Fall — Stick ‘em or Catch ‘em

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TEXAS“Texas’ Most Comprehensive OutdoorsOUTDOORS Publication” Journal

September 2015 / $3.99 Getting Over The Hump | Cast ’N Blast or Blast ’N Cast Lower “Pick of Plenty” | First Time Dove Hunters Best Caliber to Carry | Birds, Baits, & Big Bite Patterns texasoutdoorsjournal.com

coastal & lake forecasts | tide & solunar tables FINANCING LAND OWNERSHIP TEXAS“Texas’ Most Comprehensive OUTDOORSOutdoors Publication” September 2015 Journal

For Hunters . . . For Anglers . . . 14 A New Beginning - First time Freshwater Saltwater hunters and those with years of 18 Bassology 10 Just experience celebrate special times —Matt Williams —Robert Sloan afield when dove seasons open.— Texas Lakes Earn Top Billing in Stick ‘em and Catch ‘em Bob Zaiglin Popular Fishing Magazine 20 Just Fishing 30 Getting Over the Hump- Anglers —Nate Skinner contend with a variety of changing Upper Coast — Fall’s Birds, Baits, factors as summer begins to transi- and Big Bite Patterns tion to fall.—Matt Williams CoastWatch – Danno Wise 26 Lower Forecast 28 Middle Forecast 24 Just Shooting 50 Upper Forecast —Kerry O’Day 52 Louisiana Forecast The Best Caliber to Carry 34 Saltwater Journal 46 Cast -N- Blast or Blast -N- Cast - —Mark Sosin It’s a South Texas thing — inshore Looks Are Deceiving and offshore fishing, with a choice of 40 Pick of Plenty- Whether inshore or dove or duck hunting. nearshore, anglers have a variety of —Nate Skinner available species to target in the Lake Roundups — Pros Forecasts fall.—Danno Wise 36 East – Matt Williams 38 North – Brian Hughes 44 Central – John Jefferson NMLS493828 56 South - Danno Wise 57 West – TOJ Staff 57 High Plains – TOJ Staff 60 Tackle Tips & Techniques 54 Guns N Stuff —Danno Wise Let us finance your hunting retreat —Harold Gunn Fall Transition to Shallow Water FINANCING Dove Season Guns and Gear Fishing 58 Tackle Tips & Techniques Rural Land —Danno Wise 62 Field Tips & Techniques— Homes Catching September’s Spanish Nate Skinner & Danno Wise Farms & Ranches Mackerel Early Season Teal Tips Livestock & Equipment Operating Capital Improvements For Everyone . . . On the Cover . . . Agribusiness 4 Editor’s Insight – Bill L. Olson “Windmill Wingshoot” SERVICES 6 TOJ Notebook – TOJ Staff Real Estate Appraisal 59, 61, 63 Guides, Gear & Getaways By artist Chance Yarbrough. For Crop Insurance 64 Outdoors Calendar more information on “Windmill Leasing Wingshoot” or other fine works of 66 Fishing & Hunting Times art by Chance Yarbrough visit www. 67 Subscription Information chanceyarbroughart.com or call (254) 877.944.5500 | CapitalFarmCredit.com proud member of the Farm Credit System 424.3171.

september 2015 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal 3 B:9.5” T:7.875” S:7”

Editor’s Insight Bill L. Olson BE A KNOWLEDGEABLE HUNTER

The first day of September marks the beginning of traditional fall regulated hunting seasons that will last through the winter months and into the spring before ending for the summer respite on May 31 when the East Texas spring squirrel season concludes. “Texas’ Most Comprehensive In Texas we know we can hunt a number of exotic or non-regulated species year round. Outdoors Publication” It is also a time when hunters play a valuable role by buying license, specie specific Publisher/Editor stamps, firearms, ammunition, plus harvesting surplus animals as they assume their Bill L. Olson role as the supreme predator. Add to this the fellowship/camaraderie, passing on our hunting heritage to youth/newcomers, nutritious tablefare, support of thousands that Administrative Assistant Adala Ruhge look to food pantries for their next meal, and the shear relaxation of being outdoors. However, this year hunting has again been under attack by the liberal media and Contributing Outdoors Editors exaserbated in some instances by less experienced or knowledgeable hunters. Here are Harold Gunn Brian Hughes some examples. Mike Holmes At the start of the year, a permit to hunt black rhino was auctioned at the Dallas John Jefferson Safari Club’s annual convention. The permit was to kill a rouge black rhino that has Cody Koehler been threatening and endangering a local village. The animal was going to be put down Kerry O’Day as a nuisance whether the permit was sold or not. The sale of the permit would provide Billy Olson Nate Skinner needed funds to support the management of these endangered animals. At the auction Robert Sloan the total raised was $365,000. That proved to be a win-win situation that removed a Mark Sosin dangerous older animal, raised funds for the specie, and provided a once-in-a-lifetime Matt Williams Danno Wise hunting experience for the winning bidder and hunter. This summer the media pounced on a Minnesota dentist for taking a lion with a Whitetail Deer Editor bow in Zimbabwe. As of this writing all of the details have not been revealed and an Bob Zaiglin B:11.5” T:10.5” investigation is ongoing. Preliminary reports that this hunt may have been purchased S:9.5” Art/Production Editor by an unsuspecting hunter from an unethical outfitter. Sunni Gonzales The real issue is that this is not about a single lion, but an all out attack on hunting. Advertising Sales The issue earlier in the year was not about a single rouge black rhino, but an opportunity by the liberal media to twist the facts, or omit all of the details of the story to misinform 713/957-3997, 713/957-3996 (fax) the general public. It stems from the “humanization” of wild animals. Subscription Information When “Cecil” the lion story broke, local media in Houston converged on a popular Call 1-800-222-4TOJ (4865); In Houston, Hunting Extravaganza to ask attendees their opinion on the developing story. Men and 713/957-3997 to charge your subscription by women were interviewed that identified themselves as “deer hunters.” The comments phone. Subscription prices: one year $18.95, aired showed these “hunters” categorically supporting deer hunting but rejected the two years $29.95, three years $39.95. Mail harvesting of lions. Why? inquiries/changes of address to: One would have to assume (which is always dangerous) that hunting African game TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal was beyond what they understood. Hunters go through a maturation process over time 1706 West Sam Houston Parkway North and this not only includes their skill sets, but also their knowledge of all facets of hunting Houston, Texas 77043 including conservation, management and new worldwide opportunities.

History has proven that as long as a specie retains its economic value that species TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal (ISSN 1082-5940) is a pub- lication of Texas Outdoors Journal, Inc. Editorial and THIS KIND OF SAFETY continues to survive. In the instance of African lion, where populations allow the advertising offices are located at 1706 West Sam Houston harvesting of lion, their numbers have increased 11 percent. Where their population Parkway North, Houston TX 77043. Phone (713) 957-3997. does not allow the harvest of animals, any taking of an animal is poaching — a criminal Fax (713) 957-3996. E-MAIL ADDRESS: [email protected] offense. TOJ Online: www.texasoutdoorsjournal.com IS NO ACCIDENT. There are more reasons to support hunting: the preservation of wildlife habitat and TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal is published monthly. Photo- A 5-STAR OVERALL NHTSA SAFETY RATING.* IT DOESN’T GET ANY BETTER THAN THAT. responses to those less informed. Even within the ranks of hunters, be careful of what graphs and manuscripts for publication consideration are welcomed, but the publisher assumes no responsibility The fi rst and only light-duty pickup with a high-strength, military-grade, aluminum-alloy body /// A fully for such material while in transit or in the office of the is said, and make sure what is stated is fact based, not hearsay that is simply passed on. ** publication. boxed high-strength steel frame /// Curve Control to help you maintain control /// Available infl atable When that happens, less knowledgeable or informed hunters contribute to the attack rear safety belts for safety /// THIS IS THE FUTURE OF TOUGH. on a time-honored heritage we so dearly love. Copyright 2015 with all rights reserved. Reproduction or use of editorial or graphic content in any manner without Until next month: Pursue all of your outdoor activities in a safe and ethical manner. permission is prohibited. Views expressed by TEXAS OUT- THE F-150 DOORS Journal contributors do not necessarily express the views of Texas Outdoors Journal, Inc. Publication of *Government 5-Star Safety Ratings are part of the U.S. Department of Transportation’s New Car Assessment Program (www.SaferCar.gov). CAUTION: All technical data in this publication, especially for handloading, reflect the limited experience of individuals using specific /// FORD.COM advertising in TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal does not con- ** Remember that even advanced technology cannot overcome the laws of physics. It’s always possible to lose control of a vehicle due to tools, products, equipment and components under specific conditions and circumstances not necessarily reported in the article and inappropriate driver input for the conditions. over which Texas Outdoors Journal has no control. The data have not otherwise been tested or verified by Texas Outdoors Journal. Texas stitute endorsement of products or services advertised. Outdoors Journal, its agents, officers and employees accept no responsibility for the results obtained by persons using such data and Volume 24, Number 9 disclaim all liability for any consequential injuries or damages.

4 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal september 2015

Resize 5 Star Safety ad File: FTRK01997_FMFS8724000A_CPg_R02.indd Date: 7-9-2015 1:50 PM Rev: 2 Galley: 1 5 Star Safety Ad Consumer Pg Inks: Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black Client: Ford Division Engraver: None Fonts: Franklin Gothic Std (Condensed), ITC Franklin Links: Park_QC Steps.eps (100%), Bullet.eps (100%), FTRK01944_MPG_Spd_ Ad #: FMFS8724000A Doc Scale: 100% Gothic Std (Medium, Book, Demi Condensed, Book sd_PPK2.psd (CMYK; 300 ppi; 100%), FTRK_15BFT1in_4CHt_NS_R02_PPK.psd Agency #: 1118487 Output Size: 100% Compressed, Demi) (CMYK; 300 ppi; 100%) Park #: FTRK-01997 Media/Type: Magazine Live: 7” x 9.5” Trim: 7.875” x 10.5” Bleed: 9.5” x 11.5” Note: This document utilizes the Pantone + color library

Park ADD: S. Duerr Creative Director: B. Hambly Direct Mail Ops: Legal: Park Designer: None Art Director: B. Hambly Art Producer: S. Brouer Product Info: Park PM: S. Watz Writer: B. Henson Account Super: C. Boe Copy Editor: Park Prod Artist: palace, janet Print Producer: C. Sosin Account Exec: E. Martin Traffic: D. Connolly required endorsements that can be used Federal Duck Stamp. Spring rains brought many reservoirs for dove hunting, though it will not be to levels not seen in several years, so the TOJ Notebook allowed for the take of or wildlife that Rains Boost Lakes, hatchery fish were stocked into great require a tag. Hunting and fishing regula- Widespread rains in May and June habitat. When reservoir levels go down tions for the new season can be found in did more than end the drought and raise for several years, vegetation grows up in the 2015-2016 Outdoor Annual and are lakes to levels not seen in years. Many the dry lake bottom. When levels rise, the Prospects Bright for Dove and Early Teal Seasons available at license retailers and are online lakes that had been scheduled for stocking flooded vegetation gives little fish a place Dove hunters will have more oppor- Oct. 21, and then reopen Friday, Dec. 18 Sept. 27. The daily bag on teal remains six, at www.txoutdoorannual.com, or via the contingent on significant spring rains were to hide from predators and, as it decays, tunity earlier in the season with dates and through Monday, Jan. 18, 2016. During with a possession limit of 18. Bag limit for free Outdoor Annual mobile app available able to be stocked to take advantage of releases nutrients into the water that finalized recently by the Texas the early two weekends, the daily bag limit Canada geese will be three and a possession for Apple and Android devices. improved habitat. jumpstart the food chain. Parks and Wildlife Department. is 15 birds, to include not more than two limit of six in the Eastern Zone only. In addition to a hunting license, anyone Fortunately, TPWD freshwater fish Water level rises came to many lakes The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has mourning doves and two white-tipped “Blue-winged teal numbers (8.5 mil- born after Sept. 1, 1971, must successfully hatcheries had a better-than-expected in time for spawns from resident fish to approved the 2015-2016 Texas dove sea- doves. Once the general season opens, the lion) are way above the minimum of 4.7 complete a hunter education training production year for such popular species enjoy good habitat conditions, adding to son, including a 70-day season and 15-bird aggregate bag limit will be 15 with no more million needed for a 16-day season,” said course or purchase a one-time deferral as Florida , blue catfish, the bounty. daily bag statewide, and a 16-day early teal than two white-tipped doves. Kevin Kraai, TPWD waterfowl program good for one license year in order to hunt striped bass and palmetto bass (hybrid Those water level rises benefit all and Canada goose season. “Age-ratios (juveniles versus adults) leader. “Conditions for teal across the state legally in Texas. The certification is valid striped bass), making more fish available. species of fish, which means that fishing The traditional September 1 dove sea- from last season indicated very strong are excellent and hunters are urged to have for life and is honored in all other states TPWD has five inland fish hatcheries. should see significant improvement in the son opening day in the North and Central production in mourning doves across their fingers crossed for a timely migration and provinces. More information on One is currently closed because of water next several years, and predator species like Zones remains. The first segment in those Texas last year; we expect similar or slightly in the middle of September.” hunter education certification is available supply problems caused by drought. bass, striped bass and hybrid striped bass zones will be five days longer than last increased production this year with the Hunters are reminded that licenses online at www.tpwd.state.tx.us/out- In 2015 TPWD hatcheries produced will have plenty to eat and grow quickly. season, closing on Sunday, Oct. 25. The improved habitat conditions across nearly went on sale August 15 for the 2015-16 door-learning/hunter-education. and stocked almost 500,000 channel Information on where and how many season will reopen Friday, Dec. 18 and run all of Texas,” said Shaun Oldenburger, hunting seasons and can now be purchased A Migratory Game Bird endorsement catfish fingerlings; 800,000 blue catfish fish were stocked can be found at tpwd. through Friday, Jan. 1, 2016 in the North TPWD’s dove program leader. “However, through the agency’s 28 field offices, more and Harvest Information Program (HIP) fingerlings; 4.8 million striped bass and texas.gov/fishboat/fish/management/ and Central Zones. improved habitat conditions equal more than 50 state parks and at over 1,700 re- certification are also required to hunt dove hybrid striped bass fingerlings and 4.7 stocking. If you have questions about a particular In the South Zone, the first segment food and water on the landscape, which tailers across the state. or teal in September. HIP certification million fry; 157,000 Guadalupe bass lake, contact information for biologists in will be longer by two days compared to last means hunters may need to spend more Licenses may also be purchased on- involves a brief survey of previous year’s fingerlings; 55,000 smallmouth bass charge of each public reservoir managed year. The South Zone opens Friday, Sept. time patterning mourning doves prior to line through the TPWD website at www. migratory bird hunting success and is con- fingerlings; 129,000 bluegill fingerlings and by TPWD can be found at tpwd.texas.gov/ 18 and runs through Wednesday, Oct. 21. opening day in their area.” tpwd.state.tx.us/buy or by phone at (800) ducted at the time licenses are purchased. 7.5 million largemouth bass fingerlings. fishboat/fish/management/biologist. The second segment will run Friday, Dec. Duck hunters can anticipate improved 895-4248. Call center hours are Monday Duck hunters also need to purchase a The good news doesn’t stop there. 18 through Friday, Jan. 22, 2016. conditions for the September early teal sea- through Friday, 8 p.m. to 5 p.m. and there The daily bag limit for doves statewide son as abundant rains have filled lakes and is a required $5 administrative fee for each is 15 and the possession limit is 45. marshes for the first time in several years. phone or online transaction. The online The Special White-winged Dove Area With record numbers of teal expected to transaction system is available 24/7. For will be restricted to afternoon only (noon make their way into Texas during the up- online and phone orders, a physical license to sunset) hunting the first two full Sep- coming months, prospects should be good. will be mailed within three business days. tember weekends on Sept. 5-6 and 12-13. A 16-day statewide early teal and During that time period, a transaction Hunting in this area will reopen Friday, Eastern Zone Canada goose season will receipt will be provided via email that will Sept. 18 and continue through Wednesday, run Saturday, Sept. 12 through Sunday, be sufficient proof of hunting license and

Cover Art On the heels of a very successful “One Man Show” this sum- mer at the Rockport Art Center, Texas artist Chance Yarbrough has his second cover on TEXAS OUTDOORS JOURNAL. En- titled “Windmill Wingshoot” it is the traditional windmill, stock tank and hot shooting action for morning and white-winged dove so many Texas hunters will enjoy. Yarbrough captures some subtle elements so many dove hunters experience — each hunter selecting the hunting spot they think is best, being close enough to harass a missed shot but still provide the safety and active shooting. Plus there are the birds being shot, while other palomas zip by serving as a distraction or another shot opportunity. Plus while scanning the sky for the next inbound bird there is always that Texas sunset to contend. For more information on “Windmill Wingshoot” or other fine works of art by Chance Yarbrough visit www.chanceyarbroughart. com or call (254) 424.3171. “Windmill Wingshoot”

