FROM ABOVE — The BEST Whitetails of 2014 #1 Outdoor Magazine in Texas (see page 51, #1 for more information!)
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For Hunters . . . For Anglers . . .
20 The Best of 2014: From Above- Freshwater Saltwater Some awesome bucks possessing 16 Just Fishing 12 Sweetheart Specks- A month Heavenly headgear along with com- —Matt Williams to fall in love with the pursuit of ments from TOJ’s leading disciple of Charlie’s Cat trophy sized, yellow-mouthed all things whitetail. —Bob Zaiglin Lake Roundups spotted sea trout, and a guide to — Pros Forecasts success. —Danno Wise 30 North – Brian Hughes 32 East – Matt Williams 46 Central – John Jefferson 62 South - Danno Wise 64 West – TOJ Staff 64 High Plains – TOJ Staff 42 Just Fishing —Brian Hughes 18 Saltwater Journal 36 Just Hunting Big Bass Time in Texas —Mark Sosin —Cody Koehler Anglers find va- 52 Treasure Trove - Tactical Tackle Secrets of the Song Dog riety in Cedar Creek’s multi-species 26 Just Boating 44 Just Hunting fish populations. —Matt Williams —Nate Skinner —Nate Skinner Poling Skiffs: When Inches Mat- What is Quail Country? ter 60 Just Shooting CoastWatch – Danno Wise —Kerry O’Day 38 Lower Forecast Triggers, Triggers, Triggers 41 Middle Forecast 70 Field Tips & Techniques— 56 Upper Forecast Bill L. Olson & Danno Wise 59 Louisiana Forecast Quail Hunting Tips & Safety 48 Jigs: The Ultimate Inshore Lure- When it comes to catching trout, 68 Tackle Tips & Techniques reds and flounder, these soft plastics —Danno Wise with their rattail, curly-tail, paddle Soft Plastic Rigs for Bass tail, and wedge-tails are tops in their class. —Robert Sloan 66 Tackle Tips & Techniques —Danno Wise Let the Black Drum Run Begin For Everyone . . . On the Cover . . .
4 Editor’s Insight – Bill L. Olson “Dinner for Two?” 6 TOJ Notebook – TOJ Staff 67, 69, 71 Guides, Gear & Getaways By artist Dallen Lambson.For more 72 Outdoors Calendar information on “Dinner for Two?” and other works of art by Dallen Lambson, 74 Fishing & Hunting Times visit www.lambsonart.com, or call 75 Subscription Information (208) 234-2422. february 2015 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal 3 Editor’s Insight Bill L. Olson
IT’S ALL ABOUT PRESENTATION
Years ago, when my late wife and I had been married for just a couple of years I “Texas’ Most Comprehensive surprised her with a Christmas gift that had to do with the outdoors. We had been Outdoors Publication” married just long enough for her to have gotten a few of those “girlie” things women like, and what the heck, one of the reasons I was attracted to her was because she seemed to love Publisher/Editor the outdoors as much as me. She had been raised in a cattle ranching and rice farming Bill L. Olson family so she had been exposed to these “outdoors tools” by her Dad and older brothers. Administrative Assistant I bought a hand selected Remington 700 BDL in 25-06, with a Leopold 3x9 Vari X Adala Ruhge scope, latigo sling, and several boxes of shells. Now it is pretty hard to wrap and disguise Contributing Outdoors Editors a rifle in a box, and once opened she had a pretty good idea that the next box held some Harold Gunn accessory for the new firearm. Brian Hughes That is until she spied the box of ammo. It was rectangular in shape, not too deep Mike Holmes and looks strikingly similar to a long rectangular jewelry box that might hold a watch, John Jefferson Cody Koehler bracelet or some other piece of jewelry. Kerry O’Day Needless to say when she opened the first box of ammo she laughed, but just knew Billy Olson the next box was the jewelry trinket she thought she might get. When that turned out Nate Skinner to be just another box of ammo, she kind of knew the third box was the same thing. Robert Sloan Mark Sosin However, rather than letting her be disappointed, I built up how we would spend Matt Williams time together getting the gun fitted, and sighted in at the range. I promised special Danno Wise times would be set aside for this, plus all of the time we would have together hunting. The point of this story is we are now in the month of lovers and Valentine’s Day is a Whitetail Deer Editor Bob Zaiglin pressure day for most guys — what to get for the special lady in our life. And whether that lady loves the outdoors, or is a novice being introduced to these awesome venues, Art/Production Editor to pull this off it is all about the presentation. Sunni Gonzales Most guys don’t know about clothes sizes or designer fashions. Ring size – not a Advertising Sales clue? Plus the fall back of flowers or candy, while nicely received, is rather lame – it 713/957-3997, 713/957-3996 (fax) screams “last minute.” Turn most men loose in a sporting goods store and we can figure out what we need, Subscription Information even if we look to the store owner or clerks for the latest tips and updates. However, the Call 1-800-222-4TOJ (4865); In Houston, gear buying is the easy part — how about getting out and using the gifts? That is where 713/957-3997 to charge your subscription by phone. Subscription prices: one year $18.95, these types of gifts can become really special. two years $29.95, three years $39.95. Mail During this month of questionable weather do some planning for better times to inquiries/changes of address to: use the gift. Figure out the steps needed to be taken to spend time with her – just the TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal two of you. From helping her become familiar with how things work, to a little practice 1706 West Sam Houston Parkway North to finally going on a trip and realizing success — the opportunities for memories to be Houston, Texas 77043 made are endless. It is all about the presentation. It is about the patience that was showed back when TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal (ISSN 1082-5940) is a pub- you first met and dating. It is undivided attention to someone special that you share your lication of Texas Outdoors Journal, Inc. Editorial and life with. Plus you can make it a fun and exciting adventure beyond whatever happens advertising offices are located at 1706 West Sam Houston Parkway North, Houston TX 77043. Phone (713) 957-3997. in the field or on the water. Fax (713) 957-3996. Before you discount this suggestion take a chance and try it. It works, and the E-MAIL ADDRESS: [email protected] TOJ On-Line: www.texasoutdoorsjournal.com rewards last a lifetime. TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal is published monthly. Photo- Until next month: Pursue all of your outdoor activities in a safe and ethical manner. graphs and manuscripts for publication consideration are welcomed, but the publisher assumes no responsibility for such material while in transit or in the office of the publication.
Copyright 2015 with all rights reserved. Reproduction or use of editorial or graphic content in any manner without permission is prohibited. Views expressed by TEXAS OUT- DOORS Journal contributors do not necessarily express CAUTION: All technical data in this publication, especially for handloading, reflect the limited experience of individuals using specific the views of Texas Outdoors Journal, Inc. Publication of tools, products, equipment and components under specific conditions and circumstances not necessarily reported in the article and advertising in TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal does not con- over which Texas Outdoors Journal has no control. The data have not otherwise been tested or verified by Texas Outdoors Journal. Texas stitute endorsement of products or services advertised. Outdoors Journal, its agents, officers and employees accept no responsibility for the results obtained by persons using such data and disclaim all liability for any consequential injuries or damages. Volume 24, Number 2
4 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal february 2015
TOJ Notebook
Access Remains Top Concern for Many Anglers Although fishing remains a popular rine species com recently polled recreational shooters activity shared by many sportsmen and •14 percent said there were too many and hunters to find out exactly what the their families, the sport is not without disruptive and competing activities on top reasons are. By far, the top response challenges that limit even broader par- the water was to save on the expense of buying ticipation from many who would love to •9 percent blamed over regulation production ammunition, which can take part in this grand tradition. •8 percent said there aren’t enough fish sometimes cost several dollars a round. In exploring what threats to fishing are •8 percent cited the cost to fish In fact, 85 percent of those surveyed cited of the greatest concern or have impacted •8 percent weren’t sure, and “to save money” as the main reason they CONSERVATION. EDUCATION. HUNTERS’ ADVOCACY. today’s anglers the most, AnglerSurvey. •4 percent cited too many anglers. handloaded. com posed the question in one of its bi- “The recreational fishing community 67 percent of those polled cited monthly surveys. When asked, “What is faces continual policy challenges that af- improving accuracy as a top reason, the biggest problem facing fishing today?” fect fishing opportunity, on the national, while 44 percent do it to obtain calibers 20 percent of respondents cited access to state and local levels,” says Ogilvie. “We or loads that are hard to find in stores. water as being the top concern. “With need all anglers to get involved to make Lastly, 30 percent reload to reduce waste JOIN TODAY increasing regularity, federal agencies sure our collective interests are repre- and 15 percent cited other, unspecified and uninformed politicians unneces- sented when key decisions are made that reasons for handloading. Respondents sarily close access to our public waters. affect anglers’ ability to enjoy our natu- could chose more than one answer as But recreational anglers are conservation ral resources.” Keep America Fishing is many have multiple motivations for stewards, and our nation’s waterways can organized by the American Sportfishing loading their own ammunition. “With be conserved while we, our friends and Association. For more information, visit shortages of some types of ammunition in families continue to fish,” says Liz Ogilvie, keepamericafishing.org. recent years, as well as the corresponding director of Keep America Fishing with the higher costs that arise when demand American Sportfishing Association. Keep Why Do Some People Reload increases, it is no surprise cost savings America Fishing serves as the unified voice Their Own Ammo? are the primary reason many shooters of the American angler and works to keep While today’s gun store shelves are choose to reload,” says Rob Southwick, the nation’s public water resources open, filled with all manner of ammunition president of Southwick Associates, which clean and abundant with fish. After ac- for every caliber and every type of designs and conducts the surveys at cess, water quality was the second biggest shooting, many shooters are not content HunterSurvey.com, ShooterSurvey.com concern among sportsmen with nearly 16 to go with over-the-counter production and AnglerSurvey.com. “But marketing percent citing that as the major problem. ammo. Many, in fact, prefer to handload efforts by smart reloading companies Additional concerns included: their own cartridges. But there are many will acknowledge the other reasons why •15 percent cited invasive fish or ma- reasons for reloading and ShooterSurvey. people reload.”
Cover Art Freshwater anglers, and particular trophy bass anglers look forward to the month of February. It singles the start of times of change. Big sow bass have laid in deep waters around structure during the winter months, but as the days lengthen and slowly start to warm some internal clock urges them to feed more often and make a move toward more shallow water. Many times when one big bass is found, another is nearby. Dallen Lambson’s “Dinner for Two?” captures such a scene as two large bass are on the move and have been attracted to the same Texas rigged soft plastic. The activity begins to increase and will build to a peak over the next few months. For more information on “Dinner for Two?” and other works of art by Dallen Lambson visit www.lambsonart.com, or call (208) 234-2422. “Dinner for Two?” Visit us at www.biggame.org 6 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal february 2015 ©2012 Dallas Safari Club CONSERVATION. EDUCATION. HUNTERS’ ADVOCACY. JOIN TODAY
Visit us at www.biggame.org ©2012 Dallas Safari Club Don’t Use Boone & Crockett Scoring system more widely known.” abnormally large antlers to increase com- on Captive Deer The Club’s records program was mercial value. established in 1906 as a way of detailing For nearly 100 years Boone and Crock- The Boone and Crockett Club has species once thought headed for extinc- ett record books and B&C score has been reaffirmed its objection and rejection to tion. Today, the B&C scoring system is considered the gold standard for evalu- the use of its name and scoring system in used to collect data on free-ranging big ating and verifying the trophy quantity conjunction with captive deer and elk. game. These data reflect successful con- of wild, native North American big game So says an official resolution presented servation efforts, population health and taken under fair chase conditions. and signed by Club president William habitat quality. Through this official resolution, the A. Demmer. The resolution was ratified Biologists compare and contrast Club reaffirms that no one is authorized at Boone and Crockett’s 127th annual records to improve local management to exploit this standard by using the B&C meeting, which concluded Dec. 7, 2014 in strategies as well as state and federal scoring system, name or logo in connec- St. Petersburg, Fla. The resolution reads: wildlife policies. “To maintain the purity tion with captive animals. “The Boone and Crockett Club scoring of this dataset, and to ensure its usefulness The Club strictly opposes any attempt system exists to document the successful for conservation professionals, the Club to legitimize the trophy quality of pen- conservation of wild game animals in has always excluded farm-raised big game raised animals or put and take shooting North America. The Boone and Crockett from its records program. Including un- operations by associating either with the Club objects to and rejects any use of naturally produced or genetically manip- Boone and Crockett Club. or reference to the Boone and Crockett ulated specimens would taint one of the Club or its scoring system in connection longest running conservation programs with antlers/horns grown by animals in in existence,” said Demmer. Texas Big Game Awards captivity.” The Club supports use of scientifically Accepting Big Game Entries Demmer said, “With the growth of the guided wildlife management techniques deer breeding and shooting industry, and to enhance or restore big game popula- Hunters can show their Texas pride modern marketing and selling of ‘shooter tions and other species at risk. by entering their big game harvest in this bucks’ raised in captivity and graded and However, the Club condemns artificial year’s Texas Big Game Awards program. sold using B&C scores, it was time to make enhancement of a species’ genetic charac- The program is accepting entries now this unauthorized uses of our scoring teristics for the sole purpose of producing through Feb. 15, 2015.
8 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal february 2015 Celebrating its 24th year, the Texas Big Game Awards is a partnership of Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and the Texas Wildlife Association recognizing the contributions landowners, land managers and responsible hunters make to managing and conserving wildlife and wildlife habitat on Texas’ private lands. Texas Big Game Awards promote awareness about wildlife management and the role that hunting plays in habitat conservation, and to foster cooperation among stakeholders who ensure that our state’s wildlife habitat is conserved forever. Hunters who harvest a white-tailed deer, mule deer, javelina, or pronghorn antelope this season meeting the minimum net score requirements set for their respective region may be eligible to receive recognition in the “Scored Entry” category. Scoring is done by local certified TBGA scorers using the Boone & Crockett Club Scoring System and entry is free. The landowner where the entry was taken is also eligible to be recognized. Also, hunters that harvest a bighorn sheep during the current season are eligible for recognition through the program. Hunters of any age who harvest their first big game animal in Texas are eligible 30 Years experience in TrophY Deer ManagMenT for the “First Big Game Harvest” category. Hunters who harvest a white-tailed deer, mule deer, javelina, pronghorn antelope, or bighorn sheep are eligible, regardless of sex or score of the animal in this category. All youth hunters (hunting under a valid youth hunting license) who harvest a white-tailed deer, mule deer, javelina, pronghorn antelope, or bighorn sheep are eligible for the “Youth Division,” regardless of sex or score or the animal. For more information on the Texas Big Game Awards, entry information, or for a local certified TBGA scorer, visit Whether you enjoy an www.TexasBigGameAwards.org or call established program or 800-839-9453. are just starting out, Three Regional Sportsman’s Celebration banquets will be held during contact Bob Zaiglin, the program’s 25th anniversary in 2015 one of the most to honor program participants. These repected names in the Sportsman’s Celebrations are coordinated wildlife industry at by the Texas Wildlife Association. All Zaiglin’s Wildlife & program participants will be recognized Resource Managment. at their Regional Sportsman’s Celebration and will receive a certificate acknowledging their entry. Participants who are unable Bob Zaiglin, Certified Wildlife Biologist to attend will be mailed their certificate at 830.278.8815 some point after their ceremony has been february 2015 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal 9 completed. No awards of monetary value Survey Shows Growing Public rescue and disaster response efforts. will be given, only certificates. Support for Gun Rights The aircraft is outfitted with the All awards for each category will be latest law enforcement technology presented only at the Regional Celebration For the first time in more than two and emergency response equipment for the region of harvest. decades of Pew Research Center surveys, including a rescue hoist, thermal imager, A Statewide Celebration will be there is more support for gun rights than searchlight, public address system, coordinated by TWA in conjunction gun control. satellite communication and night vision. with the TWA Annual Convention held Currently, 52 percent say it is more Funding for the new aircraft, which was each summer. important to protect the right of approximately $5 million, was made The top three animals statewide in Americans to own guns, while 46 percent possible through legislative appropriation each category will be recognized and say it is more important to control gun during the 83rd Texas Legislative session. receive a special award at the statewide ownership. Over the past two years, blacks’ “This helicopter is going to be a ceremony. views on this measure have changed tremendous asset and force multiplier Texas Big Game Awards 2015 Regional dramatically. Currently, 54 percent of for the Texas Game Wardens,” said Col. Banquet Schedule blacks say gun ownership does more to Craig Hunter, TPWD Law Enforcement Region 5, 6, 7 — May 16, Lufkin, protect people than endanger personal Director. “We will not only be able to more Pitser Garrison Convention Center, 601 safety, nearly double the percentage saying efficiently move personnel and equipment N 2nd St; this in December 2012 (29 percent). across the state, but with the addition of Region 4 & 8 — June 20, Uvalde, the new hoist system, we will be able to SSGT. Willie De Leon Civic Center, 300 better leverage our marine and ground E Main St New Helicopter Strengthens assets to enhance our search and rescue Region 1, 2, 3 — June 27, San Angelo, Texas Game Wardens capabilities during times of disaster.” McNease Convention Center, 500 Rio Among the new aircrafts advantages Concho Dr. On December 23, 2014 the Texas are its ability to carry additional game State Banquet (in conjunction Game Warden’s unveiled its new Airbus wardens including its K9 teams during with TWA Convention) — July 10, San AS350B3e helicopter that will enhance the remote search and rescue missions or Antonio, JW Marriott Hill Country Resort department’s statewide law enforcement other specially trained personnel for & Spa, 23808 Resort Pkwy. apparatus and assist with its search and specific assignments. In addition to the new helicopter, the department also has a fixed wing 2009 Turbo Cessna Model 206 aircraft.
Study: 86% of Vegetarians Return to Sirloins New research indicates what most of us already knew — that veganism and vegetarianism are usually just passing lifestyle fads. A study conducted by psychologist Hal Herzog found nearly 86 percent of vegetarians and about 70 percent of vegans return to their carnivorous ways. “The proportion of true vegetarians and vegans in the United States is surprisingly small. Only about two percent of respondents did not consume any meat—1.5 percent was vegetarians and 0.5 percent were vegans. These findings are generally consistent with other studies,” explains Herzog. The study found that at least five out of every six people who give up on meat eventually come back to eat it again. This is true for nearly 86 percent of vegetarians and about 70 percent of vegans. Meat avoiders originally gave up meat for reasons of taste, concern for animals, social justice, and religious beliefs, research showed.
10 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal february 2015
Sweetheart Specks
A month to fall in love with the pursuit of trophy sized, yellow-mouthed spotted sea trout, and a guide to success.
