted to buy a bay boat so we could get to some better fishing grounds. We fished from piers and the banks for years and did quite well I thought, but a boat, wow that would really put us in the fish. My mom was more financial minded I think and when she told my dad she did not think we could afford 28

Gulf Coast Connections Texas Saltwater Fishing

a boat my dad said he did not think we could afford not to have one. He believed that he needed to occupy as much of my time with good stuff instead of all the other stuff, some not so good that young men and women can get involved in when in their early teens.

In the 70’s it was pretty bad I guess but today it appears to be so much worse. The boat would be the classroom on weekends where I would learn far more about life than fishing. It was while fishing that my father and grandfather had my full attention.

I would have done anything to ensure a fishing trip on Saturday after football films or after work in the summer months. Mom always went, I do not think my mom likes to fish that much but she knew we did so she joined us.

The family structure was stronger then it seems, families ate together at night and talked at the dinner table about the day’s events. I rode to school with my dad and sat with my parents in church on Sunday. Many of my friends thought that I was not too cool, and at times I must admit I felt the same way myself. Today I feel lucky to have been loved so much. I realize now that I was not cool, I was blessed.

What is it that our children can learn from spending time fishing or hunting? Everett (GCC editor) does not give me enough space in the magazine to write about all the pluses so I will hit what I think were the high points for me.

When planning a fishing trip, my grandfather would have everything ready the night before. We fished for crappie on Taylor’s Bayou around Port Arthur or on Lake of the Pines in East Texas where my grandparents retired. I can still close my eyes and see that thin quill cork lying flat on the slick surface of the water. Suddenly it tilts upward and then disappears. With the lift of the cane pole, the

Jay Ray and Ryan in Grand Isle, LA.

hook is set and a nice white perch is lifted to the side of the boat. My grandfather loved to fish and I think he especially loved to fish with me.

I learned to make ready for the fishing trip; check the poles, collect the bait, freeze water for ice and get up as soon as the alarm went off. I helped clean the fish and the boat at the end of the day. I learned that even work can be fun and if you are going to do something do it right.

My dad thought fishing was like life; some days it was nothing but catching and others it was just fishing. In life we do not always obtain the outcome we wish or even strive for, but we do not stop trying.

Fishing teaches us to be patient and persistent; good things come to those who wait. There are no guarantees that come with fishing, nor do they come in life. With fishing, we get out of each experience only what we put into it, and I believe our lives are the same way.

As a teen, my dad would let me take the boat out by myself on some occasions. Look at the responsibility you have to all of those going with you he would instruct before every outing.

Fishing taught me responsibility to others, what an important life lesson that is.

Fishing also instilled a strong work ethic in me as a pre-teen and teenager. If I wanted a new lure or new rod and reel, I worked for it. Mowing lawns and cleaning flower beds around the neighbor hood was good work for a youngster back them and I was pretty good at it. I still love to mow the yard and weed flowerbeds. I believe I have carried this learned work ethic into my adult life.

Fishing is not an instant gratification type of thing. I learned to wait patently for opportunities and I learned to never become discouraged when the fishing was less than I had expected. Life is this way many times; our daily experiences with our jobs and

Brothers competing but bonding at the same time as dad watches.

November 2006

November 2006

Gulf Coast Connections Texas Saltwater Fishing

29

friends are often way less than we expected but we keep going.

Fishing taught me to keep trying and to do it with a good attitude and greater expectations towards the next outcome. Fishing also taught me that no matter how hard you work, you sometimes fail. Failing does not make us losers; not trying again is when you become a loser.

Tournament fishing has taught me many things.

I have won some but fell short many times. Losing still stinks, leaves me feeling sick in the pit of my stomach, but I smile and I am truly happy for those that bested me for I know the price they have paid.

Life again is this way, not always fair, good does not always prevail, but we continue. Fishing has taught some of these qualities.

Most all who know me know that I have spent most of my adult life on the water. My boys started fishing before they could stand on their own and have developed a true love for the sport. Jay Ray is guiding in Rockport and Ryan has taken his fishing with him to Stephen F. Austin, where he is attending college. Ryan is on the Stephen F. Austin Bass Fishing Team and has already collected his first check as a tournament angler.

My sons and I are known as the Watkins Boys on the tournament trail. I never go anywhere when someone does not have something positive to say

30

Gulf Coast Connections Texas Saltwater Fishing

about how lucky we are to have the opportunity to fish together. I have my most fond memories of the boys while fishing. I find myself looking back and thinking how much I appreciate them wanting to spend time with dad. Thanks guys, you are my number one fishing partners.

You see fishing is still aiding me in life. It has allowed me to laugh and cry both behind the scenes and in public with my children. This shows our children true emotion and I believe emotion is something our children need to see in us. I have been blessed to have spent many emotional moments while fishing with my boys.

I became so emotional when Ryan won his first Junior Troutmasters that I could not speak. When Jay Ray and I won a Troutmasters team event in our hometown his senior year, I cried for all to see.

When Jay Ray and I did not catch a fish on day three after making the top five in the Port Aransas F.L.W. Redfish Tournament this year we both got a little teary eyed when we walked off the stage. The first to greet us with tears in his eyes was Ryan.

Where was it that he learned not to be afraid to show his emotions?

Fishing has had a tremendous impact on my life and it has been my greatest tool in raising my boys. And in fact as I think back over all those great experiences I’m getting a bit teary right now

so I will close.

Take your children fishing as much as possible. Make them responsible for duties that go with getting ready for the trip. Talk to them about who they are and what they want to be during the day. Instruct them to always find life’s cup of coffee half full and never half empty. Show and tell them you love them and see what happens.

May your fishing always be catching.

November 2006

November 2006

Gulf Coast Connections Texas Saltwater Fishing

31

Have you ever looked

overboard as you crossed deep water and thought, “I wonder what’s swimming around down there?” Maybe you’ve watched anglers with conventional tackle anchor up in a deep channel and start landing redfish. Ever tried fly tackle in water like that? No? Why not? You can do it with a technique call dredging.

Dredging is essentially the act of presenting a fly at or near the bottom in deep water. Deep, of course, is a relative term. “Deep” to an offshore boat is entirely different than “deep” to a dude casting a fly rod in Mitchell’s Cut, Pass Cavallo, or the Lydia Ann Channel. For fly casting, I consider deep water anything in the 15-20 ft. range. So… why would you want to try to fly fish in 20 ft. of water, and more importantly, how? Let’s answer the “why” first.

In simple terms the answer is, “Because there are fish down there.” During periods of adverse temperatures (both cold and hot) predator and prey often retreat to deep water for comfort.

Deep water acts as a buffer, protecting fish from extremes. Fish find sanctuary in these dark protected places. If you take the time to learn where they are, and develop the angling skills required to fish them, you can greatly expand your success with a fly rod. Now let’s look at the “how.”

There are essentially 4 elements to dredging — a sinking line, a highly visible or audible fly, patience, and a good imagination. We’ll start with the line. There are many different types of sinking lines you can use to fish deep water. I prefer weight forward uniform sinking lines because I am better able to consistently predict their sink rate and the resulting position of the fly. Nothing wrong

with sink tip lines or the more exotic lead core shooting heads and running lines, I just prefer the performance of the uniform sinking lines.

The Scientific Anglers Mastery Striper Taper Fly Line, and the Cortland 444 SL Steady Sink Fly Line are both good lines for dredging. Depending on current and other variables, these lines can sink as fast as 6 inches per second. Once you rig up with a sinking line, the leader is a no-brainer.

No tapers are required. I prefer a short (4 ft) section of 17 lb fluorocarbon pulled straight off the spool. Fluorocarbon is tough and slightly denser than nylon mono. It sinks quickly and stands up to abuse.

Flies for dredging should be bold and noticeable. Big sliders, Craft Fur Minnows, bright EP Baitfish, and large Clousers are good choices.

Make sure they have weed guards. I usually select flies in solid white, chartreuse/white, or pink/white. These colors stay somewhat visible in deep dark water. O.K… you’ve got your rod rigged with a sinking line, short leader, and a high profile fly. What now? Well, let’s go dredging.

The objective of dredging is to keep the fly in a deep-water strike zone during a controlled drift.

You can dredge while wading, but a boat of some kind is much better at providing a good position over deep water. Standing on a boat deck or sitting side-saddle in a kayak are both ideal. The first thing you should do when you find a deep spot or a channel with good potential is position the boat on the upwind or up-current side. Cast above the target area as far as you can and then feed out more line. Start with about 80 ft. of line in the water. As you begin to drift, don’t retrieve at all. Eventually you’ll drift the slack out of your line and begin to drag the fly. Point your rod straight down toward the trailing fly line. This eliminates any angle between your fly line and the rod tip.

Angles mean slack, and slack means missed strikes and hang-ups. Ideally, you want a straight shot from your reel to the fly.

Once the slack is pulled out of your line, put the fingers of your stripping hand on the line and

feel for little bumps and scuffs as you drift.

They’ll tell you if the fly is dragging the bottom.

If you feel them, strip in line until they stop, no farther. Your fly should then be positioned just above the bottom. If you never feel any bumps, feed out more line and, if possible, slow down your drift. Keep in mind the current and drag on your fly line will affect the sink rate, so trial and error is involved to get it right. Finding the bottom is important because when you do, you have effectively bracketed the whole water column. Reaching a target depth is then merely a matter of adjusting the length of your fly line or the speed of your drift. Like all things, this takes practice, and probably a few hang-ups. But if you try it a few times, you’ll get the idea.

Once you have learned how to position the fly just above the bottom, you should begin working it (otherwise, you’re just sort of trolling).

Notice I say, “Working,” not “Retrieving.”

Working a fly is literally a give-and-take process.

With your stripping hand, make several short, sharp strips, pause, then let the drag of drifting pull the stripped line back through your fingers.

Strip… strip… strip… pause… release. The reason you feed the line back out is because you want your fly to stay deep, not come up to the boat. Imagine the fly fluttering above the bottom, then slowly diving back down. Repeat this throughout the drift. No large coils of loose line are ever accumulated in your lap or on the deck of the boat. When the end of the drift is reached, retrieve the line and make another drift.

As you dredge, stay ready for a strike. A deep water strike is often indicated by a soft tug, dull thump, or sluggish tension on the line.

When a strike is felt, you really need to set the hook with authority (assuming you are not using a circle hook). I use a combination of a strip set and slight sideways rotation. It gets the job done. Usually I make an effort to somehow mark the location of the strike, so I can return

Big, bright flies, like this Craft Fur Minnow are ideal for dredging.

Try dredging along deep channels, drops, and edges.

32

Gulf Coast Connections Texas Saltwater Fishing

When trout and redfish congregate in coolwater pockets, they can be targeted with a deep, steady fly presentation.

November 2006

Stable sit-on-top kayaks equipped with drift socks are ideal vessels for dredging.

on a subsequent drift. Fish will often key in and crowd on surprisingly subtle structure. Missing it by more than a few feet can be the difference between a hookup and “nada.”

Initially, you may find dredging difficult. Many anglers do because there is very little visual input involved. But it’s a very effective way to fish.

Be patient and practice.

You’ll get the hang of it and when the fish go deep you’ll have an extra arrow in your fly angling quiver.

…CONTINUED ON PG. 34

Well over a decade ago, a modest-looking spiral bound book on fly-fishing debuted. The book was Fly Fishing the Texas Hill Country, by B.L. “Bud” Priddy. It did not take long for the popularity of Priddy’s book to spread, and in a few short years it went from a small, locally circulated guide book, to “the” classic fishing reference for fly anglers venturing into Hill Country streams. Its popularity continues today.

Fly-Fishing the Texas Hill Country guides anglers along 13 Texas rivers from their headwaters in the western Hill Country to points along the IH 35 corridor where limestone gives way to dark clays and low rolling expanses. Rather than include maps of each river, which Priddy thought impractical, Fly Fishing the Texas Hill Country traces the rivers in terms of “miles” beginning with “mile 0” at the headwaters. For each river, Priddy locates and describes the bridges, launch points, portage points, and good stretches of water along with notes on available food/lodging. Also provided are pictorials of effective fly patterns for each river and tips on how to fish them. There are several editions of Fly Fishing the Texas Hill Country in circulation. Each of them expands and updates the previous edition.

The original editions of this book, though somewhat dated, are valuable and sought after.

I was born and raised in the Hill Country, and although I fish more along the coast these days than in the limestone creeks of the Texas hills, I am still drawn back to the smell of cedar, lantana, and damp cypress, and the sounds of water rushing over rock. If you are planning to head to the scenic Hill Country to fly fish one of its rivers or just inclined to learn more about fishing these beautiful waterways, you should get a copy of Bud Priddy’s Fly Fishing the Texas Hill Country.

Fly Fishing the Texas Hill Country By B.L. “Bud” Priddy W. Thomas Taylor Pub. ISBN: 0-935072-23-3 November 2006

Gulf Coast Connections Texas Saltwater Fishing

33

…CONTINUED FROM PG. 33

Synthetic materials

have opened the door to many new and effective fly patterns over the past 15 years. Synthetics have proven themselves as good materials for saltwater fly tying due to their durability, resistance to fading or staining, and overall resilience in hostile environments.

One of my favorite synthetic materials is craft fur. Manufactured in a variety of colors and fiber lengths, craft fur is available at most hobby shops and department stores and nearly all fly shops. It can be used to tie everything from crabs to Clousers. This months’ fly is a simple but lifelike baitfish pattern made almost entirely from craft fur- the Craft Fur Minnow (aptly named). The

Hook- Mustad 34007 #4 to 3/0 (hook bent to wide gape) Thread- Clear nylon mono Eyes- Plastic 3-D Glue for Eyes- Goop adhesive

5

1. Using needlenose pliers, widen gape of hook as shown. 2. Tie down pink craft fur fibers on top of hook shank, cement wraps. 3. Tie down white craft fur fibers on bottom of hook shank, cement wraps. 4. Spin a small amount of Pearl Ice Dubbing around hook shank and tie down, comb back fibers and 34

Gulf Coast Connections Texas Saltwater Fishing

Craft Fur Minnow is a bold tall-bodied fly, ideal for probing deep or murky waters where low light restricts visibility.