6 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal september 2015 september 2015 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal 7 TPWD Graduates 23 Texas Game and women in this cadet class and we • Chase M. Harper – Llano, TX – Wardens and State Park Police have complete confidence in their future Enchanted Rock State Park Officers success.” All graduates met the state- • Grant A. Klein – Nederland, TX – Sea After seven months of training, the mandated requirements for peace officer Rim State Park 59th Texas game warden cadet class certification, including criminal and • Mark A. Musumarra – Canyon, TX – graduated on July 28 with a new twist. This constitutional law, firearms, self-defense, Palo Duro Canyon State Park year marks the first time game wardens use of force, defensive driving, arrest, and state park police officers trained and search and seizure, ethics, and first aid. Blanco State Park Re-Opened graduated together in the same cadet class. The new wardens and park police are Over the Memorial Day holiday “The entire staff at the Game Warden joining the 532 game wardens and 180 weekend, more than 12 inches of rain led Training Center is very proud of this next park police officers currently in the field, the Blanco River to crest at 40 feet, causing generation of Texas game wardens and and will help enforce TPWD regulations significant flooding and damage to Blanco state park police,” said Game Warden Tracy and carry the department’s high standards State Park. After more than two months Davis, Major at the Game Warden Training to every corner of the state. of closure for cleanup and repairs, the Center. “We are confident that each officer These are the new game wardens and popular site reopened portions of the park will carry out their duties professionally park police, their hometowns, and the to visitors on Aug. 1. and with the deepest level of commitment counties or parks in which they will be Park guests will now be allowed to and service to the people of Texas, and stationed: camp and use the south side of the park their natural resources.” 59th Cadet Class for day use activities such as picnicking, Following their preparation at the Texas • James L. Adcock – Elm Mott, TX – fishing, hiking and biking. All other parts Parks and Wildlife Department Game Maverick County of the park, including the north side day- Warden Training Center in Hamilton • Gerry M. Amundson – Temple, TX – use area near the dam, will remain closed County, the 23 newly-commissioned peace Hudspeth County to the public until the grounds can be officers were recognized Tuesday, during a • Brent M. Biggs – Kerrville, TX – made safe for visitors. Due to damage to special ceremony at the Texas State Capitol. Zapata County the dam the water level is very low, and “Since 1895, game wardens have • Kevin C. Blackwell – Sweetwater, TX is not flowing over the dam at this time. played an integral part in public safety – Kent/Dickens County Due to damaged check valves in the and conservation law enforcement in • Mark E. Braddock – Alto, TX – dam, which resulted in water loss in the Texas,” said Colonel Craig Hunter, Law Hudspeth County swimming area, Belicek cautioned visitors Enforcement Director for TPWD. “We • Joshua T. Bulger – Sanger, TX – Zapata to call the park to check water levels prior are excited that this graduation marks the County to arrival. “We hope to make that repair first academy where Texas game wardens • Brent C. Deen – Huffman, TX – Val within the next few weeks, which will allow trained with state park police officers, Verde County the swimming area to resume normal and congratulate these officers as they • Anthony R. DeLuzio – San Antonio, levels,” he said. Meanwhile, looking at embark in the most rewarding careers in TX – Lamb/Bailey/Cochran Counties the statewide picture, only four Texas law enforcement.” • Benjamin Echelson – Austin, TX – state parks remain closed out of more The graduates will begin their new Webb County than 50 that were impacted during May careers stationed in counties and state • Joshua Espinoza – Graham, TX – flooding events; Cedar Hill State Park, parks throughout the state. Zapata County Lake Somerville State Park (all units), Lake The duties of a Texas game warden • Jordan S. Favreau – Coppell, TX – Whitney State Park, and Ray Roberts Lake include the enforcement of all state laws, Starr County State Park (all units). Damage assessments primarily hunting, fishing, and water safety • James R. Kilty – Damon, TX – Terrell and repairs continue at those sites. The regulations. As fully commissioned peace County latest updates on these parks can be found officers, they respond to emergencies, • Angeline M. Miller – Keller, TX – Val online at tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/park- assist other law enforcement agencies, Verde County information/park-alert-status. and work to educate the public about • Shawna M. Poole – Rusk, TX – Webb “While several of our flagship parks conservation issues. State park police, also County have been impacted for most of the commissioned peace officers, provide law • Jeffrey J. Putnam – Pearland, TX – summer, other nearby parks have been enforcement services to the visitors and Webb County open and offer a variety of recreational and users of state parks, and help enforce laws • Joseph S. Quintero – Leander, TX – outdoor activities to enjoy,” said Russell within their local jurisdictions. Maverick County Fishbeck, TPWD State Parks Division “It is a distinct honor and a historic • Cameron G. Ramsey – Brady, TX – deputy director. “For those parks impacted milestone for this first group of Texas State Brewster County by the floods, our Infrastructure Division Park Police cadets to graduate from the • Krystal R. Thompson – Olmito, TX – team has been conducting assessments Texas Game Warden Academy,” said Brent Zapata County and are now in the process of trying to Leisure, Director of the State Park Division. • Robert J. Zerr – Hondo, TX – Jeff determine actual impacts, estimated costs “This academy is widely recognized as Davis County and timeline to repair and make ready.” one of the very best conservation law State Park Police Officers More information about Blanco State enforcement academies in the country. • Dawson J. Enloe – Quitaque, TX – Park is available online at tpwd.texas.gov/ We are exceptionally proud of the men Caprock Canyon State Park state-parks/blanco. . 8 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal september 2015 Just FISHING | Robert Sloan flounder were sitting in those wash outs and Stick ‘em and Catch ‘em ambushing and when they moved along with the current. the lights under water, One of the best sort of like you would flounder fishermen do with a metal detec- I’ve ever met was Skip tor. It’s a lightweight James. He had a way of pole and is easy to finding and catching h an d l e .” flounder like nobody I It didn’t take us have ever seen. His go long to find flounder, to lure was a ¼ ounce and lots of them in jig head with a white, about three inches of yellow or chartreuse gin clear water. Once curl tail body. The trick you find one, you was to fish them with spear it in the head, a dime-sized piece of and while it’s pinned fresh dead shrimp on down you stick it with the tip of the hook. the stringer and con- There is no way tinue on. It’s easy, and you can talk about the definitely a wild night fall flounder run with- on the water. Jeff Larson uses a submersible light on a pole with a gig underneath to go after flounder. out giving Sabine Pass Another option and Rollover Pass a is to flounder gig little ink. Over the past from a boat. Floun- some remain behind and spend winter is the way you go about catching flounder. few years I’ve never seen a place produce der boats are usually in the bays. Those in the Gulf will reenter On one of the best flounder fishing trips flounder like Sabine Pass. Through the fall anglers can harvest flounder by them while wading shallow water or by rod and reel. lightweight aluminum November 1-30 gigging is not allowed and anglers are restricted to taking flounder with rod and reel only. the bays in the spring. The spring influx I’ve ever had three of us caught well over Last fall was crazy. It wasn’t unusual rigs with a battery of is gradual and does not occur with large 30 flounder to about 4 pounds. On that to fish this pass and catch a box full of lights on the bow. An concentrations like the fall run. particular day we were in a bayou on the flounder. Many were caught along the STICK ‘EM Matagorda Island. outboard is used to run the boat from one The young fish enter the bays during upper end of the lake. The trick was to ease Louisiana side of the pass in the coves What do you get with rattlesnakes, “I had an older couple out here awhile spot to another. A fan motor mounted late winter and early spring. At this time along with a motor while pitch- and at the LNG port. The key to catching raccoons and coyotes? How about floun- back and they had a blast,” says Larson. over the outboard pushes the boat along they are about one-half inch in length and ing curl tail jigs into small washed out flounder at this hot spot is to fish the der? That’s definitely an odd mix, but one “We gigged a lot of flounder. They had the shallows. seek shallow grassy areas near the Gulf pockets along the shoreline. It was very points of coves on outgoing tides. Best that’s not totally unexpected along the never been on a gigging trip. It was some- “I run a flounder boat, too,” says Lar- passes. As growth continues, some will similar to fishing for largemouth bass. The lures are 1/8 ounce Road Runners or Egret many islands out of Port O’Connor and thing they had on their bucket list. Just son. “You can cover a lot of water that way. move farther into bays. Some will enter Seadrift, located on Texas’ middle coast. about everybody I bring out here says they And when you’re in the right spot, on the coastal rivers and bayous. Adult flounder “I’ve seen just about everything you have never seen anything like it.” right tide you can rack up easy limits.” enter shallow water at night where they can imagine out here,” said Capt. Jeff Lar- Flounder gigging is definitely way out One bit of advice from Larson is to lie, often partially buried, and wait for son, as we hooked up the flounder fishing there in the world of adventure. It’s done do your gigging when there is very little prey. That’s why gigging them at night is gear. “I run fishing charters and duck in the dark at remote places. And the way moonlight. All that light will make them so popular. hunting trips out here, but nothing is quite Larson runs many of his gigging trips is skittish and keep the flatties from moving September, October and November as wild as a night of gigging flounder. Ev- in the water – as in wading. up in clear, shallow water. are three of the best months of the year erything seems to come out at night. I’ve The drill is simple. You anchor the For more information on the porta- to go after tasty flounder. Gigging is one even seen alligators out here. Aside from boat, gear up and head out. It’s mostly easy ble flounder gigging lights, or a gigging option, fishing with lures and live baits looking for flounder, you’ve got to watch wading in water that’s 6 inches to a foot trip, contact Capt. Jeff Larson at (281) is another. out for what might be watching you.” deep. But the way Larson gigs his flounder 217-0399, or email him at Limitlarson@ One of the best places to catch big time On this particular night of gigging is unique. He uses a submersible light on yahoo.com. numbers of flounder along the Texas coast we had put in at Larson’s Lodge, located the end of an aluminum pole. Just below CATCH ‘EM is Sabine Lake. I’ve chased flounder from next to Charlie’s Bait Camp that’s located the light is a two pronged gig. The light is Flounder are interesting fish. They are one end of the Texas coast to the other between Port O’Connor and Seadrift. It’s powered with a small battery about half not that difficult to catch, and are one of and can say for sure that Sabine is king truly in the middle of nowhere. But if the size of a brick. It fits in a pouch that is the tastiest fish you’ll find along the Gulf when it comes to producing numbers of you’re looking for some raw adventure strapped around your waist. The battery Coast. Many adult southern flounder big flounder. In fact, this is where the state after the sun sets you need to check this is good for about 14 hours. leave the bays during the fall for spawning record flounder was caught on Feb. 18, place out. We made an 18 mile run south “What I like to do is pull up along in the Gulf of Mexico. Although most of 1976. It weighed an incredible 13 pounds of the boat ramp, in his 25 foot Mowdy, a shoreline and spread everybody out,” the adults leave the bays and enter the and was 28 inches long. and ended up near Twin Lakes along says Larson. “Then we’ll ease along, with Gulf for spawning during the winter, The odd thing about fishing on Sabine The best water depth for gigging flounder is from six inches to just over a foot in depth. 10 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal september 2015 september 2015 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal 11 Flounder Bag and Length Limit

Daily Bag: 5/2 (see below) Length in Inches (Minimum - Max- imum) 14 - No limit Daily bag is 5 fish except from Nov. 1-30, when the daily bag limit is 2 fish and flounder may be taken only THE LEADER OF by pole-and-line; and from December 1-14, when the daily bag limit is 2 fish and flounder may be taken by any legal means. Premiere Fishing Rods Possession limit is equal to the daily bag. FOR SERIOUS ANGLERS

Featuring Four Great Rod Series:

Carolina rigs with live mullet and mud minnows. Another good lure here is a three-inch Swim’n Image. This is a crankbait that will run about 2 to 3 feet deep. The speckled trout and striped mullet color Photo by Bill L Olson patterns are flounder killers. Fish them Anglers can also catch flounder by fishing a wedge tail along the bottom of gradual drop-offs. on a slow to steady retrieve along bottom. From November 1-30 taking flounder by rod and reel is the only legal method allowed. Another really fine fall fishing desti- nation is the Colorado River leading up 3-1/2 inch Wedge Tails in either black/ During the fall, when the word is out on to the Matagorda jetties. The south shore- chartreuse or chartreuse/pepper. the flounder run Rollover is a circus with line of the river is prime flounder water. When fishing the Wedge Tails cast lots of fishermen and campers. The unique What I like to do is fish the river with my them out and reel them in along the thing about this place is that it’s free to fish, trolling motor, just like you would while A portion of the proceeds from each bottom just like you would a . camp and park. . The key is to fish Wedgetails Lady Rodsmiths sold is donated to When you feel a thump, set the hook. On the back side of the Rollover is East along bottom. The wash out areas will the National Breast Cancer Foundation. There is one big island in the pass and it’s Galveston Bay. It’s a top spot for flounder. hold some big flounder. I’ve caught them a flounder magnet. This is where you want What you want to do is put in at Stinga- up to about 6 pounds along that stretch of to use 1/8 ounce pink/silver Road Runner ree Marina, head thorough the cut and shoreline. Some of the best water is along right up against the bank. you’ll be in the bay. The key to catching Tiger Island. www.americanrodsmiths.com (713) 466-7849 Probably the best place to rack up a flounder here is to fish the mouths of the Got questions? Contact Capt. Robert few fall flounder, if you don’t have a boat, cuts on falling tides. Flounder will stack Sloan at [email protected] or go to www. 7449 Wright Road, Houston TX 77041 is at Rollover Pass on Bolivar Peninsula. up in these areas. You can catch them on luckystrikeguide.com. 12 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal september 2015 september 2015 Available at better tackle retailers. Dealer inquiriesTEXAS welc OUTDOORSomed. Journal 13 A NEW BEGINNING

First time hunters and those with years of experience celebrate special times afield when dove seasons open.

Story and photography by Bob Zaiglin

s Texas scatter gunners enter- a fair amount of water in a small earthen Mac would have a chance to shoot a dove tain another dove season, they tank near my daughter Beth’s house, I was before the birds get disturbed. can’t help but generate new confident we would enjoy some excep- As we approached the tank early memoriesA while recalling those very spe- tional shooting. that evening, several mourning doves cial ones made in years past. It’s a special Arriving right after lunch on the first obtaining grit along the tank dam ex- time when we exit our controlled internal afternoon, I visited with Mac to see if she ploded skyward. With safety of principal environments and enter the wilds of Texas wanted to try and shoot a dove. As she concern, my intent was to set on the tank where heat and mosquitoes take over. responded with a quick yes, the excite- dam, get somewhat concealed, and catch As far as the Zaiglin clan is concerned, ment in her voice and facial expression a bird or two on the ground, which didn’t hunting is one way take long. Birds our families get to- were abundant, but gether and enjoy Mac had difficulty what my daughters shouldering the and granddaughters .410 single shot, al- With one bird down and smiles on both girls’ faces, the 2014 dove season opener was one to remember. like best. An eve- lowing the nervous ning of wing shoot- birds ample time whom with a little assistance from grand- is always a highlight if not a ritual for the With record setting rainfall through- ing ranks at the top to fly off. After pap squeezed the trigger, interrupting the season opener. I personally may not have out May and into June, particularly in of their list. she took a couple quiescent early evening only to see one collected many birds that day, but assisting the central and southern zones, nesting I can’t think of of shots at singles of the bluish-gray birds flopping on the both granddaughters that evening created success has been extremely high. The a bad dove season without success, dusty ground. a warehouse of memories, which dove same can be said for birds in the north as they all have I had to come up With her first bird in her hand, she was shooting is all about. zone, but destructive winds throughout been outstanding, with a better game one happy youngster, and as far as she was Our experience, however, is not unique the nesting season could have destroyed but the 2014 sea- plan. This time I concerned that was her limit. Watching as some 350,000 Texas sportsmen spend many of the poorly built nests doves char- son was especially told Mac we would her older sister celebrate, younger sister 1.5 million hunter days shooting dove. acteristically build. But even bad weather memorable for me wait until four or Madison asked me when it would be her Each September they exit the cities and can’t prevent dove from renesting, which because I assisted five birds were on turn, but I had to inform her that the 2015 gravitate to their favorite fields and stock they did following the surreal weather my seven-year-old the ground feeding season opener belongs to her, because tanks to harvest some five million dove. pattern, and based on the number of birds With no down time, dove shooting is especially enjoyable to those youngsters accompanying granddaughter Mc- together before she we will need to perform some practice And with an estimated 40 million resident presently being seen, sportsmen will enjoy mom or dad into the field. Kenzie collect her would shoot and shooting during the summer. mourning doves, along with a substantial a bumper crop of birds this season. first dove on her family ranch north of was energizing, so we went over some last it worked. Within a few minutes, four Not long after McKenzie enjoyed suc- number of the estimated 300 million Mourning doves may be heralded as Uvalde. minute safety instructions and informed mourning dove were collecting grit on cess, my daughters Nan and Beth arrived living in the U.S. migrating through the the most abundant game bird in the Lone Like all dove season openers, there’s her mom that we would make our way the tank dam when I slowly slid a long, along with their husbands Paul and Justin. Lone Star State, Texas sportsmen enjoy a Star State, but that’s not necessarily the usually some dove hanging around, but down to the tank thirty minutes or so narrow .410 shell into the short barreled And within a couple of hours, we had target-rich environment which will only case for those who hunt in the central zone with a large sunflower field nearby and earlier than the rest of the group so that shotgun, cocked it, and handed it to Mac, dropped enough birds for a meal, which get better this coming season. where whitewing dove are ubiquitous,