Story and photography by Danno Wise
he second month of the year matter, bits of shell, etc is exactly the will seek the insulated water over muddy is known for America’s best meeting spot fishermen need to find. With bottom areas during the cool winter Tknown manufactured holiday temperatures generally holding relatively months. In general, big trout are a bit — Valentine’s Day. Regardless of how low in February, it is a good bet the vast more reluctant to leave the muddy bottom fishermen feel about other humans, majority of trout in every Texas bay areas than their smaller counterparts. most hardcore trophy trout hunters are system will be congregating and feeding They will move into shallower water in love with February. In fact, the most over the muddy bottom areas. Muddy when temperatures warm, but will almost ardent of sow speck seekers most often bottoms attract trout during the winter always be in areas with mud beneath. want nothing more for Valentine’s Day for a variety of reasons. The main reason Smaller fish, on the other hand, will than a date with a trophy trout. And, as fish seek out muddy bottom areas during sometimes stray to grass or sand during a Valentine’s Day draws near, there will be winter is warmth. Muddy bottoms tend to warm spell. But even these fish never move plenty of anglers meeting the fish of their retain heat longer than sand bottoms, so far from their muddy security blanket. dreams. the water temperature over mud will be So, even on relatively warm winter days, both warmer and more stable. anglers seeking sow specks should still FIND THEM FIRST Of course, trout are not the only concentrate their efforts over or very near fish hoping to stay warm during winter. muddy bottom regions of the bay. When it comes to searching for Baitfish also seek pockets of warm water As is the case during every season and speckled trout during late winter, there and will be more concentrated over in every type of bay terrain, not every are some basic rules of thumb that muddy bottom areas. Therefore, muddy piece of muddy bottom bay floor will be anglers need to be aware of. The first thing bottom areas of the bay offer winter trout holding fish during the winter months. fishermen need to consider when selecting a combination of plentiful food and Therefore, anglers still need to be able to a likely spot during the winter months comfortable temperatures. These mud eliminate unproductive water in order is the consistency of the bay floor. This bottom winter homes don’t just attract to narrow their search. Mud flats near time of year, a mucky mix of silt, decayed trophy trout. Speckled trout of all sizes deeper water or with channels bisecting
12 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal february 2015 them will generally hold more fish, as it is winter, which will mud bottom that has shell or grass means a slow retrieve, mixed with it. so don’t worry about Another key — bait must be present, continuously moving even if it is just one or two mullet. Before the plug. Rather lift Sweetheart making the first cast, you need to see bait. the rod to one side, This is particularly important for wade then pause a second fishermen - there is no point wasting time or two before moving putting on waders and getting out of the the rod - and thus the boat if there is no active bait present. plug - to the other side. It’s also not out SLOW WALTZ SEDUCES SOW SPECKS of line to allow the plug to sit motionless Fishermen who wish to be successful at for up to 10 seconds. tricking trophy trout into striking during In fact, some violent winter need to do one simple thing — strikes can occur slow down. The name the game this time when the lure has of year, rule #1 is to fish slowly. The speed been sitting still for a and tactic may vary a little depending on long period of time. the prevailing weather conditions, but Wakin’ any retrieve made during February needs Another great way to be relatively pedestrian compared to to tempt trophy trout retrieving baits at other, warmer times of during the winter the year. But, again, there are a variety of time is wakin’ a lure slow retrieve tactics from which anglers to imitate a mullet can choose. swimming just below Walking the Dog the surface. The best This time of year, a slow, sloppy, lures to use for this A slow presentation, even with a pause as along as 10 seconds is splashy retrieve usually works best. In type of retrieve are appropriate when pursuing solitary sow speckled trout this month. order to accomplish this slow sashay, use lipped floater/divers slow lift of the rod tip as opposed to a like the Cordell Redfin and Bomber Long this method is known to test the patience sharp twitch. Also, it is imperative to move A. In general, these lures are meant to of both fish and fishermen. But, as long the rod tip a greater distance during the dive as deep as 3 feet. If they retrieved as the latter can maintain the patience to side-to-side motion. And, keep in mind, extremely slowly, they will stay just dead-stick, the former will usually lose its inches below and strike the bait. the surface. To dead-stick a bait, anglers should In order to hold the rod high and maintain just consistently enough tension on the line to be able get the bait to to feel - or ‘remain in contact with’ - the barely skim bait. If fishing around vertical structure beneath the such as pilings, allow the bait to drop surface with on a somewhat slack line so it does not various retrieve pendulum back toward the rod tip. speeds, it is When fishing over horizontal structure best to modify such as grass, drop the rod tip in order to the plug by allow the bait to touch down on the top cutting the lip. of the structure then use a methodical Typically, a lip lifting motion to cause it ride up in the length of about water column. The reel handle should be 1/4 inch works cranked just fast enough to allow the lure best. to continue moving forward. Deadsticking Slow rolling Also known When fish are anchored to the bottom, as a “do-nothing a slow roll retrieve is often the best way retrieve,” to entice a strike. To properly execute a deadsticking is slow roll retrieve, allow the bait to sink the antithesis to the bottom immediately following the Prop-baits can attract attention and produce a trophy given the right to an active cast. Then, with a low rod angle, begin conditions. retrieve. In fact, cranking the reel handle just fast enough
february 2015 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal 13 to get the bait moving forward. Although THE RIGHT OFFERING FOR THE the key to sealing the deal when trying to it takes a little practice, over time you OCCASION entice trophy trout. should develop a feel for the bait and Topwater plugs are the tried-and-true be able to keep it moving just above the As is often the case when attempting plugs for trophy trout chasers. Dog- bottom or a grass bed, oyster bed or other to impress a Valentine’s date, coming walking plugs like the Bomber Badonk- obstructions. prepared with just the right gift is often A-Donk and the MirroLure “dogs” are the most popular. However, prop baits, floater/divers and chuggers can also be productive in the right situations. Slow-sinking and suspending baits twitchbaits — both hard and soft plastic — have also made their way into the “must-have” category for winter trophy trout fishermen. Corkies and various MirroLure models are the most commonly used. Soft-plastics will also produce good results this time of year. More often than not, anglers should choose “full-size” 4.5- to 5-inch models. Both paddle tail and straight tail baits A variety of soft bodied slow-sinking baits have become go-to baits when pursuing trophy speckled trout. can work well depending
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14 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal february 2015 on the conditions.
WEATHER CHANGES
Although no fishermen has every caught an “ugly” trophy trout, a date with Valentine’s Day weather along the Texas coast can range from 1 to 10. Depending on the conditions, fishermen will need to change their approach and lure offerings in order to be successful. Here’s a few basic rules to follow for the most common There are a variety of baits and colors that can entice a trophy trout to strike given the right weather conditions experienced during conditions. February. Ugly weather When the water is off-colored, predator fish usually have to rely on vibrations sent out by their prey in order to locate it. Under these conditions fishermen can often up their odds by choosing colors that help fish find their lures. This includes using big baits that disrupt water — prop baits, rattling dog- walking plugs, paddle tail soft-plastics, etc. Dark, opaque colors are also best under these conditions. This is also the time to use really slow retrieves, focus on muddy bottom areas and fish thigh- to chest-deep water. This conditions most often happen immediately preceding or following a front and/or while a front is passing through. Pretty weather When the water clears a few days following a front, the same opaque colors that were so productive in the murky water seem unnatural and out of place. As nice as this gin-clear winter water is to look at, it can add to the degree of difficulty when it comes to tempting trophy trout to strike. Fish swimming in such clear water are more readily aware of anything that enters their environment and are able to get a better look at any lure or bait thrown their way. More often than not, this results in a “less is more” situation, with natural color — even clear — baits working better than those with ornate color patterns. If the surface of the water is calm as well, anglers should also use a bit quieter lures such as floater/divers, topwaters with no or muted rattles, straight tail soft- plastics and slow-sinking twitch baits. On the plus side, the clear water does offer anglers sight-casting opportunities, where they can often find trophy trout “sunning” over muddy bottom areas. february 2015 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal 15 Just FISHING | Matt Williams
Charlie’s Cat
a remote fishing camp at Unfortunately, things usually don’t the upper reaches of Toledo work out very well for the guy holding Bend near Huxley. All kinds the fishing pole. That’s because crappie of anglers visit the place, but fishermen typically use light tackle much it is best known as a catfish better suited for catching panfish than and crappie hub frequented apex predators like flathead catfish. by patrons who don’t mind Rods used for crappie fishing are pretty getting their hands bloody. flimsy, lines are small in diameter and Shively runs the outfit hooks are made using thin wire that bends with lots of help from his super easy. A big catfish will usually make wife Rhonda. While chores fast work of such a set-up. around camp keep the cou- But not always. Sometimes, says ple pretty busy, they like to Shively, you just get lucky. wet a hook every chance they Such was the case one morning last get for whatever happens to November. The couple had tied off their be biting best at the time. flatbottom rig between three stumps The crappie fishing was along the river’s edge. They had been particularly good along the sitting on the spot for about 15 minutes stair-stepping ledges of the and caught several crappie when the bite Sabine River last fall. The slowed down. Shively’s boxed dozens of “We were fishing in about 21 feet of the succulent pan fish. In water,” Shively recalled. “We were just the process, they learned about to head for a different spot and I another big lesson that they decided to drop my bait one more time in already knew about flathead a little deeper water, about 23 feet.” catfish. Using a 10 foot crappie pole matched That bridges the connec- with eight-pound test Trilene monofil- tion between Shively and ament and a 2/0 gold Aberdeen hook, Trilene fishing line. Shively said bon voyage to his wiggling Shively has learned from shiner one last time. He felt a thump on experience that heavyweight his line, so he raised the long rod to set flathead catfish tend to hang- the hook. out in some of the same areas The angler realized pretty quick he had that crappie do this time hooked into something much larger than of year. Dangle a two-inch any crappie. Shively said the fish took off shiner in front of a flathead’s with a slow, steady pull. It occasionally nose and the temptation to lurching downward, causing his rod to grab an easy meal might be bend like a horseshoe and the thin line to more than the big fish can pull tighter than a guitar string. stand. Shively said he gave the big fish ev- “I’ve done it enough erything possible in an effort to prevent Courtesy Photo times that I can almost al- the line from snapping. A couple times he Charlie Shively with the 32-pound flathead catfish he landed ways tell when it happens,” actually squatted in the boat and allowed recently using a 10 foot crappie pole and eight-pound test Shively said. “You’ll just feel the fish to take the entire rod beneath the line. The fish hit a live shiner. a little tap, and when you surface. raise up it will feel like you “It was just making big, wide circles,” Berkley Trilene might think about are hung on a snag something. It’ll be he said. “I knew what it was, but there considering Charlie Shively as its next real heavy for second or two, then the fish wasn’t much I could to except hold on and poster child. will start moving off real slow. When that hope for the best.” Trilene is a well-known manufac- happens you better get them up and out At one point the catfish circled a turer of monofilament, fluorocarbon of there, because there is almost always stump, then swam back in the opposite and braided fishing lines. Shively is the going to be a bunch of brush and stumps direction. Shively said the thin line barely not-so-famous owner of Bill’s Landing, arou n d .” missed contact with the jagged stump,
16 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal february 2015 which likely would have caused the line a different story.” a flyswatter and fishing line the size of to break on contact. Especially on a rod with the flex of sewing thread. “I gained a little when that happened and I was able work it pretty close to sur- face,” he said. In meantime, Shively’s wife had read- ied the landing net. Problem was, the net wasn’t nearly large enough to handle a fat cat. To make matters worse, the mesh was rotten. “Once the fish’s head was in the net Rhonda picked up and tried to get it in the boat,” Shively said. “That’s when the net tore.The fish went straight though it head first, right back into lake and started fighting me all over again. Now I’ve got a 30-pound catfish on eight-pound line that is run through a torn up dip net.” Amazingly, Shively was able to work the catfish back to the surface a second time. That’s when he grabbed it by the lower jaw with a gloved hand and swung it into the boat. It weighed 32 pounds. “I told Rhonda there was probably a one in 100 chance of pulling something like that off,” Shively said. “It was pure luck. It’s not uncommon to hook these big Charlie Shively has learned from experience that heavyweight flathead catfish tend to hangout flatheads when you’re crappie fishing. I’ve in some of the same areas that crappie do this time of year, like around stumps adjacent to the hooked bunch of them, but landing one is Sabine River channel.
february 2015 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal 17 SALTWATER JOURNAL | Mark Sosin
Tactical Tackle
Tackle is as critical as technique for Musketeers and slices the air with a what a stiffer rod blank helps you do. the angler who pursues his quarry on graphite or fiberglass rapier. The challenge in light tackle fishing gear lighter than the standard. A skilled If my rods were on one of the racks, centers on battling your quarry on gear fish handler is seriously handicapped if most anglers would quickly assume that tailored for smaller fish and less difficult he has to fight the rod as well as the fish. the builder didn’t know much about conditions. Serious anglers choose and rig The lighter the line, the more important construction. Almost all my light tackle every tackle item with considerable care. it becomes to do battle with a rod that rods are seven feet in length, but the When choosing the right reel, the focus has the backbone and power needed to rod butt (distance behind the reel) is should be on line capacity and drag. You gain maximum performance. If you’re unusually short. It looks as if the builder want a reel with enough capacity for the serious about your sport, there is no such ran out of room. The reason the butts breaking strength you are using so that a concept as “good enough.” That does not are short is so I can fight a fish with my large fish can’t take most of the line on a mean you have to have the most expensive elbows locked at my sides and my hand single run. If you can still show a half- tackle, but rather components designed to can still reach and turn the reel handle. spool of line after that first run, you’re in do the job effectively. In a prolonged battle, that short butt good shape. That enables you to recover The rod is the heart of any light tackle reduces fatigue and pain in your arms and line quicker when the fish swims toward system and should be selected with care to shoulders since you don’t have to stretch you or you’re busy pumping it closer and do a specific job. There is no such thing as your arms. And, if you wave the rod to closer. one rod fits all situations. You won’t find watch it flex, you won’t see very much A reel with a quality drag is essential. an all-purpose stick, but a carefully chosen movement in the blank. If you’re curious, Remember that drag is not a brake, but rod matched to the right line and reel can stiff rods cast very well. rather a resistance to rotation. You want be used in a number of situations. From an engineering standpoint, a a drag that boasts minor adjustments The typical customer walks into a rod blank transfers pressure from a fish rather than one that goes from practically tackle shop to buy a new rod with only a from the tip toward the butt. Rods with no drag to full drag in a fraction of a full general concept of what he wants. Usually, soft tips collapse very quickly when a fish turn of the adjustment knob. the procedure is to browse among the is pulling, while stiffer rods tend to absorb With the advent of braid and the fact racks and systematically wave one rod pressure better and the transfer to the butt that it offers superior breaking strength for after another in the air, passing judgement requires more strain on the blank. That’s a given diameter of line, many anglers are based on feel alone. Manufacturers are why you can’t wave my rods around and opting for much smaller reels than they well-versed on this method of selection watch the tip sweep from side to side. would use with monofilament. There are and some will admit under questioning Instead, press the tip against the ceiling two problems with that thinking. Smaller that they build “store action” rods that or the floor and you will see the power, reels are usually designed for lines with feel good in an angler’s hands when he When you’re battling a fish, you want to a lower breaking strength than braid of fantasizes himself as one of the Three move and steer your quarry and that’s the same diameter. Frequently, the drags
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18 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal february 2015 on smaller reels will offer braking power in the line or the below what the braid requires. And, leader demands even if line capacity is the same because instant attention. of braid’s reduced diameter, you’re not Frayed line must retrieving as much line with each turn be replaced or the of the handle because the spool is much fraying removed. smaller. An abraded A reel should always be filled to leader, even though capacity with line. Fishing with a half- it is stronger than spool of line creates problems that usually the line could be a flash like a neon sign when you hook that trouble spot. Take oversized fish you’ve been seeking. If you the time to tie on use spinning tackle, carry at least two extra a new leader. And spools fully loaded. As the line starts to hooks should be kept diminish, simple put on a new spool. razor sharp. If you’re When you get home, replace the line on dealing with species the spool that was not full. that boast strong At the end of the day, a reel should be jaws, you may want washed carefully with fresh water driving to change hooks the salt out of the reel rather than into it. frequently. Reel performance hinges on maintenance. If you choose After each trip, a reel should be cleaned and use your and a demoisturizing spray applied to tackle carefully, places where corrosion might occur. your success as a And, if the drag starts to buck when line light tackle angler is pulled off the reel, it may be time to will improve replace the drag washers. dramatically and you The right combination of rod action, and properly matched reel for There is no such thing as a second won’t want to fish the lure or bait to be fished will result in greater light tackle success. chance in fishing. Any fraying or weakness any other way.
february 2015 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal 19 THE BEST OF 2014: From Above
Some awesome bucks possessing Heavenly headgear along with comments from TOJ’s leading disciple of all things whitetail.
Story and photography by Bob Zaiglin
Buck #1
n order to obtain deer population hoof stock if present. The flight represents know that in some cases, 50% of the deer statistics upon which harvest an instructional platform where I can inhabiting an area go unobserved. But Irecommendations are based on inform participants as to areas on the it remains an excellent review of the land the various ranches I work with, I spend a ranch that require improvement. and its occupants when conducted by considerable amount of time throughout One of the benefits I enjoy being the experienced personnel. the fall in a helicopter. Although it’s not coordinator of the wildlife management Since the middle of September, I the only method employed to survey program at Southwest Texas Junior have spent 48.6 hours in a helicopter deer populations, it is the most popular College is the opportunity to introduce conducting game surveys on some of the method in South Texas. By transecting students to the technique. And since best deer country in Texas. Over that time ranch land 40 feet above the ocean of only academically inclined students I have flown 72,484 acres totaling 1,230.4 brush, I obtain a significant amount of are selected, it coerces others interested miles of transect lines, viewing 4.2 deer information on the whitetail population in participating to study harder. In per mile. As of my last preseason survey over a short period of time. the 1980s, the helicopter survey was on November 22, I have seen a total of It’s also a method of estimating quail considered an extremely efficient method 5,197 deer composed of 2,154 bucks, numbers along with other species such in determining deer population size, but 1,765 doe, and 1,278 fawns. The overall as coyotes, feral hogs, javelina, and exotic based on research experience, we now sex ratio was .82 doe per buck and a fawn
20 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal february 2015 survival of 72%. original sighting. Based on this information, it is I actually becoming obvious that landowners are thought it was a investigating the benefits of balanced different buck, sex ratios with bucks predominating possibly a twin, the observations with 1.2 bucks per doe until I carefully sighted. scrutinized the Another benefit to conducting aerial digital images inventories is the opportunity to view I had collected. exceptional bucks, some of which I would This is truly like to share with my readers. But before an amazing I do, I would like to say that they are all deer with an exceptionally large, but not necessarily exceptional set the largest ones I observed, as some racks of headgear. simply have more eye appeal. Buck number The rack exhibited by buck number two is not only one exudes both size and eye appeal. This a high-scoring Uvalde County buck will easily breech the typical, it 200-inch mark, which truly separates him breaches the one from the other bucks I was fortunate to in 10,000 odds see this past year. Interestingly, I have seen of developing this buck on three consecutive surveys a rack that net since 2012, yet I have spent hours in the scores over 170 Buck #2 air attempting to capture the animal inches. What’s for the state-permitted DMP project even more unique about this Uvalde Matter of fact, if it was not for the fact conducted annually on the ranch, but with County buck is that I failed to see it on that the landowner captured him on a no success. Even with the employment the annual survey, but accidentally located motion detection camera, we would have of two helicopters, the animal somehow it while conducting a DMP project two not known it even existed. Once the survey was completed, the landowner made the statement that he was hoping I could see this buck that he humbly said was pretty big. Catching my attention, I decided to fly several narrow transects near where the animal was filmed and on the third transect the buck erupted from the ocean of brush. What makes this buck especially unique is the fact that it is only four years old, as I captured him for DMP purposes in 2012 when I aged him at 2.5 years with 146 inches of headgear. No telling how much larger its antlers will get, but one thing for sure, I doubt his 200-inch frame will retrogress over the next two years. Buck number four resides in the richly diverse ocean of brush south of Cotulla in LaSalle County. It’s another one of those South Texas wraiths that are often missed on a survey. I saw this 5.5-year-old for Buck #3 the first time while conducting a DMP project on the ranch several weeks prior evades detection. weeks later. It’s not his 17 3/8-inch inside to the annual aerial survey. It’s bucks This past October I discovered just spread or 24-inch beams that catapults like this that legitimizes my statement how it avoids being seen more than him to the 170-inch benchmark, but his that the largest racked bucks are often once each year as I spotted him in thick tall, yet heavy tines combined with a mass missed on a survey. This buck exhibited cover on the far southwest portion of measurement of 40.9 inches. 25-inch beams and a 20-inch inside spread the 9,000 acres he resides on, and two Deer number three is a McMullen complemented by 23 measurable points. hours later on the survey, I spotted him County buck that is another one of those He now temporarily resides in a Deer once again almost three miles from the evasive bucks seldom seen on a survey. Management Permitted pen along with 20 february 2015 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal 21 Buck #4
Buck #5 does in an attempt to increase his highly desirable antler characteristics. Buck number five is another LaSalle County resident and only one of the bucks I observed while both surveying the ranch and capturing deer for DMP purposes. This particular buck demonstrates what I refer to as great eye appeal. There is nothing typical about his rack as he gross scores 189 inches with a branched G-2 much like a mule deer. Deer number six lives on a well- managed Maverick County ranch. With 11 points complemented by a wide inside spread and adequately long beams, it would gross score in the low 170s. Obviously an outstanding deer, but it was the animal’s front feet that caught my attention. Both of its front hooves were hyperextended. Although sloughing or breaking of the hooves is one of the characteristics of epizootic hemorrhagic disease, the buck is suffering from Laminitis, which is often referred to as founder. Laminitis is a disease that affects the feet of hoofed animals. A deer exhibiting extended hooves is primarily consuming too much carbohydrate. A diet of corn or protein pellets at an excessive rate contributes to foundering. Foundering is generally the result of
22 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal february 2015 consuming too many carbs over a short period of time. And corn, which is often freely available to deer, is extremely high in carbohydrates. The result is a reduction in the ph of the rumen to one that is more acidic that can destroy the mycroflora in the rumen (bacteria) that actually aid on the digestion process. This leads to a condition referred to as acidosis, which can result in the death of the animal. The acid build-up interferes with the growth plate in the hooves, causing deer discomfort. As a result of the animal’s attempt to alleviate the pain, the hooves do not make adequate contact with the ground surface and fail to wear down. Deer number seven is by no means supporting an exceptional set of headgear, but no one can disagree with the fact that its antlers are unique. The points projecting backwards are not necessarily a genetic aberration, but more than likely the result of injury to the area around the burr while in velvet. At one time European huntmasters would fill their muskets with shrapnel and literally shoot the velvet-covered growing antlers of stags in order to augment the Buck #6
february 2015 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal 23 trophy animal regardless antler size. Buck number eight is a quality buck, but that’s not why it made the list. It’s simply a demonstration of the rare sightings one is apt to see while looking over a substantial number of bucks. One never knows what they are going to see next, but one thing for certain, an aerial view of good deer country provides as much entertainment as it does information related to one of our most cherished big-game animals on the North American continent—the whitetail deer.
