Offshore’s Best
Boat Buyer’s Guide January 26, 2007 Texas’ Premier Outdoor Newspaper Volume 3, Issue 11 Page 18 www.lonestaroutdoornews.com
INSIDE HUNTING Game breeding States can be tougher than feds, court rules
After back-to-back seasons of exceptional blue quail hunting, this season has been lean due to last year’s drought. The lack of rain resulted in a poor hatch. See Page 6 FISHING
DUCK HAVEN: Scott Isbell hides in a cypress tree at Mallard Magic in Augusta, Ark. Photo by David J. Sams.
By John N. Felsher agents cited W.H. “Dutch” Noe, owner of Ducks & Ducks, Inc. of Lake “In 2004, the AGFC wrote a regulation that City, Ark., Tommy Taggart, operator Arkansas duck breeders are claim- forbids what I do. They destroyed my business of Mallard Magic in Augusta, Ark., ing a recent ruling has penned up and Brian Herndon of Big Creek Sheepshead are overlooked most their careers. and nearly put me into bankruptcy.” Hunting Preserve in Lee County, of the year. Come winter, The U.S. Eighth Circuit Court of Ark., for failure to keep captive ducks though, they provide anglers Appeals ruled that the Migratory Bird — W.H. “Dutch” Noe, Lake City, Ark. in enclosed areas as required by along the coast fun fishing and Treaty Act does not prohibit states Arkansas law. good eating. from making tougher laws regarding Noe said he raises and sells mal- See Page 8 waterfowl, specifically captive mal- The ruling came about because men for violations involving captive lards to hunting clubs — some in lards. wildlife agents cited three Arkansas mallards. In November 2004, the See BREEDING, Page 16 NATIONAL
A sharp-eyed conservation officer was suspicious when he saw two men posing for a Cool catch photograph with a large Barbary sheep. He later charged the men Winter anglers dot tideline with poaching. See Page 4 for ‘off-season’ action
CONSERVATION By Danno Wise Proposed legislation in Congress by Sen. Norm Coleman of The Gulf beachfront is a winter wonderland for Minnesota would double the many anglers. amount of money available Despite being in the throes of winter, anglers in through the Duck Stamp Fund deep South Texas can still be found casting up and to purchase wetlands. down the beach. In fact, unless a hard front is barreling down the See Page 5 coast, there will be surf fishing along the beaches of South Padre Island every day throughout DEPARTMENTS January and February. The reason for their dedication is simple, the Boat Buyer’s Guide Page 18 SURF’S UP: While casting the Padre Island surf, Ben Hubbard hopes for some rod-bending action. See SURF, Page 14 Game Warden Blotter Page 10
Made In Texas Page 15 PRSRT STD Future coal plants on US POSTAGE Hunting Season Dates Page 16 PAID PLANO, TX Fishing Report Page 19 lakes stir concern PERMIT 210 Product Picks Page 22 By Mark England However, Parten releases the large- mouths he catches at two of Texas’ Heroes Page 17 crown jewel lakes because he doesn’t When Ed Parten fishes Sam believe they’re safe to eat. Weather Page 20 Rayburn Reservoir and Toledo Bend Sam Rayburn and Toledo Bend are Wild in the Kitchen Page 20 Reservoir for largemouth bass, he both under advisories warning the practices catch-and-release. public that largemouth bass there Outdoor Datebook Page 23 Parten, like many anglers, is a con- contain unsafe amounts of methyl- servationist. See PLANTS, Page 16 Page 2 January 26, 2007 January 26, 2007 Page 3 Page 4 January 26, 2007 NATIONAL Game officer focuses in on Smith & Wesson unveils two new shotgun lines two men posing for picture Smith & Wesson has entered the range. market for shotguns in 2007 and The 1000 Series of semi-auto- unveiled two new lines of shotguns matic shotguns has been designed Charges filed for gal possession of a Barbary sheep, at the Shooting, Hunting and with features that place the 1000 while the other was charged with Outdoor Trade (SHOT) Show, Jan. Series among the lightest weight illegal possession of a Barbary 11-14, in Orlando, Fla. and most reliable self-loading shot- illegal possession sheep. The Elite Series will initially con- guns on the market. The men face maximum penal- sist of the Elite Gold(TM) side-by- At the core of the new 1000 of Barbary sheep ties of $100 for hunting without a side 20-gauge shotguns, and the Series is a gas cylinder mechanism license, $1,000 for illegal posses- Elite Silver(TM) over-and-under 12- that has been uniquely engineered A carcass tag that didn’t match gauge shotguns. The Smith & to deliver top performance, regard- the time of the license sale led to sion of a Barbary sheep and up to six months in jail. Wesson Elite Series is designed to less of even the harshest condi- charges of hunting without a provide consumers with high-end tions. Depending on the outcome of license and illegal possession of a shotguns in a value-added price A Smith & Wesson report. Barbary sheep in an alleged poach- court proceedings, the department ing incident near Logan, N.M. will decide whether to pursue civil The two men were posing for penalties to recover the state’s loss photographs with the trophy of a trophy game animal. Barbary sheep in Logan when Civil penalties for poaching a Department of Game and Fish trophy Barbary sheep can be as Conservation Officer Josh Waldrip high as $6,000, according to legis- EDITORIAL OFFICES: spotted them as he was driving lation passed in 2006 and subse- 9304 Forest Lane, Suite 114 South, through town. quent State Game Commission Dallas, TX 75243 Waldrip stopped to check the Phone: (214) 361-2276 Fax: (214) 368-0344 hunters’ licenses and after some action. The sheep seized by officer Publisher/Editor: CRAIG NYHUS investigation, determined one of TARNISHED TROPHY: Department of Game the shooter’s license was pur- Waldrip had one horn that meas- and Fish Conservation Officer Josh Design Editor: DUDLEY GREEN chased after the sheep was killed. ured more than 31 inches and Waldrip shows the trophy Barbary sheep Associate Editor: MARK ENGLAND One man was charged with another just less than 34 inches. that led to charges against two men. Founder & CEO: DAV I D J. SAMS hunting without a license and ille- A New Mexico Game and Fish Report. Photo by New Mexico Game and Fish. CONTRIBUTORS MARY HELEN AGUIRRE DIANA KUNDE WES SMALLING ALAN CLEMONS WILBUR LUNDEEN SCOTT SOMMERLATTE Briefs JOHN FELSHER PETER MATHIESEN CHUCK UZZLE Rapala reels in lure company years, though, the company has grant requests in 2006, totaling more BINK GRIMES BILL MILLER RALPH WININGHAM Rapala VMC Group, headquar- greatly expanded its line, and now than $13 million. BRIAN HOLDEN TODD NAFE DANNO WISE tered in Minnetonka, Minn., has produces a variety of jigs and many Organizations that received foun- BOB HOOD DAV I D SIKES PETER YOUNG announced it will acquire Termina- other different types of spinners. dation grants represent a huge variety Lone Star Outdoor News, a publication of Lone SUBSCRIPTION tor Fishing Lures. Rapala was founded in 1936 by of public interests. Grant recipients Star Outdoor News, LLC, publishes twice a Rapala officials said they plan to Lauri Rapala, inventor of the Rapala, Order online via secure Web site at month. A subscription is $25 for 24 issues. included: schools; law enforcement Copyright 2007 with all rights reserved. complete the acquisition of the one of the world’s most popular www.lonestaroutdoornews.com agencies; shooting clubs; youth or call toll-free (866) 361-2276 Reproduction and/or use of any photographic Tulsa-based company by the first crankbait-type lures. or written material without written permission ADVERTISING quarter of 2007. groups like 4-H, Boy Scouts, FFA and by the publisher is prohibited. Printed in Dallas, Call (214) 361-2276 or e-mail TX, by Midway Press. Subscribers may send Founded in 1996, the privately NRA awards $13M in ’06 grants others; hunting and conservation advertising address changes to: held Terminator company produces The NRA Foundation, a charitable groups; disabled sportsmen; women’s Lone Star Outdoor News, 9304 Forest Lane, Suite what veteran anglers say is one of organization in support of the shoot- groups; ranges and other community @lonestaroutdoornews.com 114 South, Dallas, TX 75243 or e-mail them to to request a media kit. [email protected]. the finest spinnerbaits. In recent ing sports, funded more than 1,800 service organizations. January 26, 2007 Page 5 CONSERVATION Legislation targets wetlands Act would enable $400 million loan from Duck Stamp fund
In an effort to accelerate conserva- The bill would double the amount the conservation and restoration of tion of vital wetland habitat across of resources available through the wetlands and grasslands valuable to the country, Sen. Norm Coleman of Duck Stamp fund for wetlands con- migratory waterfowl as breeding Minnesota has introduced the servation over the next 10 years. grounds. Wetlands Loan Act of 2007 (S. 272). The Wetlands Loan Act will accel- The cost of the loan would be off- The bill, which has widespread erate the conservation of wetlands in set by an incremental increase in the support from several conservation the near-term by borrowing $400 price of the Federal Duck Stamp. and sportsmen groups, is aimed at million against future Duck Stamp Coleman introduced the increasing current available revenues. Wetlands Loan Act late last week and resources to retain wetlands that The additional revenues would be it has been referred to the have come under increasing devel- used primarily to purchase conserva- Committee on Environment and opment pressure from competing tion easements or acquire property Public Works. land use interests. from willing, private landowners for From the office of Sen. Norm Coleman. CRAB TRAP CLEANUP