14 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal september 2015 september 2015 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal 15 particularly along the Ed- strictions. plant community responded by provid- wards Aquifer corridor, This exotic bird, originally from the ing an abundance of nutritiously stout which extends from San Indian subcontinent, is larger, more regeneration that represented both food Antonio to Uvalde. This aggressive and prolific than our native and cover. Whitetails in the first phase of 80-mile-long stretch of dove. First recorded in Texas in 1995, antlerogenesis, or what some refer to as agricultural land, planted they can now be found throughout the growing bone, did so under highly nutri- in dove delicacies such as state. They are particularly abundant in tional conditions. And as most deer ad- sesame seed, milo, and urban areas, but in rural areas they can vocates know, a quality diet means larger corn, not only provides be found around grain bins or any place antlers. So for those who have allowed these plump birds nour- where grain is freely available. several young deer to walk in hopes of ishment but ample space The Eurasian dove may be an invasive seeing them with a larger set of headgear, for shotgunners. It’s no species, but to wing shooters they rep- this is the year for that to happen. secret that the majority resent additional birds in the bag. They The surplus of herbivory developed of whitewings in South are exceptionally good eating, and they this past spring also provided fawns am- Texas can be found in this are not that difficult to hit. ple escape cover, forcing sportsmen to region, attracting wing The reason dove hunting is so popular consider an increase in antlerless harvest shooters from around the amongst sportsmen is the fact that it is an to compensate for what is expected to be state. affordable activity and birds are extremely a significant increase in deer numbers. As a bonus, scatter abundant, particularly around many of And as deer nibbled away at a copious gunners will also see a our major cities, thus sportsmen are not amount of nutritious vegetation, male significant number of required to travel great distances to enjoy bobwhites could be heard calling from Eurasian dove which are an afternoon shoot. high on their select perches. A surplus of presently considered an For the youngster, it’s nonstop action, seed-bearing grasses littered the ground invasive nonresident dove and there’s normally enough opportunity layer maintained these birds in optimal which is not under the to drop at least a few birds regardless one’s breeding condition, and as a result, quail jurisdiction of the state shotgunning skill. Unlike hunting deer, should provide wing shooters some addi- game department, thus there is no down time, thus the entire tional shooting opportunities. Seven-year-old McKenzie, armed with a single shot .410, can be hunted year round experience is enjoyed and anticipated to Mother Nature remains the ultimate eagerly awaits an opportunity to collect her first dove. without any harvest re- be repeated. manager, and she was extremely generous Quail populations, paralleling spring rainfall, thus additional quail hunting opportunities will be For some sportsmen, it’s simply a great this past spring, thus Texas sportsmen can available this fall. way to enjoy the cooler part of evening expect some extreme wing shooting and underneath the shade of a mesquite tree. a superb deer hunting season to go along And unlike deer hunting, every bird that with it! drops is a trophy memory, and with a bag limit of 15, that’s a bunch of memories, and the misses are often as unique as the hits. Above all else, dove shooting is an inexpensive way to enjoy quality time with family and friends in the outdoors. To the serious deer hunter, the dove season opener represents the advent of another deer hunting season. It’s time to begin weekend visits to their favorite piece of deer turf either to perform maintenance or attempt to locate that buck of a lifetime. And if there was ever a year for those pre- mier bucks to show up, this is it. Like the doves and quail, whitetail deer benefitted from the preponderance of rain that saturated Texas this past spring and early summer. As whitetails nibbled away at succulent regrowth, the only thing that could have prevented them from getting a belly full was more rain, which occurred in excessive amounts throughout Texas. The superfluous spring rainfall freed Eurasian dove are not only getting more the Lone Star State from the debilitating abundant, they are not afforded protection effects of drought which persisted over by the state, representing additional tasty the last five years. As a result, the resilient birds in the bag.

16 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal september 2015 september 2015 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal 17 BASSOLOGY | Matt Williams

Texas Lakes Earn Top Billing in Popular Magazine

They say the older the violin is the Team Championship in Oct. 2014. Run by the Toledo Bend Lake sweeter the music it plays. The Reneaus smoked the 63-team Association, the program awards free I’ve being saying the same thing about field with 10 bass weighing 56.68 pounds. fiberglass replicas to anglers who bring Toledo Bend’s bass for quite some That’s almost a 5 1/2 pound average — bass weighing 10 pounds or more to time now. Evidently, so have a bunch of pretty salty on any lake during the fall of one of several official weigh stations for other folks. the year. All of the Top 5 teams topped the documentation before releasing the fish. In case you haven’t heard, Bassmaster 40-pound mark and only one team in the The program documented 81 bass over Magazine named the sprawling 185,000 Top 20 finished with less than 30 pounds. 10 pounds that were caught and released acre reservoir as the best place in the nation Several factors have contributed to at the big lake between May 2014 and to wet a hook for burly largemouths these T-Bend’s fountain of youth. May 2015. It is worth noting that T-Bend days. The official announcement came biologist Todd Driscoll believes one of has never ranked lower than No. 15 since when the Alabama-based organization the more noteworthy is great habitat Bassmaster began compiling its Top 100 released its annual Top 100 Bass Lakes in comprised largely of hydrilla and rankings in 2012. America list the July/August 2015 issue. other aquatic plants as well as plentiful The high ranking has no doubt been That’s a huge honor bestowed on the terrestrial vegetation, all of which serve good for the guide business. Veteran Texas/Louisiana border lake, particularly as a nursery and a playground for bass fishing guide Tommy Martin of Hemphill when you consider its age. T-Bend turns and forage species while at the same said he booked four guide trips while he 48 years old this year. However, it is hardly time providing anglers with a seemingly was practicing for the FLW Tour event on showing any signs of slowing down. Like unlimited number of sweet-looking spots the Potomac River in late June, not long the Energizer bunny, the lake just keeps to soak their baits. after the list came out in print. going and going and going. The lake also maintains outstanding “Toledo Bend has always been a great That’s evidenced largely by banner water quality and receives regular lake and it has been especially good the sacks filled with plump bass that are stockings of Florida bass from two state last couple of years,” Martin said. “In early consistently hauled to tournament weigh- agencies. Plus, it is a huge expanse of water and mid-summer it was fishing kind of ins, and the tall numbers of outsize fish located in a relatively rural area, so the tough lately due to all the high water, but that anglers have reeled in there in recent fishing pressure is very well distributed. it’ll get better. A lot of people are saying times. The lake routinely produces limits Some T-Bend veterans are convinced the grass is gone, but that’s not what I’m of fish weighing upwards of 20-25 pounds. there are still schools of bass finning seeing. It’s not as abundant or growing as Occasionally, someone pops a dream bag around out there that have never seen a deep as it was last year, but there is still that is much heavier. . quite a bit of it out there. It’s definitely A good example is the 40.45 pound Bassmaster Magazine brass says the going to bounce back fast. My guess is limit (five bass) that George Herr of Many, ranking process for the Top 100 lakes there will be all kinds of grass to fish by La., single-handedly caught during Many was an extensive one that involved the end of August.” Bass Club tournament held on the lake last gathering data from dozens state agencies, Eight more Texas lakes are included November. Herr had an extraordinary day consulting with thousands of avid anglers, on the Top 100 list, two of which made in that he caught five bass weighing 10.97 polling nearly 650,000 Facebook fans, the Top 15 cut. Sam Rayburn ranked No. pounds, 9.15 pounds 8.13 pounds, 6.39 tournament anglers and crunching 5 and Lake Fork came in at No. 15. pounds and 5.81 pounds — all in about tournament data supplied by hundreds Some pundits are sure to question 50 minutes — all from the same spot. of bass clubs and other event organizers. Fork’s No. 15 ranking, which is five spots Just a few months earlier, Tim Reneau The final rankings were decided by, what lower than it was in 2014 — the same year of Del Rio and Phil Marks of Dallas, Bassmaster called a “15-member blue- Huntington bass pro Keith Combs on the teamed on T-Bend and had back-to- ribbon panel from the .” Toyota Texas Bass Classic was there with a back dream days of their own. Reneau While some of the lakes and how three day catch of 110 pounds that ranks and Marks won the Texas Team Trail they ranked on the list may come as a as a world record for three day events. Championship in June 2014 with two- surprise, Toledo Bend’s No. 1 ranking The remaining Texas lakes on the list day weight of 63.28 pounds. That’s a 6.3 probably didn’t shock a whole lot of folks. include Lake Ray Roberts (31), Falcon pound average on 10 bass! Bassmaster says the scoring panel looked (42), Conroe (50), Fayette County (62), Amazingly, Reneau struck bass gold hard at tournament catch rates as well as Texoma (73) and Squaw Creek (86). again on Toledo Bend four months increasing reports of whopper bass, as To see the full list, go to www. later, this time with his wife, Judy, riding reflected by annual data compiled by the bassmaster.com/bassmasters-100-best- shotgun during the two-day Bud Light Toledo Bend Lunker Program. bass-lakes-2015.

18 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal september 2015 Just FISHING | Nate Skinner and flocks of terns and sea gulls will be found hovering over these giant schools Upper Coast — Fall’s Birds, Baits, & Big Bite Patterns of bait, and the fish that are chasing them to the surface. The bird action will be at its best, presenting anglers with some of the easiest and most exciting fishing of the year. sustain a habitat for a number of species Most of the birds will be found to thrive and grow, including finfish and working over schools of balled up shad crustaceans that rely on this mixing of or menhaden, or droves of shrimp darting fresh and saltwater to complete their life at the surface. TPWD Galveston Bay cycle. Ecosystem Leader, Glen Sutton, explains In drought years these regulated why shrimp and menhaden will be so salinity areas within Upper Coast Bays prevalent in Upper Coast bays this fall. have been confined to waters near the “The amount of freshwater our bays mouths of bayous and rivers dumping received this spring and early summer had into them. This year however, with all both short and long term effects that have of the freshwater entering the bays from impacted the estuaries in a very positive rivers like the Colorado, Trinity, Neches, way,” he says. “The immediate short term and Sabine, this highly productive mixing effect of this decrease in salinity in the of waters spanned a much larger area, upper reaches of the bay systems, was for facilitating vast production of both salinity dependent species like speckled baitfish and crustaceans. This mass trout, to migrate to lower bay waters, amount of forage has turned Upper Coast further away from mouths of rivers and Bays into a , setting up some bayous. This gave juvenile shrimp, blue of the best fall fishing the Texas Coast has crabs, and baitfish a better chance at seen in many years, and it all starts now. survival, as many of their predators left From September to December, anglers The author with a quality speckled trout caught from underneath working birds. the area,” explains Sutton. can expect upper coast bays to be full of Experienced anglers will shut their big motor down well away from feeding birds and use their swarms of baitfish, shad, and shrimp, with trolling motor to pass by the edge of the action rather than drifting through the middle of the trout and redfish hot on their trail, as the feeding fish. transition into fall takes place. Weather After the spring and summer of 2015 An estuary as defined by Texas Parks changes and cooler temperatures will a one syllable word pretty much sums and Wildlife Department (TPWD) trigger their migration towards the Gulf, up the past few months on Texas’ Upper Coastal Fisheries Coast and that is WOW. Torrential rains Biologist, Jim and flooding along with a tropical storm Tolan, is a mixing provided an abundance of fresh water zone where rivers inflows to Matagorda, Galveston, and meet the sea and the Sabine Lake estuaries, leaving these dilute the sea water, bays resembling more like brackish to creating a critical freshwater lakes with stained waters and ecosystem where a plenty of floating debris and vegetation number of species for most of the summer. In fact the will spend at least running joke during the summer on part of their lives. my home waters of the Galveston Bay “The freshwater complex was that everyone was fishing influx from rivers “Lake Galveston,” not Galveston Bay. serves to regulate Despite the massive amounts of salinity, deliver freshwater that constantly infused these nutrients and bays for months, the entire Upper Coast sediments into the has bounced back from the significant rain bay, and induce the events, which may in turn have increased physical mixing of the overall health of these estuaries. These bay waters,” says waters and the fish that reside here seem to Tolan. be able to handle more diverse conditions According than we might give them credit for, and to Tolan, these The freshwater inflows this past spring and summer have increased the amount of forage and the overall health of the Upper Coast Fisheries all this freshwater has brought these bays three functions as seen by this fat speckled trout caught in Galveston Bay. back to a true and highly productive level. help facilitate and

20 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal september 2015 september 2015 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal 21 “Combine this with the massive drifting over the school of feeding fish boat, as I cover the area with the trolling As summer ends and bay salinities summer have created a feeding frenzy that amounts of nutrients and sediment and spooking them. Soft plastics rigged motor. Typically, the fish will bite on the begin to creep back up on the Upper starts now, and will last for the next few that was constantly being delivered into on a 3/8th ounce jig head are the most bottom, and eventually come back up to Coast, look for fall to bust wide open in months. It’s going to be a fall to remember. the estuaries, and we ended up with a effective baits and help anglers make quick feed on top again,” he explains. epic proportions. The rains of spring and Don’t miss it! snowball effect with the result being long casts to the group of birds they are a mass production of crustaceans and approaching. Fall Opportunities on Big Lake menhaden. Tons of shrimp, shad, and Captain Tommy Countz says the west blue crabs are going to be migrating across end of East Matagorda Bay should have Just across the Texas/Louisiana Border draw strikes from the the bays towards the Gulf of Mexico as lots of bird action this fall. Countz says in Southwest Louisiana, Lake Calcasieu is larger ones present. temperatures begin to drop this fall.” he one of the most important things he has often considered an extension of the Up- He says he will keep says. learned over the years is to never pass up per Texas Coast. Similar to Upper Texas fishing the area even When it comes to fishing the birds, sitting birds on the water. Coast estuaries, Calcasieu received plenty when the birds leave, there’s more to it than speeding right into “Some really nice fish can come from of freshwater inflows during the spring and switch to a jig the middle of the action and out. a stretch of water where birds are just and summer as well. As a result, the same because the fish have This method typically only allows for a sitting on the surface,” he says. “In this fall patterns will be taking place on its moved down in the few fish to be caught because the school situation I’ll make a long drift and work open waters. water column. ends up getting spooked after being run a soft plastic near the bottom. The fish Captain Nick Poe of Big Lake Guide “I tell people all the over. are there, they have just gone down, and Service says their main focus from Septem- time, I’m fishing for When approached correctly, many the birds are waiting for them to push bait ber to December will be targeting aggres- fish, not birds,” he says. fish can be caught from one small group and shrimp back to the top,” he explains. sive trout and redfish under birds picking “The birds can key you of working birds, and can continue to be On Galveston Bay, Captain Billy at the water’s surface. When approaching in on the general area caught even after the birds break up. Penick of Gypsy Guide Service says he a group of birds, Poe says he tries to find of the fish, but looking Starting up wind or up current and changes his presentation when starting areas where fish are busting. around at what’s go- easing toward the edge of the school and to fish the birds and schools of shad in “The fish busting on top are typically ing on at the surface group of birds with a trolling motor is the the fall. your better fish in the school,” he says. will help anglers find best approach. The trolling motor can “My presentation switches from a Captain Nick Poe caught this trout on a topwater under Capt. Billy Penick uses a paddle tail or a Poe will throw topwaters to these the better fish,” he ex- some birds where he found fish aggressively busting at the heavy silver spoon with a straight, horizontal then be used to turn the bow of the boat vertical one with lots of twitches and hops, actively feeding schools of fish to try and plains. surface. retrieve to stay hooked up during the fall. into the wind, preventing the boat from to a more horizontal, straight retrieve,” he says. “I’ll throw a lot of paddle tails and heavy 2.5 to 3 ounce silver spoons to The Latest Freshwater and Coastal Reports mimic the shad in the water.” from around the Region Penick says his main focus will be finding balls and rivers of shad schooled up on the water’s surface, that are being busted by feeding fish, and small groups of birds with just a few diving gulls. “If I don’t see bait on the surface, I’m not going to fish the area,” he says. On Trinity Bay, Captain Tim Young will hop around from different groups of TEXAS * LOUISIANA * OKLAHOMA * ARKANSAS working birds, looking for a school large With Host Barry Stokes trout. “Sometimes it takes a couple of Weekly Reports Including: groups before you find a school holding Lone Star Lakes - Brian Hughes, better fish.” he says. "On The Coast" - (Texas) Capt. Bill L. Olson, Young will throw a topwater , Cajun Bites - Cajun Phil & Capt. Kevin Broussard, like a large Skitterwalk, under the birds Sooner Beat - Gary Dollahon to draw strikes from larger trout. “The topwater action up in Jack’s pocket and near the mouth of the Trinity River channel can be outstanding during the fall,” he says. In Sabine, Captain Randy Foreman uses a great strategy to stay on fish once the birds break up. “I’ll line up my boat THURSDAYS 10:30 P.M. CST SATURDAYS 7:30 A.M. CST (NEW TIME) with a landmark on the shore when we are catching fish under the birds, and then I’ll Watch Last Week's Show In Full HD NOW At FoxSportsOutdoors.com stay lined up with it, even when the birds leave.” he says. “Then I will begin dragging or pulling softs plastics slowly behind the