Buck #7 development of desirable atypical points. By disturbing or injuring antlers in the developmental stage, the healing process includes the growth of additional points, a process according to one Polish researcher that the nerve endings within the velvet-covered antler can recall up to three years past the injury. Thus there is a good chance that this particular buck will grow a similar set of antlers next year but could eventually develop a conventional set of antlers. One thing for sure, the headgear on buck number seven is truly unique and demonstrates much eye appeal, establishing it as a Buck #8
24 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal february 2015
JUST BOATING | Nate Skinner
Poling Skiffs — When Inches Matter
Shallow — vaguely put the term could represent a variety of different water depths depending on scenario — what type of fishing is being done and the body of water or bay system it is occurring in. In a world as specialized as saltwater sightcasting and fly-fishing, the word shallow takes on new extremes, that being inches. Not feet, but inches — everything is shallow here, and the vessels capable of floating the skinniest rule the playing field. Kevin Shaw of Stiffy Brand Products and Fibertex & Supply Inc. may have put it best. “Everyone wants a poling skiff that has it all. Photo by Scott Somerlatte The platforms, the coolers, In a world as specialized as saltwater sightcasting and fly-fishing, the word shallow takes on new extremes, that gadgets, and aluminum being inches. work, and then they are asking these skiffs inches matter, and in a game elevated anglers can comfortably and rigged out vessels to defy the laws of so precise, every aspect of the vessel effectively fish from. This style of hull physics and operate in almost zero water. comes into play affecting its shallow does not tend to list or lean from side to Well, when all the fishing occurs in eight water capability. Hull design, weight side, as weight is shifted on the deck. This inches or less of water, each inch becomes distribution, and accessories ultimately eliminates the need for anglers perched significant. Two inches represents one decide where the road stops for anglers on top of a casting or poling platform to quarter of the water available to float in. poling a piece of fiberglass in search of worry about being pitched off or losing Now, every inch both on the boat and in fish longer than the water is deep. their balance while stealthily covering the the water beneath it become important.” A wide hull with little to no flare on flats. The absence of listing makes these Point blank, when it comes to poling top creates a stable platform from which elevated positions safe and useful.
26 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal february 2015 its midpoint. “These poling skiff’s hull is also important for strakes have a hard stalking shallow water flats undetected. A chine on the inside soft chine is characterized as a rounded, and a soft chine on or rolled edge, rather than a hard chine, the outside, creating which is a straight edge that sort of comes a point of rotation at to a point. Boats with soft chines on the the near center of the outside have a rounded, rolling edge of boat. The design of fiberglass from their bottom up to the top these strakes makes of their gunnels, while a boat with hard the boat turn easily, chines has a precise, straight edge. with little effort from Soft chines reduce the noise created by the person poling.” hull slap, and prevent the person poling he says. from having to fight the hull of the boat as What this it moves through the water. Water slides means in terms of over the rounded edge of a soft chine covering water and easily, helping the boat slide through the maneuverability shallows. is that the boat is All poling skiffs need a tunnel, to help capable of making a create lift and allow them to run in inches nine foot circle rather of water. A tunnel forces water backwards than a nineteen and to the stern of the boat and to the lower Photo by Scott Somerlatte half foot circle, all unit of the motor. The size of the tunnel Hull design, weight distribution, and accessories ultimately decide from the work of in the hull of a poling skiff also affects where the road stops for anglers poling a piece of fiberglass in search a pushpole at the the capabilities of the vessel. The longer of fish longer than the water is deep. stern. In a small area the tunnel a boat has, the less drag it has Kevin Shaw’s Stiffy Xisle Poling Skiff like a back lake, bayou, or marsh drain, in the water, which reduces performance. encompasses the advantages of this wide this added maneuverability is an excellent “Too large of a tunnel will catch air, which hull, along with several key components advantage. causes a vessel to loose its hole-shot, that make it an extreme shallow water The soft chine on the outside of a hurting its overall performance,” says machine. At 19.5 feet long, Shaw says this poling skiff was created specifically for Texas sightcast fishermen and fly-fishing Texans. “Compared to many different 17 to 18 foot skiffs manufactured in Florida, the Xisle’s extra long hull enables it to handle more chop for navigating deep open bays that may be between anglers and specific shallow water locations,” explains Shaw. “The V-bow and small tunnel in the rear allow for waves to travel right through the hull, creating a soft, comfortable ride that truly makes it a Texas-style skiff.” Strakes in the hull design of a poling skiff are needed to create lift and enhance maneuverability, making the vessel easy to pole over the shallowest of flats. Lifting strakes are located at the rear of the vessel, and force water backwards with any forward movement of the boat, lifting the stern. Turning strakes are located mid-ship and enhance the vessels ability to turn with ease, both while poling or while under power. These turning strakes also help the boat hold a turn and decrease sliding while traveling quickly on the water’s surface. Shaw says the turning strakes at mid- ship of the Xisle allow the skiff to pivot at february 2015 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal 27 platform slightly in front of the outboard motor allows for a shorter platform to be used, since the need to clear the cowling of the motor is now eliminated. “Positioning the poling platform in front of the motor also helps put the weight of this structure more towards the center of the boat, reducing squatting,” he explains. Casting platforms can be added to a poling skiff, but these add unnecessary weight that can be avoided. Shaw suggests using a mobile cooler that can double as a platform. “I like to use a small Yeti cooler that I can keep ice and drinks in, but also use to stand on as my casting platform. I can move the cooler to the bow of the boat while I’m fishing, and now I haven’t had to add the extra weight of more aluminum to my skiff.” he says. The adverse conditions along the Texas Coast do not always lend the best water clarity for sight fishermen and Photo by Calvin Carter fly-fishermen. When visibility is limited Strakes in the hull design of a poling skiff are needed to create lift and enhance maneuverability, the shallowest of flats bode best for those making the vessel easy to pole over the shallowest of flats. desiring to see what they are fishing for. Shaw. of heavy stuff. “Everything that goes in Today’s poling skiffs can take anglers to The Stiffy Xisle has a three and a half a poling skiff adds weight to the boat, these areas, shallower than they ever have foot tunnel with a shroud at the stern. decreasing its shallow water performance,” before—it’s a matter of inches, and not This shroud is a four inch extension of says Shaw. “Too many add-ons can defeat just the amount water is being referred the tunnel that adds ten pounds of extra the purpose of the vessel.” to here. From the hull design, to weight water pressure flowing to the lower unit Obviously poling platforms on a distribution and the chosen accessories, of the outboard. “This tunnel and shroud poling skiff are a must, but the size along these vessels can get the job done with combination allows for the boat to run with how they are positioned affect the rigged out correctly. In a game of inches, in two and a half inches of water while boat’s performance. The taller a platform, rewards will come to those that do this the hub of the prop is actually out of the the more aluminum it takes to make it, right! water,” explains Shaw. and the more Weight distribution on a poling skiff weight is added is crucial, and the vessel performs to the to the boat. A highest degree when the bulk of the weight taller platform is centered, as well as evenly distributed. also raises Batteries, console, fuel tanks, and other the center of items of significant weight should be gravity in the stowed in the very center of the vessel stern of the if possible. Even when these things are skiff, making it centered and positioned evenly, it’s tough more unstable. to get the distribution perfect. Other Additionally, gear can offset the uneven distribution the taller the of weight. For example, a cooler can be platform, the positioned more forward or aft as needed larger the according to how the vessel is sitting in the shadow the water. Tackle and other items can be stored person poling in places where less weight is congregated will cast on the on the boat. water’s surface, When it comes to accessories on a reducing today’s poling skiffs, the options are sightcasting endless; however, anglers must tread the or fly-fishing fine line between adding functionality success. Photo by Scott Somerlatte to the boat and decreasing its shallow Shaw says Poling platforms on a skiff are a must, but the size along with how they are water capability by filling it with a bunch position the positioned affect the boat’s performance.
28 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal february 2015
For information on guides mentioned, see Guides, Gear & Getaways on pages 67, 69, & 71 Lake Roundup
and pitching a jig you can pick almost any will want to work the areas off the points creek and work the docks. The biggest fish adjacent to the remaining standing timber, will be under the almost-dead-center of or out from water pump on the west side, NORTH TEXAS the dock, and a slingshot type of cast is where you’ll find a series of humps. Deep required to get a bait in front of them. diving crankbaits, Carolina-rigs and drop- A good second choice would be a trick shots are all usable in these areas. Many worm or Yamamoto Senko, on a 3/0 or 4/0 big bass have been caught off the timber hook, on a spinning rod rigged with 20 on 10” Power Worms in blue fleck and pound braided line. Color the line with a red shad colors, texas rigged with a ¼ marker to make it less visible, as Athens ounce weight. is moderately-clear to clear, depending on TEXOMA — If you ask guide Dan where you are on the lake. Barnett, February is absolutely the best In the trick worm I like the Blue time of year to be on Texoma. “Of course, Glimmer color and white or bubble gum I like catching the biggest stripers we can, as a second choice. Any color is fine for the and this is the time of year to do that,” he By Brian Hughes Senko, as long as it is watermelon/red. I confessed. will often dip the last ½ inch of tail section While live bait will catch keepers out It is here. Big bass time in Texas, and in chartreuse dye to make the bait “pop”. over the deep water, it is slow fishing, most lakes in the North Texas region are You may also take these baits to the and this is really big fish time anyway. To in good shape as of this writing. east side of the lake past the 2495 Bridge, illustrate that point Dan said he expects February is big bass time in Texas as where hydrilla and other grasses have the current Oklahoma record of 27 the spawn gets underway. Now biologists exploded in the past few years. Once pounds to be broken. don’t recognize some of the terms we as nearly devoid of this kind of vegetation, “Because Texoma shares borders fishermen use to describe the conditions much of this part of the lake has huge with both Texas and Oklahoma, we get on the water. They don’t recognize “pre” grassbeds, which of course, hold bass. two record fish in each category, one for or “post” as relating to the spawn. To the The deep-water structure fisherman Texas and the other for Oklahoma,” he biologist, a fish is either spawning or it is not. We, however, are not biologists. “Pre”-spawn describes a period in which bass move from their deeper winter haunts and begin the process of feeding, scouting potential bedding sites, and selecting candidates for mating. That is where February will find most of our North Texas lakes. ATHENS — Lake Athens would not have been thought of as a big bass lake 10 years ago. Yes it had plenty of fish and you could catch some good ones. But real trophy fish was not what the lake was known for. With two fish in the Sharelunker program last year, and four over ten pounds that we know about, Athens is now on the trophy bass map. At just under 1800 acres, Athens is large enough to allow room for the fishermen, while being small enough not to overwhelm you the first time out on the lake. It offers both shallow and deep fishing opportunities as well as docks, grass and Big lures for big bass include (top to bottom) Stanley Wedge Head Punch Jig--- Black Blue with brushpiles, so almost every fishing style a 5” Biffle Big Bug-- Saphire Blue trailer, Strike King KVD Perfect Plastic Ocho 7” ---Big Tex, Zoom can be accommodated. If you like flipping Magnum Superfluke --White Pearl, and a Culprit 9” Fat Max Worm--Okeechobee.