The widened hook gape on the fly acts as a keel and the super-fine synthetic fur fibers come to life in an enticing manner. The fibers also shed water easily, preventing the “wet sock” effect so common to most large baitfish patterns. I usually tie Craft Fur Minnows on 1/0 or 2/0 hooks and either slowly dredge them over reefs or through channels using a uniform sinking line, or drift them in tidal currents with an intermediate line. They’re a great choice for deep water drops, edges, and coldwater pockets, or when predators are blitzing schools of bait at the surface. Good color combos include hot pink/white, chartreuse/white, and grey/white.

Back- Colored craft fur fibers Belly- White craft fur fibers Flash- Pearl Ice Dubbing Weed Guard- 30 to 60 pound mono Cement- Sally Hansen’s Hard-as-Nails

6

7

cement wraps. 5. Repeat steps 2 through 4 several times, working forward until you reach the eye of the hook. 6. Tie down mono weed guard, tie off thread, and cement wraps. 7. Gently comb back fibers and glue on plastic 3-D eyes — Finished.

November 2006

November 2006

Gulf Coast Connections Texas Saltwater Fishing

35

logo on the side of my boat. Your logo will be

how does the company handle their marketing

prominently displayed all over my town when

and advertising.

I stop by Shipley’s and the Quick Mart each morning before hitting the water. When I catch

The first goal with a company is getting

Dear Mr. Owner

fish in tournaments, I will have your logo on my

your resume in front of the right person. Once

My name is Roger Redfisherman and I am

shirt. Obviously, you can see how your business

received, a good resume will stand out from

currently one of the top pros on the Redfish

will increase four fold with my sponsorship.

others being reviewed. The plan is to mail the

Tournament Trail. I run a 1975 Whatsitname

Although I have never been to your dealership,

resume and cover letter describing your proposal

bowrider with a Sears and Roebuck 75

my buddies have said good things about you and

to the right person in a company. After 7 to 10

HP motor. As you can imagine, I am very

once you hook me up, I will make time to come

days, follow up with the person to whom you sent

competitive and high profile with my rig. I am

by and meet you, hopefully at the same time to

the resume and see if there is any interest.

seeking a dealership like yours to give me a

get my boat. That will save me a trip and kill two

new boat and motor for fishing tournaments next

birds with one stone.

The resume and cover letter must be

year. I have asked several dealers, so just to let

addressed to a person, not to “whom it may

you know this opportunity will not last long. You need to act fast.

When you deliver the boat and motor, I will wear your logo on my shirt and put your

If this letter resembles correspondence you

concern” or “gentlemen”. Take the time

have sent to a potential sponsor, I am confident

necessary to find the correct person and their

that you never received any feedback from

title. Depending on its size, a company can

that sponsor. Approaching a company for

vary from one person to a large corporation that

sponsorship is not something where you just

uses an independent advertising agency for its

Working shows is part of a sponsorship deal.

tell the company what you want

marketing. When researching on the internet,

and they do whatever it takes to

look for company organization charts and take

fill your needs. It should be a

note of who is in charge of advertising and

formal business proposal with

marketing. Keep a file on every company that

businesslike correspondence.

is researched. Record people’s addresses and phone numbers so that you will have them for

Once you have your resume

later contact. Focus on a company’s marketing

in place, a budget and identified

and advertising personnel. Some companies

potential sponsor companies (June

will have a formal process or committee to whom

and August 2006 GCC articles),

you must submit your request. Use your network

it is time to start the real work of

of friends and family to identify any possible

getting a sponsorship going. It is

connections to potential sponsor companies. It

time to start making contact with

is easier for someone you or your friends know

the companies. Now I wish it

to hand deliver the request to the right person

was as easy as calling a company

versus mailing the request. If you have to call

and asking for a sponsorship and

the company to find out to whom to send your

receiving it, but of course it just

proposal, make your call and ask the receptionist

does not work that way. After

who is in charge of marketing and advertising.

identifying a company that you

Get the person’s official title, address and phone

wish to approach, the next step is

number. Normally you can get this information

finding everything you can about

from the receptionist without directly talking to

the company. Using the internet is

the person. This early in the process you are

a great and easy place to start your

just gathering information to get your resume in

research. The things to learn about

front of the contact prior to talking to them.

are items such as where are the Shows and tournaments are great places to meet the “right” person, but just introduce yourself and then send any proposals through the mail.

36

Gulf Coast Connections Texas Saltwater Fishing

home offices, the company history,

After the contact’s information is collected,

the product line and most important,

a cover letter can be drafted. The cover letter

November 2006

A sponsorship is more than wearing a patch, it involves public appearances like T-shirt signings and other events.

Working shows is part of a sponsorship deal.

should be one page and in a standard business letter format. An example is as follows: Date

If one thinks that all sponsorship is just wearing a shirt and winning money, that is just the tip of the iceberg.

Ask for a sponsorship level that is appropriate

indifferent or not interested? In my experience,

to your skill level and experience. If you are

you have to think fast and quickly size up what

just starting out, a boat and motor deal with all

the person is telling you and decide what to do

expenses paid may be out of reach. Start small

and say. Do not try to be someone you are not,

and develop relationships with sponsors.

be yourself. If the company is not interested, then thank them for their time and leave the door

Name of Contact Title of Contact

Package the cover letter, resume and a

open for future opportunities. Many times you

Company Name

business card (yes, a business card) in an

will have to leave a message or voice mail. Go

Company Address

envelope and mail to the potential sponsor. The

ahead and leave a message and follow up in a

City, State, Zip code

proposal is similar to a job application. Use

few days. Most people you are trying to contact

quality resume paper and envelopes and it will

are very busy and calling twice a day is not going

be received in a professional manner. Xerox

to help your cause. Another thing to remember

paper taken from work will not give the same

is Monday mornings are usually very busy, so try

impression as a professionally bound resume on

to call after that time.

Dear First Name of Contact: The first paragraph should introduce yourself as a fisherman, your qualifications, what you

quality heavyweight paper. Mail the envelope

are seeking and how you can help the potential

and you are done until it is time to make contact

sponsor. Remember, the first paragraph makes

(wait 7-10 days before making contact). Another

will not even hear back from a company, but

the person read on or throw your letter away.

good thing to do is to keep track of when

every time you get a door closed in your face,

Make the person read more.

something is sent off and when follow up is due.

evaluate why or what could be done different

NO!‌ you will hear it a lot, sometimes you

next time. Just like fishing, evaluate what it Use the second and third paragraphs to give

Think about what you are going to say

takes to land the big fish or get the big bite. Be

details of your proposal... Don’t just say you

when you get to talk to THE person. Introduce

confident that you will get a bite and do not give

want a sponsorship, specifically state what you

yourself, ask them if they have reviewed the

up your quest. There is some company or some

are seeking, i.e. a cash or product sponsorship.

sponsorship proposal and are interested in

person out there that will sponsor you.

Letting the sponsor know what you want gives

setting up a time when details can be discussed.

both of you a starting point from which to work.

From this point on, use your sales skills and

Give details of what you can do to help the

read your customer. Do they seem interested,

sponsor’s company.

The final paragraph should thank the sponsor for his time and tell him that you will follow up by such and such date.

Sincerely, Your Name Sponsorships can involve showing your boat at store openings.

November 2006

Gulf Coast Connections Texas Saltwater Fishing

37

After visiting the International Game Fish Association Headquarters in Florida last spring, we had an idea to create an organization to recognize Texas’ great saltwater fishing heritage. With its large coastline and long history of saltwater fishing, we wondered why Texas doesn’t have something similar on the state level. After a little research we found a Texas Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame, but nothing covering saltwater. That was the beginning of our quest to create the Texas Saltwater Fishing Hall of Fame.

The Texas Saltwater Fishing Hall of Fame is being established as a non-profit organization created to recognize Texas fishermen who have made significant achievements in, or contributions to, saltwater fishing. The Hall of Fame is dedicated to promoting and preserving our saltwater fishing heritage through recognition, research and education. We are planning to recognize accomplishments in several categories: Big Game Fishing, Offshore Fishing, Inshore Fishing and Outstanding Achievement.

The Big Game Fishing Category would include fishermen who mainly fish for billfish, tuna and other large bluewater species.

Fishermen in the Offshore Category would be those that target species on the continental shelf, like kingfish, ling, snapper, grouper, etc…

The Inshore Category would include fishermen who fish the bays and near shore waters for trout, redfish, flounder, tarpon, drum, etc…

Each of these categories are general categories 38

Gulf Coast Connections Texas Saltwater Fishing

and are intended to be a guideline for including fishermen in all aspects of saltwater fishing. The Outstanding Achievement Category covers those who have made contributions in other areas such as media, scientific research, tackle innovation, discovery, education, or for any other exemplary accomplishments.

At this time the Texas Saltwater Fishing Hall of Fame exists primarily on it’s website www.txsaltwaterfishinghall.com and is headquartered out of Tops-N-Towers in Seabrook, Texas. Our vision is to one day have a stand-alone headquarters and heritage museum somewhere along the coast. The current board of directors includes John Cochrane, Bobby Byrd, Hefner Appling, Will Ohmstede and David Cochrane. A Hall of Fame Committee will select inductees from each category.

inducted into the IGFA Hall of Fame in 2001 and has most recently been appointed to the IGFA Board of Trustees. The Texas angler pioneered the waters off the West coast of South America resulting in the discovery of the abundant fishing near Cabo Blanco, Peru. In 1952, he was captain of the United States Tuna Team in Nova Scotia and served as a member of the team for seven years. Mr. Glassell is still the world record holder for the largest black marlin ever caught, a record that has stood for over 53 years.

The board of directors is proud to announce the 2006 Texas Saltwater Fishing Hall of Fame — Big Game Fishing inductees: Alfred C. Glassell, Jr., industrialist, philanthropist, sportsman and civic leader, has taken a lifelong interest in business in which he is today one of the Gulf Coast’s leaders. Considered the World’s foremost Big Game Fishing Sportsman, his most famous trophy, the 1560 lb. World Record Black Marlin resides happily in the “Hall of Sea Life” in the Smithsonian Institute of Washington, D.C. An avid fisherman, Mr. Glassell is or was a member of a host of fishing clubs throughout the world. He was November 2006

November 2006

Gulf Coast Connections Texas Saltwater Fishing

39

Jerry Dunaway began fishing in 1969 and has caught a remarkable 203 Atlantic Blue Marlin, 36 Pacific blue marlin, 96 black marlin, 10 swordfish and an untold number of sailfish, white marlin and striped marlin. His 16 IGFA billfish records are more than any man in history. He was also the first man to capture an Atlantic blue marlin on 4 lb. and 8 lb. line.

Jerry was the first man to catch a “Super Grand Slam” (a blue marlin, white marlin, sailfish and swordfish in one day). From 1987 to 1999, his 48 ft. gameboat “The Hooker” and 110 ft. mothership “The Madam” fished throughout the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Jerry has won many Texas billfish tournaments over the years and in 1984 was Marlin International Angler of the Year. From 1987-1991 he was named one of the World’s “Top Ten” anglers. He most recently received the 2005 IGFA World Record Lifetime Achievement Award. Jerry is a life member of the International Game Fish Association and Coastal Conservation Association.

Deborah Dunaway started fishing in 1985 and has fished all over the world. She has caught a unprecedented 23 IGFA billfish world records — more than any angler in history. Deborah is the only angler to catch a world record in every species of billfish and in 1993, she became the only angler to hold current records in all 9 species at the same time. She is one of the top five female record holders of all time. In 1993, she was the first person to receive the IGFA Angler of the Year Award. She most recently received the 2005 IGFA World Record Lifetime Achievement Award.

of anglers. Bill ranks at the top of successful captains, winning countless tournaments including two wins at the prestigious Poco Bueno Invitational. He remains active in both inshore and offshore fishing and when you hear the hoarse cry “hooked up!” you’ll know who’s got him on… the one and only “Capt. Bill” Hart.

These inductees received their awards on Saturday night, August 12, 2006, at the Memorial Dinner during the Texas Legends Billfish Tournament in Port Aransas, Texas. This was the inaugural event for the organization and it was well received. Congratulations to this year’s Big Game Fishing inductees. Since the organization was formed late in the year, other categories will be awarded later this year or in 2007.

If you have any questions about the Texas Saltwater Fishing Hall of Fame or would like to learn more about big game fishing in the Gulf of Mexico, give us a call at Byrd & Cochrane 281-474-4000 or go to our website at www.byrd-cochrane.com.

Captain Bill Hart grew up fishing the coastal bays and surf near Port Aransas, TX. After returning from WW II, Bill used his naval experience to acquire his captain’s license and began operating commercial snapper boats and crew boats year-round. In 1968, he bought his own boat and started charter fishing. His knowledge of the offshore reefs and fishing grounds paid off with great success and made him a popular captain. The name “Capt. Bill” became a byword in the charter fishing industry.

Over the years, he operated private yachts for various individuals and traveled extensively on his “tournament trail.” Soon the fame of “Capt.

Bill” was known throughout the Gulf Coast, Bahamas and Caribbean. His well-known “raspy” radio voice became unmistakable to a multitude 40

Gulf Coast Connections Texas Saltwater Fishing

November 2006

November 2006

Gulf Coast Connections Texas Saltwater Fishing

41

The management of red

snapper in the Gulf of Mexico has become one of the most contentious fisheries issues in recent history.

The current problems we face have been brewing for almost 30 years.

But even within this predicament there exist some certainties. First and foremost is CCA’s dedication to the future of the red snapper fishery and the participation of recreational anglers within it.

Troubles with red snapper date back to 1979 when the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council (Gulf Council) determined that stocks were overfished. An estimated 87 percent drop in recreational harvest from 1980 to 1984 prompted the Gulf Council to create its “Reef Fish Management Plan.” This program became law in 1984 and was implemented by National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) in the late 1980s.

The Gulf Council recommended an extensive rebuilding plan for red snapper. An integral part of that program was new and intensive restrictions on commercial and recreational catches coupled with a newfound realization that a majority of juvenile red snapper mortality was caused by shrimp trawls.