22 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal september 2015 september 2015 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal 23 Just Shooting | Kerry O’Day Browning design. In Europe, the same caliber was called the 9mm Browning or The Best Caliber to Carry 9mm Kurtz. The 380 was a huge improvement over the 32 Auto in terms of stopping power, penetration and expansion. At the time, I was about 16 when I heard an pulled a 380 ACP and killed the other two movie when James Bond used the Walther the 32 Auto velocity had less than 150 unbelievable shoot’em up story from a guys who he was convinced had cheated PPK in 380 ACP. I was sold, if it was good foot pounds of energy shooting an 80 detective friend of my older brother. Leon him. The fourth player lived to tell the enough for 007, then it would be good grain bullet at 800 feet per second. The Jones told us about a previous case in story. enough for me! 380 ACP factory load developed was a 90 which four guys were playing a late night The detective told us that the 25 and As soon as I was old enough to grain bullet leaving a 2” handgun barrel game of cards when a fight broke out. 32 Autos did very little damage to those purchase a handgun, the first one I bought at 950 feet per second. This gave the 380 It started over everyone accusing each who were shot but the 380 ACP was fatal, was a 22 LR revolver and the second was ACP about 180 foot pounds of energy other of cheating. One guy pulled a 25 it had penetrated the body and mixed a Walther PPKS in 380 ACP. I started which is close to the 38 Special velocity Auto and shot two of the players. Another everything up like a blender. That story collecting Walthers and at last count I and well over the 32 Auto velocity and Left Target using Winchester Silver Tips, Center Target Hornady Zombie Ammo, and the Right player pulled a 32 Auto and shot the other left a big impression on my young mind. own six of them. delivered energy. Target produced the best group was shot with HPR 90 gr JHP ammo. two. The third guy with two bullets in him The next time I saw a 380 ACP was in a The original Walther was called a PP I find it interesting that in 1970 there which stood for “Police Pistol”. They were were no U.S. gun companies building However, there was a huge difference Dirt to find it. made for the German police before WWII. a 380 ACP, yet several of them built the in accuracy. The less expensive HPR I want to do a few more tests on the Next came the PPK which was slightly 32 Auto. Now, fast forward to 2015, it ammo shot the best group and my ammo and shoot several more boxes smaller and easy to hide. The barrel was is common to find the 380 ACP in every Winchester Silver Tips shot the worst before I say this is the ammo I want to a ½” shorter and the grip was a ½” shorter gun shop while the 32’s have to be special groups. Now the Zombie ammo is unique carry. At the time of this article I am holding one less round in the magazine. ordered, if you can find one at all. but is it worth nearly a $1 per round to waiting for the 2nd shipment to shoot in This was the pistol that Bond used, so I I have never felt that 950 feet per have a little green dot on the front of a my Walthers to find out. wanted one. second of velocity was enough to make hollow point bullet, you tell me. The only I can only imagine how well 007 would Unfortunately, the Gun Control Act a hollow point bullet expand. I have problem I found with the HPR ammo was have shot if he had had quality ammo like of 1968 made the Walther PPK and the always carried Winchester Silver Tips in not being available in the local Academy this. No bad guy or evil world dictator so-called Saturday Night Special illegal my Walther PP handguns and they have or Carter’s Country where I shop. I had would have been able to “Die Another because they were too small. So Walther always shot well and fed reliably. With to go online to Midway or Cheaper Than Day.” then made a hybrid by using a PPK top modern day use of softer materials for the and a PP lower making what was called a jackets and using lighter weight bullets 30 Years experience in TrophY Deer ManagMenT PPKS. Being larger in proportion made to get a higher velocity, the 380 ACP will it legal in the U.S. expand very reliably. What makes the 380 ACP such a good This year at the NRA show, I was carry caliber? looking at all of the new ammunition First, it is small enough to be and a few caught my eye. One was the chambered in any small handgun suitable Hornady Zombie load and the other was for a 32 ACP. The first 380 ACP made in HPR ammunition. America was the Colt Pocket Auto which In looking at each round side-by-side The legend of James Bond “007” — The Walther PPK, Omega Watch, and quality 380 ammo. was a well-built handgun of the John you could say they are the same, but they do have differences. Both use a 90 grain hollow-point Hornady bullet, but the Zombie load has a little green plastic ball inserted into the hollow point to help make it feed reliably and to just make it Whether you enjoy an look special. established program or The HPR ammo is loaded to very high are just starting out, spec’s and is made for reduced recoil. The contact Bob Zaiglin, Zombie ammo will set you back $22+/- one of the most for 25 rounds where the HPR ammo sells for $23 +/- for 50 rounds. repected names in the So how well will they shoot and how wildlife industry at will they compare to the Silver Tips that I Zaiglin’s Wildlife & carry in my handguns? First, in shooting Resource Managment. just over a box of both ammunition types, nothing failed to feed or eject and shooting at 25 feet, the point of aim was Bob Zaiglin, Certified Wildlife Biologist right on. I did find as advertised that the 830.278.8815 HPR ammo did seem to have less recoil. 24 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal september 2015 september 2015 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal 25 For information on guides mentioned, see Guides, Gear & Getaways on pages 59, 61 & 63

Port Isabel guide flats and fish for redfish. We’ll have a lot Capt. Gencho Buitureira, of redfish up on Gas Well Flats. If we get CoastWatch Danno Wise Jr., says while September some early fronts, you can get up on the is a transition month, it bars around Gas Wells and can catch some certainly starts out as a good reds as well as some trout. There will summer month on the also still be some reds in South Bay and September is a transition month for going on. But, those Lower Laguna Madre. over Mexiquito Flats. weather, crowds and fishing patterns along who find time to “Our fishing patterns “For the most part, I’ll be free- the Texas coast. Although the mid-day spend time on the will begin to change this shrimping, especially when I’m fishing temperatures can still soar in September, water in September month,” said Buitureira. for trout. But, I will also be fishing some the days will become progressively shorter. are usually richly “But, early in September, cut bait. I’ll use cut mullet, ballyhoo and The reduced amount of daylight will rewarded. it will be pretty much like when I’m fishing for reds. begin the downward trend of water September is fishing in July and August “The other things I like to do is fish temperatures. As the year’s first few fronts a month which - I mean, it is still summer. on a slow-moving tide. You need some push through, that will serve to hasten the sees temperatures For me, that means mostly moving water, but if it is moving too hard dropping of air and water temperatures. slowly and slightly fishing bridges, channels, it can make it tough. If you get a nice, slow The shorter days and slightly cooler water begin to wane and other deep water moving tide you’ll usually catch more fish. temperatures generally kick fishing action with fishing action structure. If it’s calm - “I’ll also start making some trips up into high gear. heating up along the like it is a lot of times in the channel for snook in September. September’s temperatures are often Lower Coast. But, September - I’ll start out You can catch some snook in South Bay the right blend of cooler, but not too cool. despite the typically around the bridges. Again, on topwaters, but we’ll start getting some

The water will be cool enough to increase outstanding fishing Photo courtesy Captain Gencho Buitureira Jr. it’s pretty much like August. real consistent action up the ship channel fish activity, but not so cool as to decrease action, it is also Even though in September school has started again, some lucky young I’ll also be fishing along the starting in September. When I’m fishing the available species. September will still a month that angers will get to go fishing with their Dad like Adrian and Freddy Intracoastal quite a bit. up there, I’ll be free-shrimping. Another see all the major players available along generally finds Gonzales. The reward is a great day on the water and some nice “Wind is also a factor in good thing about fishing up the channel the Texas coast, including speckled trout, fewer anglers on speckled trout September. I mean, it can be - if the snook aren’t biting, you can always redfish, flounder, snook, tarpon, kingfish, the bay and nearshore waters of Texas. Offshore action should still be flat calm or it can be pretty catch some mangrove snapper, puppy shark, Spanish mackerel and mangrove This is a simple matter of too many consistent as well and, barring any major Photo by Bill L. Olson windy if we get an early drum, or trout. snapper. options. Many fishermen are torn between storms, seas should be accommodating As temperatures start to slip, fishing action along shorelines front. If we do get some “September should also be great for An added bonus for fishermen in football, hunting and working off their for most of the month. will begin to heat up all along the Lower Laguna Madre. wind, I’ll move up on the mangrove snapper. When I’m fishing for September is the drastic reduction in summer vacation to be able to spend crowd size. The beach-going and water many days on the water in September. As LOWER COAST sport crowds are almost nonexistent in the old saying goes, “That just leaves more September. And, although the fishing is for the rest of us.” often as good as it gets, there are a lot And, without a doubt, there is plenty fewer fishermen on the water as well. to go around in summer’s final stanza. Simply put, there are too many things Shorter days, slightly cooler temperature competing for time in September, with and the biological clock of thousands of school back in session, football season redfish combine to ensure action on the underway and both teal and dove seasons September flats.

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26 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal september 2015 september 2015 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal 27 Also fishing in Baffin Bay and the also consistently get good action throwing into the bay, I can Upper Laguna Madre during September either cut piggy perch or live finger mullet. use those same will be Capt. Judson Cooper of Capt. Redfish will certainly be the focus of shrimp for trout Carl’s Fishing Adventures. September, particularly as the month or reds in the bay. “In September, we’ll still have hot wears on. So, basically, it just weather,” said Cooper. “So, will still be But, there will still be decent trout makes things a lot fishing deeper water, at least early in the fishing to be had. Early in September, simpler. month. Usually, I’m looking for three anglers can expect a continuation of “I will still be to five feet of water along King Ranch the summer trout pattern experienced fishing the wells shoreline. I’ll be fishing the deeper holes, in August — specks will be holding on over near Palacios drop offs and channels. The Land Cut will the outside edges and channels, as well for trout in be turned on in September, so I will run as over the reefs in Aransas Bay. As the September. And, down there every so often. month wears on and the year’s first few I’ll fish around “The main thing I will be doing fronts push through, expect more trout Half Moon Reef differently in September is I will be to show up along the shorelines and over quite a bit. You’ll switching over from croaker to shrimp. the shallow flats. actually pick up a In September, most of the croaker are Rockport guide Capt. Jay Nichols of pretty good mix too big to use as bait. So, I’ll usually be Just Add Water Guide Service says this of trout and reds throwing shrimp under a popping cork. September may have some surprises in around Half Moon Photo courtesy Captain Gencho Buitureira Jr. Using shrimp also allows us to catch a store. Reef that time of Flounder activity and catches will increase as fall progresses. Rod and Zach of Sweetwater Texas greater variety of fish. “The patterns have been a lot different year. experienced first-hand the improved flounder fishing on Texas lower coast. “We will mostly be catching trout, this year,” said Nichols. “The tides are a lot “We’ll also still but we’ll also catch a lot of reds and even lower than usual. Which, I don’t know if be doing some mangroves, I’m fishing around the bridges beachfront. Spanish mackerel, snook and some flounder. In fact, this year has been that is because the Cedar Bayou opening wadefishing, so and using shrimp or cut mullet. mangrove snapper will also be hanging a really good year for flounder. We have or what has caused that. And, of course, we we’ll be doing “We’ve got a lot of different things that around the rocks this month. been catching a couple almost every trip had a lot of fresh water come down earlier a little bit of we can do in September. You just need to In addition to the outstanding in the summer while fishing for trout and in the summer. So, to some extent, it will everything in TOJ’s Upper Coast Editor Captain Nate Skinner experienced some of remember that it’s still summer. Later in action, September will also see the guides reds. I think it will only get better as we pretty much be day-by-day. September.” the good topwater action near the Land Cut while fishing with Captain the month, things will start changing, but at Get-A-Way Lodge running cast and get closer to fall. “But, if things return to normal, I will Allen Sifford. at the beginning of September you need to blast trips for dove and teal. Later in the “Also starting in September, we will be fishing in the flats looking for reds fish the same way you would fish in July winter, they will also be running blast and be running cast and blast trips for teal targeting sand pockets with live or cut REDUCED FALL RATES! No Crowds Great Fishing and August.” cast trips for ducks. during teal season. Then, we’ll get the finger mullet. If we’re using artificials, In Port Mansfield, the guides at Get-A- Corpus Christi guide Capt. Allen blast and cast trips going again for ducks we’ll drift the flats and work jerkbaits. Way Adventures Lodge say there will be a Sifford says September will find him over winter. Usually, we’ll be hunting the Usually I throw darker colors. A new one variety of angling options in September. fishing both Baffin and the Upper Laguna. spoils islands around the Land Cut.” I’m using right now is the Mississippi During the beginning of September, trout “My plan in September is to be Hippie Bass Assassin. just it with 5/0 will still be found along the outside edges throwing either topwaters or piggies, Kahle hook and either sight-cast to fish or of the grass. As the water cools, the trout looking for trout and reds,” said Sifford. MIDDLE COAST work it through the potholes. Sometimes will move shallower. By the end of the “By September, all the croaker will be too I’ll throw silver or gold spoons if we’re month, there should be good numbers big to use. So, if we’re throwing bait, it will drifting, but most of the time it will be of specks on the flats throughout most be piggies. But, we usually have a good soft-plastic jerkbaits. YOUR BEACHFRONT OR CANAL-FRONT RETREAT LEADING TO of the day. There will also be a pretty topwater bite early, so most days I’ll start “We will still have some decent trout FAVORITE FISHING SPOTS ON THE UPPER LAGUNA MADRE IS WAITING! good topwater bite during the early out throwing topwaters. fishing in September. But for, what my Let our professionals help plan your next island vacation, getaway or tournament needs. morning hours over the last few weeks “I’ll be fishing in Baffin, as well as the clients like to do, is spend most of August Call us for specials and availability. of September. Upper Laguna and Yarborough during and September hunting for redfish.” Redfish will be found pretty much September. No matter where I am fishing, Port O’Connor guide Capt. John everywhere in September. Inside the bay, I’ll be doing pretty much the same thing Frankson says September is a fairly diverse the most consistent redfish action will be the same thing. I’ll start out fishing a little month when it comes to fishing in the on the sand flats north of town, behind deeper for trout first thing in the morning, POC area. the island. then I’ll move up on the flats for reds. Like fishermen in many portions of “In September, if the conditions are “There will also be schools of reds “Again, unless we’re throwing the Texas coast, Aransas Pass anglers will right, I’ll usually start out at the jetties,” along the beachfront and in the East Cut. topwaters, we’ll usually be fishing live slowly start shifting their focus from trout said Frankson. “We’ll have a lot of bull September is typically when some of the bait. Most of the time, we will free-line to redfish during September. Big schools redfish around the jetties in September. “Professional Property year’s biggest redfish are landed. the piggies. But, every now and then I’ll of bull reds will be getting ready to leave Usually, I’ll use live shrimp. A lot of folks Management and Sales September is also the final – and throw one out with an Almeda rattler and the bay and are easily spotted on the grass use mullet or cut shad for these bull reds, Serving North Padre Island since 1988 perhaps best – month for nearshore “big about 3 feet of leader. If they hit that one flats. Spoons, topwaters and soft-plastics but I just stick with shrimp. 361.949.9050 OFFICE 361.949.9070 FAX game” action. There will still be plenty before the others, I’ll switch everyone to can all be used to sight-cast to schools “The reason is, I may not stay at the 14613 S. PADRE ISLAND DRIVE, CORPUS CHRISTI, TX 78418 of tarpon and kingfish hanging around corks. But, rarely do we need to do that. of reds. jetties all day. I can usually catch plenty of www.rentalmgmt.com the East Cut and running along the We usually just free-line them. Those wishing to anchor down can bull reds on shrimp and then, if I move

28 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal september 2015 september 2015 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal 29 t’s September in Texas. But don’t Some experts believe it’s a feel good break out the hoodies and other thing. Others contend the aggressive Icool weather duds just yet, bass behavior occurs because the fish can sense busters. Summer is still with us, and that the changing seasons. With winter just means water temperatures will likely around the corner, they say fall triggers continue to soar into the 90s on many bass to gorge themselves to stack on a lakes before more favorable weather little extra body fat before the colder and finally comes rolling our way during the nastier weather of winter arrives. months ahead. That’s all encouraging stuff to think Fall, which officially gets underway on about. But until it happens, Texas bassers Sept. 23 this year, is the harbinger of much will face what some anglers consider to welcomed cool fronts. The fronts usually be some of the toughest, most brutal start out mild and gradually increase conditions of the year. with frequency and intensity as winter “September can be a pretty tough approaches. time, especially on a lot of the East Texas This factor, coupled with shorter days lakes,” says Longview bass pro Jim Tutt. and longer nights brought about as the “The fishing can be really good up north earth rotates on its axis causes a gradual this time of year, but it’s the tail end of decrease in water temperatures on lakes summer in Texas and the weather is still across Texas. going to be really hot in most places with The changes always bring out the not much happening to trigger a change.” mean streak in Micropterus salmoides Toledo Bend fishing guide Stephen and likewise makes them more willing Johnston agreed with that assessment. to play when they detect something that “September can be a really tough GETTING OVER THE looks to be an easy meal racing through month,” he said. “The water temperatures the water column. are going to be just as hot as they are in August, sometimes well into the mid-to- upper 90s. With the water being that hot the oxygen levels are HUMP going to be low and Anglers contend with a variety of changing the fish just aren’t factors as summer begins to transition to fall. going to be very aggressive until we get a good front with a big north wind to move the water around and Story and photography by Matt Williams start dropping the water temperature a disappears with day-to-day evaporation. anything but normal across much of the there, but these Florida strain bass just seek shelter during the blazing Texas heat. few degrees. Once that Low water also means clear water. state. Many areas received record amounts don’t like it like they do hydrilla. I just Two of his favorite baits around happens it’ll gradually Furthermore, it reduces the size of playing of rainfall in May and June, causing some don’t look for flipping to be much of a scattered patches of hydrilla, torpedo start changing field, which provides the fish with less reservoirs to climb several feet above factor over here this fall.” grass, pond weed and lily pads are a everything for the room to roam and makes them easier normal at a time of year when water levels The hydrilla also took a hit on Sam Stanley Ribbit and Heddon . good.” to find because it forces them off of usually begin to plummet. In many cases Rayburn, Nacogdoches and a number A hollow body frog like the Spro Bronzeye The Highs of Lows flats towards creek channels, drains and the high water meant muddy water, which of other East Texas lakes where it has a gets the call around dense slip of thick If there is an upside ditches. in turn prevented the critical sunlight that history of matting in water depths beyond stands of lily pads where a stop and go to late summer/early Low water can be particularly spurs hydrilla growth from penetrating 10 feet deep. One East Texas lake where the retrieve is the order of the day. fall bass fishing in beneficial to bass fishing on lakes with an the water column sufficiently. grass still appears to be in decent shape is Current Issues Texas, it is that water abundance of emergent vegetation such The high water stunted the summer Lake O’ the Pines near Longview. Current is almost always a factor levels on most lakes as hydrilla, because it often results in large growth of hydrilla on two of East Texas’ “It should be matted in about six during the summer months on Tennessee are generally at their surface “mats” with distinctive outside most famous grass lakes in Toledo Bend feet of water by the time September rolls River impoundments like Kentucky Lake, lowest points of the edges in plain view. In many cases this and Sam Rayburn so badly that some around,” Tutt said. “That’s not that deep, Pickwick and a host of others. When year. In a normal optimizes conditions for flipping heavy experts don’t believe vertical fishing will but it’s plenty deep to have a good flippin’ controlling authorities open flood gates year, this comes as jigs and plastics to get at fish that are using be much of a player on either lake this fall. bite on ‘Pines.” to allow water to pass to control water Longview bass pro Jim Tutt says the hydrilla should be matted in the result of limited the dense canopies for shade and cover to “I haven’t seen a stitch of hydrilla on Tutt pointed out that September also levels or generate electricity it creates about six feet of water on Lake O’ the Pines by the time September amounts of summer wage war on suspecting bait fish. Toledo Bend since early June,” fishing can be good time to scratch the surface a current in the water that tells bass to rolls around. He says that’s plenty deep for flipping’ on his home rainfall to replenish Anything But Normal guide Stephen Johnston said in a late July around shallow vegetation as big summer move to points, underwater ridges and lake. water that gradually Everyone knows this year has been interview. “There is plenty of milfoil out bass often gravitate to shoreline cover to other structure to feed. They typically