30 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal february 2015 explained. “A lady recently certified a 27 on this rig. “Find the deepest pools in the creeks pounder on the Okie side, but I think Smallmouth bass will be fairly shallow and use your electronics to scan the pools there is a 30 pound striper coming soon, as well. Crankbaits along the rocky banks for fish. Then just drop cut shad or live probably in February.” Obviously Dan will find the easiest fish to catch, those bait (gizzard shad) down to the fish.” hopes to be the one to catch it and I think roaming about looking for a meal. Use Barnett would like to remind everyone I speak for him when I say I hope it is a 4a-6a bait or equivalent that will dive that the world record blue catfish came certified in Texas. 6-12’ to the rocks. from Texoma a few years ago. Although it To catch these big fish, Dan likes to fish Dan dearly loves to fish a jig. “I like to was beaten by another fish there could be shallow humps in the back of creeks in 15 slowly work the rocks with a ½ ounce jig another just as big, or even bigger. feet of water. A white jig with real bucktail sporting an Uncle Josh pork rind, #11, the FORK — Elsewhere in these pages fur, and 6” white worm or grub as a trailer Uncle Josh Spring craw,” he said. Imagine you’ll see some information regarding is his approach. “I know it’s old school, but that, old school! big bass in February and Lake Fork. I I’ve been around a long time and I figure You can also Texas rig a Zoom 4” lizard talked with guide Richard McCarty for if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it,” he said. on a ¼ oz. weight with 10 pound line, but much of that information because he has On the other hand Dan is not above Dan really suggests using six pound line, a 13+ pound fish and two over fourteen using the latest and greatest stuff available “About all I use for Smallmouth is six pounds to his credit. But it wouldn’t be either, “The Alabama rig has just exploded pound Fluorocarbon, or maybe Fireline proper to discuss big bass and Lake Fork up here,” he says. “We have to build our 10 lb. test with a two pound diameter,” without talking to the man that started it own so they are heavy-duty enough to take he explained. all, noted guide Mark Stevenson. His bass the punishment that a full grown striper “For that rig you’ll want a 3/16 ounce Ethel was the first Sharelunker and started can dish out, but it is certainly worth weight, or just enough to stay in contact the trophy bass rush at Fork. the effort.” On more than one occasion, with the bait. The water on Texoma in He says, “It’s pretty simple fishing in multiple large stripers have taken the hook February is as clear as it gets all year, unless February. Look back in the creeks, either from these rigs. “You want to talk about we get good rains which will add some at the mouth, halfway back, or all the way a rodeo, get a 15 pound and 17 pound color to the creeks.” back. Where you actually find them will striper on the same bait at the same time,” Speaking of big fish, February is also depend on the weather, but bass will be remarked Barnett. the best time of year to catch a giant blue moving into the creeks in February for Generally, when fishing in February cat. How big is big? How about 50 to 100 sure.” Dan will use a 5” Bass Assassin in white pounds? His logic is simple, “You can fish the
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East HWY 82 | Gainesville 1100 NE Loop 820 | Fort Worth 940-665-9331 www.northtexasmarine.com 817-246-2100 february 2015 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal 31 main lake in 10-12 feet for big bass, but Scare her off or blow the cast, and she worth checking out. In my book, it’s the main lake fish will suspend. I like fishing is gone” “best little bass lake” eastern Texas has the creeks, where they are looking for WHITNEY — Lake Whitney is another to offer. something to eat before spawning.” great striper lake. It gives Texoma a run for February is prime time to get a good Bait choices include a ‘Trap in one its money every year. Guide Randy Routh taste of both as big numbers of fish will of the many red shades available, or a says Whitney is pretty much a two-color be setting up in staging areas, just waiting Pescado spinnerbait. He likes a ¾oz. lake, chartreuse and white. for things to right in the shallows for the double willow blade set-up with bigger “For stripers, 3/4 oz. bucktail jigs with spawn. If you haven’t re-spooled with blades for bigger bass. “We throw a lot of a 6” worm trailer is my choice,” he began. fresh line in while, now would be a good big baits because we have a lot of big fish “I’ll throw it pretty shallow to start and time to do it. Otherwise, you might get to eat them,” Stevenson said. “With these work my way through the water column hold of a thick-shouldered largemouth lures we will make a lot of casts. We are until I connect.” that will make you wish you had. searching for active fish so I don’t think Randy would also remind you to Now is a great time to chunk moving fishing really slow is that productive. I like fish the main river, “Too many people baits in two to12 feet of water. To refine to cover water and find the feeding fish. overlook the Brazos, above the lake. Look the search, key on flats adjacent to major Once we find ‘em we’ll slow down a little, to the bends and deeper holes with brush and secondary creek channels. Areas with but I like to make a lot of presentations and you’ll find sand bass AND crappie. scattered hydrilla beneath the surface are in a day” “A ¾ ounce slab in chartreuse or ideal. While sometimes difficult to do when white or one with a hologram will catch The best creeks on the lake are Yellow guiding, due to the varying skill levels of the sandies, for the crappie look for the Bank, Big Loco and Little Loco. Yellow the anglers in the boat, pitching a ¾ jig in brush,” Routh continued. Bank feeds the first pocket north of five to 10 foot of water at the stumps is a “A 1/16th or 1/8th ounce jig will catch the power lines on the lake’s west side. favorite tactic also. Johnson Custom Baits the fish but be sure you are fishing over Big Loco and Little Loco feed the lake’s makes a model named after Stevenson and brush. Suggested areas include the Nolan extreme northern reaches. Big Loco enters he likes the Black/Blue, Pumpkin Perch River fork, Ham Creek and Painted Rock on east side and Little Loco on west side. and Pumpkin Neon colors. areas.” The two creeks join in the middle of the “I like to start shallow say 2-6 feet and For sand bass he likes the sassy shad, big flat just north of the Hayter camp hit every stump that looks big enough to “I might go out and look for birds on the house. hide a big bass,” the guide said. “Then, as main lake. If I see birds I know I can go These areas get a lot of fishing pressure the day goes on, and the sun gets higher out there and work ledges for sandies. Use this time of year, mainly because they in the sky, I’ll move to the trees in eight your electronics to find a ledge and drop produce so many big bass. You can to 10 feet, then back shallow in the late a sassy shad on a jighead down to them. certainly catch fish in other places, but it afternoon.” Remember to keep the bait just above the would be wise to dedicate a few hours of He’ll usually fishes from 10am to dark, level of the fish. Sand bass feed up, that is the day to the aforementioned areas. I’ve but really sees most of the big fish in the they don’t look down to eat they look up. spent entire days tooling around these middle of the day, and the last hour of Get the bait too deep and they’ll never sweet spots without leaving; the fishing daylight. “That last hour is my favorite see it” can be just that good at times. time to be on the water,” says Stevenson, A wide variety of baits will produce “The fish know it’s getting dark and they now, but it’s hard to go wrong with a need to go ahead and find a meal. And I red or bone Rat-L-Trap, Chatterbait, hope my bait is just what they are looking EAST TEXAS spinnerbait, suspending jerk bait, swim for.” bait or a flat sided square bill. The main If you like to fish slow, go to main lake key is covering water and alternating baits humps and points 10 to 15 ‘ deep, and to determine which one will produce the use a Carolina rig and/or swim bait. “We best. use the LFT Magic Shad for that,” Mark Things can change with the weather said. “You have to be aware that timing conditions, so it’s always a good idea to is critical. The fish are suspended, just keep an open mind and experiment with roaming and they will feed off and on different baits rather than trying to shove throughout the day. Some will bite while something down their throats they don’t some rest and some just swim around. It want. can be a tough way to fish, unless you have LIVINGSTON — Anytime there’s talk the patience for it, in which case it can pay about Lake Livingston during the early off with a big bass.” By Matt Williams spring, the Trinity River is sure to be One last tip for the big bass guys. “A mentioned. And anytime the Trinity River well placed cast is critical,” Stevenson NACOGDOCHES — If you’re looking pops up in a conversation this time of year, concluded. “With a big fish you only get for a lake that delivers numbers of bass the tone will eventually turn to white bass. one chance to make a first impression. and quality alike, Lake Nac is definitely Lake Livingston is chock full of the
32 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal february 2015 thick shouldered fighters, and now is Roadrunner fished on light spinning it a mixed bag of great opportunity for when they start jamming the Trinity tackle are hard to beat. If the bite happens everyone from hardcore bass junkies to River bottleneck and finning their way to get slow you can speed things up by fun loving white bass crowds. miles upstream to partake in the annual tipping the Roadrunner with a small “If you’re after big bass, now is the time spawning ritual. If you like fast action, this crawfish or a shiner. to catch one on Palestine,” Vandergriff is where to find it. As for lake fishing, the largemouth bass said. “There will be a lot of fish prowling There are a number of good access always gets the most play this time of year. around in the shallows. Of all the months points up and down the river. One of the The fish will be getting into a pre-spawn of the year, there are probably more big best known is at Lock-N-Dam Marina, frame of mind, which means they will sacks of fish caught on this lake during located off State Highway 7 where it be setting up along channels, drains and February than during any other month.” crosses the Trinity just east of Centerville. ditches that connect shallow spawning The guide pointed out the big limits Boats are launched via an electric trolley. areas to deeper water. Just about any creek are usually area specific. The trolley can handle aluminum rigs up up and down the lake will hold fish, but “The north end of the lake is always to 16 feet equipped with motors no larger those located at the northern reaches best early in the year,” he said. “The water than 40 HP. above the Highway 190 bridge are always up there always warms up faster than it No boat? Don’t worry. There is plenty best early in the month because water does around the rest of the lake, so the of bank access to prime water just above there tends to warm up the quickest. fish move shallow sooner.” the old Lock-N-Dam wall. The bite is always best when water is Vandergriff says the Cade’s Lake The fishing here can be exceptional relatively clear. Spinnerbaits, Chatterbaits and Old Folks Playground areas can be from February through early April. The and square bill cranks always rule when especially good. Old Folks is dissected by bite is always best when the river flow is the fish are in the mood to chase, according a series of drainages where the fish move normal to slightly above and water level to veteran guide Randy Dearman of in and out over the course of month. Get is close to normal with good water clarity. Onalaska. “If you need to slow things in the right area and five fish, 30 pound Flood conditions aren’t favorable because down, switch to a jig or Texas rig craw,” limits aren’t out of the question. it scatters the fish and muddies the water. he says. Assorted baits will work up north. Any number of baits will catch white PALESTINE — Fishing guide Ricky Vandergriff’s favorites when the fish are bass, but small spinners like a 1/4 ounce Vandergriff says February brings with in the mood to chase are spinnerbaits
february 2015 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal 33 and square bill crankbaits. If you need to 20 feet. here. slow things down he suggests going with SAM RAYBURN — The water level on TOLEDO BEND — There isn’t a lake a lightweight black blue jig or a weightless Sam Rayburn was about three feet below in Texas that is fishing any better than Senko. normal and surface temps were still in T-Bend for numbers of bass and quality Farther south, the guide says there will the mid-to-upper 50s as December gave alike. Don’t be surprised if somebody WANNA GET SKINNY? be some bass holding around boat docks way to January. catches a giant here over the next 30 days, with brush. He said the backs of Cobb and If this February is like most, there quite possibly one to surpass the current Chimney creeks also will be holding fish, will be big numbers of fish getting into a lake record of 15.32 pounds that was set especially towards the end of the month pre-spawn mode up and down the lake. way back in 2000. There are fish of that as water temperatures gradually begin to Some of year’s biggest tournament sacks caliber finning around out there. And now warm. He suggests targeting these areas are caught during February, many of them is the prime time to catch one. with jigs, spinnerbaits, square bill cranks on lipless crankbaits fished in relation to According to fishing guide Stephen and soft jerk baits. underwater hydrilla beds in water ranging Johnston, lunker largemouths will be full February also will be a good month for 4-12 feet. of eggs, and many of them will be setting white bass crowds, provided the weather Just about any lipless crank will work, up camp in pre-spawn staging areas. doesn’t get abnormally cold to drive water but the Rat-L-Trap has the richest history “There are going to three different temperatures up the Neches River into the of all. Day-in and day-out, more pre- things going on all over the lake,” he said. 40s. In a normal year the fish will start spawn bass are probably caught on a ‘Trap “There will a group of fish about halfway finning their way up the river early in at Sam Rayburn than on any other lure. up the creeks in six to12 feet, a group at the month. By mid-to-late February the Most bass anglers will agree that it the mouths of the creeks in 12-18 feet and spawning run will be going full steam. would be nice to see a two to three foot another group out in 18-35 feet hanging Some of the best action typically takes rise in water level by the time this issue around the ends of ridges and along tree place in the vicinity of the public ramp off of TOJ hits the streets. That would open lines.” State Highway 31 near Chandler. a much bigger window of water on top Johnston will key on creek channel CONROE — February has a rich history the lake’s vast hydrilla beds, thus creating breaks and adjacent grass flats when of producing bragging size largemouths some primo turf to work the rattling, targeting the shallowest group of bass. His on Lake Conroe. That’s because now is the clamoring baits. baits of choice include spinnerbaits, Strike time when fat fish start merging from deep In addition to lipless cranks, there will King medium-diving cranks and a lipless water and setting up camp in pre-spawn also be a strong bite going on suspending crankbait like the Rat-L-Trap. staging areas, where they are naturally jerk baits, Chatterbaits, spinnerbaits, “The ‘Trap bite is always going to be more vulnerable to being caught. swim jigs, square bills and assorted paddle best after a few days of warm sunshine,” According to fishing guide Butch tail swim baits. Bass rely heavily on their he said. “When the upper layer of water Terpe, the mouths of major and secondary eyesight to zero in on swim baits and jerk heats up a few degrees the fish will move creeks are good places to focus your efforts baits; the clearer the water, the better. out of the creeks and swim around and this time of year. The grass bite isn’t the only thing feed in the shallows. That’s when the To refine the search, he suggests keying that’ll be going this month. There also will ‘Trap shines.” on support pilings beneath deeper boat be some big fish caught in deeper water Johnston will tie on a deep diving docks, bridge rip raft or any other rock on points, drains and drops using football crankbait, Carolina rig or Texas rig when Would you like the ability to access those hard to reach fishing holes structure you come across. Some of the jigs, Carolina rigs and deep diving cranks. targeting the mid-range group of fish. He that are beyond the shallows? better stuff is found along bridge crossings February is also good month to says those fish will be hanging tight to at Lewis Creek, Little Lake, April Plaza head up the Angelina River to chase the channel swings, deeper grass lines, brush SeaArk Tunnel Hulls and Jet Tunnel Hulls can get you and FM 1097. schools of white bass that fin their way and any other cover near the channel there in the skinniest of waters. The guide suggested throwing moving upstream for their annual spawning ritual break. baits like a Chatterbait, crankbait or every spring. Areas in close proximity to Out deeper, his baits of choice include spinnerbait to tempt the fish. If you don’t Kingtown and Marions Ferry will hold a Strike King 10XD crank, a big worm and score, trying slowing things down with a lots of fish early on. As the month progress a Carolina rig. jig or Texas rig before you move on. the fish will move farther upstream and Johnston says crappie also will be Terpe added that protected backwaters set up in isolated spots as far north as gravitating into the creeks this month in could hold some bass after a few days the U.S. 59 bridge between Nacogdoches preparation for the spawn. He says the of warm sunshine to bake the shallows. and Lufkin. best fishing typically occurs later in the Water temps may only increase a few Anglers who have never visited the month as water temperatures nudge 58- Find a dealer near you by visiting our website: www.seaarkboats.com degrees, but that’s all it takes to attract Angelina before should realize that it isn’t 60 degrees. a few fish. like fishing the Sabine or Trinity. This is “They’ll move onto the flats to feed, February also produces some pretty tight quarters fishing with lots of thick so you can catch them pretty good on a decent cat fishing action from time to brush and narrow channels to traverse Roadrunner or grub once that happens,” time, Terpe says. The bite is always best once you get off the main channel. he said. “Otherwise, they’ll just be ganged around isolated areas salted with some It’s no place for a big fiberglass rig, up in the creeks. You can see them on your sort of bait like range cubes, maize or either. Small flat bottom boats or kayaks electronics, but it can be hard to get them chicken scratch. Best depth range is 15- equipped with electric motors are ideal, to bite.” 34 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal february 2015 WANNA GET SKINNY?
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Secrets of the Song Dog
The life of the coyote is full of mysteries. It is an animal that vocalizes its presence with howls and barks, but calculates movements to stay cloaked from human sight. The secretive song dog is a hunter, and like human hunters, is often misunderstood. To explore the life of the coyote is to unlock the unknowns around this iconic western canine. Canis latrans is native to North America and distributed throughout the continent. While the coyote prefers open prairie and desert habitat it can easily adapt. They can be found all across Texas, including suburbs and cities. Photo by Boxie Kallina The Cook County coyote Coyotes vocalize their presence with howls and barks, but calculate movements to stay cloaked from human project in Illinois is working sight. to determine if coyotes and humans are like its rural companions. Fluffy and Litters are often made of four to seven synanthropic species, or if the urban Frisky should be safe, but it still remains pups, the size varying based on food coyote exists because of our expansion that the coyote is a hunter. availability and population density. Born into their territory. For city and country ‘yotes, February with their eyes closed, pups remain in the The coyotes place among traffic lights is the primary breeding time. A gestation den for the first three weeks. At six weeks and sprawling development is unique. cycle of 62 to 65 days tabs April as the they start exploring on short trips with These city dwelling coyotes have been time for females to find a den. The pup adult dogs, and by the end of the summer tabbed as pet eating predators. However, season is generally the only time a coyote season, juvenile coyotes are out and about. the research done in Cook County shows will use a den. Popular coyote lore paints Coyotes are most active during the this to be a myth. The urbanized animal them as cave dwellers, but they mostly crepuscular hours. Hunters know this feeds primarily on a diet of rodents, much sleep above ground. as coyote sounds and sightings often
36 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal february 2015 coincide with trips to and from the deer of fifty yards, letting the hunter set up at will change as the months tick towards stand. Early morning and late afternoon distance from the speaker. Jimmy Estes, summer. “Coyotes will be looking actively movement is more common for coyotes a Pro Staffer for Hunter Specialties, for food, so prey distress calls will work pressured by human activity. However, explained why the wireless box and best.” The Attractor Max is built ready a south Texas coyote study by William remote is vital to calling success. with multiple coyote quarry, including Andelt did show an uptick in daylight “The vast majority of the time, the bleat of whitetail fawns movement during the breeding season. coyote hunters should work into the Newborn deer are targets for hungry While most hunters are organizing downwind side. This is where the wireless coyotes. Many hunters believe that and putting away their gear from fall remote becomes so important. You hunting down coyotes on the ranch or and early winter forays, February may be can manipulate those coyotes, giving lease will help protect the deer population. the best chance to take a coyote. Much the hunter a clear advantage in picking A common campfire story is that of like the deer rut, this period of their life stand locations and influencing coyote coyotes causing deer decline. However, like means coyotes could slip up and show movement to your call.” many myths associated with ‘yote, the deer themselves. Hunters can sit in a stand with Another impressive Attractor Max predation stories are also exaggerations. a view and hope for a glimpse. Better yet, feature is the high tech capability. The The numbers tell the story. use the howling and hunting behavior to call comes loaded with ten preset sounds. In a study by Scott Henke published at entice a song dog to come in close. Included with the Max is a USB cord Texas A&M University-Kingsville, Henke to connect the call to your found that short-term coyote removal was computer. Hunters can not successful in reducing the population then download additional density. The south Texas study showed calls from a huge library at that soon after control efforts are stopped, hunterspec.com. “Hunters numbers increased. “Coyote population can customize the playlist densities returned to pre-removal levels – coyotes, cats, deer, turkey, typically within three months.” Coyotes even snow geese,” listed Estes. simply moved in and reestablished. We loaded feral piglet distress The same study did find intensive, calls to the Attractor Max and long-term removal to be successful in successfully persuaded pigs reducing coyote density. Every three from the underbrush that months for two years running, coyotes in came running to the sound. the enclosed study area were hunted by The volume level was plenty ground and air. In this expensive removal for our calling, but hunters effort, hunters called and trapped, and wanting to go louder can helicopters swept overhead. The deer plug in additional speakers population responded. “Whitetail fawn through the external jack. survival rate was 30% higher compared For calling locations to the rest of the refuge.” during coyote breeding The intense removal efforts increased season, Estes described his the deer population for five consecutive favorite set-up. “I like to look years. What happened next was surprising. for good fields bordering The deer numbers “declined sharply timber thickets, or tall grass thereafter when the food supply was fields.” Sounds similar to reduced and parasite loads increased”. Hunters Specialties’ Attractor Max comes loaded with ten pasture lands adjoined by With fewer predators, the deer numbers preset sounds. wooded lots, a common increased beyond carrying capacity, Coyote calls have seen rapid Texas landscape. For the calls, Estes starts reducing the health of the herd. technological advancement. Many will with coyote vocalizations, using the howls Population dynamics were out of sorts. remember cassette tapes with recorded and whimpers on the Attractor Max. The conclusion by Henke and other sounds that played over truck speakers. There is biology behind the sounds of researchers was that “coyote predation Hand held call boxes were next, heavy the song dog. “Coyotes have at least eleven can be an important factor in whitetail and cumbersome with wires for the different vocalizations, the function of herd stability.” controllers. Today’s top calls have evolved which we are still trying to understand”, Casual coyote hunting won’t make a into lightweight, wireless, high tech explained Texas Parks and Wildlife dent in your deer numbers. They will take systems - much like the Attractor Max biologist Brett Johnson. “In the spring, fawns for food, but dynamics show they from Hunters Specialties. almost anything will trigger the protection help keep the numbers in check. Enjoy a Starting with weight, the call comes and territorial response in a male coyote”. February coyote hunt for the challenge. It in at a svelte two pounds when loaded Coyotes have been shown to maintain can be our coldest month, so bundle up with batteries, allowing hunters to move their territory as a group with up to five or tight and enjoy the last few weeks before easily with the call in hand. The remote six adults in the pack, plus pups. Biologist spring. Grab your call and mimic the and speaker box are wireless with a range Johnson explained why calling strategies howls of the secretive song dog. february 2015 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal 37 For information on guides mentioned, see Guides, Gear & Getaways on pages 67, 69, & 71
CoastWatch Danno Wise
February is notorious for nasty has avoided a major freeze event for surf fishermen will be encountering a weather. While the late winter weather quite some time. And, with the winter of variety of species including whiting, tends to keep casual fishermen at home, 2014-15 having been relatively mild so jacks, bluefish, and pompano. Mangrove hardcore anglers are a different story. far, anglers are hopeful that the coast will snapper will be a “go-to” fish for fishermen No matter how cold and nasty it gets in once again “dodge a bullet.” looking for fast action along the Lower February, it’s a safe bet there will be plenty As most experienced saltwater anglers Texas Coast. Snook will also be a mainstay of fishermen wading over mud bottom already know, some of the largest speckled through February along the extreme and seeking sow specks. trout of the year are taken during the southern end of the coast. Black drum and redfish will also be late winter and early spring. This means plentiful on the flats in the relatively trophy trout hunters will take every pleasant weather periods between fronts. opportunity to fish this month, regardless LOWER COAST And, along the beachfront, whiting and of the notoriously nasty weather incurred sand trout will be common catches. Surf in February. Every bay system in Texas fishermen on the southern edge of Texas is capable of spitting out a sow speck can expect to catch plenty of pompano in February, but traditionally areas like during February as well. the Lower Laguna Madre and Baffin Despite the weather, February usually Bay produce a disproportionate amount turns out to be a pretty good month for of trophy trout. This means February Texas coastal fishermen — especially those represents a great angling opportunity seeking sow specks. The only thing that for Lower Coast anglers — weather aside. can really turn things sour in February is The fishing action won’t be limited to As is usually the case during the winter a “killer freeze.” Luckily, the Texas coast the back bays, either. Along the beachfront, months, Port Isabel guide Capt. Gencho
38 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal february 2015 “JR” Buitureira says the weather will be the along the drops determining factor for where and how he in February. That fishes from day to day. includes the ICW. “For me, February isn’t a lot different When I’m fishing than January,” said Buitureira. “There are along the ICW, I’m a lot of different things that we can do, looking to catch but it really depends on the weather. So, one good fish in the I’m going to be picking my spots based on first five minutes. If the weather. And, of course, the weather I don’t get at least can change a lot in February, so it is not one keeper in five unusual for us to do something different minutes, I move. But, every day. when you catch a “If the water is cold, I’ll be fishing the keeper, that one fish Brownsville Ship Channel or channels up usually leads to a lot Photo courtesy Capt. Gencho “JR” Buitureira north. Or, I may be fishing the causeways. more because they’re Redfish and black drum will be on the flats in between fronts in Basically, when we have cold water, I’m really ganged up. February. fishing any deep drops or deep structure I “If there is high can find. You can even fish the South Padre wind and the water is cold, that’s when got a hard north or south wind and don’t Island channels and the side channels I’ll be heading up the Brownsville Ship want to be out in the bay when it’s rough. up north, as well as the ICW. I’ll also Channel. One of the great things about “If it has been warmer and we have fish channel markers during February. fishing up the Ship Channel is you have high wind, I’ll be fishing for big bull Channel markers are excellent for drum protection from just about any wind reds off Gas Well Flats. When that winds or sheepshead. direction. We’ll still have lots of snook in blowing 20 to 25 and gusty, most people “The wind will be the other factor. If the Ship Channel, but also mangroves, don’t even go out. Not me. I love fishing we have no wind, I’ll definitely, absolutely trout, reds, drum and sheepshead. You can in that wind. I’ll get up on the shallow be fishing the deep drops for sheepshead, always catch fish up there. And, you can bars - just as shallow as I can and still float trout, reds, and puppy drum. Just about always fish, no matter how hard the wind my boat - and catch those big reds on a all the channels will have fish holding is blowing. It’s a good option if you’ve popping cork and shrimp.