However, due to tremendous political pressure, fisheries managers were unable to implement bycatch reduction devices (BRDs) to reduce commercial Gulf shrimpers’ impact on juvenile red snapper numbers.

A 1990 congressional mandate prevented BRDs from being required in federal waters.

Reauthorization of the Magnuson Act into the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act in 1996 forever changed the arena of federal fisheries management. Within this document are the components needed for the prevention of overfishing, addressing the issue of bycatch, and rebuilding overfished fisheries. A floor amendment allowed the Gulf Council to treat shrimp-fishery bycatch like any other in the country.

In the spring of 1998, the Gulf Council passed an amendment to require BRDs for shrimp trawls in federal waters. The Texas Shrimp Association sued in opposition to the bycatch reduction requirements and CCA intervened to ensure that shrimpers would have to do their part.

With the BRD requirement in place, red snapper recovery was premised on closed seasons, commercial quotas, recreational bag limits, size limits and a 40 percent reduction in bycatch due to BRDs. The introduction of BRDs in 1998 allowed recreational and commercial anglers to roughly split a 9.12 million-pound annual total allowable catch (TAC). The only thing that curtailed an effort to reduce the TAC to 6 million pounds in 1998 was CCA’s successful work for the implementation of BRDs. The average recreational catch from 2000–03 was 4.091 million pounds a year, 8 percent below the allocated 4.469 million pounds per year.

Commercial landings over the same period averaged 4.663 million pounds, slightly above the 4.651 million pound annual quota.

While the quota targets were largely met, studies in 2003 by NMFS revealed that BRDs had achieved only a 12 percent reduction in red snapper bycatch in the shrimp trawl fishery. Non-compliance by shrimpers was cited as the primary reason for this failure.

On page 30 of the latest issue of Marlin magazine, columnist Michael Leech notes that the reported discards in the Gulf shrimp fishery alone total 42

Gulf Coast Connections Texas Saltwater Fishing

more than a billion pounds — four times the retained catch. For every pound of shrimp harvested, more than 100 fish die.

As a result, Gulf fishery managers today are confronted with a shorter list of options for red snapper that includes further reduced commercial quotas, tighter recreational bag limits, and shorter seasons for both recreational and commercial fishermen.

Compounding the problem is a host of other factors. Enforcement of the commercial fishery by the National Marine Fisheries Service is notoriously lax. To help combat this, CCA Texas has donated hundreds of thousands of dollars in night vision and surveillance equipment to Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. When you read about the capture of a commercial boat loaded with thousands of pounds of illegal snapper, that bust was most likely made using equipment donated to Texas game wardens by CCA. “We (TPWD) are actively involved in the enforcement of red snapper regulations in the Gulf of Mexico, interdicting vessels that are moored or returning to Texas with red snapper,” says Captain Rex Mayes, Region IV TPWD Game Warden. “It takes specialized equipment to catch people who are operating illegally. They often come in during the night and we often have addressed them in the open seas. CCA-funded radars, GPS units and night vision equipment really help us level the playing field.”

Illegal commercial harvest is a pervasive problem in a number of fisheries, and CCA is making efforts to address it at one of the most important levels — enforcement. But commercial overfishing alone did not get red snapper to this grossly overfished level. All science indicates that shrimp bycatch is the primary cause of devastated red snapper stocks.

Another issue that many anglers question is the allocation of the red snapper directed fishery, roughly 49 percent recreational and 51 percent commercial. CCA has argued in the past that for a variety of species, greater economic benefits can be achieved through recreational harvest than commercial harvest. That argument has been successfully employed

by CCA in a number of states where particular species have been declared game fish, including speckled trout, redfish, snook, tarpon and bonefish.

However, reallocating red snapper is currently perhaps one of the most difficult regulatory feats to accomplish in the Gulf of Mexico. The same pro-commercial politics that have prevented adequate bycatch reduction by the shrimp fleet for two decades will fight against shifting quota away from the commercial sector to the recreational side. \ This is one of the reasons why CCA supports the concept of Individual Fishing Quotas (IFQs) for the commercial red snapper fleet. A commercial fishery managed by IFQs will, after a five-year waiting period, be allowed to sell their shares of the red snapper TAC to anyone. The most realistic method to shift allocation to the recreational side in this fishery is for commercial shares to be purchased and shifted. This is a long-range plan, but a reliable one, that has real promise for increasing the TAC for recreational anglers and creating a year-round fishery.

But the inescapable fact remains that if we do not address limiting shrimp bycatch, we will never get to the root of the problem. …CONTINUED ON PG. 49 November 2006

November 2006

Gulf Coast Connections Texas Saltwater Fishing

43

44

Gulf Coast Connections Texas Saltwater Fishing

November 2006

November 2006

Gulf Coast Connections Texas Saltwater Fishing

45

46

Gulf Coast Connections Texas Saltwater Fishing

November 2006

November 2006

Gulf Coast Connections Texas Saltwater Fishing

47

Field Notes

Seagrass seems to be a common

buzzword among coastal anglers these days, and with good reason. Where they exist, seagrass meadows provide one of the most important and productive habitats in all of the world’s oceans.

The simple truth is that seagrass meadows are the nursery, the grocery store, and the roof over the head for many of our most important marine species. However, these shallow water grass flats are also relatively fragile, and subject to numerous man-made threats.

Losses of seagrass around the world and in Texas bays are well documented. When the habitat that supports any population of animals declines, eventually so will that animal population.

Since seagrasses help produce good fishing, it’s the responsibility of Texas Parks and Wildlife

Department (TPWD) to help maintain them, and thus the best possible fishing quality for the citizens of Texas. That’s why multiple TPWD biologists are looking at seagrass meadows from different perspectives.

For example, aerial photography can be used to look at landscape features such as seagrass beds in a variety of ways. From high altitudes, large-scale changes in the total acreage of seagrass coverage can be detected. TPWD coastal ecologist Dr. Jim Simons is currently working with the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration using aerial imagery taken at very high altitudes to assess changes in total seagrass acreage from San Antonio Bay to the Rio Grande. That’s one perspective for looking at seagrasses. A similar perspective is being used by Galveston Bay biologist Leslie Williams, where aerial imagery is taken at lower altitudes, with finer resolution, to assess recent changes in the Texas’s most isolated, remnant seagrass bed in Galveston Bay. The Galveston Bay complex is vast, and because it is so big, produces more recreational and commercial landings of marine organisms than any other bay in Texas. With approximately 98% of the Gulf of Mexico’s landings being estuarine dependent, the loss of prime nursery habit such as seagrass beds could have significant impacts on recreational and commercial fisheries.

(Top) Turtle grass, found mostly from Aransas Pass southward, is very important where it exists; not only as direct forage for some avian and marine organisms, but also as host for algae and other epiphytes (organism that grows on a plant.)

(Bottom) Shoal grass is the most common seagrass in Texas. An annual variety; shoal grass thrives in warm months and dies out during winter. The success of many esturian dependant species (including trout, redfish, crabs, shrimp) hinges critically on the presence and health of shoal grass meadows within the system.

48

Gulf Coast Connections Texas Saltwater Fishing

Historically, by the late 1970’s seagrass in Galveston Bay had almost entirely disappeared due to dredge-and-fill activities, boat traffic, subsidence, erosion, storms, and wastewater discharges. Christmas Bay is one of the most productive and least disturbed minor bays within the Galveston Bay complex and became a priority conservation site for state resource management programs. In 1988 TPWD and the General Land Office designated Christmas Bay an official State Coastal Preserve and State Scientific Area. In 1989 it was estimated that only 700 acres of submerged aquatic vegetation still existed in Galveston Bay with approximately 386 acres in Christmas Bay and the remainder along Trinity Bay. In 1998 Dr. Warren Pulich conducted a mapping project to determine the status of seagrass in Drum and Christmas Bay using aerial photography and geographic information system (GIS) software. The results showed that seagrass in Christmas and Drum Bay covered approximately 424 acres and that Christmas Bay contains four of the five seagrass species found in Texas. Most often found are mixed shoal grass (Halodule beaudettei) and clover grass (Halophila englemanni) beds, with widgeon grass (Ruppia maritima) becoming abundant in the spring and fall and interspersed patches of turtle grass (Thalassia testudinum) along the south shore. To determine the present status of seagrass in Christmas and Drum Bay, new aerial photographs were taken in December 2005 and are being compared with the 1998 photographs.

This work will evaluate trends in seagrass coverage over the past six years within this coastal preserve, including changes in acreage, patchiness, and whether a shift in the types of seagrass present has occurred.

One hundred fifty miles south of Galveston, the Redfish Bay State Scientific Area (RBSSA) located between Rockport and Port Aransas is another important seagrass area. In fact, Redfish Bay is truly a “Texas treasure” for many reasons. It is an ecological convergence zone,

November 2006

…CONTINUED FROM PG. 42 In March of 2005, CCA petitioned the Secretary of Commerce to put emergency measures into effect to end the overfishing of red snapper by the Gulf of Mexico shrimp fleet. A few months later, CCA filed a lawsuit over Amendment 22 to the Reef Fish Management Plan, also known as the Red Snapper Rebuilding Plan.

The lawsuit is seeking to achieve significant shrimp trawl bycatch reduction on the order of 60–80 percent through measures such as bycatch quotas, areas closed to shrimping, seasonal shrimping closures and meaningful reduction in shrimping effort. The suit continues to make its way through U.S. District Court in Houston.

The shrimp industry was reduced to half its size in 2005 after hurricanes Katrina and Rita decimated the fleet. The industry is smaller today, and perhaps closer than ever to being properly sized, but there is no guarantee that it will not grow back to its over-capitalized state in the very near future. And much damage has already been done.

Measures are needed today to reduce bycatch once and for all, or we will find ourselves right back in the same situation in the future.

There definitely are no silver bullets in this issue. It will take a holistic approach that will incorporate many components, but it starts with bycatch. Without the immediate implementation of measures to reduce shrimp trawl bycatch, and maintain or reduce the current shrimp trawl effort, recreational anglers will be left to carry the weight of management... again.

For more information on CCA’s efforts for the proper management of red snapper, visit the Fishery Focus page of the CCA website, www.joincca.org.

November 2006

Gulf Coast Connections Texas Saltwater Fishing

49

a place where the extensive seagrass beds of the lower coast meet the tail end of the magnificent oyster reef complexes of the middle and upper coast, creating a diversity of habitat that is one of the premier inshore marine nursery areas in Texas. In addition, this nursery area is only 1.5 miles from the major water exchange with the Gulf of Mexico at Port Aransas. Half of all economically important marine species spawn in the Gulf near passes, and depend on tidal water flow to transport juveniles into the bay to suitable habitat where they can settle out, grow up, replenish their populations, and support a fishery while doing so.

Another item to consider is that Redfish Bay receives more boating and fishing pressure per acre than any other coastal bay.

The RBSSA is a small piece of the coast, only 32,000 acres, but has 3 times more summer weekend anglers from Bexar County alone than it does residents from all of the Coastal Bend. That doesn’t even include visitors from Houston, Dallas, Austin and other points of Texas. Obviously, Texans recognize a good place to go when they see it. The area is beautiful, has prime fishing opportunities, can be reached in less than a half days drive for many Texans, and has great beaches, other cultural resources and things to enjoy doing when you are there.

In Redfish Bay, Aransas Bay biologist Dennis Pridgen and other scientists are looking at seagrasses and seagrass damage from a different perspective. Here the focus is on mechanical damage to the grass beds from boat propellers. On May 1, 2006 TPWD implemented a first ever regulation to protect marine habitat stating: “Within the Redfish Bay State Scientific Area, no person shall cause or allow any rooted seagrass plant to be uprooted or dug out from the bay bottom by a submerged propeller.” It is important to note that the area is not closed in any way to boating activity. It is not a “no-prop zone.”

You will not get a ticket for running your boat in the area. The only time a violation will occur is if you are in water so shallow that your propeller is cutting into the bay bottom, creating a trench, and destroying the roots of the seagrasses.

How can the average boater, who may not know the area well, avoid damaging seagrass and having the potential for receiving a citation? Learning your boats’ performance capabilities and the water depths required for operation at different speeds without touching bottom is your best defense. When in doubt, lift your motor and idle out, drift, troll or pole.

50

Gulf Coast Connections Texas Saltwater Fishing

When boaters create prop scars, they damage the health of the ecosystem and potentially the game fish populations that draw us to the flats to begin with. Ultimately they are damaging valuable habitat that belongs to all Texans.

While the Galveston area can be evaluated by using aerial photography, some of the “prop scars” in Redfish Bay fill up with algae and dead organic material, making them difficult to detect in aerial imagery. Therefore it has been difficult to properly evaluate the extent of prop scarring in the area. For the last two years, scientists using masks and snorkels have been making observations from a fishes’ perspective, by swimming very precisely located transects (2.2 miles) marked on the bottom of Redfish Bay. In August of each year, every inch of those transects are swum to evaluate the habitat, and count and measure the damage to it caused by boat propellers.

This work will continue for at least another three years.

TPWD obtained scar counts in August 2005 as baseline data before the regulation was put in place on May 1, 2006. Only five months later, in August 2006, a second round of observations was made. Since it takes a prop scar a minimum of a year to heal, a big change wasn’t expected, nor was it found.

August of 2007 will be the first time changes in the number of scars should be seen if the regulation is having the desired effect. On the optimistic side, more people seem to be utilizing push poles, trolling motors, and are being conscientious about how they run in the area. In addition, numerous constituents have contacted us about the details of the regulation because they want to do it right.

Located within RBSSA are approximately 12,000 acres of seagrass meadows, half of which are shallow enough to be susceptible to propeller damage by the people who come here to enjoy them. Have they been damaged? Yes, they have. There are thousands of propeller scars in the shallow, productive and fragile grass beds. However, TPWD is trying to maintain the areas’ great natural productivity for all Texans by simply telling people they will now be held accountable for damage they create with their propellers to the resource that belongs to all of us. Do your part: Avoid a ticket, and promote wise use of seagrass habitat and all natural resources.

For more information, go to the TPWD website and follow the links. http://www.tpwd. state.tx.us/landandwater/habitat/seagrass.

High traffic areas often bear scars left by the propellers of fishing boats.