BAY LITTER: Last year, volunteers with the aid of numerous sponsors removed about 2,000 abandoned crab traps. Photo by USFWS. Volunteers sought for removal program The 6th Texas Abandoned Crab catch crabs that have been lost or Coastal Program, Coastal Trap Removal Program will take abandoned since last year’s cleanup. Conservation Association Texas, place from February 16-25. During Texas Parks and Wildlife will host Coastal Bend Bays and Estuaries the last five years, 19,930 aban- various trap drop off sites at various Program, and the Cecil M. Hopper doned crab traps have been locations along the coast on Feb. 17, Museum are providing significant removed from Texas bays. weather permitting. At other sites, support to the crab trap removal During the 10-day period, all dumpsters will be placed to receive program. Texas bays will be closed to crabbing traps throughout the entire closure, Numerous organizations and with crab traps and any traps left in which will be marked with banners companies like Saltwater Anglers the bay will be presumed to be aban- and will sit at the drop-off sites for League of Texas and other volun- doned and considered litter under the duration of the closure. teers also will provide support. state law, thus allowing volunteers During past efforts, traps from Volunteers can pick up free tarps, to legally remove any crab traps they Galveston Bay and San Antonio Bay gloves, trap hooks and additional find. accounted for more than 70 percent information at each of the sites or Volunteers are needed to assist in of the traps collected along the their local TPW Coastal Fisheries the coast-wide effort to remove the coast. Field Stations. numerous wire mesh cages used to The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service A TPW report. Brays Bayou project in national spotlight A created freshwater/tidal marsh District was planning to widen Brays both a stormwater treatment and a near Brays Bayou at Mason Park on Bayou at Mason Park and met with tidal wetland. Stormwater runoff is a Houston’s east side has claimed sev- Texas Parks and Wildlife major cause of water pollution eral regional environmental awards Department staff to discuss environ- because it picks up toxic chemicals and is also featured in Building mental impacts. from streets and other paved areas Better II, a Sierra Club report profil- The flood control district wel- and carries them into waterways. ing 10 outstanding examples of comed the TPW idea to create wet- Also, sewer overflows associated innovative and environmentally lands in conjunction with the proj- with poor stormwater management sensitive ways to manage stormwa- ect. can carry untreated sewage into ter. The department then sought and streams and bayous. The 3.5-acre Brays Bayou Wetland received an EPA grant to develop the The tidal wetlands were designed Partnership at Houston’s Mason biological design and collect and to not only clean water flowing in Park recently received a Gulf grow marsh plants for the project. Brays Bayou, but also provide habi- Guardian Award from the Gulf of Department employees also tat to herons, egrets, ospreys, and Mexico Program, a non-regulatory, designed and placed educational sig- many types of marine animals such inclusive partnership formed by the nage for park visitors viewing the as white shrimp and blue crabs. Environmental Protection Agency stormwater treatment and wildlife The wetland was officially dedi- to provide a broad geographic focus habitat marsh. cated at the end of 2006. It includes on the major environmental issues Employees worked with a variety interpretive signage to educate visi- in the Gulf. of partner groups to bring the multi- tors about the project’s environmen- The project began in 2001 when year project to fruition. tal benefits. the Harris County Flood Control The Mason Park project features A TPW report. Texas steps in to aid Northern Bobwhite recovery The Texas Council of Quail Texas Parks and Wildlife. in the nation. Unlimited (QU) provided a dona- In March of 2002 the Northern Its purpose is to restore the bob- tion of $10,000 for the Northern Bobwhite Conservation Initiative white populations over its habitat Bobwhite Conservation Initiative was born from efforts of the range coordinating efforts to bring (NBCI). Southeast Quail Study Group, a levels to a 1980 baseline. The donation will be matched by team of the leading quail biologists A Quail Unlimited report. Page 6 January 26, 2007 HUNTING Blue quail action not in tune with the past Numbers down from previous seasons
SLOW SEASON: Hunters looking for blue quail this year are only finding a few coveys Long walks have resulted in some rises and some have resulted in tired feet and tired dogs. ‘Two years ago was our best season ever ... but this year is really tough’
By Craig Nyhus reported some success, especially it doesn’t appear that many of the Stockton, where the family busi- Texas Best Outfitters. hunters with dogs,” said Todd chicks survived.” ness sells the Terra Cat, an ATV Wilson generally guides groups Montana, the biologist at Black Last year, the ratio of adult to designed to travel deep into remote of three to six hunters. “Many of Out west, blue quail hunters have Gap. “We have collected 170 wings juvenile birds was one adult to two territory. “We just don’t have the our groups are limiting out by been singing the blues. in comparison with 689 last year.” juveniles, which is close to normal. birds this year,” he said. “Two years noon,” he said. Wilson knows he is This season is striking a different Montana attributes the popula- “This year, it is one adult to .1 juve- ago was our best season ever, and fortunate to be able to pursue the chord than the 2005- 2006 season, tion drop — and resulting harvest niles,” he said. last year was great, but this year is blues. “I guess we were lucky this which was one of the best in recent numbers — to a poor hatch, similar Despite the poor hatch, really tough.” year,” he said. memory for most West Texas to that experienced by most of the Montana said there are still birds to A bright spot on the blue quail Recent rains have raised the opti- hunters. state’s bobwhite quail. “We didn’t pursue. “I still see two or three horizon has been near Midland, mism of fans of the desert dwelling Hunters at the Black Gap WMA have a spring hatch due to the smaller coveys when I’m driving where timely rains resulted in a bet- blues. “We received 1 3/4 inches in in Brewster County are having only drought,” he said. “We did have around,” he said. ter hatch. “Our season has been the last two weeks,” Montana said. limited success. “Hunters have some late rains and a late hatch, but Ramiro Ramos hunts near Fort really good,” said Roy Wilson of “That bodes well for next year.” Blind hunter beams in on ‘laser’ legislation would give blind hunters special Parker County man says device permission to use laser sights on game animals. Other states including Michigan and would add precision to task Minnesota already do that. The Texas measure was pre-filed By Bill Miller buck,’’ said McGowen, an out- in December by State Rep. doors writer and historian, “but Edmund Kuempel, R-Seguin. he certainly was as much a trophy “After doing some research on Numerous big game animals as any big 10-pointer. the issue, I found 15 states that have fallen before the guns of Dr. “After not being able to hunt all allow laser sights for hunting,’’ Stanley McGowen — black bear, those years, it was like a first deer Kuempel said. “This opens up the elk, pronghorn and even an exot- all over again.’’ experience of hunting to addi- ic axis deer. McGowen, who lives near tional people, and I think that is But one of his favorite trophies Weatherford in rural Parker great.” is the Mason County whitetail County, wants more blind people Kuempel’s bill, and the notion spike he shot in 2000. to savor the sensations of hunt- of blind people hunting, quickly It was his first kill since being ing, which, to the surprise of made headlines, not just in Texas, “SPOTTER” TECHNIQUE: Dr. Stanley McGowen, right, who is blind, practices his blinded in an airplane crash a many, is allowed under Texas law. but throughout the world. shooting technique with a “spotter,’’ Laurent Delagrange, owner and guide of decade earlier. To that end, he is pushing a bill Stories about it were soon car- Indianhead Ranch near Del Rio. Photo submitted by Stanley McGowen. “He was more or less a cull before the Texas Legislature that See BEAM, Page 21 January 26, 2007 Page 7 Accomplishments aplenty Dallas Safari Club honors Mexia teen with Young Hunter Award
By Craig Nyhus
unting, community service, athletics, National Honor Society membership, con- servation work, a congressional internship H — Brady Phillips of Mexia has accomplished mighty feats in these and many other categories. These achievements helped result in her selection for the Dallas Safari Club’s Colin Caruthers Young Hunter Award — the highest youth award given by the club. The award was established by Tommy and Pat Caruthers in 1991, after their son, Colin, was killed in an automobile accident. Available to students prior to their high school grad- uation or age 18, the scholarship award is based not only on hunting accomplishments, but leadership and civic points that emphasize conservation, academic and social achievements as well. Phillip’s hunting accomplishments already exceed most seasoned pursuers of big game. Hunting on the family ranch near Kerrville, she has taken whitetails, hogs and numerous exotics. In South Africa in 2003, her trophies were a Greater Kudu, an Impala and a Springbok. In Canada in 2004 and 2006, she downed a North American Elk, North American Bison and a black bear. Her favorite adventure? Probably Canada. “I’m a late sleeper, and the animals don’t start moving there until DSC KUDOS: Brady Phillips poses with a Greater Kudu she after 8 a.m., so I don’t have to get up so early,” she said. brought down in Africa. The teen recently received Dallas In Africa, the Kudu was her best memory. “My dad Safari Club honors. wanted to get a Kudu, but he slept in one morning,” she the summer of 2006, and will intern for the National said. “I went out and got one in one shot with my 300 Republican Congressional Committee this summer. Weatherby.” Her favorite? “Habitat for Humanity,” she said. “I real- Phillips recalls going on hunts as early as age 3. “I was ly enjoyed helping build a home for people in our home the ‘bird girl’ on dove hunts,” she said. Dove hunting is town.” still among her favorites. “It’s in the afternoon, and Attending Sweetbriar College in Virginia on an aca- you’re allowed to talk,” she said. demic scholarship — she’s also on the tennis team — Phillips was the district 18-AAA singles tennis cham- she hasn’t decided her major, but is leaning toward pion at Mexia High School last spring, was on the German and international business or marketing. school newspaper staff, volunteered for the Fort Parker She loves school, but misses Texas. “The people here Historical Society, Ducks Unlimited, Habitat for are great — and they ask me what I shot every time I Humanity, Helping Hands Ministry and Food for return from home,” she said. “But they claim the foot- ANOTHER TROPHY: Brady Phillips downed this North American Elk and a bison on Families. ball is great in the East. I tell them ‘please, I’m from a hunting trip to Canada. Photos submitted by Brady Phillips. She interned for congressman Pete Sessions during Texas.’”