february 2015 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal 39 be 56 degrees and up for fishing the South Bay channels. February is trophy trout time in the Lower Laguna Madre, according to the guides at Port Mansfield’s Get-A-Way Adventures Lodge. The key to finding big trout in the Mansfield area, as is the case elsewhere on the Texas coast during February, is finding muddy bottom areas, preferably with a mix of shell or grass and deep water nearby. The flats between the ICW and the spoil islands are ideal areas to search for sow specks during late winter. Fishermen should start off working the inside of the spoils, as these flats are the first to receive sunlight during the day and heat up sooner that the surrounding Photo courtesy Capt. Gencho “JR” Buitureira water. On warm, sunny days, look for The deeper drops and channels, particularly along the Intracoastal Waterway are good places fish to spread out over the flats during to catch quality speckled trout this month. the midday hours, although they will never venture too far from the safety “The warmer the water, the more go. But, if water temperature isn’t near 60 of deep water. If it remains overcast or options we have. If it warms up to around I won’t dare go north. cloudy, the fish will most likely continue 60 degrees, you can fish the west side “Mexiquito Flats will be an option on to hug the edges along the channel. Big around Airport Cove or in South Cullen’s higher winds with higher tides. But, in topwaters and slow-sinking plugs will be or on the east side from the Convention order to fish on top of the bars you need the best bets for targeting big trout during Centre to Three Islands. Where you fish a high tide. And, the South Bay channels February. Although trophy trout will be over there will be based on tides — the are another option if the water is warm the main focus, redfish will also still be higher the tides, the further north we can enough. I like the water temperature to active during February, particularly on warm, sunny days between fronts. Under those conditions, look for redfish to move up onto the flats during the midday hours. Given the usually clear water conditions between fronts, anglers can experience outstanding sight-casting for redfish during February. Corpus Christi-based guide Capt. Allen Sifford says in February he will be fishing either the Upper Laguna or Baffin Bay. Regardless of which bay he is in, he says his plan of attack will remain pretty much the same. “This time of year, we’ll fish in four to six feet of water over shell,” said Sifford. “For the most part, I’ll either be in Baffin or the Upper Laguna. If I’m fishing Baffin, I’ll fish a little more structure, but it will pretty much be the same drill. You’ll want to look for green water and mullet. Any active baitfish is a good sign there are trout there. “February is a great month to catch big trout, but you’ve got to be patient. We’ll be throwing topwaters and Bass Assassins. Regardless of what we’re throwing, we’ll be fishing real slow. When we’re throwing Assassins, we’ll be using light jig heads so we can work them slow enough. “Most of the time in February we’ll be looking for big trout, but there will
40 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal february 2015 also be some good redfish, especially in for drum and redfish near oyster reefs “Trout can also be found in areas the channels. You can usually find schools surrounded by muddy bottom. I prefer a where there is mud bottom near bait. of reds in areas like the Humble Channel cigar or lemon float to keep the bait just Again, approach slowly and fish your bait during February. If it’s been warm for a off the bottom. Do not pop it; just let it slowly. Strikes will be soft, so you really few days, you’ll find schools of reds on the set there. Please use a circle hooks when have to concentrate on feeling a bite.” flats adjacent to the channels.” fishing for these fish, as circle hooks allow the release of small fish without harm. For the best results, try the outflows MIDDLE COAST of marsh back lakes or bays when the tide is falling (usually 4 to 6 hours after a “norther” hits). You can use shrimp or Gulp 3-inch shrimp in “New Penny” color on an 1/8 or 1/4 ounce lead head. “If the weather warms for two or three days and the water temperatures rise, try edges of bars near mud bottom, which warms faster and retains heat better than sand, for trout. Use 3-inch Gulp shrimp in white or a 5-inch Gulp jerk shad in white. Fish them very slow. The strike will usually Nueces Bay will be the main draw for be soft so use braided line with a mono most fishermen in the Aransas area during leader to help detect a soft strike. Trout February. The combination of mud and can be very shallow in the afternoon on shell bottom found throughout much a calm day. Usually they will be working of Nueces Bay makes it an ideal winter under bait. Approach these fish with care. hangout for both speckled trout and I usually do not walk on the top of bars redfish. The reefs and over the muddy where I find schools of bait because the Capt. Allen Sifford will slowly fish Bass bottom flats in the back of the bay will trout are usually right there and the sound Assassins and topwater lures to catch big hold good numbers of both species can cause them to scatter. trout on warm winter days. throughout February. Wade fishermen can do particularly well in the back end throwing topwaters, slow-sinking plugs or soft-plastics. But, anglers should be advised wading in this soft, mucky bottom is strenuous. Those not wishing to put in the type of effort necessary to wade the muck and mud can do well drifting or wading the reefs. Around the reefs, live shrimp or soft-plastics are typically the best bets. The reefs in Aransas Bay and the deep wells in Corpus Christi Bay are also good options during February. Fishermen looking to do something “a little different,” can target giant black drum at the old Navy base in Ingleside. Shrimp and sea lice are the best bets for Navy base drum, although cracked crab can also produce good results, especially for massive, oversize fish. Rockport guide Capt. Ray Burdette says both species of drum — red and black — will get plenty of attention in February. “The fishing should be a contrast in February 2015,” said Burdette. “Redfish and black drum are the mainstays. The bait of choice will be shrimp; either dead or alive. “When weather is cool to cold, look february 2015 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal 41 Just FISHING | Brian Hughes
Big Bass Time in Texas
February is a great time of the year for the hardcore bass fisherman. While the average angler is still enjoying the warmth of the fireplace, the serious bassman knows that something special is afoot. It is big bass time in Texas. Whether it is the moon phase, lengthening amounts of daylight, or any of another dozen reasons we hear as an explanation, big bass will be on the move this month. This movement will be toward shallower water, and places these bass in proximity to the fishermen. Plus the lakes aren’t crowded with the “spring run” anglers yet. Most fishermen typically spend the majority of their Richard McCarty is the only angler to have caught three ShareLunkers. All three fish came from Lake Fork. Here time fishing in less than 15’ McCarty is shown with his third and largest ShareLunker, #312, that weighed 14.2 pounds. It was caught March of water. This may be the 17, 2000 from five feet of water on an artificial lizard. ONLY time when some of these fish will be accessible. For purposes here, let’s define a big baitfish easy to predict. a big fish. Cover is anything a fish can hide bass as one over 10 pounds. I didn’t So what does all of this mean? What in, behind or under to conceal its presence arrive at that number wholly by random rules did my fish break, and what rules from its prey. When the offending subject choice. Although a nine pound bass is was she following? Read on Grashopper, is close enough the bass will dash out and plenty impressive, it has, as long as I can read on! grab it, before scurrying back into hiding. remember, been the double-digit fish Big bass are solitary creatures for the Using light, whether in the form of that tipped the scales to the trophy side most part. They will spend their time shadows, darkness caused by clouds of the ledger. hanging around thick cover, deep water, passing in front of the sun, or just feeding It seems as though in anything we do or both. They spend their days, and nights, at night, is another trick in the big fish there are the exceptions that prove the watching for an easy meal to present arsenal. rule, and bass fishing is no different. My itself. They rarely chase their prey like the Fish eyes operate much as ours do, and biggest bass personally was a 12.25, and it smaller fish will. it is difficult to see from light into dark. To came in the middle of a hot July afternoon A big fish likes to get as much in one test this for yourself stand in a brightly lit in five feet of water. feeding as it can, to maximize the result room and look out the window into the However, if circumstances and for effort equation. If you have seen the darkness. See what I mean? conditions are examined even that fish mouth of a trophy sized bass then you This all changes in February. Much as was really playing by the rules. You see know just about anything smaller than a the big bucks behavior will change during she (giant bass are always female) was in VW Beetle is fair game! Even so, big bass the rutting period, so will the big bass an old bar ditch that ran from a feeding primarily feed on shad and other fish change her habits during the spawning flat out to a deeper channel. There was a species that make the mistake of getting period. huge Lotus pad field near this ditch and too close. When it comes to big bass I’ll have that was full of baitfish and frogs. With To tilt the odds in their favor big bass to defer to Richard Mc Carty, Lake Fork about 50% cloud cover you could say it become masters at using cover and light guide, and the only angler with three was low light conditions as they rolled to their advantage. Hydrilla, or other Sharelunkers. If you didn’t already know in front of the sun, and the high wind grasses, pads, rocks, timber, and even the those are lunker sized fish that peg the (20 mph plus) made the location of the aforementioned bar ditch are all cover for scales over 13 pounds.
42 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal february 2015 Richard McCarty says the Number or take a little), so that’s where I’m most “A lot of people want to come out by One factor in catching a trophy is that comfortable looking for trophies.” themselves or they can’t find someone you must be prepared mentally to fish Another tip he offers the trophy with the same day available to go fishing with concentration, even though fishing seeking angler is to keep your trolling with them,” he stated. “For one guy to pay may be slow. motor running at all times, as opposed the rate for two just didn’t seem right to “Generally, it’s not a numbers game to an on/off approach, “I set the motor me so I make allowances for the individual in February,” he began. “It’s a one fish at to whatever speed will keep me moving fisherman. Or woman, of course. Besides, a time, four or five fish day kind of thing, and in control of the boat and I keep it I like to have just one guy in the boat. and it is easy to lose focus. The thing is, on” he suggests. We can get more done and fish more you have to be ready when that big fish “That seems to spook ‘em less than effectively.” bites! If you get complacent because it’s hitting the switch every couple of minutes Lake Fork still offers one of the best been a couple of hours since the last to make adjustments in position.” chances for an angler to catch the bass of fish, that’s when the big one will strike One other thing interesting aspect is a lifetime, and February is the beginning and you are more likely to miss the fish the one on one experience Richard offers. of the best time to try! of a lifetime. I have had 70 fish days in While he only guides February through So get off that couch, bundle up, get February when everything lined up just June he will make a trip to an individual out the heavy gear and go try your luck. right and we slayed ‘em, but five bites is more affordable. After all, the worst day fishing . . . the norm.” February on Fork will also test your mental toughness in other ways. “The best fishing days in February will be the most inclement,” McCarty says. “Sunshine and 55 or 60 degrees with a light wind may be when the angler enjoys fishing the best, but the big bass bite best when it is 42 degrees, raining and a north wind is howling!” Obviously an angler will need to be sure to have the right gear and clothing for such conditions. “I spend most of my time power fishing, that is, I’m fishing short and tight,” he explained. “I’ll be flipping and pitching to visible cover. I fish in shallow water, using a lizard or jig with big line, 30 pound Berkley Big Game. Thirty feet would be very deep for me.” Make sure your line is new, knots are good and hooks are sharp. “I use a specialty fly-fishing hook I found for my Texas rigged lizards,” the guide continued. “It’s a saltwater hook and the 2/0 and 3/0 are about the equal of 4/0 and 5/0 freshwater hooks. They are stronger wire and don’t give when I set the hook on a monster bass.” When fishing a jig McCarty looks for either Gamakatsu or Mustad hooks. He likes to stay in 8-10’ of water. “That’s where I’ll spend a lot of my time,” he says. “Warm surface water doesn’t mean all the fish are on the bank however. A lot of them will be out over 10 feet, hanging out at the four foot mark. Sometimes you have to figure out if they are up or down, chasing or waiting and against the bank or off the bank a bit.” Richard believes in this because history on the water tells him so, “Most of the big bass for me in February, say 80 percent, have come in eight feet (give february 2015 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal 43 JUST HUNTING | Nate Skinner
What is Quail Country?
the upland game birds now struggle to accommodate small populations of quail, as the absence of huntable numbers is becoming the norm. Other parts of the state that never held significant populations before, are now seeing huge growth in the amount of quail per acre, as the geographic trend for bobwhites shifts. Biologists point out several factors as to why this shift is taking place, and within these lies the answer to the question every Texan Quail hunter is wondering, “What is Quail Country?” Quail Country of the Past Long before the great years seen in south Texas, the Rolling Plains, and the Panhandle that many may remember, The future of bobwhite quail populations and their habitat look brighter with several habitat quail populations thrived in East Texas initiatives underway. in the 1940’s. According to Texas Parks and Wildlife Upland Game Bird Program A covey rose in an instant with at Texas quail has seen a tremendous change Leader, Robert Perez, this was due to least eight to 10 birds bursting toward the in scenery and geographic locations over primitive activity by those living in the sky. The noise created by their flushing the years. Today, pristine quail hunting eastern part of the state, which kept the was incredible, a tremendous racket in Texas is but a fading memory for those land in more of a savanna type terrain, that sounded like a small jet lifting off a fortunate enough to have experienced rather than the pine forest it is today. runway. Quail was the last thing on my the hay days of the sport. For those born “People cut down trees and used mind as I tromped along the south Texas too late, it is but a fantasy riding on the logs for firewood, as well as for building farmland while working a herd of family words of stories from more seasoned material and other things,” Perez cattle. outdoorsmen. Changes in landscape explained. “In the process, this random “This was at one time, prime quail and agriculture in many different parts clearing of trees allowed for native grasses country,” I thought and tried to imagine of the state have significantly altered to thrive amongst the pines, which a day when this land was once untouched the once, flourishing habitat needed to provided great habitat for ground nesting and in a native state, void of human sustain bobwhite quail and other ground birds, especially bobwhite quail.” alterations. How many gamebird fanatics nesting birds. At the same time, in the 40’s and had left boot prints in this sandy soil, knee Areas that were once teeming with 50’s, the black land of central Texas saw deep in grasses mixed with brush perfect for ground nesting birds, as they dissected the fields with shotguns in hand alongside TPWD Quail Restoration hard working pointers? In a place rich The Texas Parks and Wildlife Depart- – counties around and south of Wichita with tradition, suddenly nothing seemed ment has awarded grants to put $4 million Falls to represent wild, outdoor Texas more worth of quail habitat conservation on the “We’re using the $4 million to con- than the sport of upland game bird ground, using a special appropriation by centrate efforts in certain counties, with hunting. Through the blood, sweat, and the Texas Legislature to help restore quail partners, so that the funding goes on the tears of generations, gentlemen carried in Texas. These efforts are taking place in ground, and we build up enough habitat to out this businesslike sport along the focus areas where quail have recently dis- support viable quail populations that are fields, prairies, and rolling plains of the appeared, and haven’t been gone for long. visible in numbers,” says TPWD Upland Lone Star State, and at the heart of their The focus areas include: Game Bird Program Leader, Robert Perez. obsession—the bobwhite quail. No other •South Texas area – close to a dozen “The goal is to demonstrate success in tradition boasts such a classy history. counties around Columbus, Sealy, Victoria various areas of the state and show that In a sport rich with tradition and a •I-35 Corridor area in Navarro and quail habitat can be restored, to inspire league of gentlemen hunters spanning Ellis County and guide private landowners throughout generations of the past, the art of pursuing •Rolling Plains/Cross Timbers area the quail range.”