30 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal september 2015 september 2015 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal 31 faint black line on the screen. upper water column, often times creating with a or deep diving crankbait. “In a normal year there isn’t any “You always need to start at water dimples on the surface that can be seen Just hang on tight if you do. current, so the shad are just out there depths that are above the thermocline,” with the naked eye on a windless summer Two of the biggest bass I’ve ever reeled swimming around in tight groups,” Johnston said. “Anything below the day. in were caught less than 15 minutes apart Johnston said. “But when current starts thermocline is void of sufficient oxygen. Most schooling activity occurs while fishing beneath a semi-active school moving my guess is it will make the shad It’s like the dead zone down there.” intermittently during the course of the of fish at Lake Baccarac in Mexico. The act different. That could could definitely The guide pointed out that the depth day, often in relation to some sort of first weighed upwards of 11 pounds; it have an effect on the schooling activity of the thermocline can vary from one structure such as a creek channel, hump ate a six inch Optimum swim bait. The on some lakes. We’ll just have to wait and lake to the next. It’s also possible to have or underwater ridge. The killing sprees second fish, a 10 pounder, jumped on a see.” more than one thermocline on the same can last anywhere from a few seconds to DT16 body of water. several minutes. crankbait. A “On a big lake like Toledo Bend it is Proper boat positioning is of the few casts later not uncommon to find the thermocline essence to score when school fish are I lost an even at several different depths, depending on active. One of the most common mistakes larger bass the area of lake you are in,” Johnston said. anglers make when going after school bass right at the “It might be at 17 feet up north, 22 feet at is moving too close with the outboard boat on the mid-lake and 26 feet down south. Always engine running which invariably spooks crankbait. keep an eye on the thermocline anytime the fish. If you spot an active school, kill Johnston you are moving around and always fish the big engine 75-100 yards out and close says it will be above it.” the gap with the trolling motor. The idea interesting Back to School is to move just close enough that you can to see if or School bass are usually a pretty reliable reach the action with a long cast, not to how the fall The Stanley Ribbit Frog can be deadly medicine on bass holed up around shallow weed beds option this time of year. The fish are move right in on top of the fish. schooling and lily pads. generally small in size, but they have huge Don’t fret it if the surface commotion activity will attitudes and aggressive tendencies as they wanes before you get into position. The be impacted set up downstream from the current — worm that is plum or red bug in color. herd and chase hapless groups of shad to action will often resume in a short time, on those lakes sometimes behind a lone stump, rock or Checking Thermocline the surface to feed on them at will. Toss usually in the same general vicinity. Stay where current something else that breaks the flow — to No matter what lake you are fishing a chrome topwater bait or small Rat-L- patient, be quiet and wait them out. It becomes a The Rebel Pop has a history of bringing out the mean streak in fall school wait for baitfish caught up in the flow to during the summer months, Johnston Trap amongst a group feeding schoolies might be a good idea to fan cast the area factor. bass. be swept by. says it is important to keep close check and there is a pretty good chance it will Current rarely plays a big role on Texas on the thermocline. The thermocline is get hammered. lakes in September, but Johnston thinks basically the dividing line in the water Late summer/early fall schooling this year is going to be exception on big column where oxygen content goes from activity is triggered largely by dwindling lakes that caught a lot of water earlier in rich to poor. Well tuned electronics will oxygen levels in deep water. As oxygen the year. usually distinguish the thermocline as a levels decline, the shad move into the “My guess is the controlling authorities Check back often for the latest outdoor news are going to be pulling a lot of water in from across Texas, the United States, and September to try to get these lakes down around the world. to winter pool,” Johnston said. “It hasn’t happened in a long time. But with the • Stay informed in between issues grass gone on Toledo Bend I think the • Latest outdoor updates and news current is going to be a big factor. It’ll • Links to all your favorite resources be happening on Texoma and any other • Information for hunters and anglers lake they are trying to pull down. The • Tide Tables fish will just roam around with the bait and the fishing will be pretty darned • Hunting & Fishing times tough until they start pulling current. • Read issues online for subscribers Once that happens the bass will group • And much, much more! up and position themselves so they are easier to catch. You need to keep tabs on the generation schedule and be out there Stay OUTDOORS informed! when it is happening.” One of Johnston’s favorite baits to throw when fishing current is a deep Follow us on Facebook! diving crankbait like a shad pattern Texas Outdoors Journal Norman DD22 or a Strike King 6XD, 8XD Updates, News, Giveaways and More, or 10XD, depending the depth at which delivered straight to your newsfeed! the fish are positioned. He also likes a 3/4 Toledo Bend fishing guide Stephen Johnston says deep diving cranks dredged on offshore or 1-ounce football jig and a Texas rig structure will be a big player on Toledo Bend this September.

32 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal september 2015 september 2015 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal 33 SALTWATER JOURNAL | Mark Sosin you see is a reflection of the water. If naturally and must be learned. windshield because you are focusing on you’ve stalked the glamorous bonefish or Very few anglers can see fish the road ahead. Altitude is also important. Looks Are Deceiving the tackle-busting tarpon on the shallow underwater without the benefit of The higher you are above the water, the flats, no one need tell you how effective polarized sunglasses. They will help to better you can see into it. An angler a silver body can be when it comes to eliminate the glare even on cloudy and standing on the bow of a skiff can see camouflage. The reflection from the overcast days and when it is raining. much better than someone sitting down. Your eyes should scan the water In the underwater world of fish there and shadow. bottom on the silver simply makes the My Costas hang around my neck from constantly even if it is too deep or too is little margin for error. Every fish must For deceptive fish vanish. daybreak to dark. dark to see very far into it. There are also cope with enemies lurking below and camouflage, Concealment is only one benefit of If possible you should have the sun surface signs that could indicate fish. above the surface, and every fish must feed these patterns are color patterning. Another is advertisement at your back so you can benefit from the Constantly searching for fish, watching successfully if it is to survive. Coloration matched by the either as a warning or for signaling. What penetrating rays. Think of the water’s trolled baits, or scanning the water and camouflage protect fish from their various rippled better way to recognize their own kind surface as a windowpane and look right for encouraging signs hold the key to enemies and give them an advantage in bars, spots, or for schooling and breeding than through through it as if it weren’t there. It’s like successful fishing. ambushing prey. stripes on such recognizable color patterns? Even if driving a car. You don’t see the car’s Look down on a body of water from species as Spanish concealment is the primary reason for above and it appears dark no matter how mackerel, little color patterns, there is usually a bright clear it is. From the depths, however, tuna, bonito, colored signal marking somewhere on the the water appears bright against the sky. and wahoo. The body. The cleverest arrangement is to have That’s the reason for countershading prize for the most these markings on the fins so that they can be retracted for concealment. and why just about every species of rippled design Photo by Bill L. Olson fish is dark on top and light on the goes to the Atlantic In addition to their permanent color If you’ve stalked the tackle-busting tarpon on the shallow flats, no patterns, most species exhibit momentary bottom. Countershading also removes mackerel. one need tell you how effective a silver body can be when it comes to intensities of color that can be highly any appearance of dimension, causing the The most camouflage. The reflection from the bottom on the silver simply makes fish to look flat rather than solid. bizarre and striking the fish vanish. significant to the skilled in Many species use color patterning for color patterns are found on tropical reef home grounds against threats from their recognizing these signs. For example, concealment. This type of camouflage is . Most reef fish feed by browsing own species. They will also drive off excitement causes the sides of often called disruptive coloration because on plant life, gulping fry, or attacking similarly colored fish of a different species, to brighten as if a neon sign had been turned on. Tease a billfish or pull a bait 224 & 256 NOW AVAILABLE. Carolina are 180, 200, 220, Veriside 23’ & Highside 200 the pattern disrupts an observer’s view of small shellfish, so they don’t really need but seldom bother with fish of different bow shape. Sef-bailing deck, hand-laid hull & draw only 9 1/2” of water. 10-year transferable by it and you are likely to see this color cap. Locking & storage, premium upholstery. hull warranty. the fish. Species that live around structure camouflage for ambush purposes. The color patterns that happen to stray in 100% composite construction. No wood to rot! such as groupers have a camouflage reef is a patchwork of caves and niches. their territory. change. Anglers refer to it as “lighting system that simply breaks up the body During the daylight hours, small fish find The majority of open water fish are up.” Other species exhibit different signs image, since the background is laced with protection in these places and don’t need silver colored beneath a dark upper surface. of excitement. Amberjack have a short broken forms, irregular shadings, and the benefit of coloration for concealment. The dark top is certainly understandable fuse when it comes to chasing a bait or shifting shadows. The water is so clear that these fish can as protection from predators above, but lure. If you tease the fish for a moment Some saltwater species have evolved see predators coming far enough away to the silver sides would seem a poor defense. or two, a dark stripe will run through the striking patterns of color on their upper run for cover. Actually, the silver pigment cells (called eye of the fish. The more excited it gets, sides. Ripples on the surface of the water The bright colors on reef species are iridocytes) reflect the surrounding colors the darker the stripe will be. There is a correlation between depth Still building legends, one at a time. 22’ - 25’ break up the sun’s rays and transform used primarily for identification. They of the water and the bottom. It’s almost models availble. We also carry saltwater bass boats by Ranger. them into patterns of shimmering light are territorial by nature and guard their like hiding behind a mirror, because what and a fish’s color. Open water fish that live near the surface are blue or green with silver sides fading into a light bottom. A mid-depth species tends to be silver, gray, or brown, while deep water critters are either red or black. Yellow and orange are poor colors for concealment, but the dolphin seems to be the exception with plenty of yellow in its body. The reason is simple. Dolphin tend to lurk around floating debris, weed lines, and brown logs. Solidly colored fish are by far the exception. Most species are countershaded to some degree, being dark on top and light underneath. Almost all have some color markings no matter how faint or small. Spotting a fish that is underwater takes practice and experience. The more you do it, the better you become. Like anything else, the skill doesn’t come

34 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal september 2015 september 2015 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal 35 For information on guides mentioned, see Guides, Gear & Getaways on pages 59, 61 & 63 when they go down. He said trolling with As always, September’s crappie fishing fishing during summer’s final month, a Hellbender and pet spoon rig produces prospects will be strictly structure and Lake Conroe fishing guide Butch Terpe Lake Roundup good numbers of fish. brush related. Anglers should be able to says he kind of likes it. Crappie: No secrets here. Vandergriff find some keepers along the banks of “September is one of my favorite says community holes around the Sabine River up north, while deep brush months,” he said. “The bass can sense the Highway 155 bridge crossing always give piles situated on points or near drops in changing seasons and they’ll start feeding beginning to pop up from time to time. Driscoll recommends using your up good numbers of keepers, as do brush 30-35 feet of water will be the ticket down up strong, especially towards the end of As a rule these fish won’t be big, but they electronics to search for offshore sweet piles in 12-13 feet of water. south. Fishing guide Stephen Johnston the month after we get a cold front or two EAST TEXAS are fun to catch. spots littered with bait. He’ll probe around Channel Cat: This is Vandergriff’s says the fish will likely be suspended to start cooling the water down a little.” Topwaters and lipless cranks are the bait using deep diving cranks, Carolina bread and butter when he’s on a meat around 18-25 feet, so it will be important Terpe says he will begin the day among the best baits to throw when the rigs and football jigs. run. He targets the fish over baited holes to use your electronics to determine the targeting flooded terrestrial vegetation schoolies are having their way with roving The biologist says there also will be along the Neches River channel south of most productive depth before dropping and weed beds at the north end of the pods of shad. Another good bait is a 1/2 some fish to be caught in the shallows The Villages. His preferred baits include a shiner or jig. lake using assorted topwaters, Ribbit frogs, ounce spoon. The bait casts a long around flooded torpedo grass, pond weed night crawlers, liver, shrimp and punch CONROE — While some anglers dread Chatterbaits and Texas rig plastics. He is way and closely resembles a fleeing shad and lily pads situated on points, channels bait. “Most of the fish will range in size when reeled through the upper water or near drops that offer easy access to from 9-15 inches,” he said. “If you like ‘em column at a steady pace. deeper water. fried whole there isn’t anything better.” Summer crappie fishing is usually His go-to baits will be some sort of TOLEDO BEND — T-Bend was best at water depths of 18-25 feet, often topwater early in the day, then switching about two inches low and falling in late at night. Most night fishing is done in to a crankbait, spinnerbait or a light July. Barring any hurricanes or heavy By Matt Williams relation to some sort of structure, such as Texas rig to be fished the outer rims of downpours to screw things up, veteran the powerline crossing poles, underwater the vegetation. fishing guide Tommy Martin is forecasting NACOGDOCHES — Lake Nacogdoches brush, or both. Try using some sort of “There also will be times when a frog a pretty decent outlook for a guy who came into August in great shape with a submersible lighting system around the will work all day long,” Driscoll said. wants to chase bass in September. ALUMINUM BOAT SPECIALISTS water level only six inches off the full mark boat. Light attracts baitfish, which in turn PALESTINE — Lake Palestine fishing “Once the water level drops a couple For All Your Fishing & Hunting Needs and fairly decent water clarity after staying lures in the crappie. guide Ricky Vandergriff is a multi-species of feet it’s going to start getting right,” high and stained-to-muddy throughout SAM RAYBURN — Weird things were guide who loves bass fish, but also keeps Martin said. “In July, there were still a lot spring and much of the summer. The happening on Big Sam as of this writing up with the catfish, white bass and crappie fish scattered in shallow water because only downside is the hydrilla took a hit as in late July. Bass anglers were catching on his home lake. Vandergriff offered up the lake was a lot higher than normal. the result of the high, muddy water. That eight pounders out of flooded willow the following plans of attack for Palestine’s But once the level drops it’s going to push pretty much erased the offshore flipping bushes in eight feet of water and the Corp Big 4: them off the flats and position them where bite bass anglers had enjoyed here over the of Engineers was pulling water 24/7 in an Bass: The guide says September has they are supposed to be.” Excel 2172 Viper Centerconsole Pro Drive Duck Hunter Special last few summers. effort to restore the water level to some a history of producing good numbers of Martin looks for there to be a strong Barring any big time August rains, degree of normalcy after big rains and bass, but not much on size. He generally bite along creek channels and old timber the lake will probably be about a foot ensuing runoff pushed the lake to 9 1/2 looks for the best bite to be up north lines at the north end of the lake. Channel low by the time September rolls around. feet above normal just ahead of the July around grass flats in the vicinity of swings will be particularly good. Best But don’t look for there to be any drastic 4 holiday. Kickapoo creek, the Neches River and depth range will be 10-20 feet. changes in the fishing patterns anytime The lake was still about 4 1/2 feet Cade’s Lake. Martin’s go-to bait for probing along soon. The dog days of summer are still high as of July 22. Provided there was no “That’s where I’ll be early in the day,” channel breaks is a Texas rig worm. His very much with us. torrential flooding in August, the water Vandergriff said. “There should be a two favorite plastics include a Zoom Bass anglers should still be able to level should be back to pool level, or real decent bite on topwaters, buzzbaits and Trick Worm and a Zoom Ol’ Monster. Excel Bay 203 Centerconsole pick up some fish early and late throwing close to it, by the time September rolls frogs during the first couple of hours of Redbug and junebug are the preferred COASTAL BOAT & DOCK SPECIALISTS light Texas rigs, swim baits, wacky worms, around. daylight. After that, I’ll move to channels color choices. Senkos and in relation What will that mean for early fall and fish a jig around stumps and lay “There should also be quite a bit of to shoreline torpedo grass and other fishing prospects? downs lining the channel. The channels schooling activity in September as well,” vegetation found growing in the shallows. With the status of the hydrilla still will be in about 6-10 feet of water and the Martin said. “The schoolies usually aren’t For best results stick with stuff situated on questionable after the extended period wood will be about three feet deep. That’s that big, but they are a lot of fun to catch main lake or secondary points that offer of high water, local fisheries biologist generally where I catch my bigger fish this when they are busting topwaters.” easy, fast to deeper water provided by a and tournament angler Todd Driscoll time of year.” Some anglers are saying the flipping drop off or creek channel. of Brookeland is anticipating a strong White Bass: Vandergriff says the bite won’t materialize around the hydrilla With the grass knocked so far back, offshore bite around hard bottom whites will be active on the surface at first this fall because the growth of the grass midday fishing will probably be best structure such as main lake points, ledges, light before moving out to the first or was stunted by all the high water over the around any brush piles, log jams and humps and ridges in 18-25 feet of water. second drop on main lake points around summer. But Martin doesn’t think that’s Models from 1860 to 2420 Professional Accommodating Any Design and Need hard bottom structure you can find in The biologist added that brush piles also the dam and Cobb Creek. There also will the case. water ranging 12-25 feet, depending on could be major players in the game this be some fish hanging around the old “I think we’ll have some of it,” he said. the depth of the thermocline. Crankbaits, September. Highway 155 bridge. “It won’t be as deep as in the past, but I Texas rigs, drop shots and Carolina rigs “It’s still too early to tell about the The guide says he will go after the think there will definitely be some to flip will be the tickets in these types of places. hydrilla,” Driscoll said. “It’ll rebound, but schooling fish with a topwater or Rat- with a big jig in 12-13 feet at the south 12525 I-10 East | Baytown, TX There also should be some school bass how long it will take remains to be seen.” L-Trap, then switch to a spoon or slab end of the lake.” www.genespowersports.com | 281-385-5888