East Texas West Texas 903.692.2725 325.659.1555
www.badboybuggiesoftexas.com Brush CountryCALL FOR A DEALER NEARDFW YOU — 817-723-1463 Hill Country Houston Texoma 1.888.631.6789CALL FOR A DEALER817.528.8002 NEAR YOU — 817-723-1463830.214.0144 281.392.4609 469.693.5412 Page 8 January 26, 2007 FISHING Winter Texans get a line on sheepshead ‘They’re a blast to catch’ By Danno Wise
For most of the year, the inshore saltwater species sought along the Texas coast have spots: ‘spot tail’ reds and speckled trout. However, during the winter, an often over- looked species ‘earns its stripes’ — and winter Texans lead the way in chasing the fish. Sheepshead, named for to its lamb-like GOOD HAUL: Jetty anglers bring in a string of sheepshead from the South Jetty at Port Aransas. dentures, have long been known as an excel- lent food fish. But, they also are determined sues them in a more traditional manner. split shot — just enough to get it down. hook them in the side of their mouth — away fighters and plentiful in Texas bays during “I typically look for them around channel “I also think it’s important to use a single from their teeth. They can actually crush a winter and spring. edges and near pilings,” Gonzalez said. “I hook,” Gonzalez said. “Usually, when they small treble hook with those big teeth.” Laguna Vista guide Capt. Rolando especially like fishing around pilings that are take, they grab the bait and move away. “But, they’re a blast to catch,” Gonzalez Gonzalez likes to fish for sheepshead, but pur- near deep water. I use live shrimp and a tiny When they do, the single hook will turn and See SHEEPSHEAD, Page 12 It’s tourney time
ALL ABOARD: Clark Wendlandt holds steady as a fish is netted by his co-angler. Wendlandt will be fishing Lake Travis in a February FLW tournament. Photo by FLW. Anglers share views on luring in Austin fishery’s finest Pro anglers will soon be packing er. cover. Right now, visibility is there’s a chance that with the Recent rains haven’t changed a change of baits for a trip to Lake “Lake Travis is a deep, rocky and around four to five feet. I’ve seen it right amount of rain, it could fill the picture much, as the lake is Travis. clear highland lake,” said Team a lot clearer than it is right now. up pretty quickly,” Wendlandt still 35 feet low. The Austin fishery is the stage Kellogg’s pro Clark Wendlandt of But it’s the lake’s level that is going said. “If the water level really Wendlandt predicts the for Wal-Mart FLW tour’s first show Leander, who has amassed more to determine how the tournament changes, it could add a whole new February tournament will be a of the season, Feb. 15-18, and than $1.2 million in career win- plays out. aspect to the tournament. If it classic prespawn pattern with the thoughts on how to put together a nings. “There’s lots of rock on the “We’re getting a little more rain comes up just a foot or two, it majority of bites coming on winning cast vary like the weath- shoreline and very little wood now, and the ground’s wet, and won’t make a difference.” See TRAVIS, Page 12 Sponsorships weigh in big on pro tour Rule changes offer anglers chance to hook prosperity
By Mark England like it, but he’s laughing all the way to ing prize money ($250,000 for first the bank.” place in the tour’s three majors), a Bondy and Iaconelli are at opposite shrinking field of contestants and a Some look at Mike Iaconelli and his ends of their careers. renewed emphasis on wrapping boats as boisterousness, penchant for dyeing his Bondy is seeking his first win, while well as anglers with NASCAR-like prod- hair blond and acquiring tattoos and Iaconelli, from Runnemede, N.J., has uct branding. grumble at the changes in the won 5 times and is the 2006 Bassmaster “What we’re all trying to do — tour- Bassmaster Tour. Angler of the Year. nament organizers as well as anglers — Jon Bondy, however, sees “a market- Both, however, are gung-ho about the is think about, ‘How do we grow the ing genius.” overhauled Bassmaster Tour. sport?’” Iaconelli said. “You have to try “He totally stands out,” said Bondy, a Iaconelli — as well as other charis- new things. I don’t think you could second-year pro angler from Windsor, matic pros such as Kevin VanDam and have left the sport where it was 10 years Ontario. “They want personality on TV. Jason Quinn — thrives on the ramped- ago and expect it to become a main- SPORTING ATTIRE: Mike Iaconelli selects lures during an appearance If you don’t have it, you’re not getting up media coverage via ESPN (which stream entity.” at Dick’s Sporting Goods in Frisco. Photo by David J. Sams. TV time. A lot of the old-timers don’t bought BASS, the tour’s producer), soar- See SP0NSORS, Page 9 January 26, 2007 Page 9 Hudson, Kingsbery hot at Amistad Reservoir pound. Team earns top tourney, Big Bass honors Third place was caught by Keith Albert Hudson and Bill by 10 a.m. Phillips and David Truax with Kingsbery secured 1st place at this “It was great,” he said. “We 26.56 pound. Dustin Grace and month’s BassChamps South were culling five-pounders and Brian Branum finished fourth Teams Event at Amistad Reservoir had the live wells on full blast.” with 22.74 pounds, and Chad with a 5-fish total of 35.56 pounds. The team also won Big Bass honors Griffin and Hugo Velasco finished “We have a trailer there — it’s with a 10.18-pound giant, winning fifth with 22.68 pounds. like our second home.” Hudson $20,000 for 1st place and $1,000 A record field of 246 teams com- said. The team switched to a for Big Bass. peted for more than $60,000 in watermelon red Tiki Wave Richard Broxton and Scott cash and prizes, with the teams Bamboo stick with a 1/4 oz weight Gover captured second place with weighing in 619 fish and 95 limits. VICTORY STAGE: Albert Hudson and Bill Kingsbery show fish they caught that led them and put all 35 pounds in the boat a five-fish total weight of 27.66 — A BassChamps report. to the championship of BassChamps South Teams Event. Photo by BassChamps.
ly, he had to guide 70 fishing trips tantly, though, he believes it beginning of his sponsorship drive seminars demonstrating what cor- last year. improves the quality of the tour. — although he’s obviously got the porations can learn from bass fish- Sponsors “I’m taking the chance of my “I’m not taking anything away makings of a good salesman. ing, such as “Patience, Continued from Page 8 lifetime on this,” Bondy said. “I’m from the guys who started this On today’s tour, that matters. Perseverance and Problem- Getting attention — whether it’s just hoping something big comes sport,” Iaconelli said. “They’re my “To be out here, you have to be a Solving.” Such meetings allow from fans or sponsors — is now the along, like a win or a big sponsor. If heroes. But for us to be a true profes- good mix of an amazing fisherman anglers to widen their corporate name of the game. And that’s fine sional sport, anglers have to earn contacts. with Bondy. the right to be here.” Increased media coverage also “The new rules allow us to brand ‘The new rules The payoff from the changes has My steady benefits anglers in securing spon- ourselves,” Bondy said. “We can benefited more than those at the sors, a BASS spokesman said. get out there and create our own allow us to top of the food chain, Iaconelli said. income is "The multimedia exposure from identity. I guess my brand is I’m “Five years ago, to make ESPN and ESPN2 and non-propri- Canadian. I’m the only one.” brand $100,000 in winnings and spon- generated etary news media helps anglers Bondy said the smaller fields sorships was unheard of,” he said. build viable careers and entice help anglers make a name for ourselves. We “Today, a lot of guys out here are through sponsor- sponsors,” said spokesman Doug themselves. In the three majors, doing that. The changes have pro- Grassian. “The Elite Series has pro- the top 50 anglers from the Elite can get out vided more chances for anglers to ships. If I win a vided anglers with career-building Series compete. And even in the prosper financially.” opportunities." Elite Series, there’s only about 100 Sponsorships are key to an angler Don’t think that means getting a anglers — half the number com- there and staying on the Bassmaster Tour tournament, it’s sponsor is easy, Bondy said. peting in an FLW tournament. from year to year, he said. Bondy approached 130 corpora- “It’s way easier to stand out create our own “My steady income is generated almost like a tions last year. Getting a bite can be among 50 anglers than 200,” through sponsorships,” Iaconelli frustrating, he said. Several times, it Bondy said. “The way I look at it, if identity. said. “If I win a tournament, it’s bonus.’ took him months to cultivate a I can’t make it into a reduced field, almost like a bonus.” contact at a corporation, only to Iaconelli’s biggest non-fishing have that person leave the firm. I don’t deserve to be out here. I — JON BONDY — MIKE IACONELLI know some guys don’t want to sponsor is Toyota. Bondy’s is Denali “The sport is at a crossroads,” hear that.” Flavors, specifically, Moose Tracks Bondy said. “We’re the guinea pigs Bondy said he’s aware some I fail, I’ll have to start over again.” ice cream, “vanilla with dark fudge and a great promoter,” Iaconelli for anglers 10 years down the road. may find his attitude surprising, Iaconelli said the reduced fields and peanut butter cups. Excellent. said. We’re the ones testing the water to given his lifetime earnings barely make the sport easier for fans and Excellent.” BASS tries to help anglers meet see if this wrap thing is going to top $100,000. To make it financial- the media to follow. More impor- Bondy, unlike Iaconelli, is in the sponsors. For example, it puts on work.” Advertisement Page 10 January 26, 2007 GAME WARDEN BLOTTER 4-WHEELER DRIVERS CUT into the pasture he was hunting. FENCE, ROLL INTO TROUBLE Upon arriving, the hunter told •Wichita County Game Warden Pinckney the vehicle had Pat Canan responded to a call to ‘HOLIDAY HAT TRICK’ returned to a nearby dairy. The Lake Buffalo in Iowa Park regard- •McMullen County Game Warden David Murray shoot the deer, they said they were out of ammo hunter described to the landown- ing a fence that had been cut lead- assisted Deputy Game Warden J.D. Beeson on New since had been spotlighting and had not seen any er the unique sound the vehicle ing into the lake. The two individ- Year’s Day. While on his way home at 4:30 a.m., deer so they stopped at the roadside park and shot made, and the landowner imme- uals who entered the lake on four- Beeson observed a car sideways in the ditch. Upon all their .22 bullets at road signs and cans. The deer diately knew what vehicle was wheelers after cutting the fence making contact he discovered a deer had been put in was removed from the trunk of the car and searched responsible as it passed up and were located and charges were the trunk of the car, alive. The son-in-law and the for any bullet holes and none were found. The deer down the road on a regular basis. filed for operating a four-wheeler father-in-law admitted to tackling an 8-point buck appeared to have been stuck in a fence as one of its on public property without hav- that was trapped between two high fences and put- hooves was injured. After receiving a receipt from Pinckney was able to locate the ing a safety course. The City of ting it in the trunk of the car they were driving. Murray for the confiscated .22 rifle, the father-in- vehicle at a residence at the dairy, Iowa Park is filing felony charges When Beeson advised the two men they could be law asked Beeson what he had won. Beeson and a subject at the residence con- on the individuals for cutting the seriously injured by the buck deer, they said they explained to him he did not get a raffle ticket, but a fessed to shooting a rabbit from fence. Cases are pending. had played football and could handle themselves. gun receipt with his .22 cal. rifle information on it. the road, but was unable to find it. When Beeson asked them why they just did not Cases pending. A deer was found by the hunter INDIVIDUALS WITH SPOTLIGHT the next morning. Class A misde- BAG BUNDLE OF CHARGES The caller followed the subjects WARDENS NET TWO had become lost on their way back meanor charges are pending on •Tarrant County Game Wardens back to their house and called in FISHING ILLEGALLY home to Ennis, and were just look- the shooter and the investigation Clint Borchardt and John Padgett, the OGT. Spitzer arrived at the res- •Zapata County Game Wardens ing at some deer with the rifle continues into identifying his while working in Parker County, idence to find three subjects clean- Jesse Garcia and Fernando scope when the complainant saw accomplice. observed a truck burning a spot- ing a still steaming doe in the Cervantes and Starr County Game them. All three men were arrested light. The two individuals in the garage. One of the subjects admit- Warden John Palacios were and fined a total of $3,300 plus ‘HAPPY MEAL NO. 1’ truck carrying a .270 rifle were ted to shooting the deer, but patrolling Falcon Lake about restitution for the two bucks. NOT ON THE LEGAL MENU issued several citations. One of the claimed it came from Colorado 12:30 a.m. when they observed a •Major David Sinclair sent infor- individuals had outstanding war- County. The subject said he would vessel enter Texas waters from WARDENS SHED LIGHT ON rants in Parker County. Parker mation to Region VII in reference give Spitzer the landowner’s infor- Mexico. They watched as the HUNTING IN THE DARK RULES to an individual advertising deer County Game Warden Randall mation, but not to tell her he had occupants of this vessel stretched •San Jacinto County Game meat for sale on the Internet. The Hayes arrived to assist with taking shot a deer because he only had illegal gill net along the brush line. Warden Aryn Corley and Polk information was assigned to the subject to jail. Citations were permission to hog