Scarring, whether done carelessly or inadvertantly, is one of the chief culprits underlying the loss of seagrass in Texas.

Scars often take a year or more to heal. Where currents are strong, erosion often deepens and widens prop scars, some never heal.

Due mostly to erosion, prop scars sometimes converge and entire seagrass beds are lost.

November 2006

November 2006

Gulf Coast Connections Texas Saltwater Fishing

51

Last month I Left you

on the banks of the Ottawa River where we had been catching smallmouth bass in rough water. We were well north of Texas, but not nearly as far north as our next destination. The Outaouais wilderness area, located in northwestern Quebec, is a vast area with very few people and no paved roads. Our home for the next few days would be Brendan’s family fishing camp on the shores of Luc Dumoine in the middle of the Outaousia. Brendan’s father and his fishing buddy have had this camp since

Our crew enjoying a brief break to stretch the legs during the 100-mile trek into the northern Quebec wilderness.

Float planes and small motor boats are the primary forms of transport when you reach the Canadian outback.

This cabin on the shore of Luc Dumoine in the middle of the Outaousia Wilderness area was our base of operation.

52

Gulf Coast Connections Texas Saltwater Fishing

the early 70’s. No road to the camp, no cell phone service, and no electricity. We were about to get as far away from the daily grind as possible in this day and time, but first we had to get there.

The morning after getting beat up by the whitewater on the river came a bit too quickly. I was worn out and not exactly looking forward to the projected six hours of driving we had ahead of us.

On top of that, I still had not heard any word from the airline on my lost rods. I love fly fishing, but I sure did want to have my full quiver of conventional tackle available to us. Upon arriving at Ken’s house Joel and I found the crew busy loading the two trucks. I was relieved beyond words to see my rod tube leaning against the side of the truck. Holding my breath, I slid the bundle of rods from the tube and found everything intact. Sweet. Now we can go fishing.

Two trucks full of people, kayaks, gear, and food headed out of Beachburg just slightly behind schedule. An hour and a half later we were at the end of the paved road and getting our permits to travel into the wilderness area. For the next 100 miles we bumped and bounced along a dirt logging road through some beautiful and remote country.

Four hours in we came upon an unbelievable sight.

There in the middle of nowhere was a grand fishing lodge perched on the banks of Ten Mile Lake. It was hard to imagine anyone living this far from civilization, but there was Mr. Richard (pronounced Reeshard) Lauson. Richard and his wife live at the lodge year-round and host fishermen from all over the world. Once a month Richard makes the four to five hour journey to town whether by truck or by snowmobile. He proudly showed us all around the lodge that he built himself and then gave us a tour of his 15,000 kilowatt hydro-electric power generation dam. Amazingly he also built the dam and installed the generator himself. I think Richard could build a city in these woods if he put his mind to it. As crazy as it sounds, he was talking of putting in a nine-hole golf course next year.

After our visit at the lodge we were off again for the final thirty minute stretch of rough road leading to the boat ramp at Luc Dumoine. The crew spilt up at this point with four of the guys paddling off in the kayaks headed to the camp while the rest of us stayed behind to unload the trucks. An hour or so later the kayaking crew returned in three small aluminum motorboats that are kept at fish camp.

We severely pushed the limits of the little fourteen footers with all our gear, but somehow we crammed all our stuff into the boats and made it to camp. By the time we got settled we only had a couple hours before sunset.

I guess we could’ve taken the evening off, but here we were in the middle of the most pristine wilderness I’d ever seen and the fishing bug was biting. It didn’t take much convincing to get everyone out on the lake. But there was a twist.

Ever heard of a fishing lease? Seems Richard has leased the rights to fishing for a huge chunk of the area around the lodge. His lease included the waters in front of the camp. It was actually illegal for us to walk to the end of the dock and cast! We were required to travel by boat several miles north of camp before we could even wet a line. I was dumbfounded. According to Brendan it had been this way for several years. Could you imagine having one of the floating cabins in the Land Cut and not being able to fish off the porch… or even in 9 Mile Hole?

So off we went in the power boats pulling the train of kayaks. Once settled into my kayak I paddle off alone to a nearby cove and just sat there taking it all in. It was one of those cool moments when you stop everything and just think about where you are in the world. A year ago I couldn’t have ever imagined that I’d be sitting in a kayak on a lake six hours from civilization casting into the waters of a beautiful glacier-formed lake. Life truly does have some incredible twists in store.

I was snapped back to reality by a vicious slashing strike. A big pike had just taken a swipe at my topwater and missed. It was time to concentrate on the business at hand and catch a few fish for the cameras. I was throwing my standard redfish pattern Spook Jr just like I do on the Texas bays.

My Canadian partners weren’t too impressed. They had their own ideas about what would work and the Spook Jr didn’t pass muster. The little pike in that cove had no problems with it. Apparently a baby pike will eat a baby redfish. The evening drew to a close with a fantastic sunset. As per our previous adventures we hadn’t exactly slain the fish, but a few good film clips were captured and we had gotten a taste of what to expect for the remainder of the week.

The following morning dawned clear and cool.

There was hardly a breath of a breeze leaving the lake looking like a huge mirror. It felt a bit odd to put

November 2006

November 2006

Gulf Coast Connections Texas Saltwater Fishing

53

My first pike from Luc Dumoine, unlike my Canadian partners this guy thought a redfish pattern Spook Jr looked pretty good!

Sunset on Luc Dumoine was breathtaking.

ne. from the float pla Luc Dumoine from

on a jacket in July, but about five minutes into the boat ride to the fishing grounds I was happy to have it on. Apparently the fish weren’t too impressed with the conditions. The first couple of hours were spent practicing our casting. It wasn’t a total loss though. The photographer, Jock Bradley, managed to capture one of the coolest photographs I’ve ever seen. Joel and I were casting into a cove full of pickerel weed just as the sun was starting to peek through the trees. The cool air and warm water combined to create a foggy haze that was rising from the water all around us. Jock triggered his camera just as I cast towards the sun and caught the brief reflection of light off my line as the lure sailed through the air. I don’t know when or where that photo will get published, but I imagine Jock will get a pretty penny for it. You guys know the fishing was bad if all I’m talking about are the pretty pictures, huh?

Turns out the afternoons were the prime times.

Even these northern fish appreciate a few hours of sun to warm things up before they feel like eating.

Every morning was cool and the fishing was slow. The afternoons were much warmer and

that seemed to turn the fish on. It took a couple days to decipher the full pattern, but just like everywhere else there was a certain combination of factors that led to the best fishing. The first clue was the higher activity levels in the warmer water.

Several western shorelines had exposed rocky cliffs above the water. The rock extended down into the water. The eastern facing rocks obviously get the most hours of direct sunlight and absorb the heat. The rocks in turn radiate that heat into the surrounding waters. One afternoon I paddled over to the base of one such place and could feel an obvious difference in the water temperature compared with the open water. I put out a diving crankbait and slowly trolled parallel to the base of the cliff. I couldn’t travel more than a few yards before getting bit by pike from eighteen to twentyfour inches. It was very satisfying to put the old brain to work and come up with the correct answer in a foreign place on a fish I had no experience with.

The next revelation was in the choice of lures.

Being new to this type of fishing I had relied on my hosts for advice on what to throw. Diving Rapalas and small white curly-tail jigs were their favorites.

I caught fish on them and even had a few on my trusty Spook Jr. But as the days went on I noticed that the bigger pike were trailing my lures right up to the boat without ever attempting to strike. I tried varying the retrieve and still had no luck enticing the big ones. On a leg stretching shore break it suddenly became crystal clear. I was staring at the water watching these little minnows swimming around in the pickerel weeds when I realized they

looked just like my favorite tequila gold Norton Bull Minnow; same size and about the same color.

Damn, why had I waited until my last afternoon to figure this one out? I dug through the tackle box and tied one on with a 1/16 ounce weedless head.

I tossed that Texas transplant into the weeds and dragged it back towards the drop-off. It didn’t take long to verify my hunch. Pike after pike slammed the little paddle tail lure with the top fish going thirty inches.

While I was busy wearing out the pike, the rest of the guys had unlocked the combination for the walleye. They had found a submerged weed bed in about four feet of water that was crawling with keeper-size walleye. As the sun went down I paddled across the lake and joined them for about thirty minutes of non-stop action. It really didn’t matter what you threw as long as it ticked the top of the grass without getting hung up.

That was a fantastic afternoon of fishing, but unfortunately it was our last in this wild and beautiful place. Too soon it was time to pack our bags and prepare for the long trip home. Later, after a dinner of fresh walleye I went out onto the dock and stared at the night sky. I always like to get out in the country where the skies are darker and the stars are bright, but I’d never seen anything like this. On top of seeing more stars and planets than ever before, I could easily see the cloud-like Milky Way from horizon to horizon. I love that uneasy feeling of coming to grips with how insignificant we as individuals really are in this huge universe. It helps keep the small problems in perspective.

Ten Mile Lake Lodge is hardly what you would expect so far back in the woods, it is an awesome destination.

54

Gulf Coast Connections Texas Saltwater Fishing

November 2006

November 2006

Gulf Coast Connections Texas Saltwater Fishing

55

The air is crisp, the leaves are falling, the fishing is turning on and it is Sonny with his favorite redfish toy.

AUTUMN IS HERE! And, while we are all

For those of you who do not know, it

looking forward to the season of giving, the in mind I thought I would take a break from the norm and take the time to tell everyone what I am thankful for.

can be tough to make it the business of the outdoors. For a guide, it takes years to develop a list of clientele that you can count on to keep things going and you are always at the mercy of the weather and the economy.

Profit margins are low, so overcoming debt

What I am most thankful for, of course,

takes time. And, for me, it is a two way street.

are the people I love — my wonderful girlfriend, mother, sister and puppy (yes, he is a person too.) But, since this is a publication

No make that a dead end street. Because I not only guide, but also have an outdoor photography business, so I get a double

about fishing, I’ll try to stick to the subject

whammy. This is where my friends save my

— maybe…

butt on a regular basis.

Over the years, I have been so blessed

It is my crazy schedule that gets me every

in that I have had the chance to make a

time (e.g. this is being written at 12:30am.) I

living on the water and in the outdoors and for that, I am thankful. However, if it was not for my friends, I would have never made it

am always trying to fit more and more trips, photo assignments, stock shoots and articles into my already packed schedule to boost the

and for that I am thankful.

meager profit margin I spoke of earlier. So

It all started for me when I met my best friend and mentor to the outdoors when I

because I am always moving and shaking it is hard to find help sometimes. But, my friends always seem to find a way to be there for me

was barely a teenager, Burt Moritz. Over

when I need a hand, knowing that it might

the years he taught me many things.

be some time before I can return the favor.

Examples ranging from how to set duck

Whether I need a hand to hold a fish, a smiling

decoys in an unfavorable wind all the way

face or someone to pole the boat for me —

down to how to build a boat trailer from scratch in the driveway however, no lesson could compare to the one he taught me about friendship. Friendship is based on

my friends are there for me. For this I am one lucky son-of-a-gun and I am thankful for it.

Another thing that I am grateful for are the

patience and faith — patience with your

many fish and other critters out there that help

friends when they need you and faith in

keep me in business. If it were not for them I

that they will be there when you need

obviously would have nothing to guide people

Without good friends willing to kneel in cold water until I get everything framed up just right I wouldn’t be able to make nearly as many great photos.

Gulf Coast Connections Texas Saltwater Fishing

through some very tough times for over a decade now.

downright pleasant outside — HOT DAMN

season of being thankful is here. So with that

56

them. It is this lesson that has carried me

to and would have nothing to photograph.

And, since I do not think the fish will read this, I will extend thanks to the Gulf Coast Conservation Association and the many other

November 2006

November 2006

Gulf Coast Connections Texas Saltwater Fishing

57

My buddy Brandon Smith snapped the shutter on this one for me during a trip to the Chandeleur Islands.

Blaien Friermood, Everett and Pam Johnson, Jimmy and Barbara Skalak, Ben Kocian, Mike Conner, Jason Wood, Ted Venker and to all my customers — you all go out of your way to make my life better and when I sit down at the dinner table on Thanksgiving Day to give thanks, you will all the top of the list, right behind the fish of course.

Oops, I forgot one last thing that I am thankful for — all of the feathers that will be available for tying flies right after Thanksgiving. would have no reason conservation organizations that fight

Best of tides…

to shoot photos and scrounge for ideas to write

to keep fish in the water, birds in the sky and

about if you did not take interest in my images

critters on the ground. If it were not for you, I

and ramblings so — thank you.

would not have a job.

So to my Sweetie, Mom, Sister, Sonny, I am one lucky dude and I know it. But, I

Burt and Agnes Moritz, Shane and Chara

can not thank everyone above without thanking

Batchelor, Brandon Smith, David Sams,

all of those reading this. While I would not have

Marcos Enriques, Todd Prestidge, Wright

anything to photograph or write about if it were

Taylor, John Thomas and Heather Dusek, Pat

not for the critters and I would not be able to

and Michelle Varga, Corky and Vicki Melass,

get the material if it were not for my friends, I

Kelton and Dorie Thomson, Chuck Naiser,

gulfcoastconnections.com

58

Gulf Coast Connections Texas Saltwater Fishing

November 2006

November 2006

Gulf Coast Connections Texas Saltwater Fishing

59

up on the fish. I personally have hit a few redfish with the bow of my kayak even to the point where the thump scared me.

Finally, the day my wish would come true arrived. The morning was perfect with a beautiful

I had wanted to take the kayaks

out for some time, but something always seemed to change our plans. Recently one of my dad’s clients requested a kayak trip. He mentioned that I must come and join them on the kayak trip over the pristine waters of the Lower Laguna Madre. The night before the trip I helped my dad prepare and organize the equipment we needed for the next day. Before strapping the kayaks down, I checked to see if the lifejackets and whistles were on board. As we geared up, I could not stop the excitement that bubbled inside me as I looked forward to the next day. In my mind I could already picture the beautiful sunrise while paddling through a back lake and seeing tailing redfish everywhere around me.