36 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal september 2015 september 2015 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal 37 especially fond of the area from Caney dock are always a bonus. structure. Hybrids, stripers and sandies 12” worms, jigs and Kreature baits will lakes. The most interesting was probably PURTIS CREEK — While Athens was Creek north to the national forest. Best The guide says bass anglers also should will be following schools of baitfish on make up the majority of this fishing.” Lake Athens. the most interesting, and Cedar Creek was depth range will be 2-4 feet. be able to find some good fishing up deeper structure as well. Dark colors fished anywhere from 12-18 For years Athens was devoid of any the most pleasant, without a doubt the “That’ll be the deal for about the first north along the Trinity River bottleneck. Night fishing will still be in full swing feet and worked slowly will put his clients shoreline grasses. A few wisps here and most productive lake was Purtis Creek. A hour or so of daylight, maybe a little Laydowns and log jams found along old for the many species and is still a good in range of really big bass, which is what there sure, but mostly a gently sloping, 365 acre, catch-and-release bass factory, longer if we get some cloud cover,” Terpe sloughs that stem from the channel are way to beat the late-summer heat. I sure Fork is known for. sandy bank was all you would find. Now Purtis has undergone a dramatic change said. “After that I’ll move offshore.” always potential sweet spots. Best depth will be glad when that check for fall can If you can’t stand to work a slow bait you will have a hard time finding an area since the introduction of grass carp to Terpe suggests targeting main lake range will be 6-8 feet. be cashed! Stevenson advises, “There is nothing that isn’t covered up in pondweed and control the hydrilla several years ago. I am points, ledges, old road beds and pond “The shad like to bunch up in those BOB SANDLIN — Bob Sandlin, is one wrong with covering a lot of water with a other grasses. I found that out while night- not a fan of this control method. dams in water ranging 8-15 feet under big kinds of places,” Dearman said. “Find the of the “Tri-Lakes” (Bob Sandlin, Cypress buzzbait or spinnerbait at night.” fishing the lake. I have fished the lake since it opened sun. For best results, use your electronics shad and you’ll find the bass.” Springs and Monticello). It is the largest of Once temps cool a bit the plan changes After a fruitless search for some clear and have seen it go through several to pinpoint underwater brush piles and Dearman added that white bass are the three lakes, and has everything a bass yet again. “We’ll start fishing more during bank where I could throw buzzbaits and changes over the last 20+ years. As the work them thoroughly using a crankbait, a reliable fun fishing option this month. fisherman needs. Grass, creeks, points the day and looking for grassbeds to work spinnerbaits, it became apparent that I vegetation was denuded by the carp, bass jig or Texas rig. Carolina rigs also can be He’ll be looking for the fish on top and and structure are all in abundance on Bob over,” said Mark. Any of your weedless would have to change my tactics. Slow- started moving to timber and deeper effective in some areas. bottom over main lake points, roadbeds Sandlin, in additition to plenty of boat baits such as frogs, spinnerbaits, and rolling a spinnerbait past the outside edges structure, making it harder for the average Anybody who keeps up with Terpe’s and bridges in water ranging 6-25 feet docks for flippin’ and pitchin’. Texas-rigged plastics will work around of the emergent vegetation helped, as we fisherman to connect with the fish. reports knows a big part of his guide deep. For bass start the day shallow with the grass. Watermelon/red is hard to beat, caught a few fish along the deeper edges. However, at night bass will still move business hinges on Conroe’s abundant buzzbaits (white) and plastic frogs with black/blue and junebug close behind. The best approach for the shallow shallow to feed. Fishing during the darkest channel catfish population. Not only are (whits/chart), around these docks or the Deep structure fishermen will want to fish was a frog in watermelon/red fished moon phase we were able to catch bass on the fish easy to catch, but limits are lenient NORTH TEXAS vegetation. In more open water poppers drag a Carolina-rigged worm across the across the top. Strikes were explosive and several baits. First was the buzzbait. Not and they are great in the skillet. and clear Baby Torpedo’s are the ticket. points, and on Fork you should look at a frequent, although the hook-up rate was a single fish actually took the bait, but Terpe says the channel cat bite is always Look around Thunderbird Point, working 10 inch worm as opposed to the smaller about 60-40. Deeper fish were caught on many would blow up on it and give away best this time of year around baited holes toward the western main lake, and the baits usually associated with that rig. a drop-shot and 4” ribworm in red shad. their presence. Following up with a 10 along the old San Jacinto River channel. points between Monticello cove and Drop-shotting will also work throughout Docks were holding fish at the deeper inch Powerworm in red shad, or 10 inch The best depth is around 20 feet. Radio Tower cove. The Cherokee Point/ September. edges and flipping a jig in black/blue also ribworm in red/black laminate, always The guide baits his holes during cattle Charlies Ridge area should also produce Still too early for the annual up-lake produced a few fish, but the frog got the picked up those bass, as they returned range cubes. Assorted baits will catch fish, fish. Be sure to go back over these same migration, Lake Fork crappie will still most action throughout the night. to look for whatever it was they had just but Terpe is big fan of cheese bait balled areas with a Texas rig or jig, and fish just be on the bridges and deeper brush. CEDAR CREEK — Athens may have hit. Alternating between a black/blue onto a sponge hook. Next in line are night a shade deeper. Minnows and crappie jigs are the ticket. been the most interesting lake recently spinnerbait and the worm caught fish all crawlers, liver, shrimp and hearts. As the day progresses, move out onto Be sure to keep a clear Torpedo, slab visited but the most pleasant was Cedar night, up to about 6 pounds. LIVINGSTON — Veteran Lake the points into 15-22 feet and work or ‘trap handy for the schooling sandies Creek. After several years of drought Cedar While the buzzbat never actually Livingston salt Randy Dearman says the drop-shots and Carolina rigs. Boat docks that can pop up on the surface anywhere Creek is at full pool and is a joy to fish. caught a fish, one good bass was caught 90,000-acre lake fished tough all summer By Brian Hughes will hold fish all day, but as the sun gets and at anytime. There is so much flooded vegetation it is on a Hula Popper! I would imagine that due to high, muddy water. Barring any higher they will retreat to the safety and RICHLAND CHAMBERS — September hard to decide where to start. Fortunately a Jitterbug would work as well, or even tropical blasts, he says the lake should be September is a promise of things to coolness of the far reaches where it is hard will fish like August early in the month at it doesn’t seem to matter. better, but we didn’t have one to try. coming into fall in great shape for fishing. come. It’s almost a tease. Like a post-dated to present a lure. This will test your casting R-C. For sandies, use a glitter slab with In two days and nights of fishing The reason I think it would be more “It should be clearing up real good by check, it hints at what lies ahead, while ability, but if you can get a bait in front of a crappie jig tied above it. You’ll tie the we went to several different creeks and productive is because it can be fished at now,” Dearman said. “That’s always good remaining firmly rooted in the present. them they will bite. crappie jig one or two feet above the slab. started about halfway back in each one. a steady pace, instead of a pop-and-go for the fishing on Livingston. September Dove season opens and the hunting FORK — September on Fork offers Use white or yellow jigs. Take this bait rig Spinnerbaits and Texas-rigged plastics retrieve like the Popper. isn’t one of my favorite months, but you year officially begins, but the coolness of a lot of options in a day of fishing. So to the Pelican Island area and on to the fished along the edges of the vegetation We fished all around the island, can still have some decent days if you get fall is still a good bit down the road. Early says Mark Stevenson, Texas Freshwater dam. Watch for schooling action to tell produced fish consistently, day or night. submerged pond and along the dam in the right areas and do the right things September can be blazing hot while the Fishing Hall of Fame inductee and long- you where the fish are, as there is no real White/shad sparkle spinnerbaits during and bass were present and active at each when you get there.” end of the month usually starts to show time guide on Lake Fork. “Start the day structure or pattern to the method. the light hours and black/blue baits at location. The only place we didn’t get Dearman says he will spend a moderation in temperature. with topwaters across the top of the grass Hybrids will be deep over structure night, with red shad and black/blue being much response was the west bank in the considerable amount of time south of The fishing will follow a similar then work the edges with drop-shots and anywhere from 25-38 feet. A ½ or 1oz the colors for plastics. In addition, the timber, and I think that was because we the Highway 190 bridge this month. He’ll pattern in that early in the month bass, Carolina rigs.” jig, and large gizzard shad are the choices docks on Cedar Creek are perfectly set up fished that early in the evening before be targeting main lake points in water sandies and hybrids will still be schooling Mark will also start moving back in baits. for flipping jigs and Kreature baits. Again, the sun went down. About an hour after ranging 6-10 feet deep using crankbaits, and keeping above the thermocline, while into the creeks as we get farther into the Bass fishermen need to look for grass dark colors at night and watermelon/red sunset the bass started biting and I’m sure spinnerbaits and a Texas rigged craw. near the end of the month many lakes will month. “Shad will begin to move into the in the Harbor Inn Marina area, and in during the day payed off again and again had we doubled back along that bank we Fishing around any available wood cover experience the “turnover” phenomenon creeks for the late spawn and the bass will some of the coves. Topwaters and frogs for dock bass. would have found feeding fish. will be the key. and it’ll slow the action a bit. Of course, follow,” he suggested. “You follow them will work if there is grass present. Drop- We didn’t fish for catfish, but others Sandies on Purtis will show up at the “The Kickapoo and Indian Creek arms that all depends on the temperatures in and start throwing ‘Traps, deep-diving shots, Alabama rigs and Carolina rigged staying at our lodge did, and they were dam during the day. Look for them with will be especially good,” Dearman said. the later part of the month. It could still be crankbaits like the DD22 and plastics, all fries fished on the Oil Field points on the catching limits on cut bait and prepared your electronics or simply wait for the “Jennings Creek also is worth a look.” quite hot well into October, which pushes along the creek channel edges.” main lake will also find some bass. St. baits, fishing the shallow cuts in the creeks. schools to surface. Slabs, ‘Traps and clear Dearman pointed to main lake boat back the timeline. Of course, that’s not the only way to Elmo, Winkler and the old pond dams Many of these cats were what I would Tiny Torpedos will all work on the fish, as docks as another good option. He says Early in the month fishing should be catch Fork bass. “As we begin the month are other good places to fish these baits. consider trophy fish, well over twenty will the new, smaller ‘Bama rigs. those docks that are located in close very much like August. Start early for bass, the daytime temps can still be in the ATHENS — I was fortunate enough to pounds. Most of those were thrown back, Yes, September is a post-dated check— proximity to a channel swing or drop off fish on top, then move to the depth of hundreds, so we may spend the first few spend a few days on the water just before with the anglers keeping the smaller fish but better post-dated than no check at are always the best. Brush piles around a the thermocline and fish points and deep days fishing at night,” he continued. “Big writing this and was on several different for the pan. all.

38 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal september 2015 september 2015 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal 39 may push through, September is usually be stacking up too early for any really strong front. on flats and And, September is far less crowded than beginning to summer months, offering fishermen their move toward pick of productive stretches of water. exit signs – i.e. of But, enough about the conditions Gulf passes. PICK PLENTY anglers experience during September. Generally like- The fish are the main attraction and in sized reds will September, inshore and nearshore anglers gather in groups. have their pick of plenty of available Those groups species. will merge into As mentioned early, bull redfish will larger schools as be thick around the jetties, in Gulf passes they make their and up and down the beachfronts. Anglers way out of the fishing the surf zone should concentrate bay. Finding on stretches of surf adjacent to a Gulf pass large numbers in order to enhance their chances. of redfish on During September, the vast majority the flats is one of redfish found “on the outside” will be of the more oversized, with many truly monstrous exciting angling specimens being caught every year. Later experiences in the month, these “bulls” will be joined during by upper slot sized fish leaving the bays. September. But, for the first few weeks of September, Once anglers Schools of redfish in the bays or oversized fish that have migrated to Gulf most slot size redfish will still be “on the find a school, passes and the beachfront, redfish are just one of the options for anglers in inside.” they can usually September. Over the days and weeks following follow them day after day as they move the bay until they find a school. Labor Day, redfish that have spent their ever closer to exiting the bay. When in Savvy saltwater anglers know fall entire life maturing in the back bays and doubt as to where to find fish, anglers fishing isn’t all about redfish. And, neither lakes will be preparing to move on to the should begin looking for reds on the flats is the month immediately preceding fall, next stage of their lives. These fish will nearest Gulf passes, then work further into as speckled trout action is generally hot in September. Over the next few weeks, speckled trout will be fattening up for secondary spawn that takes place in early fall. During September, trout fishermen will actually have a choice to make - they can choose to selectively fish for trophy fish or focus on getting full boxes of solid keeper size specks. Most often, larger fish will usually be found along the shorelines or on shallow flats. Out a little bit deeper, just about any mid-depth structure – grass Whether inshore or nearshore, anglers have variety of available beds, shell pads, oyster reefs, etc. – will species to target in the fall. be jam packed with keeper-size speckled trout in September. So, anglers simply Story and photography by Danno Wise need to adjust their target areas based on whether they want trophy fish or good numbers of keeper-size trout. eptember is still summer – Labor Day. Public schools are back in in from the open Gulf by September and Down on the southernmost reaches of make no mistake about it. And, session. Hunters have uncased their are hanging out in the passes and along the Texas coast, the less heralded, but very Sanyone who has spent any time shotguns. Football season has kicked the beachfront awaiting the migration of exciting mangrove snapper run will be in on the Texas coast during September off. Days are getting shorter and, along mature fish from inside the back bays. In its early stages. The mangrove snapper run can certainly attest to the sweltering the Texas coast, the table is being set for fact, the stage for this frenzy of fish fishing will be going full blast in October, but it temperatures usually felt during the ninth outstanding autumn angling action. activity is usually set in August when usually begins in September, with myriads month of the year. However, even though One of the most popular fall fishing oversize fish begin showing up around the of mangrove snapper will congregate both the calendar and thermometer activities is looking for bull reds along jetties, passes and beachfronts. around jetty rocks on Boca Chica Beach, confirm September is a summer month, the beachfront. However, many fishermen September also offers the often calm South Padre Island and Padre Island there are unmistakable signs of fall in the don’t realize the majority of the spawning conditions of summer. Though fall is on National Seashore. Numbers or quality speckled trout, that is the question in the fall. air in the weeks immediately following size red drum have already made their way the horizon and one or two weak fronts Although they are not as well-known