hunt. The sub- After observing the illegal activity County Game Warden Chuck also issued for open containers of ject finally admitted to shooting for about 30 minutes, contact was Cotton filed numerous cases on Burnet Game Warden Chris Davis alcohol, no hunter education, the doe behind his house near the made with the vessel. Two men three men roosting ducks 45 min- to investigate. Davis made contact three untagged deer, failing to Harris County flood control ditch. were apprehended after a short utes after sunset. The subjects over the Internet, purchased the identify, exceeding the bag limit of The deer was confiscated and cases pursuit. Both were transported to claimed they didn’t know it was advertised, “Happy Meal No. 1” buck deer in a one-buck county, are pending including restitution. the Zapata County Regional Jail by against the law to hunt ducks in from the individual, wrote the for drug paraphernalia and for no Zapata County Sheriff’s deputies. the dark. Charges included no search warrant, and set up a meet- hunting licenses. Civil restitution WARDEN BEAMS IN At the jail, one man was found to hunting license, no duck stamp, ing time to pick up the deer meat. was filed on an 8-point deer. Cases ON WRONGDOINGS have some marijuana in his pos- possession of lead shot, un- Davis and another game warden and restitution pending. •Briscoe County Game Warden session (less than two ounces). plugged shotguns and hunting met with the man at his home in Clint Hunt was returning home Approximately 2,300 feet of gill waterfowl after hours. Five ducks Williamson County. After he GUNSHOTS LEAD WARDEN, from Amarillo after having to net as well as the boat and motor were seized and restitution was delivered the meat to Davis, the LANDOWNER TO POACHERS replace a tire on his patrol vehicle. were seized. In addition to the fish- filed. Cases pending. man was advised of his wrongdo- •Anderson County Game Warden ing violation charges, one man While on his way home, he ings. The man’s computer, Karen Gray answered a call of a noticed a flash of a spotlight and was charged with possession of FOG DOESN’T COVER VIOLATIONS firearm, and meat were seized and landowner who had spotted traveled towards it. He passed the marijuana. •Jackson County Game Warden a verbal statement was recorded as poachers on his property. The vehicle and observed the vehicle Tommy Charbula and Wharton complainant said he heard gun- make a U-turn. Hunt continued ‘LOST’ HUNTERS FIND THEIR County Game Warden Justin to how many deer were killed and shots in the marsh on his land. to travel away from the suspect WAY TO TROUBLE Hurst worked the south shoreline where they were killed. Davis con- Gray arrived at the scene with the vehicle until he was able to reach •Freestone County Game of San Antonio Bay in the fog and tacted San Saba Game Warden landowner and found three men an area to black out his lights. Wardens John Thorne and Gary light rain for waterfowl hunting Chris Wilson who was able to find duck hunting on the landowner’s Hunt then followed the suspect Robinson received a call reporting violations. One group of hunters the processor records and contact marsh. The hunters had taken two vehicle. The vehicle traveled into a vehicle parked on the side of a was cited for rallying ducks with the landowner where the deer had ducks each. The landowner filed the Palo Duro Canyon area of county road with a gun barrel out an airboat after the subjects were been shot. The landowner was a the applicable hunt without Armstrong County. Once the sus- the window. Deputies and DPS observed “running ducks” for sev- family member who had supplied landowner consent affidavit. pect vehicle passed a house in the troopers in the area located the eral hours. While on the bay, the the man with deer tags, along Three cases pending. canyons, the spotlight began to vehicle and detained the three wardens took advantage of the fog with his wife’s tags, and the sus- work again. Hunt stayed behind occupants. When Thorne arrived and worked oyster boats. Two pect’s wife’s tags. The investiga- OPERATION GAME THIEF boats were cited for undersize oys- the suspect vehicle for approxi- he located two freshly killed, tion revealed that the suspect had NABS DEER HUNTERS mately two miles and was 20 untagged bucks in the trunk. The ters of 26 and 33 percent. Cases killed at least eight bucks this sea- •Harris County Game Warden yards behind the suspect vehicle rifle the subjects used had been pending. Derek Spitzer received an when they shot a mule deer buck. reported stolen from Ellis County. son, 24 deer over the last two Operation Game Thief call from The vehicle was occupied by four Leon County Game Warden RABBIT TRANSFORMS years, and had sold numerous Houston Communications. The males. Donley County Game Danny Flores was called to assist INTO A DEER OVERNIGHT processed deer over the Internet. caller said he saw two four-wheel- Warden Gary Hunt assisted with Thorne and Robinson with the •Runnels County Warden Lane Davis and the Covert Unit are ers pass behind his house along a the arrest and search for the deer. interrogation. The men said they Pinckney received a call from a determining charges to file on the drainage ditch with one having a Cases, restitution and equipment had killed the deer at daylight on hunter who heard a vehicle short- suspect, and restitution is approx- deer strapped on the back rack. seizure pending. public land in Houston County, ly after dark shoot off the road imately $16,000. SUBSCRIBE TODAY!
We Want to Welcome to Deliver Our Lone Star Outdoor News Newspaper Texas’ Premier Outdoor Newspaper to You! We’re publishing twice a month so we can bring you the very best of the Texas outdoors. And hunters and anglers by the scores are sending us their thank-yous, comments and subscriptions. Every issue, we’ll bring you some of the state’s best outdoor pho- tography and stories. You’ll read about big game hunting, waterfowl- 24 ing, upland bird hunting, freshwater fishing across the state and salt- water fishing all up and down the Texas Coast. Plus, you’ll get nation- al news … conservation updates … weather report … wild game and ISSUES fish recipes … and the latest breaking news from state and federal wildlife agencies. FOR SEND A SUBSCRIPTION TO A FRIEND
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MAIL TO: Lone Star Outdoor EMAIL News, CITY ST. ZIP 9304 Forest Lane, Ste. 114 PHONE South, Dallas, TX 75243 PLEASE RENEW MY SUBSCRIPTION 012607 FAX TO: (214) 368-0344 MASTER CARD VISA AMERICAN EXPRESS or For Fastest Service, Call Toll-Free at CC# EXP. You won’t want to miss (866) 361-2276 or visit www.lonestaroutdoornews.com SIGNATURE a single issue 012607 January 26, 2007 Page 11 Page 12 January 26, 2007 Travis Sheepshead Continued from Page 8 Continued from Page 8 crankbaits and jerkbaits. However, said. “If you hook them in shallow water, they’ll take warmer weather could move the off straight — just like a redfish. If you hook them in fish shallow. Wendlandt estimates deeper water, they’ll put their head down, go deep it will take a two-day catch of 22 and fight from side-to-side. Either way, they’re great pounds in the Pro Division to make fighters.” the top-10 cut for the third day of However, despite their sporting qualities, Gonzalez competition. admits palatability is a great part of the sheepshead’s Jim Files, a local guide, doesn’t appeal. share all of Wendlandt’s predictions “They’re tough to clean, but really good to eat,” on what will work. “I would stick to Gonzalez said. “In fact, around here (Lower Laguna main lake points, either dead-stick- HEAVY TASK: Clark Wendlandt at a FLW Madre), the old-time commercial fishermen referred ing soft plastic jerkbaits or throwing weigh-in. Photo by FLW. to them as bay snapper. That’s because everybody tubes on a jig head,” he said. “It Mouldin should know, as he thought they were just as good to eat as red snapper.” tends to be all soft plastics and jigs placed second in a BassChamps Paul Morrison of Rushville, Ind., fishes for that time of year — and with the event on Travis last year. “Football sheepshead three times per week on the Port Aransas jigs, hair jigs seem to work better jigs seem to be working best right jetties. “I like to fish, and they are extra good to eat,” than rubber skirts.” now; I expect that will be the bait of he said. “There’s no secret to catching them, you fish Files agreed the recent rains will choice.” on the bottom and ghost shrimp are the best bait. likely change things, especially if Mouldin agreed 20 to 25 pounds Ghost shrimp, live shrimp, or anemones, all three.” temperatures rise. “If the water gets in the first two days would make the Morrison scrapes the anemones off the rocks with closer to 60 degrees, the fish will cut. “A catch of 13- to 15-pounds per a knife. “They’re hard to get and you usually skin work from the points toward the day is a lot for Travis,” he said. Even your fingers up pretty good,” he said. “Ghost shrimp backs of the creeks, and then with the recent rain and sleet, the are the easiest because you just walk down the beach motion baits like crankbaits and lake is still 35 feet low. with a shrimp sucker and pull them out of the sand.” even spinnerbaits will work,” he Files also thought the weights George Fitzpatrick of Prudenville, Mich., likes the said. may be lower. “Travis can be a fight of the sheepshead. “It’s a real good fight. You Kelly Mouldin guides at Travis tough lake, there are so many spot- gotta watch them against the rocks because they’ll and hopes to fish the event. He said ted and Guadalupe bass — and they wrap your line around it and cut it on the barnacles,” many of the pros may be in for a sur- are all small — one- to two-pounds. he said. prise. “It’s an early pre-spawn pat- You can catch five of them for every Ed Morton of Minnesota likens the sheepshead to tern, but the bigger fish are likely to largemouth,” he said. the smallmouth. “They have a light tick to them and be suspended over deep water – Mouldin agreed. “The pros who then they’ll start running off with it (the bait) and even as deep as 100 feet,” he said. focus on the spotted bass will soon you can tell you got something on,” he said. Morton “Most likely, it will be a strong jig find out they don’t get very big also loses some against the rocks. “I think I busted my bite, and if the water warms, jerk- here.” line twice today, already,” he said. baits and crankbaits may work.” Compiled from staff reports. Not all sheepshead are found near the jetties and ON THE ROCKS: Jetty fishing for sheepshead is popular with pilings. Winter Texans. “During the winter, we catch some really big ones occasionally get one to take a small shrimp or crab Come experience the finest coastal on the flats,” said Port Isabel guide Capt. Eddie Curry. pattern, but it’s not easy. Luckily, that time of year, hospitality in our well-appointed lodge — “The water in the winter time is usually clear and, there are a lot of them on the flats, so you get plenty perfect for family reunions, meetings, with those white and black stripes, sheepshead are of shots.” corporate retreats or simply a gathering easy to see,” he said. “So, I like to sight-cast to them Tom Reiss of Lee’s Summit, Mo., has counted him- with good friends, with plans to fit every when I can. I use a small piece of shrimp, no weight self as a winter Texan for more than a decade. taste, from full-service to self-service. and a really small hook. Usually, if you make a good cast, they’ll grab it.” “I like to eat them,” he said. “I usually just fillet Even fly-fishers are getting into the sheepshead act. them out and fry them. They’re really good fried. In INSHORE AND OFFSHORE FISHING • HUNTING Cruz Lamas also likes sight-casting to sheepshead. fact, some of the others (winter Texans) claim they’re YourEscape from the Ordinary! K AYAKING•BIRDING•SURFING•MORE But tempting sheepshead on the flats with a fly rod the best eating fish in saltwater.” L O C AT E D O N T H E C O L O R A D O R I V E R I N M ATA G O R DA presents quite a challenge. The popularity of the fish seems to extend to every- ( 9 7 9 ) 8 6 3 - 114 3 • (9 7 9 ) 4 7 9 - 5 4 5 5 “During the winter, when we get a lot of one on the coast. f u l l s t r i n g e r l o d g e . c o m • c a s s a d y @ a i r m a i l . n e t sheepshead on the flats, I like to try to get them to “Everyone has a good shot at sheepshead in the FEB. 17 - 18, takeA a fly,”USTIN he said. “But, man, they’re tough. You can winter,” Gonzales said. Million $1 ENT TOURNAM January 26, 2007 Page 13 Page 14 January 26, 2007 Nominations sought for Texas Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame Individuals or organizations that have made a lasting Hunter contribution to freshwater fishing in Texas may be nom- inated through Feb. 26 for induction into the Texas Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame. Nominees may be anglers, fisheries professionals or heads organizations. The nominee must be a Texan or Texas organization. Individuals may be either living or deceased. One nom- home inee will be chosen by an independent selection com- mittee and formally inducted during the annual Hall of Hunter retrieves a Canada Fame banquet at the Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center goose from a playa lake near in Athens. Ralls. His owner, Rudy Boyd Prior inductees include Floyd Mabry, Jackie Hewlett, of Grapevine, shot a limit of R.D. Hull, Bob Kemp, Nick Crème, Charlie Inman, Sugar three birds over decoys just Ferris, Leonard Ranne, Earl Golding, Kathy Magers, the after noon. Photo by David Sabine River Authority, Skeeter Boats, Michael J. Sams. (“Shorty”) Powers, Ray Murski, Albert S. Bradley and Richard M. Hart. Nomination forms and instructions are available on the Texas Parks and Wildlife web site at: http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us or by calling (903) 670- 2228. A TPW report.