44 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal february 2015 native grasses flourishing, holding large state where cattle raising is taking place. Perez suggests. “Also, in non-drought populations of the game birds. “This was If you destroy quail habitat, then you will years, coastal prairies can almost be too back before Bermuda grass was developed, destroy the population, and that’s exactly wet for quail, so the recent drought may and native grasses and brush dominated what happened in many places.” have actually helped this area in terms of the fields in this region,” says Perez. “Once East Texas saw the same decline in quail habitat.” improved grasses like Bermuda were quail habitat, as primitive techniques went Although this increase in quail introduced to the area by farmers, quail by the wayside with modern technology. along coastal prairies is encouraging, populations began to disappear as the The once savanna, became a thick pine the significance of it in terms of the big native grasses and brush were cleared and forest, eliminating the grasses that quail picture for the entire state is a mere drop eliminated.” were using to nest and live in. in the bucket. “There’s only one percent The banner years of the 80’s saw This left south Texas, the rolling plains left of the habitat from what was the excellent quail populations in South Texas, of north Texas and the Panhandle as the original coastal prairie region of Texas the Rolling Plains, and the Panhandle. last locations for significant wild quail historically,” explains Perez. “So what we In South Texas, 1987 proved to be one populations in Texas. Drought years along have is a lot of quail in a very small area.” of the best years on record. “This was a with cattle farming techniques and land The Quail Country Formula very wet year for the southern part of the clearing destroyed tons of quail habitat, Quail populations in an area are state, which left 20 to 40 percent of the reinforcing the decline in populations of dependent upon habitat. “If the right area covered with evenly dispersed brush, these areas in recent years. Perez claims habitat is not present, there won’t be any giving quail protection from the heat.” “boom and bust cycles” are what have quail in a given area,” says Perez, says Perez. kept the Rolling Plains and South Texas Quail habitat consists of native bunch The rolling plains in north Texas populations from vanishing. “Every four grasses like bluestems, Indian grasses, and and the Panhandle switch grasses, along with a sustained huntable good mix of brush. Native populations of wild quail grasses make great nesting in the state during the habitat for quail and brush 1980’s and early 90’s. provides shelter from the Since then changing heat and other elements, as landscapes and extended well as a place to hide from drought conditions predators. “The ideal ratio have challenged quail on a given tract of land is 20 numbers. to 40 percent brush, leaving Quail Country Today the rest as open grasses,” says Over the years Perez. the decline of quail in Rainfall is a key Texas has been a gradual component to a productive degradation due to brush quail habitat, which is why overgrowth, elimination drought years have had of grasses, property and such a significant impact rangeland fragmentation, on the continual decline of bobwhites. “Rain combined and cattle grazing. The Upland bird hunters long for a return to the glory days of quail hunting. first locations to see this Fortunately there are options available to keep smooth-bore barrels warm, and with the right vegetation degradation were areas game bags filled with quail. to brush ratio creates the with fertile soil in the perfect quail habitat,” black land of central Texas. These lands to five years, a wet year, or two in a row, explains Perez. were cleared of native grasses and brush increase the amount of vegetation and As we turn the page onto a new as improved grasses like Bermuda were insects in these regions, providing for chapter for Quail in Texas, there is hope introduced along with exotic grasses like small increases in quail populations,” he for the future. Several locations across buffelgrass. These grasses began to grow says. “Although small, these cycles allow the state have seen recent increases in quickly here because of the productive for minor boosts in the populations of populations, and biologists know the soil, and farmers soon learned that they Bobwhites in several areas, helping to formula for quail restoration success. could sustain large herds of cattle by sustain what is left of Texas quail.” Quail habitat restorations efforts that creating fields of these grasses for grazing The Gulf Coastal Prairies have include a return from improved grasses purposes. seen their largest increase in bobwhite to native brush and grass are leading the “Improved and exotic grasses do not population since 1978. Perez attributes way. support ground nesting birds,” explains this increase to rainfall and the climate The right weather, combined with Perez, “and this combined with the along this region of the state. “The coast the replanting and development of quail clearing of brush destroyed thousands sees rain when other parts of the state do habitat provides today’s hunters with of acres of quail habitat in central Texas, not, so in a drought year the coastal prairie an opportunity to get their own taste of along with many other locations of the is usually still wet enough to sustain quail.” “Quail Country.” february 2015 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal 45 For information on guides mentioned, see Guides, Gear & Getaways on pages 67, 69, & 71 Lake Roundup
Lady Bird (formerly Town Lake). If you (See photo of open water and the dam.) don’t want to worry about launching on Ransom, like most striper guides, fishes the beach on the two big lakes and perhaps with live bait, usually caught in the lake getting stuck, consider one of those five. early in the morning. “And Inks is loaded I talked to Fermin Fernandez, a guide with whites, too. You can catch a bunch who specializes in striper fishing on Lake trolling slabs.” Buchanan. He said his best recent catches He didn’t have much to say about have all been on Buchanan. largemouths there, though. He didn’t seem excited about fishing Fishing for whites on Inks this month Inks, the lake just below Buchanan, but could be the ticket. Try fishing up river said we could go when the weather was toward the dam since they like to spawn right if that’s what I wanted to do. Every in running water from February through time our schedules coincided, it was cold most of March, and even with a drought, and rainy. A friend named Alex who LCRA still generates some, giving them brings his dog to the local dog park and the flowing water they need. By John Jefferson fishes almost every weekend, said he used The same holds true for whites in to fish Inks, but never did much good. LBJ. Fishing below Inks Dam can be The drought is over! “It’s just not known as a largemouth lake,” equally effective. Access below both dams But before you think I have he said. is virtually non-existent since 9-11 and Nostradamus’ private cell number or Rick Ransom is another guide on due to a lot of the shoreline being private that he’s friended me on Facebook, let me Buchanan and told me his boat was a property. Approaching by boat is the tell you that the biggest problems with the drought – as far as fishermen are concerned – are access and launch sites. The fish never left. In fact, they should have been easier to find with less water in which to hide. Mainstream media whined about the drought and its devastating effect – which was mostly true – but it convinced people that fishing had gone south, as well. Well, it just hadn’t. There were good fall rains and the two big orphan lakes — Travis and Buchanan – have come up a little. Some of the weather gurus think we’ll get more winter rains and the lakes may come up more. I hope so. Most of that will occur – if in fact it does rain more – after press deadline for this column. The monthly inflow in to the two orphans for the month of November Photo by John Jefferson ©2014 was the third highest in 2014. But that’s Some of the most productive fishing for stripers and white bass could be from the Hwy. 29 because inflow the other 10 months was bridge to the dam. dreadful. We need more rain. Pray for it. And conserve what we have in the lakes 26-footer and stayed on the water on only way. right now. Buchanan, making it hard for him to Visiting with Tommy Britton, at But back to my opening line, as far as guide trips on Inks, even if he wanted to. Rockaway RV on the west side of the lake, access and launch sites, the drought made He quickly pointed out, though, that Inks just south of the Hwy. 29 bridge, I asked it difficult to launch and fish the two big, has some really good stripers in it that for the name of a guide or someone who fluctuating-level lakes, but didn’t affect have washed out of Buchanan in the past. consistently fished Inks Lake. Tommy, the other five lakes in the Colorado River “Fish from the bridge on up toward the as accommodating as he was, said he chain: Inks, LBJ, Marble Falls, Austin and dam for stripers,” was Ransom’s advice. didn’t know anyone who guided Inks
46 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal february 2015 through really nice largemouths to catfish that would have caused a fright if a swimmer saw one up close. “The biggest fish I’ve ever seen all came out of Inks!” she told me without hesitation. That was quite a testimonial, coming from the woman running the bait shop between Inks and Buchanan! The waterbody records lent credence to her claim: best largemouth – 11.99 pounds; striper – 37.05 pounds; hybrid striper – 7.37; white bass – 2.80; blue catfish – 30 pounds/34 inches long; channel cat – 9.8; bluegill – 1.10 pounds/10 inches in length; and a white Photo by John Jefferson ©2014 crappie that weighed 1.6 and The best bass fishing in the spring will probably be in coves and creeks like this one fed by Hylton Branch on measured 14 inches! Sneeze at the southeast end of Inks Lake near the dam. The only public boat ramp is at the nearby state park. any of these and you can go get your own Kleenex. and couldn’t think of any fishermen who had struck a nerve. Sure, there are bigger largemouth frequently fished it. “Come-meer,” she said, and led me records in several of our lakes – Austin, That confirmed that other lakes in the to a bulletin board filled with pictures of for instance – but there are good fish and Highland Lakes chain had received better smiling guys and girls holding up large fine fishing in Inks Lake. press. And, for better or worse, that also fish. The fish ranged from keeper whites Just ask Cynthia! confirmed that there were better fishing lakes up and down the Colorado. Did that dissuade me from wanting to fish Inks? Not in the least. Inks is a small lake – just over 800 acres. It’s also shallow, with a maximum depth near the dam of about 58 feet. Much of the lake varies from eight to 20 feet in depth; some places deeper, some shallower. In addition to being arguably the prettiest of the Highland Lakes, with its striking location surrounded by Texas pink granite boulders, the lack of interest by guides and fishermen indicates it may be less crowded and less competitive for the fish. That’s appealing. Still looking for a guide, I sauntered into Red Top Bait Shop on the south side of Hwy. 29, just west of Burnet. I was greeted by the proprietor, Cynthia Winter, who was glad to have anyone come in on what had been a drizzly weekday in December. I told her I was looking for a fishing guide on Inks – if there was one – since I had been told the lake was the weak sister of the fishing lakes on the Colorado. As affable and helpful as she was, I realized I february 2015 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal 47 48 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal february 2015 The Ultimate JIGS: Inshore Lure
When it comes to catching trout, reds and flounder, these soft plastics with their rattail, curly-tail, paddle tail, and wedge-tails are tops in their class.
Story and photography by Robert Sloan
ould a simple lead head jig be produced. Some have the best saltwater lure of all flat paddle tails, some Ctime? Think of it like this – a have rounded tails, jig can be used 24-7 just about anywhere others have rattails along the entire Gulf Coast to catch a and some have curly variety of fish. But when it comes to tails. catching trout, reds and flounder this lure “We’ve caught can’t be beat. trout and reds for While fishing with Matagorda guide years on jigs that are Charlie Paradoski we got to talking about made with all shapes the best lures of all time. He held up an of tails,” says Sabine Assassin soft plastic rigged on a ¼ ounce Lake guide Jerry lead jig head. Norris. “My favorite “More fish have been caught on jigs is a slick, or rattail jig. than any other lure,” he said. “Look at But if I’m fishing in the fish we’ve caught today. With the real murky water I’ll exception of an early topwater bite on switch to a curl tail jig Super Spooks the only thing catching fish for more vibration. right now is a jig.” Last spring I used a Soft plastic jigs come in all shapes, red shad Assassin jig sizes and colors. For years the go to jig with a rattail to catch was that of a shrimp tail, and the top color some of my heaviest combination was red and white. Back in trout. the 60s and 70s a strawberry and white I’m talking about shrimp tail rigged on a ¼-ounce lead fish up to about 10 head jig was the top lure to tie on and fish pounds. The key was throughout the day. to fish fresh slicks in Day in and day out a soft plastic jig is rated the best lure by fishing But in the 80’s, and on up to this day, a water that was two to guides and knowledgable salts for catching Texas Big 3, redfish, wide variety of soft bodied jigs have been three feet deep. I was flounder and speckled trout. february 2015 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal 49 rigging them on 1/8-ounce Bomber shad “There are plenty of other colors to choose The Assassin lure company gained a head jigs in red or white.” from but red and white is what I’ve used to lot of attention by coming up with some Several years back, before he retired catch thousands of trout and reds.” crazy names for various color patterns. from guiding, Skip James made a name That red or strawberry colored body Some of those include monkey storm, for himself by using jigs to catch flounder, with a white tail was made famous by monkey hippie, chicken on a chain and big flounder and lots of them, monkey milk. Sounds crazy on Sabine Lake. In fact the but it was an excellent gimmick best day of flounder fishing that has sold thousands of soft I’ve ever had was with James. plastic jigs. We used white/yellow curl tails Scented jigs have been rigged on 1/8-ounce jig heads. a part of coastal fishing for The trick was to attach a decades. But Berkley took the dime-sized piece of a fresh scent phenomenon to a new peeled shrimp tail to the tip level with their Gulp baits. of the hook. The combination There is no way you can talk of the vibrating curl tail about jigs without hitting on and shrimp smell was the Berkley Gulp. perfect combo for getting the These lures have attention of big flounder in the been around for over 20 bayous along the Sabine Lake years. Berkley previously shoreline. revolutionized the soft bait The development of jig market with the development color patterns over the past of PowerBait. Shortly after few decades has been nothing PowerBait Gulp was created. short of fascinating. But does Standard soft plastic baits color really make a difference? are made of polyvinyl chloride “I’m not so sure it does,” or PVC, the same material used says Norris. “But here in on to make pipes and other items. Sabine I don’t leave the dock To make a soft plastic bait out without a red/shad Assassin. of PVC, the material must be I’ve caught a ton of fish on that heated up and combined with color pattern. It’s definitely a an oil-based resin. The more confidence lure for me.” oil-based resin added to the Boone Tout tails molded PVC, the softer the bait will in the form of a shrimp with be. According to Berkley Gulp a fanned out tail – pink, white baits are made using water- or orange ruled in the 70’s. In based resins. fact when people caught fish This allows for much more on plastics they simply said scent distribution than with By simply changing the weight of the jighead, an angler can fish shallow they caught them on Touts, oil-based resins. That’s why flats, or deep holes and channels to catch a variety of gamefish. regardless of what jig they fish hang onto Gulp baits used. Norton Lures in 1987. Since then three KWigglers were originally founded as more top color patterns that rose to fame Tips for Catching More Kelley Wigglers in the late 1960’s by Pat are plum/chartreuse, glow/chartreuse and Kelley of Pearland. In the early days the plain chartreuse. Fish on Jigs soft plastics were poured by Kelley in his There are many other notable jig color 1 – Use a locking loop knot for more garage for friends and local fishermen. patterns that have been solid producers action. His first and most commonly over the years. Some of the best are 2 – In cold water go with a 1/8 ounce recognized lure was the red and white rootbeer, clear/pepper flake, new penny, jig head for a slower fall. shrimp tail he called Strawberry Cool Tip. watermelon seed, green pumpkin, bone, 3 – Always use some sort of scent on This was one of the most popular of the white/pink, white/chartreuse, limetreuse, your jig tails. Garlic and shrimp scents Kelley Wigglers. black/chartreuse, glow/chartreuse tail, are most popular. On the middle Texas coast Guide purple/chartreuse tail, clear/chartreuse 4 – Use a 12 to 18 inch leader tied Dwayne Lowrey says his number one color tail, pumpkin/chartreuse tail and pearl/ to a small black barrel swivel to reduce pattern has been, and still is, red/white for chartreuse. line twist. over 20 years. Note how often the color chartreuse 5 – A wide gap hook will definitely “It’s a color combination that I’ve used is mentioned. Chartreuse is a color that result in solid hookups, and more fish for years on the Galveston bay system is just about unbeatable in just about any on ice. and here at Port O’Connor,” says Lowery. fishing situation along the Texas coast.
50 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal february 2015 longer than they scents are tough to beat. do with others. Selecting a lead head jig is not all By biting the that simple. They are definitely not all bait, the fish is the same. Years ago an unpainted round releasing a scent jig head was the norm. Then we started that makes them seeing jigs painted white, then pink, think it’s actually yellow, red, etc. The most important thing food. This results a jig head can do is to be built with a collar in more solid that locks the tail on the hook shank. hook sets. Believe The Bomber Shad-Head jig is one it or not a Gulp of the best I’ve ever used. It’s available can be cast out, in three of the most productive colors – left perfectly still white, chartreuse and red. This jig head is and will catch built on a wide gap hook with a triple-ring fish. I’ve done it. collar that locks a tail on securely. They will actually The Bomber Stand-Up jig head is catch crabs, as a great option when you’re fishing on well. bottom for reds. It’ll fish a jig with the On the nose down, tail up. It’s a killer on reds and topic of scented flounder that typically feed along bottom. tails spray on The most popular jig head weights are concoctions are 1/8 and ¼ ounces. A 1/8 head is best for very popular a shallow presentation. The ¼ ounce is among some best for fishing over deeper shell reefs, in of the best jig the surf and at the jetties. A 3/8 ounce jig fishing guides on head is best in a fast moving current along the Texas coast. the jetties or while fishing deep water rigs. Soft plastic jigs come in a variety of tail shapes and colors. A paddletail The Yum spray The bottom line is this – don’t leave will impart more vibration to a jig, and some combination of chartreuse attractant in home without a good selection of jigs. has emerged as one of the top colors. garlic and shrimp They just might save day.
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february 2015 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal 51 TREASURE TROVE
Anglers find variety in Cedar Creek’s multi-species fish populations
Story and photography by Matt Williams
Big blue cat like this one are an abundant commodity at Cedar Creek in shallow and deep water, alike.
ason Barber was raised on the sweet after all. there still runs as deep as it ever did. In shores of Cedar Creek Lake as the Not surprisingly, Barber cleaned a fact, he has since turned what started out Jgrandson and nephew of two of ton of whiskered fish when he was a as a childhood pastime into a way of life the hardest core catfishmen to ever wet kid. He ate a bunch of them, too. Fried and a means of hammering out a living. a hook in the 33,000-acre reservoir near flathead fillets ranked especially high on Now 39, Barber has matured into a Athens. his grandfather’s menu when the dinner Grizzly Adams looking guy who has been Hang around the guy for a while and bell rang. working full time as a “multi-species” you might begin to wonder if he was born “That’s what I got instead of baby fishing guide on Cedar Creek since 2004. on a boat with a cast net in his hands. food,” Barber joked. “I used to spend Multi-species means Barber targets To hear Barber tell it, his late hours catching bait for their trotlines. whatever happens to be biting best at grandfather and uncle loved to fish for When we weren’t baiting and running the time. catfish almost as much as they liked to those lines it seems like we were always On Cedar Creek, there are always eat them. If there was a sweet spot out cleaning fish. It’s just what we did.” plenty of hungry mouths to feed. Located there the two men didn’t know about, Decades later, Barber’s love for Cedar in Henderson and Kaufman counties, the it’s probably because the spot wasn’t so Creek and the piscatorial titans that live northeast Texas reservoir ranks as one of
52 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal february 2015 the top lakes in the region for blue and fish everywhere we went. Obviously disoriented, the fish was unable channel catfish. The lake also maintains Skinny Water Blues to stay submerged. healthy populations of largemouth bass, During the dead of winter, chilly Barber was eventually able to slide crappie, white bass and hybrid stripers. weather typically drives the water a net under the fish and get it into the Barber will go after them all over the temperatures on many Texas lakes into boat. Closer inspection revealed a slight course of the year, but his fun-loving client the 40s and 50s. It’s only natural to assume indention on the fish’s back, just behind base is founded mostly around blue cat, the big chill would turn the shallows into its head. Its back was broken. hybrids, whites and crappie. a liquid ghost town, but that isn’t the case “We must have run over him,” Barber “I’ll occasionally guide bass anglers on Cedar Creek. said. “I can honestly say I’ve never done who are looking to learn something about “There are always going to be some that before.” the lake ahead of a tournament, but the big fish to be caught drifting over deep There are thousands of oak stumps majority of my clients are just wanting to water this time of year, but there’s plenty protruding from the water’s surface above get bit and catch a few fish for the freezer,” up shallow, too,” Barber said. “You might State Highway 334 bridge, but that’s Barber said. “Between the catfish, white be surprised at what you’ll catch out of not what makes the area so productive bass, hybrids and crappie we can usually knee-deep water this time of year.” for catfish while it is cold outside. The get it done.” The shallows were particularly drawing cards are the armies of double- While winter’s chilly weather can slow crowded as Barber nosed his center crested cormorants that gather here each the fishing to a crawl on some lakes, the console rig onto a sandy point at the winter. bite has a tendency to be red hot on Cedar mouth of Cedar Creek at the lake’s Fishing The “Poop Pattern” Creek. In fact, there may not be a better northern reaches. Just as the boat’s keel Cormorants are migratory birds time or place for meat hunters to soak a made contact with lake’s bottom Barber that dine exclusively on fish. The birds bait for fat cats, whites and hybrids. felt something that didn’t feel quite right, utilize the stump fields for roosting and I paid Barber a visit over the Christmas so he threw the outboard in reverse and lounging. holidays and we split up the day by approached the point from a different The cormorants always leave their soaking baits in water as shallow two feet angle. Seconds later a four-pound blue roosts at first light and disperse to open and as deep as 35. As always, we caught cat went cart-wheeling across the surface. water to feed, mostly on shad. They return
“Dead sticking” with a shad pattern swim bait produced this thick shouldered hybrid in 35 feet of water on the main lake. Barber used the butt end of a Frabill landing net to bang the bottom the boat and attract hordes of fish from the deep.
february 2015 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal 53 Every morning flocks of double-crested cormorants disperse from stump fields at the north end of the lake and fly south to the lake proper to dine on shad and other forage. The birds return to their roosts periodically throughout the day. Catfish gather beneath the cormorant roosts to feed as the birds relieve themselves. to the stump fields periodically to rest ounce weight and 20-25 pound line. He every drop. during the day. prefers a Kahle-style hook when using cut According to Barber, cold water All that protein they ingest has to go shad, because it provides more consistent temperatures drives huge clouds of shad somewhere. It is sort of disgusting to think hook-ups. out of the shallows and into deeper water about, but blue cats will gather beneath When shore fishing, Barber likes to in search of their comfort zone. This the roost stumps and feed on the poop beach the nose of the boat then lowers lures in large schools of predators like when birds relieve themselves. the motor so the skeg buries in the mud. catfish, hybrid bass and white bass, all of There are a couple of ways to target This holds the boat stationary and makes which dine on the lethargic forage at will catfish around the roosts. If you can find it easy to man several rod sets off the whenever the dinner bell rings. the birds sitting, you can use the trolling transom simultaneously. One Barber’s favorite ways to run up the motor to move stump-to-stump and cast Big Bait = Bigger Fish score out deep is to use an unconventional baits to simulate cormorant poop hitting The guide is a firm believer is this tactic called “dead sticking.” the water. If the fish are around they will analogy. If you’re after a limit of keepers I call it unconventional, because that’s usually grab the bait the second it hits the you can’t go wrong with fresh shad exactly what it is. Dead sticking goes water. It’s a competition thing. diced into one-inch pieces. Heavyweight against one of the cardinal rules most Barber says one of the best baits to cats prefer a bigger meal. Gizzard shad anglers are taught at a very young age — to throw around roosts are chicken gizzards. measuring 5-7 inches are ideal. Barber be quiet in the boat. The gizzard is tough as boot leather. Plus, will always remove the the flat piece of meat makes a distinctive tail section to make “plop” when it lands in the water. the shad bleed, thus He’ll rig it weightless on a thick wire appealing to the big hook and throw it in combination with cat’s olfactory glands. braided line and a stiff rod. The heavy- Going Deep for duty tackle is necessary so you can wrestle Multi-Species fish out of heavy cover quickly, before they As crowded wrap you up. as the shallows are “Lake Fork guide Gary Paris taught with whiskered fish me about the chicken gizzard deal several this time of year, the years ago,” Barber said. “You can catch skinny water pales in some big ones doing that, but you will comparison to the occasionally get hold of a fish you can’t deeper lake proper do anything with.” for sheer numbers and Another good way to go after catfish variety. At times the is to target wind blown main lake and bowels of Cedar Creek secondary points using fresh cut shad, become so cluttered liver or punch bait on a Carolina style rig. with fish that you can Barber’s depth finder lights up with fish drawn to the constant Barber builds his bottom rig using a 3/4 get bit on just about thump-thump-thump.