I love to wade and fish off the boat, but to kayak is always a special treat since I don’t do it as often. Also, kayaking allows me to cover more area than wade fishing, and it is definitely quieter than drifting on a boat. Kayaking permits me to see and explore aspects of nature that I would ordinarily miss. I have seen many interesting things on shorelines such as nesting birds, old buoy markers, and drift wood in all kinds of shapes and sizes.

Because of the maneuverability that a kayak gives me, I can move up on the fish much faster.

Kayaking also gives me the option to wade fish.

All I have to do is stake the kayak and walk to the fish. If you have never kayaked before, you will

sunrise in the east, a slight breeze at our backs, and bait jumping nervously. We loaded the kayaks with all our gear, including water

Kevin Clark and I prepare to chase tailing reds.

and a few snacks. I could feel the excitement as I paddled off in my own direction thinking, “What will I find along the banks of this small inlet bay?” Paddling along I began to see at a far distance the tails of redfish waving above the water’s surface. As I made my approach, I caught myself paying more attention to the surroundings, including the long-legged white birds feeding on small minnows. I lost sight of the redfish, but my course brought me to an area I had never seen before. I came across a waist deep canal that was no more than

Sight casting from on top.

fifteen feet in width. The canal split into three fingers which lead to a large tidal flat. I paddled along looking for any signs of life. I found none.

Exploring new water has always been exciting to me. After paddling out of the canal, I then drifted a shoreline while standing up on my kayak. I saw plenty of bait, but the redfish were scarce. I could see my dad going back to the boat so I too headed back and no sooner were we at our next location. I was dropped off on another shoreline a few miles north of where we first started.

after a short battle. The second one I landed; however, it came with a price — a dunking into the shallow bay. I was standing up on my kayak and drifting when a redfish hit my TTF Killer Flats Minnow. I set the hook too hard and lost my balance. Off I went flying into the water. I managed to keep him on, soaking wet and all, but as I told my dad, “my reel never touched the water.” I soon made my way back to the boat dripping wet. You can say I now have experience

This shoreline provided me with plenty of

jumping over board, but not by choice.

opportunities to sight-cast to redfish in crystal clear water. On this day most of the redfish and a few trout I spotted were not willing to take my bait. I did hook two redfish. The first one got off

Our kayak trip was not all that productive, but the adventure of exploring new waters and experiencing new things is all I need to keep me

be completely surprised how close you can come

looking forward to the next kayak trip.

For you young folks, if you have never experienced kayaking in shallow water, I highly recommend it. It certainly has made me more aware of my natural surroundings and has allowed me to see details I never knew were there. For you parents, kayaking with your kids can be an awesome and rewarding experience.

You can’t imagine the pleasure and

Exploring new waters is always exciting.

60

Gulf Coast Connections Texas Saltwater Fishing

excitement it brings. You will be glad

A kayak will allow you to quietly approach redfish.

you tried it. I know I am.

November 2006

November 2006

Gulf Coast Connections Texas Saltwater Fishing

61

Bimini Bay- Tsunami Bloodhound Lures

Bass Assassin Boodah Shaker

Tsunami BloodHound lures are designed to “walk the dog” with the slightest twitch of the rod tip. Because of the higher buoyancy of the core, these lures will lay on the surface and begin to settle slowly into the water. A slow-steady retrieve results in a “V” wake that triggers explosive strikes. Allowing the BloodHound to sink deeper shows a natural slow vertical wobble and lets predators zero in on an injured meal. This slow sink allows you to walk this bait under water just by giving a three or four count after the lure hits the water. Just remember that regular under water techniques require the slowest retrieve you can stand! Attach BloodHounds to your line with a loop knot for the best action on any retrieve. Selected color patterns include seatrout, baby redfish and glow in the dark. Three dimensional holographic eyes are standard on all BloodHound lures. Premium red Mustad® UltraPoint™ treble hooks assure fast, sure hookups.

The New Boodah Shaker Jighead from Bass Assassin features a new keeper on the hook which allows for a firm hold on your lure without all the hassle of twisting your lure onto a spring or forcing it over barbs. This unique little piece holds with amazing strength and yet is so quick and simple. The larger glass eyes give the jigheads a more realistic look, giving the fisherman the added advantage of a more realistic lure presentation. The Boodah Shaker is available in two hook sizes: 3/0 and 1/0. It is available in 3 count packages in 1/16, 1/8 and ¼ oz. sizes.

They come in Lead/Red Eye, Red, Chartreuse Flash, Electric Chicken and our new Pink. Look for these new fish catchers at a retailer near you.

www.biminibayoutfitters.com

www.bassassassin.com

Gamakatsu Skip-Gap Hook The crook in the hook keeps the bait on the hook!

It’s that simple!

Smart Shield New After Sun Care Pain Relief Gel Our sunscreen gels have a cooling alcohol/Aloe Vera base that’s great for people who have oily skin and live in humid regions. The Aloe Vera gel is moisturizing and healing to the skin. This fragrance-free formula won’t clog pores, never feels greasy and is sweat proof and waterproof.

Cool down with our

skin discomforts.

Gamakatsu is a leader in manufacturing of top quality hooks. Gamakatsu uses only premium grade high carbon steel to ensure maximum performance. And Gamakatsu has the most advanced tempering system in the world to produce hooks that are super strong but not brittle. The new Skip-Gap Hook is another brilliant product designed for fishermen by fishermen from Gamakatsu.

www.smartshield.com

www.spro.com

soothing Aloe Vera Gel with Lidocaine. Provides relief for those who forget to wear sunscreen or have windburn. The perfect gel for fast pain relief from sunburn, windburn, and

62

For decades, fishermen everywhere have had to deal with soft plastic baits sliding down the hook when casting, retrieving, and catching fish. Now, Gamakatsu has solved the problem once and for all. New for 2007, Gamakatsu introduces the Skip-Gap Hook. Its revolutionary design, developed by tournament fisherman and designer, Jimmy Merrit, incorporates a unique V bend in the shaft making it virtually impossible for the plastic bait to slide out and over the offset portion of the hook… guaranteed! No more special rigging, pegs, or glue. No more frustration or wasted time adjusting or re-rigging your bait.

Gulf Coast Connections Texas Saltwater Fishing

November 2006

St Croix Rod Tidemaster Inshore Saltwater Series Spinning and Casting Rods Greater strength — increased sensitivity — more hooksetting power. St. Croix’s 2007 redesign of its popular Tidemaster Inshore series spinning and casting rod is complete — and the results are sure to satisfy even the most demanding saltwater angler.

The new Tidemaster series is handcrafted in Park Falls, Wisconsin. Tidemaster rods are made with premium SC graphite for strength and durability. Batson Forecast hard aluminum-oxide guides feature new 316 stainless steel frames for dramatically improved corrosion resistance, especially compared to 304 stainless steel frames.

Tidemaster rods are meticulously finished with two coats of Flex Coat slow-cure finish. www.stcroixrods.com

St Croix Rod Legend Inshore Saltwater Series Spinning and Casting Rods St Croix introduces a new family of stateof-the-art rods designed specifically for inshore saltwater angling and built for extreme performance — The Legend Inshore series.

Legend Inshore rods, handcrafted in Park Falls, Wisconsin, feature highly refined SC graphite blanks in Belize blue finish that incorporate St. Croix’s exclusive Integrated Poly Curve tooling technology and Advanced Reinforcing Technology. IPC-engineered mandrels create a superior blank by providing more uniform wall thickness compared to traditional compound tapered mandrels – eliminating all transitional points of weakness on the blank. The IPC mandrel’s continuous taper increases the blank’s smoothness, because there are no drastic taper changes. www.stcroixrods.com November 2006

Gulf Coast Connections Texas Saltwater Fishing

63

Light, light, light,

it’s all you hear from anglers, tackle manufacturers, rod makers and anybody else associated with the world of fishing. We are consumed with reducing weight like clients at Jenny Craig. Now the big push for

getting slim, small, or skinny comes from our lower coast brothers, they think anything heavier than a 1/8 ounce jig head may as well be a decoy weight. I can buy that line of thinking because they stay in some mighty shallow water and anything heavier would just not do the job. Now as you move up the coast the water gets a little deeper on average but the mindset stays the same, lighter is better. Well that’s all fine and dandy but if you buy into that concept you will find yourself on the short end of the stick before very long.

Upper coast fishermen know there are times that you need to fish in some water that does not qualify as “skinny”; this is where 90% of the average fishermen lose confidence. It doesn’t matter if you fish fresh or salt; you get deeper than 6 or 8 feet and most folks don’t have a clue because they just don’t fish that kind of water. We are all so dialed in to catching fish in a thimble full of water that we leave a ton of water untouched. With

the right combination of jig heads and weights you can conquer any depth of water.

If you look in the average tackle box you will find plenty of 1/8 ounce and 1/4 ounce jig heads, and probably a few of the 1/16 ounce models just for good measure. What you won’t find most of the time is anything heavier, heaven forbid you have a 3/8 or 1/2 ounce because only “weekend warriors” and “amateurs” use stuff like that. Nothing could be farther from truth; here are some prime examples why you need the heavy stuff.

Fall fishing means chasing the birds on open water while speckled trout and redfish dine on shrimp or shad below the surface. Heavier jig heads will enable anglers to reach these flocks of birds from greater distances, which in turn means more fish per set of birds. In windy conditions you may not get but a handful of casts at a group of diving gulls so the farther away you can reach them the better, it may be the difference between catching just one fish or catching several fish. Also the heavier jigs will get down faster below the school of trout and give you more hook ups on the redfish cleaning up the mess at the bottom. This is a tactic that we live by on Sabine and Calcasieu, those redfish will just hang around under the school trout and unless you get down where they are you won’t catch them nearly as often.

Example #2 comes to us in the winter and early spring as fish tend to gang up in deeper locales looking for more consistent temperatures and salinity. Fishing deep drops in a channel or river is nearly impossible with light jigs; factors such as wind and current make it difficult to stay in contact with your lure if the weight is too light. By bulking up on your tackle you can cover these situations and catch more fish as well as have more confidence in fishing all depths of water. If you can master the deep stuff you will be surprised how much water you will have to yourself because most folks just won’t give it a try. The first step is to have the right gear for the job and that means beef up on the jig heads, don’t be afraid because I guarantee you the results will be well worth the time and effort.

Chris Richnow with a beautiful oversized redfish caught under the birds on Sabine Lake.

64

Gulf Coast Connections Texas Saltwater Fishing

Oscar Peraza and his 10 pound redfish he caught under the birds while fishing Sabine Lake.

November 2006

November 2006

Gulf Coast Connections Texas Saltwater Fishing

65

Fishing is still ok.

drops and we get our tides back, look for East Bay to start turning on.

Trout fishing here on this end of the

You will be able to wade fish with top waters and first light is the best time

Galveston Bay system is still pretty

of day to do this. Try to get you a big one and then later on pull out and

good but we’re working harder for

work the birds or whatever else you want to do. Drifting reefs and edges

them. We typically go through this

of flats will be a good option anytime there is a breeze.

every year for whatever reason;

Same thing for Trinity Bay, basically I will start out early with

I guess it’s the natural changing

topwaters and after the sun gets up good around 10 o’clock then we will

of seasons. The transition from

start to go out deep, making loops, looking for tide breaks, slicks or birds,

summer to fall always seems

whatever will show us where the fish are. The top end of Trinity and both

an unsettled period until the fall

sides ought to be excellent coming up through the remainder of October

pattern really takes over.

and November.

Back in September everything was looking pretty good when

West Bay has been a little bit spotty and likely will continue that way

we were getting those first little

until winter sets in. The flounder runs will start down there in the coves

cool fronts. We had the water

and down around the Galveston Channel and around the jetties too and

temperature down in the 70’s but

naturally at Pelican Island and all that area. That realistically is going

now it is back up in the 80’s. The

to be the best once we get these fronts and some good tide drops. The

fish are trying to get up on the flats,

flounder run will start on that end. We are kind of getting a sporadic

it is kind of a in-between deal. They seem hung up in-between the deep

run of it up here. We had a good one the other day that was a 26 ½“

and shallow.

flounder. We did not weight it but it probably weighed about 8 lbs but we

Just like you’ve heard me say, redfish are often the bonus around here and that’s the case right now for sure. Catching the big slot reds

let it go to fight another day.

A lot of people predict that all these flounder leave the bays and go to

have been the kicker everyday. On a good day we can grind out 25-30

the gulf but I think it is nonsense because we have a pretty good flounder

reds, catch and release only. We had one day about a week ago where

action all winter in Trinity and East Bay, especially around Thanksgiving

we caught about 50. Now that is good redfishing!

and on up to Christmas. We are catching them on the flats on soft

We are fishing out of the boat and working structure in about 4-6 feet of water in Trinity Bay. On occasion, they will get real skinny and shallow but for the most part they are hanging deep too. Soft plastics or top

plastics already and it will only get better. Everyone has a different opinion on things.

A lot of little males are hitting the flats right now but as soon as it

waters it really does not matter. If I have a good crew that can cast we

gets cooler those big females, the sow flounder, will start hitting the flats,

will throw top waters if not we will stick with the jigs because it is a little

the ledges and the drop offs. That is where it is really going to be good.

bit dangerous out of the boat.

Everything is primed up for a good fall.

As soon as we can pull some more fronts and this water temperature

66

Gulf Coast Connections Texas Saltwater Fishing

November 2006

November 2006

Gulf Coast Connections Texas Saltwater Fishing

67

September phased

out with good catches of trout and reds. The initial days of October rolled in a little slowly due to slack tides and warm temperatures.

Checking water temperature out in the middle of the bay today, October 5, revealed 83 degrees not yet the cooling down trend we are expecting. Looking further into October and on to November, past records indicate promise of the best two months out of the year for catching good quality fish.

Our cool fronts should be in full swing by November while anticipating these fronts to hit by mid-October. As this cooling phase begins and our water temperatures drop down into the low70’s you’ll see the shrimp begin moving from all the back lakes and tributaries eventually reaching the middle of the bay and shorelines.

Expect birds to be working in both East and West Matagorda Bays as these shrimp hit their destinations.