County beaches above and below Both species of drum — red and It is this surprising variety that “When we get those really low the city. “There’s a lot of fish — black — are available in the winter keeps most surf fishermen winter tides, a lot of people think Surf like pompano, whiting, and sand surf. However, anglers should patrolling the beach during what it’s (fishing) no good,” said Continued from Page 1 trout — that you can catch on bait know that most of these fish will many people consider the “off- Laguna Vista resident and avid coldest months of winter offer such as shrimp and squid. Then, be over the maximum slot limit season.” winter surf angler Rolando arguably the best surf fishing of there’s fish like jacks and ladyfish for both species. “I really like the variety of fish Gonzalez. “Everybody thinks you the year, as hordes of pompano, that you can catch on jigs. “There are some monster reds available in the surf during the need a high tide to catch fish in whiting, jacks, reds, bluefish and “We still have a couple of caught out of the surf each win- winter,” said Port Isabel resident the surf. Actually, the opposite is other fish work the deep guts just species of shark around as well,” ter,” said guide and Port Isabel res- Dan Torres. “It’s a lot easier to true. When the tide is really low, off of dry sand. Wilson said. “Beachfront sharks ident Steve Ellis, who says he’s catch species like pompano and those fish stack up in the guts and “The great thing about surf fish- are probably the best shot a lot of been making regular winter beach bluefish this time of year. It’s nice the fishing can be awesome. ing this time of year is it’s pretty people have to catch a true ‘big fishing “excursions” since mov- to be able to do something differ- “I really feel like this is impor- simple and just about everybody game’ fish. And, even though ing to the area in the late 1970s. ent than what we do all year tant for pompano fishing,” can do it,” said Shane Wilson, a most people think about shark “Most people think redfish are long.” Gonzalez said. “When there is a South Padre Island resident who fishing during the summer, we only in the surf in the fall. But, One of winter fishing’s bless- high tide, it can be tough to find says good surf fishing can be still have some good shark fishing even though there are more of ings, however, is often mistaken pompano. Most of our best pom- found both within the SPI city for black tips and sandbar sharks them in the fall, the biggest ones as a curse by inexperienced surf pano fishing is during periods of limits, as well as along Cameron during the winter.” stay all winter.” fishermen. really low tides.”
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Exhibits Fishing: The latest in all types of fishing equipment from manufacturers around the world. Visit the Lone Equipment: displayed and demonstrated. Star Outdoor Boats: Boats from all over the South com- News booth. pletely rigged with all the electronic gear Renew or and equipment. Blue water rigs equipped to tackle the Gulf and Bay boat rigs will be sign up for a on display. FREE trial Guides: Guides for both freshwater and subscription saltwater will be present in large numbers from all over the world. and get a Vacation: National and regional resort FREE lure. areas, marinas and fishing camps. Experts are available to help the fisherman plan a vacation Seminars: Fishing seminars will be con- ducted. The “clinics” will be staffed with freshwater and saltwater experts. www.houstonfishingshow.com January 26, 2007 Page 15 MADE IN TEXAS Bowyer’s crafty curves hit the target ‘Traditional archery has come back huge’
By Mary Helen Aguirre Most of the woods he uses are exotics. He mixes such woods as bamboo, bird’s-eye maple and rosewood to create Bill Forman and his crew is busily bows that are pleasing to the eye as well preparing for the Traditional as efficient in the field. His bows range Bowhunters Expo in Kalamazoo, Mich. in price from the high $500s to about The owner of Great Plains Traditional $800. Bow Company will be taking 26 to 28 His customers vary from bow hunters of his handcrafted bows, including sev- who are just starting out to experienced eral of his new SR Swift Series Take archers. His bows are also popular in Down Recurves to the Jan. 26-28 show. Europe, where he has distributors in Forman said he enjoys meeting peo- Belgium and Barcelona. ple, letting them try out his bows, and “A lot of our business goes to Europe. answering questions about his craft. They really like American equipment, “It’s been a blast,” he said about his especially stuff made in Texas,” he said. business, which is almost two decades And although he has customers old. across the United States, he does a lot of “We kicked off about ’89 in Pampa,” business in the Midwest (Indiana alone said Forman, whose wife of 36 years, has almost a quarter-million registered Linda, recently joined the company. bow hunters). Forman was a custom cabinet maker Todd Smith, the director of sales/mar- and a homebuilder for many years, but keting for 3Rivers Archery in Ashley, also had been building bows as a hobby. In., describes Forman as one of the pre- When he saw a resurgence in tradi- mier bowyers in the country. tional bow hunting, he made the Forman makes 3 Rivers’ Tomahawk switch from hobbyist to full-time bowyer. line of bows. They’ve also carried “Traditional archery has come back Forman’s bows for close to 20 years. huge,” said Forman, adding that “We sell a lot of his bows,” Smith said. although compound bows still domi- “He builds an excellent bow. His atten- nate the sport, there is a definite market tion to detail is impressive.” for archers who opt for traditional Smith said Forman’s company is very bows. picky. “It’s very difficult to find a flaw One of his first bows was a take-down (in his work).” recurve bow. His product line has since Forman’s bestseller this year? expanded to include several recurves, “The SR Swift Series is just exploding long bows and long curves. on us,” he said. “It’s just the hottest “We build more types and styles of bow in the country.” traditional bows than any other compa- He describes it as unique, beautiful ny,” he said. and a very quick bow. And, he adds it Forman said his company is the sec- was recently used by a bow hunter to ond largest custom bow company in take down a buffalo in Nebraska: “It the United States. He employs five full- shot clean through it,” he said. timers and estimates that this year, the To browse Forman’s line or to order a company will produce about 730 bows. handcrafted bow, visit www.great- “We know we’re going to be busy all plains.pampa.com; for more informa- year,” he said. tion, call (806) 665-5463. BILL FORMAN HOLDS THE SR SWIFT "BLACK HAWK." REACH Ellett Brothers continues THOUSANDS support of Heritage Fund Ellett Brothers, a Chapin, S.C. years by hosting a special silent auc- wholesale distributor of outdoor tion during their annual buyers OF sporting goods products, has donat- show. ed an additional $30,000 in support Contributions from Heritage of the National Shooting Sports Fund members provide the hunting Foundation’s Hunting and Shoot- and shooting sports industry with a ing Sports Heritage Fund. powerful voice in Washington, One of the Heritage Fund’s origi- D.C., and the ability to build on the nal distributor members, Ellett industry’s long-standing commit- Brothers also has raised $130,000 for ment to firearm safety and responsi- READERS the Heritage Fund over the last four bility. Tackle firm announces acquisition Shakespeare Fishing Tackle, a and spinning reels and saltwater PLACE YOUR leading manufacturer of fishing rods. rods, reels, fishing line and acces- These products include the sories, announced the acquisi- Penn International®, Senators®, ADVERTISING tion of Penn Fishing Tackle Mfg. GT, and GTO trolling reels, as well Co. Founded in 1932, Penn is the as Slammer® and Spinfisher® SSM IN TEXAS’ market leader in saltwater trolling and SSG spinning reels. PREMIER New & Used OUTDOOR STORAGE CONTAINERS NEWSPAPER
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an official position on building the additional coal plants, but it is questioning the rush to build Plants them. Continued from Page 1 Executive Vice President Kirby Brown notes that Texas is one of several states bidding for a fed- mercury, a neurotoxin that can damage fetal eral project called FutureGen, which proposes to brain development. Coal plants are the primary build a coal plant that has almost no emissions source of the mercury. thanks to the use of modern technology. Parten, president of Texas Black Bass “Why are they trying to rush in under the wire, Unlimited, fears the mercury problem in Texas when we can see zero emissions being the stan- lakes is only going to get worse after Gov. Rick dard not too far in the future?” Brown asked. “The Perry ordered the state’s environmental com- technology seems to be there. This would just add mission to speed up the permitting process for at to emission problems we already have in our met- least 17 proposed coal plants. Parten’s group ropolitan areas, as well as for those people who opposes the requests. live in rural areas, not to mention our wildlife.” “I’m just a construction worker who fishes,” TXU’s Kleckner, however, argues that any bene- Parten said. “But I don’t like what I see. It scares fits from FutureGen are years away. me.” “FutureGen representatives recently told a Twelve lakes in Texas, along with some areas in national coal organization that the project would the Gulf of Mexico, are designated by the Texas begin seeing results in 2015,” he said. Department of State Health Services as being “Unfortunately, Texas can’t afford to wait.” contaminated by mercury. The most recent advi- There are more than 1,000 coal plants in the sory was issued in October 2006 for Canyon Lake United States. Texas has 20 of them, including near New Braunfels. Elevated levels of mercury five of the nation’s top 10 coal plants as far as total were found in striped bass and longnose gar. mercury emissions, according to a study done by “If Rick Perry is going to allow power plants to the former enforcement chief of the be grandfathered in without clean air and clean Environmental Protection Agency. Ranked num- water concerns, we oppose that,” Parten said. ber one is TXU’s Martin Lake plant near “And all indications are, emphatically, that’s Longview. what he’s working toward.” Texas is proceeding with the certification Leading the way on the fast track is TXU process for the coal plants despite the fact the Energy, which wants to build 11 plants that state doesn’t know the extent of mercury contam- would use pulverized coal from Wyoming. TXU ination in its lakes and rivers. has made a public pledge to reduce emissions There is no designated funding to routinely test from the proposed plants by 20 percent, Texas’ water bodies for contaminants, said Zack although it’s not said how that would be done. Thomas, an environmental specialist for the Perry issued a written statement declaring Texas Department of State Health Services. that the state’s energy demand will grow 35 per- Testing is done through grants, usually from the cent by 2025, so “Texas must begin building EPA. TDSHS couldn’t tell Lone Star Outdoor News additional energy generation now.” how many Texas lakes and rivers have been tested A TXU official echoed that claim. “Unless the for mercury. Texas energy industry acts now, our electricity “Most of the areas we’ve tested have historical- supply will fall below reliable levels in the next 24 ly had contaminant issues,” Thomas said. months,” said spokesman Tom Kleckner. “And Parten wants Texas’ lakes tested for mercury we’ll face potential rolling blackouts, higher before considering requests to build more coal prices and job losses.” plants. A spokesman for the Lone Star Chapter of the “I think it would be a giant step for the health Sierra Club, however, disputes the energy short- and welfare of Texans for us to know on a lake by age claim. lake basis just what we’re facing,” he said. “If “There’s not a shortage,” said Neil Carman. we’ve got a problem, let’s fix it. Sadly, I’ve never “ERCOT, a private entity organized by utilities heard one politician say he’d like to make it hap- that makes sure reliable energy is on the electrical pen.” grid, wants a cushion in the generating system. They claim by 2010 the cushion will be less than Next Issue: Who is lining up for and against the 13 percent.” plants and the dispute over the plants’ effect if they're COAL CONCERNS: Stephen Fatherree, front of boat, and Tom Shirey fish Lake Monticello with coal The Texas Wildlife Association hasn’t taken built. power plants in the background. Photo by David J. Sams.