40 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal september 2015 september 2015 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal 41 shallow flats as action during September. Sure, the abundance in September. well. These fish middle of the day is still hot, but the days In the surf zone, a variety of live and will continue are much shorter so water temperatures natural baits will produce good results to feed on the begin dropping fairly rapidly. this month. Many anglers choose to leave flats until the As a result, fish will be much more a large natural bait soaking on a big rod in first few fronts active in shallower water through a longer a rod holder while they ply the surf with push through portion of the day. Fishermen can expect plugs, spoons and jigs. These natural bait in October or a much longer window for topwater are likely to attract bull reds, sharks, etc, November. So, action. And, once the surface bite subsides, while the plugs are cast to redfish, specks, inshore anglers anglers can still experience several hours Spanish mackerel, ladyfish, jack crevalle can expect of sight-casting with subsurface lures on and other species that are active in the to have a full the flats. first and second guts. month of good While the topwater bite can be hot, As is the case in the bay, light-tackle snook fishing in it is something of a stealthy surface bite. fishermen can usually expect a pretty September. Due to the typically calm conditions good topwater bite early and late. Spoons One last “fall” during September, “Jr” size plugs and like the Johnson Sprite, a traditional surf species that will other relatively “silent” plugs like Cordell favorite, will produce good results during be getting frisky Redfins are often more productive than bright light hours, as well jigs and sinking in September is large, loud surface plugs. On the flip side, plugs. flounder. While since the fish are more active, anglers In essence, September really does the true can usually retrieve their baits at a fairly bridge the gap between summer and run is still a quick clip, allowing them to cover a bit fall. And, beyond the outstanding couple months more water than they normally can with angling action, another great thing about away (usually topwater lures. September is fishermen generally only starts after When the fish quit hitting topwaters, it share the water with other fishermen, Thanksgiving), doesn’t mean they quit hitting. Through meaning everyone has plenty of room flounder the balance of the day, fish found in the to spread out and enjoy the bounty of Down on the southernmost reaches of the Texas coast the less heralded, but very exciting, will begin to bay will hit both hard and soft-plastic inshore angling action. mangrove snapper run begins in September. concentrate jerkbaits, such as the Bomber 14A and around marsh Down South Southern Shad. Now is drains, etc. These also the time to break out the venerable fish are usually weedless spoons in the back bays. And, easily caught plenty of fish will still fall for soft-plastic once they are jigs. Around just about any mid-depth structure – grass beds, shell pads, located by slowly Of course, popping corks rigs will oyster reefs, etc. – will be jam packed with keeper-size speckled trout in dragging a live still produce, especially when fishermen September. or artificial bait are looking for numbers around mid- or widely distributed as redfish and across the bay floor. Since they are usually depth breaks and structure. Both live speckled trout, mangrove snapper are in fairly shallow water during September, and artificial shrimp under corks are very hard-fighting and great tasting. They are it is much easier to target flounder productive, as shrimp are usually found in considered outstanding light-tackle fare than it is earlier wherever they occur, which thanks to in the summer. recent warm winters is an ever-expanding Like redfish, swath of the Texas coast. flounder will The mangrove snapper run in be joining ever- September and October not only allows growing schools anglers to catch more mangrove snapper, throughout but also larger specimens as fish up to September, 10 pounds can be found lurking around meaning once the deeper jetty rocks during this time of year. fish are located, Another subtropical species which has anglers can spread across the entire Lower Coast with usually expect to the recently warm winters is snook. Like catch more than mangrove snapper, snook fishing’s zenith one. is October. However, there will be a lot of Regardless of linesider action in September. There will species, anglers still be a good number of snook hanging can expect a bit Photo courtesy Capt. Gencho Buitureira around the jetties. But, September sees more surface and Another true Texas trophy available in the fall is snook. This young angler a good population of snook on the shallow water has every right to be proud to catch a Texas linesider. 42 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal september 2015 september 2015 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal 43 For information on guides mentioned, see Guides, Gear & Getaways on pages 59, 61 & 63 reminded me of how State Senator Babe Schwartz once described Buffalo Bayou Lake Roundup in Houston before it was cleaned up: “It’s way to thick to drink, and barely too thin to plow!” Then, just when I should have in history as I pen been working on this column, my this. Prayer might granddaughter and I decided to fish the be in order. upper end of Lady Bird Lake. When the The rain sun goes behind that big hill on the west brought about bank, it can get really pleasant, even in rises in Lake 105 degree temperature. That somewhat Buchanan and worked, at least after about six p.m. What Lake Travis, for surprised me, though, was the condition sure. But with the of the water. rises came debris. Lady Bird Lake often is almost clear Tons of it. Boat enough to make you want to take a drink. ramps began (But DON’T!) In late July, it was still opening, and all very much off color and had an alarming ©John and Vicky Jefferson Photography are now open, amount of small debris in it. That made it Late afternoon on the upper end of Lady Bird Lake makes for a relaxing time of fishing... and but the Cypress frustrating to try to cast, and at least every catching! Creek ramp other cast harvested weeds or various on Lake Travis breeds of flotsam. It wasn’t as tangled as however. Throw anything that resembles a life-like look of two shads swimming remained closed Lake Travis had been several weeks earlier, a shad. Bomber slab spoons or any other together, and should be a killer when for several weeks but enough so that I devoted the rest of the jigging spoon will reach out to distant casting near schooling bass ravaging after the lake had afternoon to baiting the hook for Nicole schools and have harvested a lot of bass, schools of shad. Jay McBride at McBride’s risen above the Jefferson. She caught a few fish, enough, both largemouths and white bass. Tiny Guns has them in stock, as well as a stock 666 elevation I hope, to keep her coming back. And she Torpedoes, white Marabou jigs, and of stories from fishermen who have ©John and Vicky Jefferson Photography point threshold. pitched a shutout against her grandfather. Renosky Darting Shads are excellent. bought them. Lake Travis rose from the death to within ten feet of capacity, flooding vegetation that sprung up during the drought. That I asked why. It wasn’t the first time. I’ll also try a Bait Ball this year. It has Happy Fall Fishing! will provide new habitat for fish, and be a boon to fishing. “Debris,” I Craig Bonds is the Inland Fisheries was told. The director at TPWD, and says that there was with the passing of the first cool front. The ramp was finally opened on June 25. We so much vegetation washed into the lakes key word there is “usually” since 2015 has got there as quickly as we could. There when the rain hit that it might take a while been anything but usual so far. was a floating island of cedar and assorted longer for it to settle and decompose. He Last month, I wrote that all the rain in brush about 70 yards out from the did point out that the matter in the lakes late May and June was welcome and was ramp. Miscellaneous piles were scattered will lead to increased fish production, but filling our lakes. Then I added this: throughout the cove. Water was up into it’s impossible to predict how long it will “And what has it done for the fishing? what had been shoreline brush. A debris take. As Bonds put it, “Green water grows It’s a little too early to tell, but a lot – read line of small sticks leaves and unidentified fish.” I’m hoping that by Labor Day, the that a heckuva lot — of vegetation got trash along the shore extended about six lakes will have cleared up. flooded creating a whale of a lot of habitat feet out into the cove. It was thick enough And speaking of Labor Day, be aware for bait fish and the predators that live off to be impenetrable to small rocks tossed that all law enforcement agencies will be them. That bodes well for fish welfare as onto it. on the lakes trying to protect us from we get into the hottest part of the summer. We fished until it got hot – the weather, careless and often incapacitated boat More shade from el sol. Cover where a that is, not the fishing. Nothing was biting. operators. And it wasn’t just us. We talked to several September will find the bass still in By John Jefferson desert once stood.” At least I hedged my bets by saying that other boats and they said the same. They a summer pattern for the first couple This is my favorite column of the year it was too early to tell what the Biblical rain were just there for a boat ride on the new of weeks. The best bet will be to chase to write. It’s September. The first month bomb had done for the fishing. And I at lake. We ventured as far up Cypress Creek schooling bass racking up shad near after April that has an “R” in it. And in my least said there would be more protective as the sludge line would permit. As the the surface. You’ll see it happen on all dictionary, that spells the end of summer, cover from the sun. That much happened. lake rose, the debris was pushed up into the lakes, but Bastrop, Walter E. Long, the beginning of cooler weather and The old saying comes to mind: “Be all sloughs and creeks. There appeared to Fayette, Travis, Buchanan, Georgetown hopefulness for fall fishing. We’re on the careful what you pray for; it just might be otherwise navigable water further up and Granger are excellent waters to get in down side of summer as I write this. come to pass.” Now, before anybody jumps Cypress Creek, but the Sargasso Sea of on this excitement. Unless you’re new to Texas, you the gun – or in this case, the paragraph – the same stuff in front of the boat ramp Look for the splashing frenzy during probably know that we’ll have plenty of let me quickly say that I’m not telling you stopped us. the morning hours, preferably around hot days in September. Toward the middle to not pray for rain. Heck, we just might be It looked like Port Aransas during a sunrise. It can sometimes last most of of the month, it usually cools off some in the first 30 days of the longest drought seaweed deluge, only much thicker. It the morning and into the afternoon, 44 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal september 2015 september 2015 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal 45 t was hot, I mean scorching hot, the comfort of Getaway Adventures Lodge summer during the month of June after when we arrived in the field. in Port Mansfield for a hot, tasty meal and the strong storms and rain events ended, ITucked up against the Rio Grande a good night’s rest before round two of a and these hatches continued to take place River, I’m pretty sure I saw steam rising South Texas Cast-n-Blast adventure. And throughout July as well.” he says. from the ground as the sun glared off to think tomorrow afternoon could be a Oldenburger says that rural surveys sunflower stalks and the windshields repeat — after catching a few state water show populations of white winged dove of border patrol vehicles far off in the red snapper in the morning of course. in south Texas to be up to 890,000 birds, distance. We were about as “south” as we September in and around the Lower compared to last years 600,000. could get in South Texas. Laguna Madre not only continues to be “These surveys take place on major Taking our time, we spread out on the a time for excellent inshore and offshore roads with most around the US 90 edge of the field as shadows began to grow angling opportunities but it also kicks corridor between Del Rio and San and the evening breeze cooled the air, as off some excellent wing shooting options Antonio, and then heading south along the sun began to sink. About every fifth for hunters. With the number of white the IH 37 corridor to Corpus Christi,” row of sunflowers there was a sendero, winged and mourning doves that nest Oldenburger explained. “So in fact, there’s maybe 15 feet wide a lot of unpaved, where the seed untapped land bearing weeds had in between these been shredded the major highway length of the field. systems that do not With the amount fall into the survey, of seeds crunching so there’s a chance under my boots there could be even the afternoon was a significant more looking good. amount of white Loading up the winged dove within games began. It the south Texas was slow at first, region, especially with one bird here in the Lower Rio or a single there. Grande Valley.” “From the left,” Rural mourning someone called dove populations CAST-N-BLAST out. “To the right,” have been sustained OR came another over the past few command. Soon, years in south the traditional Texas at about 2.9 call of “Over!” million birds, and came regularly. Oldenburger says White wings and these numbers mourning doves have substantially BLAST-N-CAST poured into the increased this year field, diving over due to excellent the trees and production from hitting the deck mourning dove fast in hopes of a Pristine waters of the Lower Laguna Madre are teeming with redfish plus the best catch ratio for hatcheries last year quick evening feast. speckled trout on the Texas’ coast. and again during When the dust finally settled it was hard in, or migrate to this region each year, the recently passed summer months. not to smile. outdoorsmen and women are presented With the amount of doves present There’s just something special about with the thrill of both fishing and hunting in this area, taking advantage of these the nonchalant, relaxing sport of hunting in a single day. Coined the term, “Cast- hunting opportunities after a morning of dove. When the birds are present, it’s hard n-Blast,” these adventures start with fishing seems like a no brainer, and Port to not kick back and enjoy a relaxing shoot morning of fishing, followed by an Mansfield in Willacy County serves as a with a few antics and jokes amongst good afternoon spent in the field hunting dove. great base to center a Cast-n-Blast around. company. Combine an afternoon like this According to Texas Parks and Wildlife Wade fishing for speckled trout and It’s a South Texas thing — inshore and offshore fishing, with a morning fishing trip before hand Department Dove Program Leader, Shaun redfish in the area with artificial lures with a choice of dove or duck hunting. in the pristine, salty waters of the Lower Oldenburger, bird populations for both is world class, as the clear waters of the Laguna Madre and a sportsman’s fantasy white wings and mourning doves in south Lower Laguna are littered with grass beds Story and photography by Nate Skinner is quickly in the making. Texas are on the rise. and potholes that might hold any anglers At the end of this hunt, that’s exactly “As far as white wings are concerned, next personal best. where I found myself — heading back to we saw tons of hatchery birds over the TPWD’s Lower Laguna Madre Natural

september 2015 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal 47 Port Mansfield and Willacy County teal or gadwall mixed in. According to get their fill and then some in south Texas Top along with the surrounding counties that Ducks Unlimited, the 2015 duck breeding along the Lower Laguna Madre. Booking lighT make up the Lower Rio Grande Valley populations report released by the U.S. a trip with Getaway Adventures lodge is F all fall within the Special White-Winged Fish and Wildlife Service, shows overall a must, and the memories made will be Dove Area. This allows hunters to begin duck populations to have increased by priceless. I’m not sure what’s better — hunting white wings earlier, the first two at least one percent from last year. Total pan fried, freshly caught red snapper or weekend in September, before the regular populations were estimated to be at 49.5 speckled trout, or a dove or duck breast dove season begins. The special white million breeding ducks compared to last wrapped in bacon, sizzling over some wing season dates are September 5th and years 49.2 million. This is 43 percent hot coals. Hunting 6th, and September 12th and 13th from higher than the 1955-2014 average. Try a Cast-n-Blast or a Blast-n-Cast to since 1989 noon to sunset only. The regular fall dove This increase in the population for decide for yourself. Preserve season in this area runs from September ducks combined 18th, through October 21st. with the lack of As fall wears on the buck doesn’t stop hunting pressure Pheasant with the end of dove season for Cast-n- on the Lower Chukar Blast trips in the Lower Laguna Madre. Laguna Madre will In fact, the only thing that changes is the see thousands of Quail order in which activities are pursued. ducks flocking to Dove When big duck season opens the the Port Mansfield beginning of November, Cast-n-Blast area this winter. Waterfowl trips quickly become Blast-n-Cast trips, in Half way which the morning is spent duck hunting through duck over decoys, and then the afternoons are season, the winter spent fishing when the water temperatures dove season kicks have warmed and fish are less lethargic. back up reopening There is nothing like watching a good retriever work, and there is plenty of opportunities during duck season on the Lower Laguna Madre. “Duck hunting out of Port Mansfield on December 18th is one of the Lower Laguna’s best kept and runs through Resource Specialist, Jason Ferguson, says Blast better than the folks at Getaway secrets,” says Getaway Adventures Lodge January 18th. the Lower Laguna has the highest catch Adventures Lodge in Port Mansfield. Guide, Captain Ruben Garza. “We shoot Winter dove hunts per unit of effort rate for speckled trout Owned by Houston resident, Mike Sutton, a ton of ducks, and there is little pressure can be just as good on the entire Texas Coast. the lodge’s name speaks for itself — it on them. In fact, sometimes we don’t even as those in the fall “Recreational anglers catch more trout is a true Getaway. From hearty meals see any other hunters while we are out.” in south Texas, as here, than anywhere else in the state,” he to knowledgeable and friendly guides, a Duck straps on these hunts typically fill many birds will explains. Cast-n-Blast any other way would just be out with red heads, widgeon, pintails and have migrated Ferguson also states that the Lower “roughing it.” scaup, with the occasional green winged to the area after Laguna Madre has seen several cool an increase in the average weather events up Day Hunts size of trout since 2007, north. Guided and when the limit was cut Whether it’s a from 10, to five fish, per Cast-n-Blast or a Unguided Hunts day, per person. Blast-n-Cast that Sporting Clays “In the spring of is desired, anglers When through fishing in the morning, grab a shotgun, some shells, and Tower Shoots 2014, gill net surveys and hunters can a stool for an afternoon of dove hunting over sunflower fields. showed that 20% of all Annual Memberships trout caught were 25 Full Service Facility inches in length or larger. Special White-Winged Dove Area Corporate Events These are phenomenal The Special White-Winged Dove Area According to TPWD Dove Program results,” says Ferguson. and its early seasons were created by the Leader, Shaun Oldenburger, three years The nearshore and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, as a way for ago, the area doubled in size, and is now offshore waters near the hunters to take advantage of white wing represented as the portion of the state that Lower Laguna Madre are dove populations that may not be around is south of the US90 corridor from San accessible through Port during the regular season. The area origi- Antonio to Del Rio and west of the IH37 Mansfield’s East Cut. nally consisted of a small region that made corridor running south from San Antonio Kingfish, ling, snapper, up the Lower Rio Grande Valley. Over to Corpus Christi. and mahi mahi are www.topflighthunting.com the years, it has since expanded due to A map of the region, along with a within a few miles reach increased populations in white wings, as detailed description, daily bag limits and Columbus TX of the jetties here. well as their increased range, as they con- season dates can be found at tpwd.texas. Not many outfitters Getaway Adventures Lodge is a South Texas oasis for anglers and hunters alike — a perfect place to slow down, tinued to thrive further and further north. gov. (979) 732-9196 put together a Cast-n- relax and enjoy the fall bounty that is available on the Lower Laguna Madre.

48 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal september 2015 september 2015 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal 49 For information on guides mentioned, see Guides, Gear & Getaways on pages 59, 61 & 63

“The beachfront will be real good in September and so will CoastWatch Danno Wise the short rigs,” said Foreman. “We’ll still have plenty of trout out there and the big redfish will start showing up at the jetties as September marks the official end “I also like well. September is also when we of summer – at least from a recreation working the back start doing a lot of tripletail and standpoint. With school back in session lakes along the ling fishing around the buoys, and football season underway, it seems north side of the range markers and short rigs. as if summer’s already a distant memory. ICW using the The tripletail will be in an area 6 But, the first few weeks of September are same technique as to 12 miles on either side of the still summer and, at times, it definitely in the bays. With state line and up to 12 miles out. feels that way as September retains Texas’ the higher tides “We had a lot of rain and summer heat. that come around runoff earlier in the summer. The fishing along the Texas upper the fall equinox But by September, the water coast as well as southwest Louisiana can this can be an should be plenty salty. So if we be just as hot. And, as the month wears explosive method don’t get any more rain, the on, shorter, cooler days will also make for of fishing. whole lake will be good. The more comfortable time on the water and “I also spend birds will start working around allow anglers to fish more hours without time wading the the second or third week of the draining effects of the stifling summer south shore of September. Usually, it’s around Photo courtesy Captain Randy Foreman heat. And, with more activities competing West Matagorda the second week of September Out of Sabine the beachfront will be real good in September with lots of big redfish caught at the jetties like for fishermen’s time – football, hunting, Bay starting the that we get our first front. Once the brute this angler caught while fishing with Captain Randy Foreman. school, etc. – there promises to be a sharp morning off with that happens, the bait starts reduction in the amount of boat traffic on topwaters and moving out of the marsh and the birds the birds. You can throw pretty much any ounce Terry’s V-Dog spoon and slow roll Texas and Louisiana bays this month. later moving to the start working. soft-plastic under the birds and catch it along the bottom.” grass beds tossing “We’ll mostly be catching trout under fish. But, if you want bigger fish, use a 3/4 “We will usually have some reds mixed Mirrolure Marsh UPPER COAST Minnows or Soft Shad rigged on 1/16 or 1/8-ounce lead heads. My go to colors are Glo/ Chartreuse and Photo by Nate Skinner Morning Glory. Hannah’s Reef in East Galveston Bay has been productive all summer These baits are and will continue to give up some big trout like this one caught by Nick Dancsak. impregnated with scent and have a lot of swimming action. more flounder along the shorelines and “When fishing from the boat I often we usually can do pretty good if we have drift deep shell reefs in East Matagorda the right conditions. Matagorda guide Capt. Tommy throwing dark baits rigged with heavier “Redfish will also be a prime target in Countz says that says that September is an lead heads which allow the baits to get September. A lot of days we will be looking outstanding, albeit often overlooked, time down deeper. for redfish around the jetties and passes. to fish both East and West Matagorda Bay. Galveston guide Capt Greg Verm I’ll use live croaker for slot-size reds and “September is one of my favorite of FishingGalvestonTx.com says that fresh cut shad for bull redfish. If we are months in Matagorda,” said Countz. as September wears on, his focus will fishing for bulls reds, that is mostly just “It’s when summer is coming to an end shift from speckled trout to redfish and . If we are wanting to take and fall is within sight. It also marks the flounder. some fish home, we’ll target some smaller, beginning of schooling redfish. I spend a “We’ll still have some good trout slot-size reds. lot of my time in September working the fishing in September, especially early on,” “The marshes will begin to really turn shorelines on East and West Matagorda said Verm. “Actually, the start of September on for slot reds and flounder as well in Bays, looking for pods of redfish feeding is just like August. But, September is when September. Usually, the marshes get going along the grasses and reefs. For this type everything starts to change. We really start once we get our first front or two. By the of fishing, you should arm yourself with doing some heavy flounder gigging in end of September, the bay as well as the a topwater plug and, as the fish approach, September. Tides will play a big part in areas where the marshes drain into the bay cast just in front of them. When a redfish our planning during September, as high will be really good.” is within a few feet of your bait, twitch it tides often make me change the areas to Sabine Lake guide Capt. Randy gently and get ready for a battle. target. But, in September, there are a lot Foreman expects big things in September.