East Matagorda Bay will likely be my continued stomping grounds but I won’t rule out the Colorado River unless we receive an abundance of rain which would then make this river too fresh. The Colorado River, if fishable, can be a good place to catch trout especially if a norther is blowing and the water is blown out of the bays. In past years, I’ve found this river to be a haven for me when chased off the bay. You can turn a bad fishing day into a good one if you catch it right.

You never know even by tracking exactly what our weather here in Texas will furnish. My advice is to use your noggin and pick your days carefully.

As I mentioned, I’ll more than likely be perusing Capt. Bill with 29 1/2” trout caught East Matagorda Bay on my on plum shrimptail and released.

68

Gulf Coast Connections Texas Saltwater Fishing

fishing outings probably running all over the bay looking for bait or working birds.

If you take this avenue and want to catch a few more redfish try Michael Faichtinger with 26 1/2” trout kept to mount. using a heavier leadhead like a 3/8 ounce instead of a 1/4 ounce. Your reds are usually swimming below the trout.

On the other hand, if you decide to wade-fish instead of drifting or working the birds, try wading out in front of any drain coming from the south shoreline like at the Oyster Farm, Catchall Basin, Kain Cove, and other similar spots. Any drain should have a few fish and more than likely you will be fishing some birds yourself while wading. Fish follow the bait, and the shrimp will be falling out of the drains coming from the south shoreline.

My personal bait selection will include She Dogs in the 74 MR and 84 MR series and I really don’t think the color will make a big difference so you can pick from the CH, 21, GRCCH, Bone, or 808 and still be successful. As for plastics, I’ll choose Bass Assassins on a 1/4 or 1/8 ounce leadhead in Roach, Plum, Pumpkinseed, Red Shad, Truese Goose, or Opening Night. I won’t rule out the new Shrimp Cocktail from Bass Assassin and I’ll pick the Drunk Monkey, Electric Chicken, and Bone Diamond rigged 18-22 inches under a popping cork on a 1/16 ounce lead head or using just a leadhead fishing it like a Bass Assassin.

Hopefully, these tips will help you on the water and like I mentioned we’re heading into some historically great fishing times so I can’t wait to see how it all plays out. Be careful out there and God Bless.

Larry Gerdes with 25” trout caught wading East Matagorda Bay using top waters.

November 2006

I would like to thank Redfish Nation

and Texas Lady Anglers for sanctioning and promoting the first annual all-female Texas Redfish Shootout Fishing Tournament in Rockport, Texas on September 30th.

There were a lot of firsts for everybody involved in this tournament. Some of our teams had more experience than others, but one thing we all had in common was two girls in each boat and an intense love for fishing and competition.

The atmosphere was thick with anticipation as we lined up for our inspection and we couldn’t wait for safe light so the first boat could be released. I’ll let you know right now if anyone said they didn’t have butterflies in their stomach they are lying.

We blasted off and stuck to our plan. There was only one major change… the wind had switched

November 2006

direction, all week we pre-fished under predominant north to northeast and now the winds came from due south. You know with a turn around wind like that the fish are going to be scattered and everybody had to work hard to put fish in the live well.

My partner, Barbara Skalak, and I are looking forward to fishing the 2007 All Ladies Redfish Shootout Series. I am very proud of all the gals that participated in this inaugural tournament and I cannot wait to see it grow. Major kudos to TLA and Redfish Nation for putting this all together and personally to Pat Drake and Patti Polensky for all their work and dedication to our fine sport.

First Place: Tammy Barr and Dawn Pakebush Second Place: Julie Blackwood and Carolyn Cantu Third Place: Pam Johnson and Barbara Skalak

Gulf Coast Connections Texas Saltwater Fishing

69

It truly is amazing

The ladies professional redfish tournament was a one-day tournament held on a Saturday. I believe we all had the jitters that morning and probably some more than others. After talking to some of the ladies the night before I found out some of them had just learned to drive a boat a month before the tournament. It really isn’t uncommon for an experienced lady angler not to have boat-driving experience. I think about all the ladies I know that are very experienced anglers but would rather have their significant other worry about getting from point A to B. You see guys, believe it or not, we ladies can do just about anything we CHOOSE to do. It is just a matter of “If we want to!”

We started off at safe light and had to be back for weigh-in between 2 and 4 pm. While prefishing for the tournament I found some nice reds on a shoreline not far from the tournament site. When we arrived to the same shoreline the morning of the tournament I noticed the tide was much higher than two days before. We saw and cast to many reds but couldn’t tempt them to bite. About midday we decided to cross the open water of Aransas Bay and head for St. Charles Bay to an area I was certain we would catch two keepers but knew they would be lower slot size reds.

The hard wind that day made for a very rough and long ride to our destination. Judy and I fished hard catching many redfish but unfortunately none measured over 24 inches. It was really great getting to chat it up with a lady angler of her skill level. She too is a guide on the freshwater side and a very accomplished bass tournament angler with many wins under her belt.

When we got back to weigh-in I was delighted to hear that the majority of the teams had two fish to weigh. As much as I would have loved for Judy and I to be the champions of the first ever all ladies professional redfish tournament that honor would go to Dawn Pakebush and Tammy Barr. I have the privilege of knowing these ladies first hand and boy they can sure fish.

Congratulations to you both!

While there can be only one winning team in any tournament I feel like every one of the ladies that participated in this one were all winners. Many of the teams accomplished feats that just months ago they thought were impossible. Pat yourself on the back ladies…. job well done!

I also have to give a round of applause for all those that volunteered to help with the tournament. There is a ton of activities that go on behind the scenes and without your generous donation of time and energy this tournament would not have happened without you!

For any of you lady anglers out there that didn’t know about the tournament or maybe some of you are kicking yourselves in the rear for not participating in this year’s tournament, keep your eye on www. texasladyanglers.com for next year’s dates. From what I heard there will be two venues on the calendar and I believe the locations may be Rockport and Port O’Connor.

Before I close out this article I have to do a little patting on my back. Gary and I fished the final leg of the Texas Redfish Series in September and took home The Team of the Year award. We were both so proud of what we had accomplished and it took everything I had not to shed a tear on stage as we accepted our trophies.

To my husband, Gary, it truly is amazing that as my teammate you are not only my husband and best friend but also one of the best fishermen I have ever met. Even though we have had many “heated” discussions during tournaments you must know your knowledge and skill is where my Judy and I displaying our two confidence resides. Hey, how many teammates get the bonus redfish at the first ever All Ladies Professional Redfish Tournament. of kissing their partners and liking it!

how time flies by, it seems like just yesterday we were in our summertime mode and now here we are in full swing of the fall season.

It has been a very busy year for Gary and me, keeping extremely busy with guiding and competing in fishing tournaments.

In my last article I wrote about how Gary and I began our journey into the redfish tournaments and how we have competed as a team together for the last three years.

Tournament style fishing has taught me many things, some lessons were good and some were… well, some of the endeavors I could have lived without. There has definitely been a lot of firsts for me while fishing in tournaments and in September there were a few more.

Pat Drake and Patti Polensky formed a great association a few years ago called Texas Lady Anglers, I am sure you have heard of it. Well after a year’s worth of planning they joined up with Redfish Nation to produce the first-ever all ladies professional redfish tournament. The groundbreaking tournament was held in Rockport this past September and while the attendance level was not as high as some had hoped it was definitely a great start of things to come.

I was delighted to be teamed up with Judy Wong through American Rodsmiths. If you haven’t already heard, Judy and I now have our own Signature Series rods made by American Rodsmiths customized just for lady anglers. The Lady Rodsmiths Titanium Tournament Series rods, made in freshwater and saltwater models, are not only very eye appealing due to their pinkish color but are also extremely lightweight and can handle anything you can give them, from the biggest bass to the toughest redfish.

I am so proud to be affiliated with American Rodsmiths, finally a rod maker that not only recognizes lady anglers but also supports and encourages us in a field that is dominated by mostly men.

Gary and I are proud to show off our Texas Redfish Series Team of the Year trophies.

70

Gulf Coast Connections Texas Saltwater Fishing

November 2006

November 2006

Gulf Coast Connections Texas Saltwater Fishing

71

It is great to see

the north wind blowing. We need to get a few more fronts and it will really help the fishing. It has been kind of slow but that’s normal for this time of year when we are in between patterns.

Calm mornings and a lot of sea grass are making it tough for the trout fishing.

The fish are scattered, I’m finding patches of bait and fish strung out everywhere. We’ll fish one spot about forty-five minutes and pick up a few then move to another spot and catch a few. It keeps me on the move.

With more cold fronts coming we’ll get a big push of water from Corpus Christi Bay into the Laguna Madre which means a wave of fish too. The water exchange from the Laguna Madre and Corpus Christi Bay is better since the causeway was raised and the west end was opened for water flow. Now that Packery Channel is officially open, hopefully this will help the water quality and improve the fishing.

It’s usually good fishing a couple of days after the front. I’ll fish the small channels and ditches along the west shore in depths of 5 to 6 feet. Fish will travel near the shoreline in these ditches that run a quarter of a mile or so long. These fish get in them and just run down the ditches, it’s kind of like a highway for fish.

Conditions may not allow you to fish the way you want to. I really prefer to throw a small lead head with a Saltwater Assassin and bounce it off the bottom or maybe a suspending bait like the Catch 2000. A lot of times when the grass gets real bad I can’t use them so I’ll use a clicker cork. Bass Assassin has a new clicker cork with a nickel titanium wire. It’s called a Kwik Cork. It is very durable and I am impressed with it. I’ll use this with one of Bass Assassin’s new Joe Hoogendoorn with a scented shrimp tied below. This beautiful Laguna Madre trophy — fishing with Cliff Webb. makes a little noise and keeps the 72

Gulf Coast Connections Texas Saltwater Fishing

grass off the lure so I can cover more ground.

Last week we Kristi Courte with 29” trophy trout she landed had a good while fishing with Capt. C.R. (Cliff Jr.) Webb. trip with Joe Hoogendoorn of Corpus Christi. The trip was his birthday present from his brother-inlaw. We were within a couple of miles of the JFK Causeway. Joe was on fire that day. He was using a Bass Assassin Crystal Shad. His first fish was a 28 ½ inch trout. It was his personal best. Then he backed it up with a 27 inch red and two other nice trout. About that time his brother-in-law called and asked, “How’s the fishing?” Joe said, “I’m doing alright, but I don’t know about these other guys.” He put it on us and was rubbing it in. We all enjoyed it and managed to catch some fish throughout the day.

Just recently I was fishing with some guys who were part of a huge forty boat corporate trip. My guys were Kent Nielson, Bill Pickard and Ron Pfeiffer. We were the only boat using artificial lures; everyone else had croakers and piggies. I was nervous, hoping to just keep up with the other boats. The day started off slow, we jumped around and found some small fish in Yarborough Pass in the flats and we even caught some flounder. I moved south and found some clearer water. We were drifting the rocks and using the trolling motor to work around them. My three guys were doing a great job casting and working it back in. Everyone had caught some fish, even Ron, who was on his first fishing trip.

We had to be back to the dock at 2:00 pm. Bill made one

Bill Pickard picked up two beautiful fish recently fishing with Cliff.

November 2006

Cathy Hill enjoyed her fight with this huge redfish during a charter with Capt. C.R. Webb.

last cast at 1:15 pm, and unbelievable as it sounds, he hooked a 30-inch plus trout on a pumpkinseed sea shad. The fish nailed it.

Someone had borrowed the dip net out of my boat, all I had was the Boga grip. I was hoping everything would go just right to get this fish in. He’s bringing her in and we’re drifting to the rocks.

As he brought it up to the boat I reached down and locked her lip. Quickly, I was able to move the boat off the rocks. We took a picture and released her. So, with the last cast we had the biggest trout. I was happy with the results of that day.

My son, Captain Cliff Jr. has been running some great trips also. I’ve seen big fish and happy people. They’ve sent some thank you notes along with great pictures that I’ve included.

I would like to pass along a couple of tips: l Being as quiet as possible while easing along with the trolling motor is one the keys to success in this business. It helps to keep the blade of your trolling motor prop sanded smooth. If you keep the little nicks and dings off your blades they’ll make less noise and you’ll be able get a lot closer to the fish. l Terry Roberts of T. Roberts Optical has done something great for me again. As you might know, I already use The Costa Del Mar sunglasses with the vermillion lens. They really brighten up the low light of the morning and the evening for serious sightcasting. But in mid day I was squinting and needed to darken the view. Terry put a mirror finish on my sunglasses and now in the middle of the day my eyes are relaxed. I can see much better and I am really enjoying them.

November 2006

Gulf Coast Connections Texas Saltwater Fishing

73

You really have to love

what fishing in the Laguna Madre has to offer. November is when Port Mansfield returns to its laid-back atmosphere in town but becomes exciting just past the harbor. We will have a lot of water to ourselves, and who can argue deserted shorelines with nothing but yapping coyotes, curious deer and lure smashing fish as distractions? The fishing here has taken its turn into fall and everything looks to be on schedule for another season of adventure.

As of this writing we are already seeing a lot of what we want.

Good groups of redfish are tailing consistently in the early morning shallows and then dropping down predictably into potholes by late morning. There’s not much more exciting than sneaking up on a pod of unsuspecting tails waving in the air to make a heart-pounding presentation.

Watching an oversized red destroy a topwater rates high on the list as well. It is already going on and will even get better as we go through the month. The first few cold fronts will help.

In most other parts of the coast, a strong push of cool air can shut down fishing while it’s blowing through but the Laguna offers some unique opportunity. We have an environment where fishing for shallow redfish can be exceptional even during twenty-five mph winds. Shallow seagrass beds help to hold water clarity, and bulldozing redfish will school and take advantage of shrimp being dislodged by north winds in shin deep water. Low birds, hovering right above the water, will pinpoint these schools. Most will be in very tight circles and can have anywhere from a dozen to thirty fish in them.

Often we can see several groups working within wading distance. The key is staying with them and making accurate casts, mostly with tails but topwaters

Watching an oversized red destroy a topwater is high on the list of fun things to do.

74

Gulf Coast Connections Texas Saltwater Fishing

can work as well. Fishing like this takes a certain amount of athleticism as some of the bottoms aren’t exactly the easiest to navigate on foot, but the rewards of working hard always give the most satisfaction. As mentioned, however, a major key is making accurate casts. I’d like to address more of that.