purchases its mallards from Ducks & Ducks. “Raising mallards has been going on for many Breeding years without any problems. We occasionally have a few wild birds come in to the roost, but Continued from Page 1 the wild and domestic birds don’t mix and min- Texas — and shooting preserves that release gle – the wild birds do their own thing for a short them prior to hunting them. He also sells birds while and then leave.” to dog trainers. He releases mallards into the Noe, Taggart and Herndon sued the AGFC in wild so they can exercise their flight muscles, December 2004. They argued the MBTA is the becoming “more wild” before people hunt exclusive authority for waterfowl and states them, he explained. could not legally impose any more restrictive “I release birds on area waterways that I own requirements on duck breeding or shooting. or lease,” Noe said. “When the birds mature, I They further argued the AGFC tried to put them trap them again and haul them to my cus- out of business, Noe said. tomers. People can raise quail and pheasants in “We have been in business since 1984,” Noe pens and release them to fly short distances. said. “In 2004, the AGFC wrote a regulation that Mallards need to exercise to fly long distances. forbids what I do. They destroyed my business If they grow up in a pen, they can’t fly long dis- and nearly put me into bankruptcy. The state tances. It damages their wings and they don’t said I could no longer release ducks into the build up their muscles.” wild. The Migratory Bird Treaty Act does not Arkansas law allows game breeders to release require me to adhere to the AGFC regulations so captive birds into the wild only on the day of we sued them.” FEEDING TIME: Hundreds of ducks follow a feeding truck at Mallard Magic. An Arkansas man is fighting the hunt. Except for that day, game breeders Two courts have disagreed so far. In June for the right to release his mallards for exercise before they are sold for hunting. must keep birds in covered pens. Preserve own- 2005, Judge Leon Holmes of the U.S. District ers can also release birds during daylight hours Court for the Eastern District of Arkansas in LONE STAR for flight training and exercise from July to Little Rock sided with the AGFC, prompting the OUTDOOR NEWS Texas’ Premier Outdoor Newspaper 2006-07 TEXAS HUNTING SEASONS September, said Jim Goodhart, Arkansas Game appeal to the U.S. Eight Circuit Court of Appeals and Fish Commission general counsel. in St. Louis. The three appeals judges agreed WHITE-TAILED DEER listed — 5 ducks. Wildlife agents had already warned Noe in nothing in the MBTA prohibits states from fur- Possession Limit: Twice the daily bag limit. Late Antlerless and Spike September and October 2004 they believed he ther regulating migratory birds or by requiring SOUTH TEXAS (30 counties) Jan. 22-Feb. 4 was operating in violation of AGFC permit permits for possession, sale and release of pen- requirements. After he refused to comply, the GOOSE raised mallards. RIO GRANDE TURKEY AGFC revoked his commercial breeding status, “The AGFC was very pleased with the deci- Fall Season West Goodhart said. sion from the U.S. Eighth Circuit Court of Brooks, Kenedy, Kleberg LIGHT AND DARK GEESE Nov. 4-Feb. 6 “Taggart also received notification from the Appeals confirming that AGFC regulations of and Willacy counties Nov. 4-Feb. 25 AGFC that his operations were in violation of captive-reared mallards are valid and do not Bag Limit: QUAIL regulations dealing with the release of captive conflict with the Migratory Bird Treaty Act or Statewide Oct. 28-Feb. 25 Light Geese — 20 in the aggregate; mallards into the wild without commission federal regulations,” Goodhart said. “The com- Bag limit: 15 birds per day, 45 in possession. Dark Geese — 3 Canada and 1 white-fronted goose. approval,” Goodhart said. “He was also notified mission historically has had regulations and per- PHEASANT that he was violating permit conditions that CONSERVATION ORDER Feb. 7-March 25 mit requirements affecting breeders of wild Bag limit: 3 roosters per day, 6 in possession. require exterior boundaries of a game bird game and commercial game bird shooting Chambers, Jefferson, Liberty counties Nov. 4-Feb. 25 shooting resort to be clearly defined and posted resorts.” East with proper signage and the requirement that The court decisions reaffirmed that within DUCK LIGHT GEESE Nov. 4-Jan. 28 birds are to be enclosed in buildings or covered their borders, states can make laws more restric- High Plains Mallard Management Unit CANADA GEESE Nov. 4-Jan. 28 pens prior to the day of hunting. tive than those imposed by the federal govern- REGULAR Nov. 3-Jan. 28 Bag Limit: Following a trial held in October 2005, ment, but not less restrictive. For instance, the North Zone Herndon was found guilty of illegally releasing U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service allows hunters in REGULAR Dec. 9-Jan. 28 Light Geese — 20 in the aggregate. 2,000 captive mallards. However, Herndon’s the Mississippi Flyway to bag four mallards, South Zone Dark Geese — 3 Canada and 2 white-fronted. REGULAR GUN Dec. 9-Jan. 28 conviction was overturned by Lee County including two hens, per day. The AGFC only Possession Limit: Twice the daily bag limit for dark Circuit Judge Harvey J. Yates, who ruled that the allows sportsmen hunting in Arkansas to bag Duck Bag Limit: MBTA prohibited the AGFC from enforcing one hen mallard per day. The daily bag limit shall be 5 ducks with the following geese, no possession limit for light geese. additional state regulations of waterfowl.” Noe vowed to continue fighting. He’s lobbied species and sex restrictions — scaup, redhead and wood duck — 2 ducks; only 1 from the following aggregate CONSERVATION ORDER Jan. 29-March 25 Texas does not impose the Arkansas-type state and federal lawmakers, but faces an uphill bag: 1 hen mallard, or 1 pintail, or 1 canvasback, or 1 (Seasons on other species may be found on restrictions. “I don’t understand why they have battle. "dusky duck" (includes mottled duck, Mexican-like these restrictions,” said Doug Cannon of “It’s not an uphill battle, it’s a mountain,” he duck, black duck, and their hybrids); all other ducks not the TPW Web site — tpwd.state.tx.us/) Greystone Castle in Thurber. Greystone Castle admitted. “What we do is legal, no question.” January 26, 2007 Page 17 HEROES
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BASS FISHING 1-4 — $750 EA. 5 & Up — $650 EA. 9 Ponds • Room & Board Boats & Motors Catch 50-100 Fish/Day Friday Noon - Sunday Noon BILL WHITFIELD 210-494-6421 WWW.BILLWHITFIELD.COM
ULTIMATE 4 WD HUNTING VEHICLE! 1982 Jeep Scrambler: 5 speed, re- movable hard top, Rhino liner floors and truck bed, power steering and brakes, air- conditioning, AM/FM CD player, fog lights, PIAA lights, bed lights, front- or rear- mounted 5K# winch with quick connects. Don’t wait. Enjoy it this hunting season. 117K miles. Priced at $14,500. Call Anthony at (214) 212-9292. Page 18 January 26, 2007
BAY’S BEST BOAT BUYER’S GUIDE 1902 Bay Boat 221 Winyah by Century Bay Boat by Boats Scout Boats THE SPECS: This boat is THE SPECS: This 22-foot- 18 feet, 4 inches long, long handlaid fiberglass boat with an 8-foot beam. It has an 8-foot, 6-inch beam. weighs (without engine) Its dry weight (without about 2,000 pounds. Its engine) is about 1,940 fuel capacity is 50 gallons pounds. The boat can accom- with a maximum modate seven people. Its horsepower of 150. fuel capacity is 61 gallons ANGLERS WILL LIKE: with a 250 HP maximum. With the new 1902 Bay Boat anglers can experience the best of both flats and nearshore fishability. ANGLERS WILL LIKE: All-new for 2007, the 221 Winyah Bay offers the same durability as the company’s Features include a roomy casting platform, live baitwell, 45-gallon fish box, rod boxes, a 94-quart cooler, other four bay boat models in a more tournament-style package. The low-profile design of the 221, combined tacklebox, loads of storage, plus more. with ample casting space, via a fore and aft raised casting deck, creates a versatile angling platform. The bow BOTTOM LINE, ACCORDING TO MANUFACTURER: The unmatched reliability of Yamaha outboard contains a large storage area, complete with a generous anchor locker with overboard drain. And there is power and the rugged V-Tech hull design get fishermen from bay to bay with ease. It’s new, but it’s a plenty of room for rods and reels with six lockable rod storage compartments located on each side of the Century through and through - built for the challenge of any fishing conditions. deck, three vertical rod racks on each side of the console, four stainless steel flush mount rod holders that line MSRP: $31,091, with Yamaha F150 outboard motor (does not include trailer). the boat and two additional zero-degree stainless steel flush mount rod holders at the console. For additional features and options or for dealers: www.centuryboats.com or BOTTOM LINE, ACCORDING TO MANUFACTURER: With the ability to perform well in rough waters (850) 769-0311. and a remarkable 10-inch draft allowing it to ghost over shallow waters, this center console provides tremendous fishability. MSRP: $40,023, when equipped with a Yamaha F150TXR outboard motor. For additional features and options or for dealers: www.scoutboats.com or (843) 821-0068.