54 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal february 2015 With dead sticking, it’s all about the next taker might be. bass, white bass and blue cat, but it will noise. Lots of it. Smaller 2-3 inch baits rigged on a 1/8 work on other species and on other The idea is to idle around the deep or 1/4 ounce jig head work best on white lakes as well. The guide says yellow bass, water until a cloud of bait fish shows up bass and crappie, whereas bigger hybrids stripers, crappie and even largemouths on the depth finder, then drop anchor. tend to prefer larger baits. He secures the are prone to show up when the banging Once the boat is secured, Barber bait using a loop knot to make it appear is underway. will deploy a shad pattern swim bait and natural as possible. “It think it’s more of a curiosity thing suspend it 5-10 feet off bottom. According to Barber, the nuts and bolts than anything else,” Barber said. “It might Knock - Knock, Who’s There? of the technique is to move the bait up and simulate the sound of birds hitting the That’s when the unconventional stuff down a few feet in the water column, really surface feeding on shad. But for whatever starts. Using some sort of blunt object, slow. Sometimes you don’t need to move reason it works. I’ve sat in one spot and Barber will bang repeatedly on the side it all — thus the name, “dead sticking.” caught 60-100 fish more than once. I’m or bottom of the boat. Some dead stickers Barber and I caught a mix of hybrid pretty intrigued by it.” prefer to use a rubber mallet or stick. Barber uses the rubber butt of a Frabill landing net. While the thumping noise causes the shad to disperse, he says it lures in predators like a magnet. I was somewhat apprehensive about the idea until I saw the screen on Barber’s Lowrance HDS unit light up like a Christmas tree with fish arches as he banged the bottom of the ALUMINUM BOAT SPECIALISTS boat with a not-so-rhythmic beat. For All Your Fishing & Hunting Needs Equally bizarre was the way the fish reacted; the more steady the beat, the more the activity. At times small groups of fish appeared to rise in the water column well above the rest of the school, almost as if they were being called to the surface. Barber says getting bit amid the craziness can at times be a sure thing. The Excel 2172 Viper Centerconsole Pro Drive Duck Hunter Special only mystery is in not knowing what the
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Barber’s preferred bait for heavyweight blue 12525 I-10 East | Baytown, TX cat is a 5-7 inch gizzard shad with the tail section removed. www.genespowersports.com | 281-385-5888 february 2015 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal 55 For information on guides mentioned, see Guides, Gear & Getaways on pages 67, 69, & 71
CoastWatch Danno Wise
While many anglers are already looking forward to spring, hardcore saltwater fishermen are more than ready for February. Trophy trout will be realistic possibilities in virtually every bay and lake along the Upper Texas and Louisiana coasts this month. In addition, winter’s cold weather typically causes smaller fish to concentrate in a few well-known “honey holes,” making them easy Photo courtesy Capt. Tommy Countz targets for anglers “You can catch big trout out of the boat, but you have a lot better chance wading the shorelines and throwing Corkys and looking to fill a other slow-sinking baits, says Capt. Tommy Countz. “You have to wade through a lot of mud and make a lot of casts to cooler as opposed catch just a fish or two. But, there are a lot of big fish in East Matagorda. Here one of his clients has followed his advice to putting a fish on and has tied into a good fish. the wall. On warm days between fronts, fishermen can also focus. We will be drifting scattered shell — wade, you still have an okay shot at do well on both black and red drum. and looking for streaks of dirty water catching big fish. We catch a lot of good By month’s end, flounder will also be in the clear water. We will be throwing fish while we are drifting the deeper shell more active along the Upper Texas and Norton Sand Eels, particularly the bright as well. It is not out of the question to Louisiana coasts. colors like Margarita and Electric Chicken. catch multiple fish over 24-inches while “If you really want to catch big trout, drifting. Six or seven-pound fish are you have to pay your dues. You can catch pretty common catches over the shell in UPPER COAST big trout out of the boat, but you have a lot February. better chance wading the shorelines and “If you are just looking to catch throwing Corkys and other slow- sinking baits. You have to wade through a lot of mud and make a lot of casts to catch just a fish or two. But, there are a lot of big fish Longtime Matagorda guide Capt. in East Matagorda Tommy Countz says the majority of and if you can February will be spent chasing trophy find bait, you will trout, which, for the most part, means probably find East Matagorda Bay. some big trout. Whether drifting deeper holes and channels or wadefishing mud/shell “Usually in February we’re in East “If you don’t or grass bottom shorelines some good quality trout will be caught in Bay,” Countz said. “Trout will be the main want to — or can’t Texas and Louisiana this month.
56 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal february 2015 numbers of fish, you can do real well in the “I’ll still be doing some offshore trips if we “Again, February is mostly an inshore Colorado River and the diversion channel have the right conditions. But, because of fishing month for me, but if the weather leading into West Bay. That fishing is all the weather in February, we’ll be fishing breaks we will head offshore. We can have based on temperature and salinity. As long inshore most of the time. some really good tuna trips this time of as the river stays salty enough, there will be “I’ll be making some trips down to year if we get the right weather to go after some fish up there in the winter. And, the East Matagorda Bay and fishing the reefs them.” colder it gets, the more fish will be there. some. But, I’ll also be fishing around February presents numerous options “When the fish are up there, we either Oyster Creek and Bastrop Bay. And, I’ll for Galveston area anglers, says guide drift and kind of troll our lures while be fishing for trout in the Brazos River as Capt. Greg Verm. drifting or anchor up and cast into the long as the conditions are right. A lot of “For us, February is the start of the deep holes. It is also possible to get into these areas hold good concentrations of black drum run along the Galveston some redfish while fishing for trout up trout in the winter, so we can usually pick jetties,” said Verm. “Sheepshead will also there. up our fish pretty quick. be heading out to the jetties to spawn later “Most of the people that come fishing in February are looking for big trout. But, some of the best redfish action of the year takes place in February. The key is hitting it right. You can have some good redfish action on the flats during the warm days between fronts. But, the absolute best redfish action happens after a front has blown all the water out and the water level is super low. A day or two after a front, just when the wind has started to
Photo courtesy Capt. Greg Verm Sheepshead join in the action available during winter months. die down, but the water hasn’t come back in, there will be a lot of redfish stacked up in the guts along the south shore of West Matagorda Bay. If you hit it just right, this fishing can be phenomenal.” Freeport guide Capt. Mike Segall of Reel Threel Charters says that while he will be heading offshore some this month, February usually sees him spending more time inshore. “I’ll be spending most of my time fishing in the bay in February,” said Segall. february 2015 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal 57 in February. And, we will still be flounder is really pretty to look at, but you will Down South Southern Shad in Midnight gigging at night. We have some really good always do better fishing in slightly stained Money or Plumtreuse most of the time flounder gigging nights this time of year or off-color water.” - the darker colors work better this time when the water comes back in following Sabine Lake guide Capt. Randy of year. a front. Foreman says February should be a “The main things to be successful in “Most of the time, redfish and trout productive month for both speckled trout February is fishing slow and fishing over will be pretty steady in the bay and and redfish. mud. I’ll still be fishing the shell and marshes during February as well. We “At the beginning of February, I’ll mussel pads, but you’ve got to find the usually catch good numbers of specks and be on the north end of the lake looking spots where the shell is mixed with mud. reds fishing live shrimp and finger mullet. for trout,” said Foreman. “I’ll mostly be I won’t catch a fish in February if I’m not But, you need to find some stained or off- fishing in four to seven feet of water. But, over mud, because that’s where the mullet color water for this. During the winter, a on warm days, you can find those fish in will be. You find the mullet and you’ll find lot of the water is crystal clear. This water two to four feet of water. I’ll be using a the fish. Basically, finding fish is about mud and mullet in February. “I’ll also be fishing the deeper parts of the Louisiana shoreline for redfish in February. Really, what you want to do is fish the fronts. When the front moves through, the north wind causes all the water to fall out of the lake. Those fish really stack up in the water that’s left. When that happens, you find channels and guts and you’ll find fish. “That pattern should hold up as long as the salinity is high. And, the salinity won’t change unless they get a lot of rain above those lakes and have to let water out. Local rainfall doesn’t affect us. But, so far there hasn’t been enough rainfall upstate
Speckled trout will also be found around the shell reefs in East Matagorda, Bastrop Bay and Moses Lake during colder months.
58 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal february 2015 to affect anything. February offers Venice area anglers enjoy plenty of good tuna fishing action. “If we do happen to have a lot of a variety of both inshore and offshore Inshore anglers should once again freshwater come in through the rivers, the options. Fishermen heading offshore will concentrate their efforts on the west fish will be piled up on the south end of still find some tuna over the mud lumps. side of the Mississippi River. Trout will the lake and along the Louisiana shoreline. But, although the tuna fishing can be good be holding in the deeper holes along the We’ll still have plenty of good fishing. this time of year and though the lumps west side, where they can be targeted with “We’ll also start seeing a little early are only 15 miles offshore, anglers are soft-plastic jigs and lipless crankbaits. flounder fishing this month. February encouraged to check the forecast before Usual winter hot spots include the Buras 14 – Valentine’s Day – that’s when I heading out, as winter weather can make Canal and Taylor’s Point. Redfish will also start fishing for flounder again. Early the right rough and even dangerous to fish be holding in the river. At times the reds in February, we’ll start seeing shrimp this area. However, there will be plenty will be mixed in with the trout, but most coming in from the Gulf. Then, we’ll see of fair weather days in February when often they will be found along stretches little croaker come in. When the croaker fishermen can safely reach the lumps and of rocky rip-rap shoreline. come in, the flounder will be right behind them. When I start catching trout that are spitting up little croaker, I know it’s time to look for flounder. And, that almost always happens right around February 14. It is pretty much the same pattern every year. And, once we start catching flounder, we’ll keep catching them all the way through spring.” LOUISIANA COAST
As is the case in many Texas bays, big trout will be the primary focus of most fishermen headed to Lake Calcasieu during February. The best bet for consistently catching trophy trout on Big Lake in the weeks bracketing Valentine’s Day is wade fishing while throwing big topwaters or slow-sinking plugs. Most of the biggest fish will be caught along the shorelines over muddy bottom. Most years the north end of the lake has produced the most big fish during winter and early spring, so most serious trophy trout fishermen concentrate their efforts there. Fishermen will also be able to pick up good numbers of keeper-size specks during February. Those looking for quantity as opposed to quality should stick to the mid-lake reefs and channel edges. Soft-plastics and live bait will produce more numbers than plugs during the cold periods. february 2015 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal 59 Just Shooting | Kerry O’Day
Triggers, Triggers, Triggers
stock off their rifle and do a proper job of cleaning the trigger? Not very many! Let me put this in a simple way to understand it. If you never change the brakes on your car or truck, eventually you will not be able to stop and cause a crash. Or if you or someone else does a bad job of replacing your brakes on your truck or car, the same thing can happen and you won’t be able to stop and potentially crash. The other big problem which makes triggers go bad is having a trigger job done by some one that is not qualified to do the work. I have seen many triggers which have no trigger return spring tension or Many hunters and shooters never clean their trigger. triggers with less than a few thousandths of The most important part of any on a rifle, the pull on the trigger releases sear engagement. Both of these problems firearm is the trigger. If the trigger doesn’t the sear which drops down and releases are an accident waiting to happen. work then nothing works. If the trigger the striker which is hooked to the firing Many gunsmiths or home hobbyist pull is too hard or heavy then you can’t pin which moves forward and hits the think all you have to do is turn a screw or hit the target as well as you should. If the primer of the shell making it go off. It two screws and you are done. They never trigger pull is too light then the gun could is simple and it doesn’t matter if it is a take into account how much return spring go off when you don’t want it to or expect Remington trigger, a Winchester trigger, is still working or if the sear has enough it to. So why are there so many problems Savage trigger, or almost any other bolt touching the trigger so it won’t slip off if with triggers? action rifle, it all works the same. It is very the gun is hit hard or dropped. By now, most shooters have heard simple and works very well. By keeping I had a customer bring a trigger job about the recall Remington has announced things simple means they usually don’t back to me saying that if you hit the for their 700 Model bolt action rifle. This mess up. barrel of the rifle enough times with a is the largest firearm recall ever. The recall Now here is where the problem comes hammer the vibration would make the could affect more than seven million bolt in. Most hunters and shooters never clean trigger go off. action rifles. their triggers. You have been taught how Sure enough he was right, if you hit Now how did Remington make such a to clean the barrel of your rifle and which the end of the barrel just right, about mistake? Well in my opinion, they didn’t solvent works best to clean the copper ten times, then the rifle would go off and many other gunsmiths, shooters, and out of the barrel. There are hundreds of by itself. I reset the trigger back to the hunters agree that there is no problem different barrel cleaners on the market. factory settings, returned his money and with the Remington trigger. Shelves are full of them at your favorite suggested he find a better gunsmith than First, you have to understand how a gun store. I was to do his work. You just can’t please trigger works. When you pull the trigger But how many shooters ever take the everyone.
60 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal february 2015 There is always going to be someone A good trigger job will help to make who can figure out how to make a you a better shot. If you are thinking on mechanical tool fail. There are lots of ways how hard you are pulling the trigger on to make a trigger fail and make a gun go the gun then you are not thinking about off if you try hard enough. I have seen where to keep the crosshairs on the target. videos of people sticking a screwdriver A good trigger should have enough into a trigger and making it go off without pressure to just break on the start of the pulling the trigger. You can put a piece of pull. I like a clean, creep-free 3 pound string on your finger and attach it to the trigger pull, anything much lighter is fine trigger of an AR-15 and make it go full for target shooting but not for hunting auto from the recoil making your finger purposes. jump on the trigger. There are several good quality target There are several neat and legal ways triggers on the market. Jewell makes great to make your AR-15 shoot like it is full triggers for Remington and Winchester auto. One company builds a stock which rifles. Timney also makes a great standard adds enough recoil to the gun to make the trigger for just about any rifle made from trigger bounce back and forth to make the Mauser 98’s to Winchester Model 70’s. AR shoot 30 rounds in about 3 seconds. Timney has a new trigger called a Now you can’t hit very accurately and Calvin Elite. The Calvin Elite is a hunting you can’t afford to shoot it much, not to target trigger for Remington and a few mention it will burn out your barrel very other rifles. The highest pull that can be quickly, but it is a lot of fun to do once or set on this trigger is two pounds but you twice just to say you did it. can lighten it up to 4 ounces if you want When you have to make one shot a target rifle. The Calvin Elite is the new count you usually do. If you have several kid on the block and it is a great trigger. shots to try and make count, then you will I lay a lot of trigger failures on lack miss a lot for every hit you make. In the of cleaning and lubricating or on having War Between the States, the average was a trigger which was adjusted incorrectly one hit for every 3 shots fired. By the time by a friend or someone who knows just we got to Vietnam, the hit ratio was down enough to get in trouble. Remember, to about one hit for every 2,000 shots fired. don’t have brain surgery done by the local I guess they did not have good triggers on butcher, you might not like what you end their M16’s. up with.