We quite often take casting for granted, but that is one skill that has to be perfected to catch fish on a consistent basis. If we don’t have distance we are extremely limited and if we can’t hit a target or land a lure within a couple of feet, we are relying on blind luck. We see many enthusiastic folks who despite great intentions just can’t always do what needs to be done. If you are going to invest in a trip to the Laguna, or anywhere else for that matter, it is important that you have made an investment in casting skill as well. We wouldn’t think of playing in a golf tournament without hitting a few buckets of balls, and vacationers serious about a ski trip will start doing exercises to get in shape as best they can. Fishing should be no different if we want a chance at greater enjoyment. Make sure your level-wind is in excellent working order and full to capacity with new line.

For those of you preferring spinning reels, practice throwing a lightweight lure at various angles to the wind and hitting a specific target. To enjoy success in sightcasting, the lure has to land directly where the fish are, and these exciting circles of opportunity are usually very tight.

The other opportunities fall will bring are of course a better trout bite. Larger topwaters come more into play near shorelines as the water cools. Loud She Dogs can bring explosive action during feeds and we will see a much better ratio of keeper-sized fish. The better fish we will catch will have good weight on them as they start gorging in preparation for winter. Patterns become more predictable both before and after fronts as water either floods or drains the flats, shorelines, and backwater areas. Down here in the valley, temperature fluctuations usually don’t become a major consideration until the latter part of the month.

In short, November can be a month to remember. Excellent hunting in South Texas is a major draw and many memories can be made in the water while much of the outdoor crowd moves inland. Speaking of memories, a good camera should always be a part of our essential gear. Pictures and videos last a long time and many others can enjoy your trip for years to come. If we are fortunate enough to land one of the monster trout the Lower Laguna Madre has to offer, if it’s not headed the taxidermist, please consider letting it grow for others to enjoy as well.

Enjoy what fall has to offer, and remember, practice your casting to a fine art, and we don’t need be scared of a little wind. Go for it, and good luck!

Low birds hovering just above the water will pinpoint schools of redfish during northers.

If you are fortunate enough to land one of Laguna Madre’s bigger trout this fall; please consider that pictures and videos last longer than fish dinners.

November 2006

November 2006

Gulf Coast Connections Texas Saltwater Fishing

75

The month of November marks the beginning of the winter holidays. This is when we begin to prepare for the day of the big feast. As the day draws closer, we will go regularly to the grocery store and fill our shelves with all the trimmings, and of course, how could we ever forget that huge Butterball turkey? This time of year also marks the beginning of gaining a few extra pounds as a consequence of all the opportunities to gorge on wellprepared tables.

The gorging of the feast is not only limited to our homes, a feast also takes place on the Lower Laguna Madre. This is the month where tide levels have been high long enough to fill our back waters with plenty of provisions such as small crabs, tiny shrimp, mud minnows, and other small fin fish. You could say the sand and mud shelves on the Lower Laguna will be stocked with plenty of resources for hungry trout willing to add a few inches of girth. In November it is common to find fish that haven’t even digested their last prey to be willing and aggressive as they pounce on a well presented lure.

These fish know by nature that winter will soon be arriving. With the arrival of winter, cooler water temperatures will prevail as the passing of cold fronts become more frequent. This means fish will not hold the same feeding pattern in December or in January as they would in November.

The fish will begin to gorge on the “cupboards” of our bays and develop some big shoulders and pot bellies as they enjoy feasting on all the food that is available during the month of November.

During early fall in the months of September and October, we found plenty of fish around, but getting them to commit was a dilemma we had to

deal with. During these months the water levels came up which caused our fish populations to have more places to hide. We were able to find fish working shorelines and other places that were previously inaccessible due to lack of water.

Once we found the fish, we threw spoons in different sizes, topwaters in a multiple of colors, and plastics baits. For the most part we had many refusals and only a few takers. On many trips I

A proud lady angler shows her first ever flounder.

had to leave these lockjawed fish and try else where to find a bite only to return back a few hours later knowing there were plenty of fish there. On the second visit to these spots, we found that the fish had a more predator-like attitude and had developed an appetite for our baits. On many occasions this was the secret of our success. We also found good success in fishing shallow bays when waiting for the sun to rise high above the horizon and allowing us to sight-cast to cruising redfish.

On a recent trip, I had two anglers with many years of fishing experience, mainly on the upper coast, but they never had yet to experience the enjoyment of sight-casting to redfish in gin clear water. We set our drift in less than a foot of water with the bow of the boat pointing downwind and of course not forgetting to leave the engine in gear so that the prop would not spin and alert the fish to our presence. I had the anglers stand on the center console armed and ready for any opportunity that might arise. Since they had no experience in fishing in this manner, I had them throw some practice casts at a few horse mullet that were milling in the area.

On our first and second drifts, they found it difficult to actually see the fish.

One of the keys in spotting fish from up high in shallow water is to focus on the bottom. In wade fishing I tend to focus on surface movement looking for any little ripple or nervous water that will usually show the presence of a predator or baitfish. When sight-casting from up high, I instruct my anglers to focus on the bottom and look for the silhouette of a fish. On most occasions you can see the fish you are hoping to catch in the crystal clear water. Another key is to keep your eyes moving, constantly scanning from nine o’clock to three o’clock position and then back, all the while trying to distinguish what’s lying on the bottom.

After a few mistaken identities of possible redfish and a fair share of poorly placed casts, my anglers finally caught on and managed to land a couple of bronze colored beauties.

On one occasion I spotted a redfish that my clients could not see, I told one of them to make a two o’clock cast about thirty yards away. It was well placed, just in front of the fish.

Then you could hear me telling him reel, reel, work it, work it,

Richard is stalking redfish on the bank.

76

Gulf Coast Connections Texas Saltwater Fishing

Leon experienced a great top water day on the LLM. November 2006

set the hook, fish on. All this time never did one of the anglers ever see the fish. It was at that moment that I knew they were hooked on sight-casting by their expressions and high fives. It was experiences like this one that made up for some slow morning bites.

November has always been good as my fishing log book confirms. Redfish will be on Sight casting can be a blast as one angler experienced.

the prowl, ready and willing to gorge on just about anything that comes their way. They will continue to hold in shallow back

bays. Already we have seen a healthy population of small to medium size trout in waist deep waters. The month of November certainly brings cooler air and water temperatures, but as the temperatures decline the fishing gets better. Historically, cooler water temperatures means trout catches will increase in size and numbers. This is also the month where water temperatures cool down enough to start wearing your waders. Last year by the third week of November we were dressing in waders.

So if you still have the energy to get away from the table after eating all those pies and other good stuff, come join us at the feast of another kind on the Lower Laguna Madre.

November 2006

Gulf Coast Connections Texas Saltwater Fishing

77

Fishing on Calcasieu Lake is unbelievable lately. You can hook up on speckled trout, redfish and flounder from the Interstate 10 bridge all the way to the Cameron jetties. Large schools of trout are working under the birds at this time. The birds will continue to lead attentive anglers to the specks throughout the month of November. The water clarity is great, since we’ve had lots of light winds and the salinity is high for this time of year. Our weather conditions are very favorable for

should change everything for the better. We’ll start seeing more and more fish up shallow and staying there. We’ll focus then on the bayous, sloughs and back lakes.

November should be wide open, lots of fish and good size too. We’ll be wading and drifting, throwing topwaters and a lot of 51 and 52M Mirrolures.”

He says that the dove hunting has been exceptional this year, and that he expects it to continue to be productive all the way through the late season this winter.

“The duck hunting is shaping up nicely, too,” he predicts. “The marshes have plenty of water in them and there is grass where it should be to attract the birds.”

the big sow trout to start showing up in the shallows and over scattered shell just adjacent to the shorelines. Now is the time to stock up on your topwater plugs.

Favorites over here include Super Spooks, Skitterwalks and SheDogs in bone, black and all of the colors added to chrome bellies. Our duck season will open on November 11th. Get ready to blast and cast!!! We will be hunting in the mornings and fishing in the afternoons. Wielding a shotgun for a while and then picking up a baitcasting rig is a great way to spend a day in the Sportsman’s Paradise!

It will be difficult for Sabine to get any better than it has been since mid September. The only complaint has been size with the speckled trout, but even that problem is improving daily. The lake is in fantastic shape and already packed with bait in spite of the fact that the marshes still haven’t emptied. Soft plastics are easily producing the greatest numbers fished under the gulls, but topwaters are the ticket for larger trout and redfish. For some reason, the redfish have schooled much more consistently on the south end while our larger trout are coming off the north end. Once the marshes purge, it should be wall-to-wall fish through November and December. Our hottest colors in topwaters have been black/ chartreuse head and bone/chrome side. Glow/chartreuse, bone diamond, and pumpkin/chartreuse have been good colors in the Sea Shad and Split tail fished on quarter ounce heads. The redfish have preferred the longer soft plastics, Rat’l Traps, and the Hoginar. November should be red hot for both flounder and stripers once the water cools down.

James reports that his friend Jeremy Ebert caught a tarpon that should eclipse the current state record. He helped Jeremy tape, measure and weigh the fish, and it tipped the scales at a whopping 210 pounds, 11 ounces! “This summer was an exceptional one for tarpon; of course it’s winding down now.”

He says the trout fishing has been steady if not spectacular. “Most of the people are boat fishing, but the wading is already getting good. The shorelines are holding fish under rafted mullet. I have been catching some on topwaters, but I’ve had better luck on a Bass Assassin rigged on a weighted worm hook. It has the weight lying all along the shank of the hook and when you work the worm, it will walk the dog just like a topwater, and then it sinks horizontally. It was designed for sight-casting to shallow redfish, but it works great for trout in shallow water too.”

He predicts that the fishing in November will be wide open. “Try wading Trinity Bay and the new cuts in the back of East Bay draining the marsh.”

Jim reports that fishing has been good lately, though in some ways it resembles a summer pattern. “We are catching quality fish early on topwaters, but then after about nine o’ clock it gets pretty tough. The action under birds in the middle has been fast and furious, but the percentage of keepers is really low on most days.”

He says this on the day before the season’s first predicted strong front. “This front 78

Gulf Coast Connections Texas Saltwater Fishing

Randall says the fishing has been good in his area lately, especially for some bigger than average trout. “We had five trout that weighed a total of 27 pounds the other day. We released them all after getting the weights. I was proud of my customers for the way they stuck with it to get those fish. We were only getting one bite every forty minutes or so, but they wanted to catch some big fish and they did because they were patient and worked at it.” The action that day and on several other big trout forays was best on chartreuse Skitter Walks and blue/chrome Super Spooks. “We also go to the She Dog some when it gets rougher.”

The fish are still hanging out in Lower West Bay under rafted mullet too, he says.

“Lots of sand trout mixed in with small and keeper trout over there. The fish don’t seem to be holding on shell yet. We need some colder fronts.” He predicts that his big trout spots should produce into November and that mud-shell mixed bottoms will improve, especially when using a clear glitter/chartreuse Norton Sand Eel.

Don reports that the action is streaky lately in East Bay due to frequent high winds and off colored water. “We are having some good days drifting the reefs, but it’s not as consistent as it can be. We’ll limit out for a couple of days and then the fish seem to scatter or the wind comes up and messes up the water.” On windier days, he’s been concentrating his efforts in the river and diversion channel, catching decent numbers and variety of fish. “There seem to be small mangrove snappers everywhere,” he says. Unfortunately, most of them are too small to keep. Mixed in with the snappers are trout, redfish, the occasional flounder and a few sheepshead.

“Guys are wading the shorelines in East Bay and catching some nice trout, up to about six pounds, but I haven’t seen or heard of any real big fish. The waders in West Bay are still having good luck with numbers of redfish.” He plans on sticking with East Bay primarily in November. “When we get some real fronts, we’ll find out if our fish are stacked up in there like they always have been in the past.”

The fishing in the area bays continues to be good. The highlight of late has been the abundance of flounder. We have been catching some huge flounder up to five pounds in area sloughs and bayous on three inch Berkley Gulp Swimming Mullets in pumpkinseed and on quarter ounce gold spoons tipped with two inch pearl Berkley Gulp Shrimp. Though the earlier red-hot redfish action has slowed a little, they continue to be found schooled up tight to the shorelines chasing shrimp and small baitfish. Chartreuse Super Spook Juniors have been tricking a good percentage of the spottails lately, as have pearl and pumpkin/chartreuse Norton Bull Minnows.

Trout fishing has been sporadic, with best action coming under the birds. We are finding some keepers in the fifteen to eighteen inch range, but most have been under the legal limit. The north shorelines of Tres Palacios Bay and the area from the Baptist Encampment to the Turning Basins should start to produce solid limits of both reds and specks next month with predicted cooling water conditions.

November 2006

Lynn has been catching his fish lately on sand and grass shorelines. “Our topwater bite has been good when wading the flats.” He also says that mid-bay areas are still holding fish with the unusually warm water temperatures. “We’ll still find some of our fish in November on sand and grass shorelines, especially those adjacent to deeper water, but more of the focus will be on mud bottoms when wading flats. Fishing deeper shell will become more productive this month as well, especially on the colder days behind the fronts. As the water cools down into the sixties, we’ll see fish moving back and forth between muddy flats and open water reefs, so we’ll be trying to stay with them.”

He mentions that he likes to throw topwaters on the warm, sunny afternoons when wading, of course, but that this month marks the transition over to more soft plastics and slow-sinking plugs. “I prefer the Corky mostly when throwing slow sinkers, but I also still use the old 51M and 52M Mirrolures too.”

Blake mentions a variety of interesting prospects for the Thanksgiving month.

“I’ll be running some cast and blast outings. We’ll stay in Aransas Bay mostly on those, working the back lakes for the ducks and the redfish, and then moving out to grassy main bay shorelines for the trout. We have a lot of ducks in the marsh already, and with the long standing drought we’ve had in south Texas, there should be plenty more ducks on the coast this fall and winter.”

He plans on fishing mostly Aransas, Mesquite and San Antonio Bays this month, focusing on grass when wading. “I’ll look for working birds in open water and will fish some reefs too, since we still have a lot of fish out there, but I’ll be most interested in catching some big trout on topwaters along the grassy shores.