2200 Pure Bay 220 Bay Champ by Blue Wave by Champion Boats Boats THE SPECS: This boat is 21 THE SPECS: This boat is 21- feet, 4 inches long, with a feet, 6-inches long, with a 102-inch beam. Its dry 102-inch beam. It weighs weight is about 1,700 about 1,900 pounds, and can pounds with a 1,751-pound accommodate five people (8-person) weight capacity. (900 pounds). Its fuel Its fuel capacity is 60 gallons, capacity is 54 gallons, with a with a maximum horsepower maximum horsepower of 225 of 225. horsepower. ANGLERS WILL LIKE: This boat has a large front casting deck with lockable storage and a large back casting ANGLERS WILL LIKE: With a shallow-draft hull that delivers a drier, smoother ride, this boat boasts a fully- deck. It features a leaning post with a 72-quart ice chest, an aerated livewell in the front console, rod storage, lined deck with skid-resistant surfaces plus spacious forward and aft casting platforms. Features include a 29- an insulated fish box, a Parks console with six flush-mounted rod holders plus more. Its windscreen, stainless gallon lighted console-seat baitwell and a 25-gallon aft release well, eight console mounted rod holders and a steel grab rail and rear bench seat are removable. 55-gallon forward insulated fish box and two extra-large storage compartments. It has a removable windshield BOTTOM LINE, ACCORDING TO MANUFACTURER: An accumulation of two years of intense design with a fold-down handrail and leaning post. and study has given Blue Wave the leading edge product in the liner V-Hull market. With the newest, state-of- BOTTOM LINE, ACCORDING TO MANUFACTURER: The new 220 Bay Champ offers best in class the-art materials and manufacturing methods ... customers know they are getting the absolute best value for amenities and fishability demanded by experienced inshore fishermen. their money. MSRP: $27,995. For additional features and options or for dealers: www.championboats.com or (615) 494- MSRP: $43,096, when rigged with a Yamaha F150TXR motor ( includes the prop, battery and trailer) 2090. For additional features and options or for dealers: www.bluewaveboats.com or (800) 432-6768. 2200 XL Bay ZX22V Bay Boat Boat by by Skeeter Boats Pathfinder Boats THE SPECS: This 22-foot, 6- inch long boat has a 101-inch THE SPECS: This boat is 21 beam. Its dry weight is 1,850 feet, 10 inches long, with an pounds and can accommodate 8 8-foot, 6-inch beam. Its dry people and gear with a maximum weight (with a Yamaha F150 weight capacity of 1,851 pounds. outboard) is about 2,615 Its fuel capacity is 60 gallons with pounds. Its fuel capacity is 60 a maximum horsepower of 250. gallons, with a maximum ANGLERS WILL LIKE: This boat horsepower of 250. combines all of the attributes ANGLERS WILL LIKE: needed to run fast, smooth and dry in rough waters when seeking gamefish outside of protected waters, including a 19- Designed with the new XL hull to optimize the performance of larger four-stroke outboards, this Pathfinder inch interior depth and a no splash-well design. Its 14- to 16-inch draft allows anglers to float shallow for inshore features safe and comfortable open water performance, plus spacious self-bailing cockpits, rod racks and locking sportfish. There are two wide-open fishing platforms and ample space for gear storage. The bow and stern fishing rod storage, oversized consoles, big baitwells plus ample dry storage. platforms feature three stainless steel seat bases for optional 13-inch fixed height fishing seat or bike seat with Power Pro BOTTOM LINE, ACCORDING TO MANUFACTURER: The 2200 combines fishing-smart features, Pole. A 32-gallon rear/center live/releasewell and oval-shaped console baitwell both feature fill and recirculation comfort, safety, and versatility...giving anglers and their families the most value ever offered in a bay boat this modes with timer to keep bait refreshed. Gear and rods can be stored in the bow storage box, insulated 32-gallon size. starboard/bow fishbox, four tubular horizontal rod storage holders and rear storage area. MSRP: $38,714, when equipped with a Yamaha F150 outboard motor. BOTTOM LINE, ACCORDING TO MANUFACTURER: “The ZX22V Bay Boat is the ultimate saltwater coastal For additional features and options or for dealers: www.pathfinderboats.com or (888) 742-5569 fishing machine in the 22-foot length category,” says Ben Jarrett, Skeeter’s National Sales Manager. According to (SHALLOW). Jarrett, Skeeter receives product design requests from every segment of the U.S. coast. MSRP: $54,740, when equipped with a Yamaha F250 outboard motor. For additional features and options or for dealers: www.skeeterboats.com or (800) 753-3837. 2300 Bay Boat 238 DLV by by Ranger Carolina Skiff THE SPECS: This 23-foot, THE SPECS: This bay boat is 2-inch long boat has a 100 22-feet, 10-inches long and 1/2-inch beam. It weighs has a 96-inch beam. It has an about 2,640 pounds, with a 18-gallon fuel tank and a 300 maximum horsepower. maximum horsepower of 175. ANGLERS WILL LIKE: At ANGLERS WILL LIKE: This the stern, an integrated bay boat features a fiberglass engine setback works with a deck track, console, front specially engineered tunnel deck and short rear deck with between the hull pad and a livewell. Color options are outboard for easier black, navy, red, teal or yellow. Besides many standard features, Carolina Skiff also offers various upgrade operation in the shallows, Combined with a low profile design, the Carolina-style bow flare and extra wide options, including a leaning post, rod holders, tackle box, storage, cutting board, 32-gallon lighted livewell, beam delivers comfort, less wind resistance and an extremely dry ride. The large, unobstructed casting decks walk-in console, swim platform and more. A bigger gas tank also is optional. are ideal for flyfishing and the oversized gunnels deliver additional fishing space. It has two rod storage boxes; BOTTOM LINE, ACCORDING TO MANUFACTURER: This fish-finding boat features a full cast of features an oversized fish box; a cooler; a recirculating, aerated livewell; plus additional storage areas. It comes in a and can be customized with various affordable upgrades. variety of colors. MSRP: $14,000 (for basic boat package, without engine or trailer). BOTTOM LINE, ACCORDING TO MANUFACTURER: Called the “Ultimate Bay Boat,” this model is For additional features and options or for dealers: www.carolinaskiff.com or (800) 422-7282. known for its detailed finish and overall versatility. MSRP: $45,920, with an F250 Yamaha outboard motor and trailer. For additional features and options or for dealers: www.rangerboats.com or (800) 373-2628 (BOAT). Call (214) 361 2276
January 26, 2007 Page 19 FISHING REPORT ALAN HENRY: Water lightly stained; 40 degrees. Crappie are fair on min- on spinnerbaits and Texas-rigged 7" purple worms. Crappie are fair on minnows nows and jigs. and jigs. Catfish are good on nightcrawlers and prepared baits. AMISTAD: Water clear; 50-52 degrees. Striped bass are fair on jigging LAKE O' THE PINES: Water stained; 46-52 degrees; 0.98' low. Black bass are SALTWATER HOT BITES spoons, slabs, and grubs. White bass are fair on jigging spoons, slabs, and fair on Carolina-rigged watermelon seed french fries, medium diving crankbaits grubs. Channel and blue catfish are fair on chicken livers, cheesebait, and watermelon seed worms. (December 1st thru Feb. 28 anglers keep their shrimp, and nightcrawlers in 80 - 120 feet. first 25 crappie regardless of size). SCENE LARGEMOUTH ARROWHEAD: Water lightly stained; 48 degrees; 6.5' low. Black bass to 10 LAVON: Water stained; 44-50 degrees; 10.43' low. Black bass are fair on pounds are good near submerged timber or riprap areas with black/blue jigs white or white/chartreuse spinnerbaits, Bandit crankbaits and Rat-L-Traps in 1 NORTH SABINE: Trout are fair while and black/blue crawfish trailers. Catfish are fair on shad, punch bait and jug- - 8 feet around stumps and riprap. Crappie are fair on live minnows and jigs. wading the spoil banks on Trout Killers, BASS lines. Catfish are fair to good on cut bait and Catfish Charlie. Sand Eels and Bass Assassins. Redfish are fair to good while drifting shrimp BASTROP: Water stained; 46-50 degrees. Black bass are fair on soft plastic LBJ: Water clear; 45-48 degrees; 0.09' low. Black bass are fair to good on and mullet in the middle of the lake. worms and spinnerbaits. Channel and blue catfish are fair on stinkbait and watermelon/red Big Pig creature baits, watermelon/red Snap Back Tubes, shrimp. Chatter Baits along boulders and rocky riprap in 5 - 12 feet on seawalls. White SOUTH SABINE: Trout and redfish are bass are fair trolling Shad Raps. fair to good BOB SANDLIN: Water clear; 46-51 degrees; 8.04' low. Black bass are fair around the on chrome jigging spoons and Texas-rigged motor oil worms. Crappie are fair LEWISVILLE: Water stained; 45-51 degrees; 6.6' low. White bass are fair on Causeway AMISTAD: Black bass are very good on on minnows and jigs. Catfish are fair on nightcrawlers. slab spoons in 25-35 feet at the mouths of major creeks. Catfish are good on Bridge on watermelon red spinnerbaits, BRAUNIG: Water stained; 54-60 degrees. Black bass are good on spinner- cut shad under trees where cormorants are roosting. shrimp and crankbaits, and soft plastics. baits, live minnows, and dark soft plastic worms in the reed beds and near LIVINGSTON: Water fairly clear; 48-52 degrees; 1.54' high. Black bass are limetreuse and CONROE: Black bass are good on the dam. Striped bass are good on liver and shad, and down rigging spoons. good on crankbaits and spinnerbaits. Striped bass are excellent but small on glow soft plastics. Flounder are fair to watermelon red and chartreuse spinner- Channel and blue catfish are good on liver, shrimp, perch, and shad in 20 - Rat-L-Traps and crankbaits. good on mud minnows from the piers. baits, crankbaits, and Rat-L-Traps. 