The customer bent the spring on this Savage trigger trying to make the pull lighter. It worked for a while. february 2015 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal 61 For information on guides mentioned, see Guides, Gear & Getaways on pages 67, 69, & 71 Lake Roundup
– you name it. If you fish with minnows, most of Medina’s black bass population you can catch hybrids, blacks and yellow will still be locked into a winter pattern, SOUTH TEXAS cats. Otherwise, Tony Acetta spoons with meaning anglers should be working slow either chartreuse or white feathers will and deep according to Jim Gallagher of work well for the hybrids. Rattletraps and Jim’s ReBait Tackle. spinnerbaits will catch both blacks and “In February, we’ll be in a real winter hybrids. And, of course, the channels and pattern,” said Gallagher. “That’s good in blues will be on bottom and will hit the a way, in that it’s predictable. But, you usual catfish stuff – shrimp, nightcrawlers have to fish real slow and real deep. For – stuff like that. It does get crowded up the most part, it’ll be jigging spoons, there that time of year, but it is some of drop-shot rigs, deep diving crankbaits – the best fishing on the lake. anything you can fish about 30 feet deep. “Otherwise, virtually the whole lake “Usually, our fish are deep in the first will be spawning. If I was gonna fish here part of February, but begin staging for the By Danno Wise in February, I’d only need two baits – a spawn by the end of the month. When spinnerbait and a Berkley Power Jerkshad. you start looking for early spawners on As a rule, South Texas sees less winter Just rig that Jerkshad on a big 5/0 hook this lake, you generally want to get on the weather and warms quicker than other and braided line – no weight. Then, you upper end, because that’s usually where areas of the state. As a result, February can pitch it right up in that pepper grass the spawn gets started. Since it’s been a means the spawn will either be in and drag it off. They’ll spawn right under little bit of a milder winter this year, we full swing or, at the very least, getting the hydrilla – in those sandy spots – so, may see the fish start moving up to spawn underway, on lakes across the region. they’ll be in there and they’ll usually hit it a little bit earlier than usual. And, as everyone knows, a fish full of eggs right when it comes off the grass. “Really, we have two distinctly weighs much more than one without roe, “I also work up and down the banks different kinds of spawning fish on this meaning February represents one of the with a spinnerbait. Personally, I like a 3/8 lake. The younger, smaller fish will be like best times to take trophy bass. or ½ ounce, chartreuse and white bait traditional spawning fish on other lakes in In addition to black bass action, with double gold willowleaf blades. Other that they’ll usually be in four to five feet of white bass will also be a draw during things will work, too. Crawfish-type jigs, water or maybe even shallower. The older, February. On several South Texas lakes, lizards – all that will work if you just run larger fish are usually a bit deeper. If you the white bass run will be underway or the bank and some of the creeks in the want those fish, you should look for beds on the verge of kicking off. The white bass north end of the lake. But, I like those on ledges in about 15 feet of water. We run is the one thing that seems to make two baits the best and don’t waste time usually have about 20 feet of visibility, so fishermen ignore the weather, as even throwing a lot of other stuff. you can see them down there. the most stubborn of anglers will brave “They’ll be some big fish caught in “When you find fish on a bed, you the elements when a hot white bass bite February. By the latter part of the month, want to throw a worm or lizard or creature is reported. Crappie will also be getting we’ll be in one of our best times of the bait. Just throw the bait over the bed and ready to spawn by the end of February. So, year for big bass. There should be some drag it through there. You’re just trying by month’s end, the three most popular 8s and some 9s landed – maybe even a to get them mad enough to hit it. So, just targets on South Texas lakes — black bass, new lake record. I’m tellin’ you, the big keep casting and dragging it through the white bass and crappie — will all be in the fish will be there and there will be plenty bed until you get a response. midst of their annual spawning activity. of them being caught. If you’re fishing “We will also have some decent white COLETO CREEK — According to a tournament at that time, you better bass action during February. This will Victoria bass pro Dennis Lala, Coleto have over 20 pounds if you want to do not be the annual run, it’s just schooling Creek anglers will have two very attractive something. But, of course, that’s also when activity. The males and females will still options in February — fish the hot water we’ll be having quite a few fronts moving be schooled up together until about discharge for a variety of species or target through, so you’ll have to pick your days. mid-month. Then the males will split spawning black bass in the main lake. The best times will be when we have some off and head into the creeks. The females “The hot water discharge is the southeast wind. But, the day before a front will remain schooled up in the lake until number one prime location for action arrives is the absolute best.” March. The key this year will be finding on Coleto Creek in February,” said Lala. MEDINA — Per usual, Medina’s bass areas where they are able to move up. “That’s where you can catch the biggest population will be a little behind those in “Another great thing about fishing variety of fish. You can catch black bass, other South Texas lakes when it comes to this lake in February is you usually don’t hybrids, yellow cats, channel cats, blue cats spawning. Instead, as February gets going, have to worry about crowds. Towards the
62 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal february 2015 end of the month, we’ll start seeing a few somewhere on Falcon. O.H. IVIE — Anglers should dust off more boats out chasing white bass. Of As the spawn gets into full swing, their notes from February 2014. The lake course, there will be a few hard core black anglers are well-advised to search level and conditions could well be a repeat bass guys who will fish whenever they shorelines of coves off the main lake. The for February 2015. get a chance. But, overall, the lake will be majority of bedding fish will be in three The spawn starts around the mouths real quiet and anyone looking to fish can to five feet of water. The back end of most of creeks and rivers prior to bass making expect to have the lake to themselves for coves should hold clear enough water for a move upstream to spawn. Square billed the most part.” sight casting. However, the majority of crankbaits, Rat-L-Traps, and Texas rigs CHOKE CANYON — In February, anglers will simply work their way along are a good trio to cover water, and then Choke Canyon fishermen looking for pre- the shoreline, slow-rolling spinnerbaits or to slow down and thoroughly fish an area spawn bass need to find areas with muddy pitching jigs as they move methodically once the fish are found. bottoms, shallow water and lots of brush. down the shore. BROWNWOOD — At the start of the The challenge this year may the finding Depending on the water level, many New Year this popular lake was two and the proper search area. Most often, these bedding fish may be hidden behind a a half feet lower than the same time one fish are found along the shorelines up the dense forest of flooded brush. In this year earlier. By the time February arrives Frio River. But, with water levels down, instance, anglers are well advised to hand it could well have received some rain and much of that habitat is no longer in play. pull their way through the brush to reach fish just like it was 2014 all over again. However, whether it is in the main lake or some of the more obscured spawning For the second month of 2015 fish up one of the creeks or arroyos, the key areas. And, since many of these big fish Rat-L-Traps or spinnerbaits to cover water will still be finding flooded brush in areas will be found in dense cover, anglers and find fish. Then switch to Texas rigs or with mud bottom. While working along should go heavy with their tackle. small jigs to thoroughly fish an area. Pay these shallow shorelines, a 3/8 ounce white attention to the deeper brush piles. and chartreuse spinnerbait is usually the best way to cover water. When working isolated areas of flooded brush, a jig or WEST TEXAS Texas-rigged lizards is a good choice. HIGH PLAINS Anglers headed up the rivers and creeks are also likely to encounter crappie and white bass in February. Crappie will be holding tight to brush along the shorelines, while white bass will be pushing their way to the headwaters for their annual spawn. But, again, just how far up the river and creeks these fish are able to swim may be limited by the water levels. Nonetheless, both species will most likely attempt a run, so anglers can begin By TOJ Staff searching just outside the mouths of the By TOJ Staff river and creeks and work their way up AMISTAD — At the start of February from the main lake. 2014 “Big Friendly” was just over 35 feet FALCON — February on Falcon means low. At the start of the New Year 2015 the ALAN HENRY — There’s three feet more big bass and, make no mistake, catching lake had been on a slow rise for several water in this High Plains lake than a year a big bass will be a definite possibility months and was just 29 feet low. The earlier. If winter rains continue to fall there over the next few weeks on this border good news is that more water should could be even more water cover vegetation and rocky areas and flats for bass to relate impoundment. More often than not, continue to flow into this popular border and anglers to key on. using big baits will be the key to catching impound further reducing the deficit and The trio of baits to fish this month are them. Big, double-leaf spinnerbaits, big inundating even more vegetation. Rat-L-Traps, jigs, and Texas rigs. You can February initiates the stage setting for crankbaits and jumbo soft-plastics will also slow roll a big spinnerbait. spring spawning activity. Look for bass be the top choices for fishermen looking Look for rocky slides as well as flats that for double-digit bass on Falcon. to still have their bellies in the mud, near fish will hold. With any additional lake rise Like a lot of other lakes, Falcon’s spawn deep water structure. of a foot or more, look for flats with deeper will play out over the course of several However as the month progresses look water nearby on the upper end of the lake weeks, with fish on the upper end of for bass to transition toward potential to be in play. the lake and in the river spawning first. spawning areas. Jigs, jigging spoons, and ANOTHER OPTION — Anglers looking As the weeks go on, fish on the middle Texas rigged creature baits are best. for something different may want to make and lower portions of the lake will also Striped bass will begin to make their a drive into New Mexico and do some ice begin spawning. So, at any given time in way downstream this month. Anglers fishing on Eagle Nest Reservoir. Rainbow February, it will be possible to find pre- should travel as far up stream as conditions and cutthroat trout as well as pike are spawn, spawning and post-spawn bass will allow. available.
64 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal february 2015 Texans Are “Talking” . . . About
TEXAS OUTDOORSJournal
Hunting AND Fishing “ I love the new look of I read TOJ from cover to every month! “ “ your covers. cover every month. That’s great!” ” ”
Finally, a magazine that “ I like it because it’s about Best saltwater coverage covers Texas like it should “ “ Texas. of any magazine around. be covered.” ” ”
I’ve cancelled all my Your Lake Roundup It’s the best – and most “ “ “ other magazines except even talks about some of useful – gift I’ve ever TOJ. Keep up the good the smaller East Texas received. ” work.” lakes I fish.”
Glad TOJ knows how to “ “Love the new look. “TOJ just keeps getting count to 12!! LOL!” ” better, and better.” Isn’t it time YOU found out what all the talk is about? To subscribe, call 1-800-222-4865 (4TOJ) or go online at www.texasoutdoorsjournal.com TACKLE TIPS & TECHNIQUES | Danno Wise
Let The Black Drum Run Begin
66 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal february 2015 Guides, Gear & Getaways MIDDLE COAST | ROCKPORT SALTWater Bay Fishing Seadrift to UPPER COAST | SABINE UPPER COAST | MATAGORDA Rockport Texas!
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68 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal february 2015 Guides, Gear & Getaways
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february 2015 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal 69 FIELD TIPS & TECHNIQUES | Bill L. Olson & Danno Wise
Quail Hunting Tips & Safety
70 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal february 2015 Guides, Gear & Getaways LOWER COAST | PORT MANSFIELD HUNTING TEXAS
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february 2015 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal 71 Deadline for the March calendar is January 25, 2014
Outdoor Calendar
THROUGH FEBRUARY 1, consult the TPWD Outdoor Annual, child or an adult, beginning anglers Sandhill Crane season, Zone A. 103 website, or call (800) 792-1112. can learn how to assemble basic counties. For more information con- tackle, tie fishing knots, and cast sult the TPWD Outdoor Annual, THROUGH MARCH 22, safely with a spin cast rod and reel website, or call (800) 792-1112. Light Goose Conservation Season, combo. Explore Texas freshwater East Zone (123 counties). For more species, aquatic habitats, and fish THROUGH FEBRUARY 1, information consult the Texas Out- ecology. Borrow equipment through Sandhill Crane season, Zone B. 63 doors Annual, or call (800) 792-1112. the FREE Tackle Loaner program and counties. For more information con- try fishing on your own (check out at sult the TPWD Outdoor Annual, THROUGH FMARCH 22, the Visitor Center). 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 website, or call (800) 792-1112. Light Goose Conservation Season, p.m. For more information call (830) West Zone (151 counties). For more 232-6132, x 236. THROUGH FEBRUARY 1, information consult the Texas Out- Light and Dark Geese season, West doors Annual, or call (800) 792-1112. FEBRUARY 12, Zone, 151 counties. For more informa- Hopkins County Chapter Ducks Un- tion consult the TPWD Outdoor An- FEBRUARY 5, limited fundraising banquet, Sulphur nual, website, or call (800) 792-1112. Tomball Chapter Ducks Unlimited Springs. For more information and fundraising banquet, Tomball. For reservations call (903) 521-4595. THROUGH FEBRUARY 8, more information and reservations Dallas Fort Worth Boat Expo, Market call (713) 724-2639. FEBRUARY 12, Hall, Dallas. For more information call Trout Frenzy Family Fishing Day, (469) 500-6155. FEBRUARY 6, Garner State Park, Concan. The Frio April AWOL Chapter National Wild River will be stocked with a total of THROUGH FEBRUARY 15, Turkey Federation fundraising ban- 3,000 rainbow trout awaiting your Wilson’s Snipe (Common snipe or quet, Nacogdoches. For more infor- bait. Let’s go fishing! Rainbow trout Jacksnipe) season, Statewide. For mation and reservations call (936) are fun and easy to catch for both more information consult the TPWD 552-1942. beginning and advanced anglers. Outdoor Annual, website, or call (800) Spend the day cast-ing, catching, 792-1112. FEBRUARY 6, and (hopefully) cooking your catch. Victoria Chapter Rocky Mountain No Fishing License needed. THROUGH FEBRUARY 22, Elk Foundation Big Game banquet, Fish from the Dam and upstream Javelina season, Northern, 43 coun- Victoria. For more information and with light tackle (small sinkers, small ties. For more information consult reservations call (361) 649-4751. bobbers, small bait hooks) small the TPWD Outdoor Annual, website, lures and/or bait (i.e. kernel corn, or call (800) 792-1112. FEBRUARY 6-8, nightcrawlers, powerbait, meal- All Valley Boat Show, McAllen Con- worms, crickets, Velveeta cheese THROUGH FEBRUARY 22, vention Center, McAllen. For more balls, salmon eggs). Squirrel Season, 51 East Texas coun- information visit www.allvalleyboat- Keep your catch – five fish per day ties. For more information consult show.com, or call (866) 639-8940. bag limit. 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. For the TPWD Outdoor Annual, website, more information call (830) 232-6132, or call (800) 792-1112. FEBRUARY 7, x236 Houston Chapter National Wild Tur- THROUGH FEBRUARY 22, key Federation fundraising banquet, FEBRUARY 13-15 Quail season, Statewide. For more Houston. For more information and 4th Annual Coastal Bend Boat & RV information consult the TPWD Out- reservations call (832) 492-1400. Show, Richard M. Borchard Regional door Annual, website, or call (800) Fair Grounds Central Pavilion Arena, 792-1112. FEBRUARY 7, 21, 28, Robstown. For more information visit Angler Academy, Garner State Park, www.coastalbendandrvexpo.com or THROUGH FEBRUARY 22, Concan. Like fishing? Take this be- call (361) 205-9695. Chacalaca season, four Rio Grande ginner’s course to learn the basics Valley counties. For more information (ages 7 and up). Whether you’re a FEBRUARY 17,
72 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal february 2015 Houston County Chapter Ducks FEBRUARY 28, younger accompanied by an adult. Unlimited fundraising banquet, Youth Fishing Event, Sea Center Bring your own gear and bait with Lovelady. For more information and Texas, Lake Jackson. Pack your sun- barbless hooks. No corks, artificial reservations call (936) 368-7263. screen, hat, lawn chair and fishing bait or treble hooks. Volun-teers gear for catch-and-release fishing at and staff will be on hand to assist FEBRUARY 20, the marine fish hatchery and visitor first-time anglers. 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 Cass County Longbeards Chapter education center. p.m. For more information call (979) National Wild Turkey Federation Open to guests 16 years old and 292-0100, ext 23. fundraising banquet, Atlanta. For more information and reservations call (903) 691-9055.
FEBRUARY 25- MARCH 1 40th Annual Houston Fishing Show, HAVE YOUR OUTDOOR EVENT George R. Brown Convention Center, Houston. For more information and INCLUDED IN TOJ’s OUTDOOR show times visit www.houstonfish- CALENDAR. ingshow.com.
FEBRUARY 27, Mail your Outdoor Calendar items to: East Texas Chapter National Wild Tur- 1706 W. Sam Houston Pkwy North, key Federation fundraising banquet, East Mountain. For more information Houston TX 77043 and reservations call (903) 736-3683.
FEBRUARY 28, Texas Hill Country Chapter Rocky or fax to: 713.957.3996 Mountain Elk Foundation Big Game or email: banquet, Georgetown. For more in- formation and reservations call (512) [email protected] 771-6190.
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Support anti-poaching efforts by becoming a member of the Operation Game Thief Program (call 512-389-4381 for membership information) or by sending your tax deductible contribution to Operation Game Thief, 4200 Smith School Road, Austin, TX 78744 february 2015 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal 73 Tide Tables Fishing & Hunting Times
US TIME ZONES PACIFIC MOUNTAIN CENTRAL EASTERN FEBRUARY 2015 < (+) (-) > < (+) (-) > < (+) (-) > < (+) (-) > SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT H12:36A 0.8 H1:22A 0.8 H2:06A 0.8 H2:50A 0.8 H3:36A 0.8 H4:26A 0.7 H5:24A 0.6 L8:43A -0.6 L9:17A -0.6 L9:47A -0.5 L10:16A -0.4 L10:43A -0.3 L11:11A -0.2 L11:40A 0.0 H4:42P 0.9 H5:05P 0.9 H5:26P 0.8 H5:46P 0.8 H6:08P 0.8 H6:31P 0.8 H6:54P 0.8 L9:40P 0.7 L9:49P 0.7 L10:03P 0.6 L10:30P 0.5 L11:06P 0.4 L11:49P 0.4 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 L12:35A 0.3 L1:25A 0.2 L2:18A 0.0 L3:13A -0.1 L4:10A -0.2 L5:06A -0.3 L6:01A -0.5 H6:33A 0.6 H7:59A 0.6 H9:38A 0.6 H11:22A 0.7 H12:52P 0.8 H1:53P 0.9 H2:36P 1.0 L12:11P 0.1 L12:45P 0.3 L1:23P 0.4 L2:10P 0.6 L3:25P 0.7 L5:19P 0.7 L6:40P 0.8 H7:16P 0.7 H7:34P 0.7 H7:46P 0.7 H7:47P 0.7 H7:44P 0.8 H8:30P 0.8 H10:14P 0.9 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 L6:54A -0.6 L7:46A -0.6 H12:54A 1.0 H2:04A 1.1 H3:14A 1.1 H4:26A 1.1 H5:41A 1.0 H3:12P 1.0 H3:45P 1.0 L8:37A -0.6 L9:27A -0.6 L10:17A -0.4 L11:06A -0.2 L11:57A 0.0 L7:22P 0.9 L8:02P 0.8 H4:16P 1.0 H4:46P 1.0 H5:15P 0.9 H5:45P 0.9 H6:14P 0.9 H11:39P 1.0 L8:46P 0.7 L9:34P 0.5 L10:25P 0.3 L11:20P 0.2 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 L12:18A 0.0 L1:21A -0.1 L2:29A -0.2 L3:41A -0.3 L4:53A -0.3 L6:01A -0.3 L6:59A -0.3 H7:03A 1.0 H8:33A 1.0 H10:11A 1.0 H11:55A 1.0 H1:25P 1.1 H2:28P 1.1 H3:10P 1.1 L12:51P 0.3 L1:53P 0.5 L3:22P 0.7 L5:38P 0.8 L7:16P 0.8 L8:08P 0.8 L8:39P 0.8 H6:45P 0.9 H7:17P 0.9 H7:51P 0.9 H8:33P 0.9 H9:30P 0.9 H10:39P 0.9 H11:46P 0.9 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 120° 115° 110° 105° 100° 95° 90° 85° 80° 75°
FEBRUARY 2015 MARCH 2015 SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT L7:49A -0.3 H12:44A 1.0 H1:37A 1.0 H2:27A 1.0 H3:15A 1.0 H4:04A 1.0 H4:55A 1.0 H3:38P 1.0 L8:30A -0.2 L9:04A -0.1 L9:33A 0.0 L9:59A 0.1 L10:26A 0.2 L10:54A 0.3 L8:58P 0.8 H3:57P 1.0 H4:12P 1.0 H4:27P 0.9 H4:44P 0.9 H5:02P 0.9 H5:21P 0.9 L9:09P 0.8 L9:19P 0.7 L9:37P 0.6 L10:03P 0.5 L10:35P 0.4 L11:09P 0.3 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 H6:50A 1.0 L12:46A 0.2 L1:26A 0.1 L2:11A 0.1 L3:04A 0.0 L4:04A 0.0 L5:12A -0.1 L12:24P 0.4 H7:51A 1.0 H8:59A 1.0 H10:17A 1.0 H11:43A 1.1 H1:04P 1.1 H2:06P 1.2 H6:38P 0.9 L12:57P 0.6 L1:33P 0.7 L2:14P 0.9 L3:05P 0.9 L4:22P 0.9 H6:51P 0.9 H6:56P 0.9 H6:58P 1.0 H6:38P 1.0 H6:44P 1.1 8 9 10 11 12 13 14
Times are for Galveston, Galveston Channel
TIME DIFFERENCES High Low Calcasieu Pass, Louisiana -2:14 -1:24 Sabine Pass Lighthouse -1:46 -1:31 Sabine Pass Jetty -1:26 -1:31 MARCH 2015 Sabine Pass -1:00 -1:15 Mesquite Point, Sabine Pass -0:04 -0:25 Galveston Bay ent. south jetty -0:39 -1:05 Port Bolivar +0:14 -0:06 Galveston Bay Texas City, Turning Basin +0:33 +0:41 Eagle Point (1) +3:54 +4:15 Clear Lake(1) +6:05 +6:40 Morgan Point (1) +10:21 +5:19 Round Pt.,Trinity Bay (1) +10:39 +5:15 Point Barrow, Trinity Bay +5:48 +4:43 Gilchrist, East Bay +3:16 +4:18 Fish, game and all wildlife move in search of food in cycles relative to the moon’s location to the earth. Jamaica Beach, West Bay +2:38 +3:31 The time spans listed above are the prime times to start each day at and along each time zone meridian Alligator Point, West Bay +2:39 +2:33 of longitude 75 degrees (Eastern) 90 degrees (Central) 105 degrees (Mountain) and 120 degrees (Pacific) during Standard time and Daylight Saving during the time it is in effect. To determine the feeding cycle Christmas Point, Christmas Bay +2:32 +2:31 time for best fishing and hunting in the area you plan to fish or hunt advance the sum of 4 minutes for Galveston Pleasure Pier -1:06 -1:06 each degree west and back up 4 minutes for each degree east. The next prime feeding cycle (not listed on the calendar) will be approximately twelve and one-half hours later. There are minor periods that occur San Luis Pass -0:09 -0:09 between the prime or major periods. The minor periods are typically fair periods and last only about half Freeport Harbor -0:44 -1:02 as long as the prime periods.
Pass Cavallo 0:00 -1:20 Feeding Times by Dan Barnett have been proven by analysis of 124 – 3 day bass tournaments between Aransas Pass -0:03 -1:31 1967 through 1983 to be reliable and accurate in predicting wildlife feeding activity. The Feeding Times are not a cure-all. Weather and other environmental conditions affect wildlife feeding activity. Annual vest Padre Island (South End) -0:24 -1:45 pocket books, which show all the major and minor periods, can be ordered by sending a check or money Port Isabel +1:02 -0:42 order for $15.00 per book. For S&H, please add $4.00 to an order of 1 to 4 books. Make check or money Tidal adjustments are not predictable for Port O’Connor, Matagorda Bay; Port order payable to: Feeding Times. Send to: Feeding Times, P.O. Box 2240, Covington, GA 30015. After Oct. Lavaca, Matagorda Bay; and Riviera Beach, Baffin Bay since they are driven by wind 1, please indicate book year. For questions or comments, you can call 404-373-7151. and weather. — NOAA Over 60 Years in Print Feeding Times by Dan Barnett 17 Years Test Proven
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