In November, we usually catch some of our biggest trout of the year on topwaters.”

He admits that he is also partial to his Norton Sand Eels when the fish are finickier, especially the purple/chartreuse and the plum chartreuse ones.

November affords surf anglers opportunities at a wide variety of fish species of all sizes. Pompano are plentiful and join whiting as the most sought after smaller species. Peeled, fresh dead shrimp and “Fishbites” are most productive.

Slot and bull redfish remain in excellent numbers throughout the month and bite live mullet and cut bait. The bull red run is starting very late on PINS this year.

Large Spanish mackerel to eight plus pounds peak in abundance this month and scattered Atlantic bluefish are encountered. The jack crevalle fall run has been deltayed due to warm temperatures and they can be expected to appear throughout the month. Throw topwaters and large silver spoons and hang on.

Drive the shoreline watching for surface action and diving birds. Sharks of all sizes can be plentiful, and often they are cruising the shoreline where they can be targeted by casting baits as successfully as by kayaking them. For sharks, key on areas with concentrations of jack crevalle and other schools of bait fish. Be careful, as high tides make travel tough.

The fishing has been good the last few weeks. We’ve been catching lots of trout between 18 and 24 inches, along with many redfish in the upper end of the slot, with a few oversized ones. Recent cold fronts have made the fishing tough on some days, but usually these conditions only last for a day or two. The water level November 2006

in the Laguna Madre and Baffin has come up recently as well. Because of the higher tides, the fish are now roaming around higher in the flooded flats. Most of the fish we’ve been catching have been in three feet of water or less.

The most exciting fishing this time of the year with the high tides is sight-casting at redfish, trout and drum in water that is ten to eighteen inches deep and seeing acres of redfish tails waving at you. I have been working the edges of pot holes and grass lines with natural colored Exude RT Slugs rigged on 1/16 ounce jig heads. As a reminder, don’t forget the Ray Guards, because I’m also seeing many sting rays in the shallow water.

Joe reports catching some nice trout recently. “Ronnie Cox had a twenty six and a twenty nine inch trout one day. The next outing, I had some law professors from Monterrey, and one of them caught a twenty seven on a pumpkinseed/silktreuse Exude RT Slug.” He says he’s been fishing the mouth of Baffin quite a bit lately, where the water is still in decent shape, without much influence of brown tide and making some forays to the Land Cut too. “The reds are still lined up pretty good on the edges of The Cut,” he reports. “But I’ll be spending quite of bit of my time up north in November.”

The large grassy flats of Corpus Christi Bay are good in fall, he states. “When we get the rapidly changing winds and variable water temperatures, those big coves on the east end of the bay can be better than a lot of places. The water holds up nicely on most winds and we will usually find some bigger than average trout up shallow.”

Shamrock Cove and East Flats are known to hold fish in high winds and flood tides.

Bruce says that the fishing has been steady in the Port Mansfield area lately, especially for redfish. “We’ve got our fall herds gathered up and they have been pretty easy to locate and catch. We are finding good numbers of trout too. Not the really big trout, but the average size is up and should continue to get better as we get some more fronts with enough clout to drop the water temperatures.”

In November, he plans to focus more on the drains connecting deeper waters to large muddy flats. “The big trout will begin to be more predictably located in transitional waters that allow them easy access back and forth from deep holes when it’s cold and shallow mudflats on the warm ups.” He’s been throwing mostly small topwaters at the fish lately, but anticipates switching over to She Dogs and Super Spooks by about the middle of the month when the water cools down some more, preferring white or bright ones on clear days. “I favor a Corky a lot this time of year too,” he says. “Particularly that New Penny color on the cloudy days.”

Fall is one of the most productive times of the year for redfish action. Herds of reds are roaming Gas Well in loose formations or spread out grazing on the West Side near Unnecessary Island. We’re also seeing trout moving in to feed shallower as the water cools down and the tide levels are rising slightly on the flats.

Freddy says, “Halloween is the time for flounder to move into the bay and this year we’ll be throwing Gulp New Penny Shrimp at them rigged on a quarter ounce jig head with Shakespeare Cajun Advantage 30 lb. leaders. We’re also excited about our new reels from Okuma; if you haven’t tried one you’re missing out on some awesome action. After guiding for 26 years, we’ve used about every brand available and are sold on the EF-30 Series spinning and AE-200 bait casters.”

Our clients are limiting daily on slot reds throwing gold weedless spoons early then switching to Mauler/Gulps later and tagging oversized fish out of roaming herds.

Bring on the rain; it makes the fish bite harder and besides, they’re already wet!

Gulf Coast Connections Texas Saltwater Fishing

79

Raul Mendoza snagged this red on a morning glory Bass Assassin while fishing West Galveston Bay.

Adrian Villarreal tackled this red while fishing the Gas Well Flats in the Lower Laguna Madre.

Cindy Woloson tackled this red while fishing with Capt. Randall Groves.

Tommy Olson snagged this 24” red while fishing in Port Mansfield.

Owen Henning landed his first ever trout on artificial.

80

Gulf Coast Connections Texas Saltwater Fishing

Hailey Taylor and step-father Kenny Thompson show off Hailey’s first big red.

Chris Edwards boated this drum while fishing the West Jetty Boat Cut in Galveston.

Skylar Olson proudly displays his 22” red caught while fishing in Port Mansfield.

November 2006

Danny Koop Shows off one of many red caught and released while fishing in Lavaca Bay.

Daniel Escobedo of Brownsville landed this drum while fishing Port Mansfield Cut in his kayak.

Monica Shiller, Texas Lady Angler member, landed this 33” red while fishing in West Matagorda.

Jason Paul, of San Antonio, caught and released this bull red while fishing Cedar Bayou.

Darin Johnson tricked this nice trout while out fishing in Sabine.

Melissa Villarreal landed this nice red on artificial while fishing the Saucer area of the Lower Laguna Madre Joel McCommon and son, Conner, proudly show off Conner’s first red.

(Top) Chris Theriot hooked this 28” red while fishing Sabine Lake.

(Left) Baylor Moore tricked this 27 1/2” trout while fishing in Baffin.

November 2006

Gulf Coast Connections Texas Saltwater Fishing

81

This recipe comes from the kitchen of Melinda Scheps and it has instantly become our favorite for grilling the silver salmon we brought from Alaska. We like it so much that we’ve given it our “Best in Texas” rating.

1-pound salmon fillets (thawed with skin removed) Flavoring sauce 1/3-cup olive oil 1/3-cup soy sauce 4-Tbs dark brown sugar

2-pounds fresh or frozen halibut fillets Marinade Mix together in gallon zipper lock bag: 1/4-cup soy sauce 3 tablespoons olive oil garlic juice (from 4-cloves, freshly pressed) juice of 2 medium lemons, freshly squeezed Tony Chachere’s Cajun Seasoning (1 teaspoon) Thaw fillets if frozen and place in bag with marinade sauce.

Melt ½ stick real butter in small sauce pan.

Place fillets on hot grill, brush fillets (both sides) with butter and sprinkle with black pepper and parsley flakes. Cook 2-minutes on each side, remove from heat and serve immediately, fish is always best when served hot from the grill. For best flavor and texture do not exceed cooking time.

82

Gulf Coast Connections Texas Saltwater Fishing

Combine olive oil, soy sauce and brown sugar in small bowl, stirring until all sugar is dissolved. Place fillets in gallon ziplock bag with half of the flavoring sauce. Soak for one hour before cooking, turning bag often.

Light gas grill and preheat for 10-minutes at highest setting.

Place fillets directly over flame for two minutes per side.

Remove and serve immediately.

Drizzle fillets with remaining flavoring sauce before serving.

Yield — two adult dinner servings.

November 2006

November 2006

Gulf Coast Connections Texas Saltwater Fishing

83

84

Gulf Coast Connections Texas Saltwater Fishing

November 2006

November 2006

Gulf Coast Connections Texas Saltwater Fishing

85

for sale

86

Gulf Coast Connections Texas Saltwater Fishing

November 2006

For more information about these advertisers visit: http://www.gulfcoastconnections.com/contact_advertisers_product.html Boats, KayaKs, outBoards Anderson Marine..........................................................49 800-416-9003

Bernie’s Boats............................................................... 8 361-573-7809

Busha Boat Works....................................................... 35 979-245-3369

Canoesports................................................................55 713-660-7000

Coastal Backwater....................................................... 55 409-927-1462

Coastal Bend Marine................................................... 77 888-440-0099

El Campo Boating Center..............................................12 800-843-2201

Fisher Beavertail Manufacturing................................... 46 800-413-0020

Gulf Coast Boats............................................................1 713-477-7119

Gulf Coast Marine..........................................................6 361-967-7800

Honda Marine.............................................................. 31 800-426-7701

J & H Performance Boats........................................Cover 979-233-1852

Jerry B’s Kayak............................................................23 361-937-5340

Kroll’s Marine...............................................................65 800-882-4461

LMC Marine Center........................................................2 888-797-9805

Majek Boats...................................................................9 361-991-3102

Pearland Marine.......................................................... 58 281-485-4351

Ray’s Marine................................................................55 830-980-9485

Rockport Marine...........................................................13 361-729-7820

Ron Hoover RV & Marine Center.....................................1 800-545-8818

Shallow Sport Boats.................................................... 30 956-233-9489

Shoalwater Boats.........................................................88 361-983-4134

Southshore Boats........................................................ 65 361-972-3322

Sport Marine................................................................57 281-238-0060

Suzuki........................................................................... 3

Gulf Coast Trolling Motors............................................ 63 281-481-6832

Jet Dock...................................................................... 88 361-972-2122

JL Marine - Power Pole................................................ 57 888-442-4900

Safe Floor Company.....................................................71 281-435-5904

Salty Air O2 System / Inmon Respiratory Services........73 361-225-0052

South Texas Trolling Motors......................................... 55 361-939-8970

Specialty Aluminum Works...........................................49 361-575-1477

TechSun Trailers.....................................................Cover 800-499-7079

Fishing Products (rods, reels, tackle, etc.)

American Rodsmiths......................................................7 713-466-7849

Bass Assassin............................................................. 51 386-294-1049

Bimini Bay - Tsunami...............................................Cover 800-688-3481

Brown Lures................................................................ 55 877-460-4619

Falcon Rods.................................................................13 918-251-0020

Fish Slick.....................................................................67 Gamma Technologies.................................................. 67 800-437-2971

Laguna Rods................................................................47 281-931-1601

Penn.......................................................................Cover 215-229-9415

Rapala.........................................................................20 800-874-4451

Rip Tide.......................................................................39 888-252-7421

Rods by Pepper........................................................... 67 409-737-1136

Spivey Enterprises....................................................... 63 281-997-3364

Texas Tackle Factory.............................................. Cover 361-575-4751

Wade Aid Enterprises...................................................73 888-923-3243

Waterloo Rods............................................................. 69 361-573-0300

800-247-4704

Texas Marine............................................................... 71 409-898-7632

Tracker Marine..............................................................5 281-209-0900

Trans Fiberglass Boat.................................................. 39 361-972-6629

Tropical Marine............................................................ 45 800-960-1995

Wilderness Systems - Conflluence............................... 53 864-859-7518

Fishing retail locations Academy......................................................................43 888-922-2336

Blue Water Ships Stores.............................................. 57 281-334-7583

Boater’s World............................................................. 21 800-826-2628

23 David’s Tackle Box.........................................................

281-342-9669

Fishing Tackle Unlimited......................................... Cover

Boat accessories

281-481-6838

Birdsall Marine Design................................................. 63 800-829-1772

Boat Lift Distributors.....................................................17 800-657-9998

Breakwater Marine Electronics.....................................77 888-870-5082

Cove Harbor Marina and Drystack................................33 361-790-5483

Espandre.....................................................................64

Gander Mountain......................................................... 44 800-282-5993

Islander Custom Tackle................................................ 71 409-621-1126

Roy’s Bait & Tackle........................................................ 9 361-992-2960

Sportsmans Warehouse...............................................59

tournaments Speedy Stop Bash Tournament.................................... 61 361-587-5100

Texas Parks & Wildlife..................................................20 361-939-8745

real estate Bay Harbour................................................................ 29 281-235-8099

Fisherman’s Paradise...................................................35 386-566-4798

Full Stringer Lodge - Realtor......................................... 17 979-863-1143

Lynn Johnson Realty....................................................23 361-230-0111

Pooley Land & Realty...................................................57 361-785-2125

Vista Realty................................................................. 67 409-938-8000

miscellaneous 98.7 Texas Mix.............................................................86 361-573-7223

Associated Credit Union of Texas.............................. 75 800-521-6711

Aventura Jewelry..........................................................39 713-932-0002

CCA............................................................................ 42 713-626-4222

Coastal Kayak Angler...................................................73 Corpus Christi Self Storage.......................................... 71 361-937-3930

Early Times Whiskey.................................................... 41 Eichorn Gonzales & Miller.............................................17 361-573-0647

El Jefe......................................................................... 75 956-944-2876

Fishermen’s Network....................................................85 512-363-9032

FTU Traveling Angler.............................................. Cover 281-481-6838

Hillman’s Seafood........................................................ 82 281-339-2897

I Fly Angler’s Edge....................................................... 51 713-993-9981

National Children’s Leukemia Foundation..................... 66 800-448-3467

Palacios Chamber of Commerce.................................. 65 361-972-2615

Salt-A-Way...................................................................17 714-550-0987

Saltwater Fishing Clinics.............................................. 67 361-563-1160

Sea Academy.............................................................. 84 361-758-6184

Specialty Shutter Systems............................................49 866-579-6433

Speedy Stop...........................................................Cover 361-582-5100

Texas Rod Benders......................................................73 The Galveston Fishing Pier...........................................67 409-744-2273

Waldman Lawyers........................................................75 800-833-9151

Window Works.............................................................39 361-655-0628

214-488-2700

Tackle Box................................................................... 73

281-543-1230

November 2006

361-575-8700 Gulf Coast Connections Texas Saltwater Fishing

87

88

Gulf Coast Connections Texas Saltwater Fishing

November 2006