30 feet. MACKENZIE: Water lightly stained; 40 degrees; 7' low. White bass and striped Redfish and black drum are fair to good at the jetty on crabs and mullet. POSSUM KINGDOM: Black bass are BROWNWOOD: Water stained; 47 degrees; 6.90' low. Black bass to 4 bass are fair on slabs and live bait. Walleye are fair on slabs tipped with min- good near boat docks and back of coves pounds are good on 3/8oz. black/blue and Baby Turtle StrikeWorks jigs, and nows. BOLIVAR: Trout are fair in three to five on soft plastics or shad and crawfish slow rolling heavy cover spinnerbaits between docks and over brushpiles. MEDINA: Water stained; 59-52 degrees; 35.92' low. Black bass are fair on feet of water over scattered shell. imitation crankbaits. White bass are fair on minnows. shallow running crankbaits and YUM Dingers on main lake points early, and Redfish, black drum and whiting are fair to good in the surf on shrimp and mullet. TOLDEO BEND: Black bass are good on BUCHANAN: Water clear; 47-50 later on drop shots with green pump- flukes and black/blue jigs up Patroon degrees; 22.72' low. Black bass are kin Fork tails. White bass are good TRINITY BAY: Trout are fair to good Creek. fair on brown 3/16oz. Curb's hair on live minnows and vertically jigging while drifting shell on red/white and fire jigs, black/blue Terminator Football KT Lures off main lake points in 20 - tiger Trout Killers, Bass Assassins and Head jigs, and smoke/red tubes on HOT SPOT 30 feet. Crappie are fair. Sand Eels. Redfish are fair to good at WHITE jigheads in 10 - 15 feet. MEREDITH: Water lightly stained; 40 the Spillway on peeled shrimp. CALAVERAS: Water stained; 55-60 degrees; 32.5' low. Black bass are EAST GALVESTON BAY: Trout are fair on degrees. Black bass are good on slow. Crappie are fair on jigs and protected reefs on free-lined shrimp and HYBRID crankbaits, live minnows, and dark minnows. White bass are fair on live pumpkinseed and red shad Bass soft plastic worms and live minnows bait. Walleye are fair on slabs tipped Assassins, Sand Eels and Trout Killers. TRIPER around structure, near the dam, and with minnows. WEST GALVESTON BAY: Trout are fair S over reed beds. Striped bass are fair NASWORTHY: Water lightly stained; on the shell near Confederate and down rigging Rat-L-Traps near the 50 degrees. Crappie are fair on min- Carancuhua Reefs. Redfish are scattered dam in 15 - 20 feet and near the nows and jigs. White bass and in the holes and channels on shrimp and power lines on the north side of the striped bass are fair. Catfish are fair mullet. lake. on live baits. TEXAS CITY: Black drum, whiting, sand CANYON LAKE: Water clear; 47-51 O.H. IVIE: Water lightly stained; 50 trout and sheepshead are fair on fresh degrees; 6.75' low. Black bass are degrees; 21.78' low. Black bass are dead shrimp from the dike. Redfish are ARROWHEAD: White bass are good on fair on 3/16oz. jigs, purple worms fair on live baits and crankbaits along fair to good in the holes at the entrance shad-imitation lures and white soft plas- on 'shaky' jigheads, and white sus- secondary points and channels. of Moses Lake on mullet and shrimp. tics off deeper points. pending crankbaits along bluff Crappie are fair on minnows and jigs. ledges inside of secondary points in FREEPORT: Gafftop, whiting, BUCHANAN: Striped bass are good ver- White bass are good on live baits and sheepshead, redfish and flounder are fair tically jigging Pirk Minnows and 1⁄4oz. 12 - 16 feet. Striper surface activity shad imitation baits. is good on Gizz 4" crankbaits, Pirk at the jetty on live shrimp and peeled white Curb's striper jigs from Shaw to PALESTINE: Water fairly clear; 45- shrimp. Trout are fair to good while wad- Flag Islands early, and drifting live bait Minnows, Sassy Shads, and white jigs. Smallmouth bass to 3.5 51 degrees; 1.35' high. Black bass ing the shell and mud in Christmas Bay. and trolling Gizz 4" crankbaits on down PORT O’CONNOR are fair on crankbaits, spinnerbaits riggers set at 28 feet. pounds are good on smoke JDC EAST MATAGORDA: Trout are fair over grubs, smoke/red 3in. tubes, and Trout and flounder are fair to good while wading mud and shell on bone and jigs. Catfish are fair on trotlines shell and mud. Redfish are fair in the POSSUM KINGDOM: White bass are white crankbaits along points in 10 - and plum Bass Assassins, Trout Killers, Sand Eels and Corkies. Redfish with live perch. guts along the shorelines on gold good along channels vertical jigging 18 feet. are good in the guts and holes on soft plastics and gold spoons. POSSUM KINGDOM: Water clear; 49 spoons. with silver slabs north of Costello Island degrees; 2.4' low. Catfish are good with some striped bass. CEDAR CREEK: Water lightly MATAGORDA: Redfish are fair to good in stained; 46-50 degrees; 2.66' low. on set lines baited with shad in the the channels and holes on shrimp and Black bass are fair on Rat-L-Traps, Carolina-rigs and white/chartreuse spin- upper part of reservoir. mullet. Black nerbaits. White bass are fair on white Road Runners and slabs. Crappie are PROCTOR: Water murky; 46-49 degrees; 8.54' low. Black bass are good on drum, CATFISH fair minnows and jigs. Catfish are fair on cut shad and nightcrawlers. spinnerbaits and minnows. Striped bass are fair on minnows. White bass are sheepshead and CHOKE CANYON: Water lightly stained; 48-51 degrees; 7.56' low. Black fair on minnows. Crappie are fair on minnows and tube jigs early. redfish are fair bass are fair on crawfish deep running crankbaits, chartreuse/black shallow RAY HUBBARD: Water fairly clear; 43-50 degrees; 1.94' low. Crappie are fair to good at the running crankbaits, and Carolina rigged watermelon seed 12" worms in backs on minnows and jigs at the fishing barges and around bridge columns. White jetty on live shrimp and finger mullet. of coves early. White bass are fair on pearl fat free shad and vertically jigging bass are fair to good on white or chartreuse slabs and Humdingers. Hybrid ROCKPORT: Trout and redfish are fair gay blades off main lake points in 10-20 feet. Crappie are fair. striper are fair to good on slabs. Catfish are fair on chartreuse (use Worm-Glo) on the deep reefs in Copano Bay and nightcrawlers. CALAVERAS: Channel catfish are excel- COLETO CREEK: Water lightly stained; 58-60 degrees (65 degrees at hot San Antonio Bay. Redfish are fair to lent on liver, shrimp, and nightcrawlers. water discharge); 3.13' low. Black bass to 8 pounds are fair on soft plastics RAY ROBERTS: Water stained; 45-48 degrees; 7.48' low. White bass are good good at California Hole on mud min- Blue catfish are good on liver and night- in 10 - 13 feet. on CC jigging spoons and chartreuse Bomber slabs in 25-35 feet (use short nows, mullet and live shrimp. crawlers. CONROE: Water stained; 1.99' high. Striped bass are fair on live bait. infrequent hops with your bait). Catfish are good on punch bait under roosting PORT ARANSAS: Black drum are fair cormorants. CHOKE CANYON: Channel and blue Crappie are fair on minnows. Catfish are good on stinkbait, cutbait, and bait from the piers on crabs and peeled catfish are excellent on Lewis' Select shrimp. SAM RAYBURN: Water murky; 46-50 degrees; 1.85' high. Black bass are fair shrimp. Redfish are fair at the end of the jetty on crabs, shrimp and mullet. catfish bait and cut shad in 6 - 20 feet. DUNLAP/MCQUEENEY: Water stained; 47-50 degrees. Crappie are good on on chartreuse/blue and chartreuse/white Carolina rigged soft plastics, Yellow catfish are good on trotlines bait- minnows and chartreuse tube jigs. Channel catfish are good on frozen crankbaits, and spinnerbaits. Crappie are fair on minnows and chartreuse tube CORPUS CHRISTI: Trout are fair to ed with hybrid bluegills in 6 - 15 feet. shrimp, liver, nightcrawlers, and stinkbait. Blue catfish are good on live jigs. good while wading and drifting scat- MEDINA: Catfish are very good on perch. STAMFORD: Water lightly stained; 49 degrees; 3' low. Crappie are fair on jigs tered shell and mud in Nueces Bay on Lewis' Select catfish bait and whole and minnows. White and striped bass are fair on live baits. red shad and plum Bass Assassins, FALCON: Water stained; 50-54 degrees. Black bass are fair on watermelon Trout shad, and on juglines baited with perch red Sweet Beavers, jigs, and soft plastics. Channel and blue catfish are good STILLHOUSE: Water murky; 44-49 degrees; 2.69' low. Crappie are fair on in 10 - 25 feet. minnows. Channel and blue catfish are fair on shrimp and stinkbait. Killers on cutbait and shrimp. and Sand FAYETTE: Water lightly stained; 60 degrees. Black bass are fair on watermel- TAWAKONI: Water stained; 44-51 degrees; 9.11' low. White bass are fair on Eels. RAPPIE on red and watermelon gold Finesse worms, Senkos, and Bass Assassins in 8 slabs and live minnows. Striped bass and hybrid striper are fair on slabs and Redfish C - 10 feet. Channel and blue catfish are good on juglines baited with shiners live shad. Catfish are fair on nightcrawlers. are fair on shrimp and mullet in the in 8 feet. TEXOMA: Water clear; 44-51 degrees; 2.16' low. Black bass are fair on Texas deep channels and holes near Pelican FORK: Water clear; 47-51 degrees; 2.48' low. Black bass are fair on rigged 7" black/blue Power Worms, crankbaits and Carolina rigs. Striped bass Island. black/blue jigs trimmed with No. 11 black pork trailers around wood in the are good on Sassy Shad and live shad. BAFFIN BAY: Trout are fair on the mouths of coves and 1⁄2oz. white/chartreuse spinnerbaits along main lake TOLEDO BEND: Water murky; 47-52 degrees; 1.74' low. White bass are good ledges of the Intracoastal on plastics. grass lines. Crappie are fair on minnows and small jigs in 30-38 feet under on minnows. Channel and blue catfish are good on trotlines baited with hearts Redfish and black drum are fair in the main lake bridges and around brush piles. Catfish are good on prepared baits and cutbait. holes and guts of the Humble Channel. LAKE O’ THE PINES: Crappie are good in 23-25 feet along creeks. on minnows and jigs from Watts Island TRAVIS: Water stained; 46-50 degrees; 35.12' low. Black bass are fair on PORT MANSFIELD: Trout and redfish to the dam along the old creek channel GIBBONS CREEK: Water stained. Black bass are good on watermelon red watermelon soft plastic worms, and chartreuse crankbaits. Channel and blue are fair to good over grass beds and in 30 - 35 feet. crankbaits, spinnerbaits, and Rat-L-Traps. Crappie are fair on minnows and catfish are good on fresh cutbait and bait shrimp in 20 - 30 feet. sand holes on bone and fire tiger Trout green tube jigs. Catfish are good on cutbait, stinkbait, and bait shrimp. LIVINGSTON: Crappie are good on min- WALTER E. LONG: Water lightly stained. Channel and blue catfish are good on Killers, Bass Assassins and Sand Eels. nows. GRANBURY: Water murky; 44-48 degrees; 0.95' low. Black bass are fair on stinkbait and shrimp. Best bite has been in the afternoon. Carolina rigged watermelon red and watermelon/green soft plastics, WEATHERFORD: Water stained; 40-43 degrees; 8.99' low. Black bass are fair SOUTH PADRE: Redfish are fair on crankbaits, and spinnerbaits. Striped bass are fair on minnows. Crappie are on shad pattern finesse baits, jerkbaits and spinnerbaits around the docks and gold spoons and red/white Red Killers, BREAM fair on minnows and chartreuse tube jigs. Catfish are good on cutbait, on the rocky point. Bass Assassins and Trout Killers in the stinkbait, and chicken livers. holes and deep guts. Trout, redfish and WHITE RIVER: Water lightly stained; 47 degrees; 27.4' low. Black bass are black drum are fair to good on shrimp GRANGER: Water murky; 46-50 degrees; 5.42' high. White bass are fair on fair on live baits and dark jigs in buck brush. Crappie are fair on jigs and min- in the Ship Channel. shad upriver. Blue catfish are fair on juglines baited with shad. nows. PORT ISABEL: Trout and redfish are HOUSTON COUNTY: Water stained; 53 degrees; 1.60' high. Black bass to 3 WHITNEY: Water stained; 44-49 degrees; 8.27' low. Black bass are fair on fair at Airport Cove and Un-Necessary pounds are fair on cotton candy brush hogs in 14 feet. watermelon red and white Carolina rigged soft plastics. Crappie are fair on Island on black, plum and red shad HUBBARD CREEK: Water lightly stained; 49 degrees; 12.48' low. Black bass minnows. Catfish are good on stinkbait, cutbait, and shrimp. TOLDEO BEND: Bream are good on plastics. Trout, black drum, are fair on shad-colored crankbaits along secondary points and channels. WICHITA: Water lightly stained; 47 degrees. White bass and hybrid striped worms. Crappie are fair on jigs and minnows. Catfish are fair on cutbaits and prepared sheepshead and redfish are fair on bass are good on minnows and white twister-tails along the dam, near old shrimp, squid and mullet at the jetty. baits. pier poles, and by spillway using live shad and a bobber. Channel catfish are JOE POOL: Water fairly clear; 47-51 degrees; 1.91' high. Black bass are fair good on trotlines baited with cut shad. SUBSCRIBE TODAY 24 issues for $25 Get the most current hunting NAME and fishing ADDRESS information in print, including reports, tips, features, CITY ST. ZIP product reviews and EMAIL conservation news
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