50 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal september 2015 september 2015 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal 51 in with the trout under the birds. The “Around mid-month will start fishing specks will be Sabine Ship Channel will still be good birds again. That is really when our fall locating structure along all the points and drops for reds bird fishing will kick off. Once that gets such as productive and flounder. The flounder will also start started, you almost always have good platforms in 10 to staging around all the bayous. When the action under the birds. 20 feet of water. bait starts moving out of the marsh, those “Until then, we will be fishing just like Offshore, flounder will start feeding on shad and we were in August. We will be fishing in there will still be shrimp. the ship channel, rigs and beachfront. But, tuna and dorado “As usual for late summer, this all the fish will begin moving back up the lake around the floating depends on the weather. If we were to in September. As this happens, the pattern rigs between 30 have a hurricane or tropical system or, will be more like a spring pattern than a and 50 miles out. really, anything that dumps a bunch of summer pattern. Amberjack will be water, things could change. But, so far it “Usually by the end of the month hanging around the looks like we should have a really good most of the action will be seen north of deep water rigs in late summer and early fall.” Long Point and Commissary Point all 300 to 500 feet of the way up the Calcasieu River. By then, water. LOUISIANA COAST it will pretty much be all under the birds. The closer rigs The biggest difference between fall and will be holding spring for us is that fall is more of a mix plenty of mangrove than spring. There will usually be a mix snapper and cobia, of redfish and trout under the birds in while tarpon will the fall, while it is almost all trout in the still be found spring. cruising a couple “If you are looking to specifically miles off the Photo by Nate Skinner target reds, look behind weirs in the beachfront and Captain Nick Poe of Big Lake Guide Service says when fishing the Photo by Nate Skinner marsh ponds. This will basically all be hanging around the birds in the fall on Lake Calccasieu big redfish as well as trout will be sight-fishing, so whatever you want to major passes. Look for redfish to be coming out of the marshes in September along Texas upper coast as well caught. Topwater lures are a good go-to bait. as in southwest Louisiana. throw will usually work. Again, look for birds working or for shrimp jumping. According to Capt. Nick Poe of Big When they are feeding back there, it Lake Guide Service, September is a month really doesn’t matter what you throw, of changing fishing patterns. they will eat. “Things will really get going for us “In September, we’ll mostly be around middle of September,” said Poe. throwing ¼ ounce jig heads and MirrOlure Lil’ Johns. It will pretty much be the same thing lure wise - ¼ ounce heads and Lil’ Johns - no matter where we’re fishing in September. In clear water I’ll usually throw something that’s fairly translucent, like Opening Night or Chartreuse Ice. If the water gets dirty, I will usually throw glow or something dark like Plum Haze. “Mid-September is also our teal season. So, will also start running some cast and blast trips during teal season.” Summer fishing will still be in full swing in the waters around Venice. September will see both inshore and offshore fish still going strong. The river and the tributaries feeding into the river will be holding plenty of flounder and redfish, with most of the fish concentrated around the various points and drains. While the river will be good for reds and flounder, specks will still be “on the Courtesy photo outside.” In September, they will still Join in on the excitement this month of those be found along the outside beaches, as catching redfish on Lake Calctsieu like this well as the nearshore structures. When solid red caught by Tara Williams. the surf bite isn’t hot, the key to finding

52 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal september 2015 september 2015 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal 53 GUNS ‘N STUFF | Harold Gunn the wad to spin-stabilize and track in feet to prevent sliding. There are four at www.gunnerkennels.com. the center of the pattern. The wads are tie-down pins on the corners where the Dove hunting is even more fun when bright orange for low light conditions and Gunner Kennels tie-down straps can be you have a stool or chair upon which to sit. Dove Season Guns and Gear black for bright light conditions. Both are attached. The lockable Paw-Proof heavy I prefer seats with back support. Whether available in 12 and 20 gauge and 7/12, 8 duty piano hinged door prevents dogs you go for the inexpensive models made and 9 shot sizes. Now you have visual from pawing their way out. Kayak grade from a five gallon bucket or go upscale proof of what went wrong. handles help with loading/unloading and with ones that feature storage or a cooler Compact is offered with 24”, A shooting vest is a must and a removable drain plug aids in cleaning. It one thing is required. Make sure your 26” and 28” barrel lengths. while practical you might as well be can accommodate most dogs up to 75 lbs. perch swivels. Suggested retail for both stylish. Browning’s new Trapper Creek The kennel and accessories may be found Good hunting. versions is a most reasonable Mesh Shooting Vest features Realtree $429.99. The new SXP Black Xtra camouflage and tan mesh for a Shadow has a synthetic stock comfortable, lightweight vest at a modest and forearm with textured price. Features include a full-length 100% gripping surfaces in black garment washed cotton twill shooting The beautiful Browning 725 Feather 20 gauge shotgun. matte finish in 26” and 28” patch, four large shell pockets and large Dove season has arrived in Texas, to the Browning Superposed legacy and barrel lengths. M.S.R.P. is a budget saving rear pocket for hulls, gear and birds. There but it is never too late to grab on to the an heirloom keeper with a suggested retail $399.99. Winchester Firearms may be is a sewn-in REACTAR G2 recoil pad appropriate gear for the task ahead. of $2,549.99. For those that love even viewed at www.winchesterguns.com. pocket, but the pad is a separate purchase. Dove do not need a lot of killing so lighter, coming soon will be the 725 in 28 There are many good choices for dove The Trapper Creek Mesh Shooting Vest it is not necessary to go afield with a 10 and .410 gauges. Visit the website at www. shells and I’m sure everyone has done is available in sizes S-3XL and sells for gauge automatic. However, they are quick browning.com. around $70.00. critters so we need a gun that is rapid to For those that like If you are fortunate to have a good the shoulder and smooth on the swing. to play the trombone bird dog then he or she needs special Browning provides just the ticket by Winchester Repeating Arms treatment. After all, they are doing most adding the new lightweight Feather 20 now offers the SXP pump of the work. Gunner Kennels has a gauge model to the Citori 725 line-up. The shotgun in 20 gauge models. portable U.S. made Taj Mahal named the Citori 725 Feather combines a lightweight These shotguns are built G1 Intermediate Dog Kennel. It is built alloy receiver with a durable steel breech on a smaller and lighter with double-walled rotomolded plastic face and hinge pin for added strength. 20 gauge-specific receiver. to keep your hunting partner safe and The new lightweight model weighs only Four oversize rotary bolt comfortable when on the road. It has a 6 lbs. 6 oz. and is offered with 26” or 28” lugs provide support, wide base to prevent tipping and rubber The Gunner Kennel. barrel lengths. strength and solid lock-up The low-profile receiver has a silver to the barrel. A hard chrome nitride finish highlighted with relief chamber and bore make engraving. The Fire Lite mechanical surfaces highly resistant to trigger system provides a light pull and, wear and corrosion. unlike an inertia trigger, does not need As with the 725 an Inflex recoil to set up the next shot. The stock Technology recoil pad and forearm are made from Grade II/III reduces felt recoil and the walnut with a slim pistol grip and a rich Invector-Plus Choke Tube gloss oil finish. System provides consistent The Citori 725 Feather features Vector shot patterns with your Cool and comfortable Trapper Creek Mesh Shooting Vest. You can make a difference by Pro lengthened forcing cones and the choice of choke. The SXP reporting illegal hunting and fishing activity! Invector-DS choke tube system. For Field and SXP Field Compact have a satin plenty of practice. But, just in case you are more reduced felt recoil, it is fitted with finished stock and forearm with an alloy not dead on there is a product that is just Up to $1,000 may be paid for information leading an Inflex Technology recoil pad. I have receiver in matte black finish. right for training and lessons in the field. to arrest and conviction of poachers had range time with this gun and it is The SXP Field is offered with 26” Winchester AA shells have long been sweetly smooth. This is a fine successor or 28” barrel lengths and the Field the gold standard for target shooters. Their AA TrAAcker shells come with Reward Hotline 800-792-GAME colored wads that stay centered in the pattern Support anti-poaching efforts by becoming a all the way to the target. The Shot-trap member of the Operation Game Thief Program core design captures (call 512-389-4381 for membership information) or by a portion of the shot sending your tax deductible contribution to Operation to stabilize the wad. Game Thief, 4200 Smith School Road, Austin, TX 78744 Winchester’s new SXP Black Shadow 20 gauge shotgun Dove-tail petals allow

54 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal september 2015 september 2015 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal 55 For information on guides mentioned, see Guides, Gear & Getaways on pages 59, 61 & 63 more water in the lake than there was last of open waters, particularly in any coves summer, the areas to look for big bass WEST TEXAS where gamefish can hem up baitfish. remain the same – hydrilla beds. Many Topwater lures early and late with Lake Roundup of these beds are in fairly deep water, but Rat-L-Traps or crankbaits worked on the bass will be feeding at or near the surface outside edge will garner some attention. early in the day. Pop Rs, buzzbaits and As the temperature drops look for that sitting at 100 percent capacity. In fact, covering over 5,000 surface acres by July. artificial frogs – all baits that make plenty topwater bite to last longer into the day. although Coleto had dropped to around While anglers are undoubtedly ecstatic of noise – are among the favorite topwater BROWNWOOD — One year ago this SOUTH TEXAS 65 percent capacity in early spring, but about the rebirth of their lake, many are offerings on Choke Canyon. Frogs hold popular lake was almost 13 feet low. Now mid-April it was full and remained full still having to re-learn the newly refilled a bit of an advantage when the hydrilla it has been either side of full through most throughout the summer. So, by September, Medina. is matted on the surface in that they can of the summer. Some excellent fishing has anglers are pretty much locked into the “I always talk about fishermen needing be rigged weedless. But, anglers using occurred with Rat-L-Traps fished over the summer fishing pattern. But, most years to mark exposed lake features when the traditional treble-hook topwater plugs tops of grass beds. Spinnerbaits are another good that pattern begins to change as summer water level is down,” said Jim Gallagher of can still do well casting around the edges By TOJ Staff fades to fall. Jim’s Rebait Tackle. “Well, we were so low as well as holes and trenches that are option. Boat docks or around any vertical “The first few weeks of September will that almost every inch of lake bottom was found in the hydrilla. Although plenty The news of lakes reducing their deficit woody structure will hold fish until the still be really hot,” said bass pro Dennis exposed. But, it’s was low so long, a lot of of fish will be caught on top this month, may be overshadowed if the forecast of an temperature sends them on the prowl. Lala. “But the days will be a little shorter people forgot how to fish the lake when it September is still a summer month and strong El Nino that will result in a wetter Look for crappie activity to increase as and by the end of the month we’ll start has water in it. So, everybody is still kind the water will still be plenty warm. Once and colder fall and winter occurs. Plus the temperature drop. seeing a few early fronts. So, the water will of feeling their way along and learning the the topwater action begins to die down forecast says instead of the eastern half of By Danno Wise actually be getting a little cooler and the lake all over again. during the day, fishermen should move to the Lone Star State being the beneficiary fish will be moving up a little shallower. “Right now, the lake’s still low, but the outside edges of the grass beds. During it will be the western portion. HIGH PLAINS As summer starts its homestretch and “Early in the morning, we’ll have good definitely fishable. It is a whole lot better the midday hours, there will also still be As we begin the last third of this year fall is beginning to appear on the horizon, topwater bite right up next to the bank than it was last summer. It has been plenty of bass on deep structure where anglers will need to modify their tactics the main topic on most South Texas lakes and on the points – mostly the points. The holding steady the last couple months. By they can be targeted with jigs, Texas rigged because water temperatures, while hot, is as usual, water levels. However, with topwater bite still won’t be an all day thing, September, it could possibly drop a little lizards and deep-running crankbaits. are not nearly as warm as the same time summer beginning to fade in the rearview but it will last a little longer in September. bit, but we’re still working with a pretty Anglers can also use punch jigs or heavily in recent years. That could mean black mirror, for once anglers are talking about “Now if it’s cloudy or real overcast, full lake. Traditional this time of year, weighted soft-plastics to punch through bass will move more quickly from deeper the water they have, rather than the water you can have a pretty good shallow water most of our fish will be on main lake and the hydrilla canopy and reach fish hiding depths to shallower water with less time they are lacking. On some lakes, the new bite all day. They might not keep hitting a secondary points. The best way to catch out in the grass. suspending while conditions cool. water has presented a bit of a puzzle as topwater, but you can usually catch plenty them is vertical fishing – jigging spoons, FALCON – By September, fish will Stay tuned as time will tell. anglers unaccustomed to fishing full or of fish on a spinnerbait. The first few weeks drop shot rigs – that sort of stuff. Really, begin moving shallower on Falcon. The AMISTAD — “Big Friendly” could nearly full lakes are still feeling out the of September the shallow water bite will right now the key is finding them. We really recent rise in lake level has increased benefit from the predicted strong El Nino. fishing pattern. only last a few hours. After that, you need haven’t had the water back long enough to the amount of flooded brush along the Rains fall up the Rio Grande watershed of By TOJ Staff But, regardless of how much water a Carolina-rig or Texas-rig. The fish will establish a good pattern. shoreline. Per usually, this flooded brush New Mexico, the mountains of old Mexico, is in your local lake, September is still be moving back out to the outside edges “Once it starts cooling off a little, the will be holding plenty of fish. And, at least as well as in Texas could result in a full lake Will the High Plains finally get what a bridge between seasons. The first few and onto the deeper structure. I like using fish will be quote ‘a little shallower.’ That the last few weeks of September, fishermen later this year. other parts of Texas has received? The weeks of September are always hot and a Berkley Power Jerkshad on a Carolina- means you may see that topwater, or at will begin experiencing a pretty decent Even if water is released downstream, question relates to rain to refill reservoirs still – summer at its peak. However, late rig. You can also do real well with a Berkley least shallow water, bite get going. If you topwater bite. Top surface plugs on Falcon an abundance could further set the stage that are mire mud holes of their former September usually ushers in the first few Power . find them shallow and you can’t get them include Pop Rs, Devil’s Horses, Torpedoes, for continued good fishing on this lake. self. A few reservoirs like White River and fronts of the fall, kicking off a transition “We’ll still see some schooling bass in on top, you might want to throw stick baits, Chug Bugs, and Frenzy Poppers. Look for bass to still be deep, but starting to even Meredith or Mackenzie have come from deep to shallow water for black bass. September. Just like in August, when those soft jerkbaits, or shallow water crankbaits. In September, good numbers of solid transition to shallower depths as the ninth up but much more is needed. The cooling water will also cause virtually fish are schooling, they’ll hit pretty much Again, you should be able to pick up a few fish can be found pretty much all over month progresses. Stripers will continue ALAN HENRY — This canyon country every freshwater species to become more anything. It can be a lot of fun when you fish that way early, but I wouldn’t stick the lake. But, most of the bigger bass to be active on the surface and below out lake rebounded nicely back in May when it active than they were during the dog days find a school feeding on the surface. with it all day. By mid-day, those fish will continue to be caught on the lower end of in fron of the dam. Plus catfish will remain rose over 10 feet in just a matter of a week’s of summer. “You’ll be able to catch plenty of be back out on the points. Falcon. Anglers looking strictly for big bass deep for the majority of the month. time. Plus it has held on to that water With school back in session, football channel cats and blue cats on shrimp, “October is usually one of our best during September should go big with their O.H. IVIE — Back when veteran Ivie during a time when evaporation normally season underway and dove and teal seasons worms or cut bait. These fish will mostly months, but as we get near the end of offerings - jumbo worms, big crankbaits guide Kevin Burleson spent all of his takes a toll. Look for cooler temperatures getting started, fewer fishermen will be be up the creek channels. You’ll also have September, we should start getting some and jigs. September should also be an time on the lake rather than outfitting for to stimulate black bass to move up in the spending time on the water starting this some crappie along the channels. Small of that fall-like action. Again, we need to excellent month for catfish. The catfish bowhunters he would say September was water column. month. Of course, this means more fun minnows or little jigs always work good establish a pattern now that we’ve gotten action will be just the opposite of bass the month he like the least. The reason was Check out mid-to-shallow rock slides, and freedom for those who do hit the lake. for crappie.” our water back. But, regardless of how fishing. Like bass, catfish can be caught because as water temperatures cool the first any vertical timber or other structure fish So, in the weeks following Labor Day, MEDINA – The biggest comeback fishing is, we are just happy we have a along the full length of the lake during move black bass make is a vertical one and can relate. Baitfish will use these areas and more water and smaller crowds will be story of the year – at least as far as South lake again.” September, but most of the fish tend to that means suspended fish, which are the the bass will be close by. plenty enticement for most South Texas Texas lakes are concerned – Medina enters CHOKE CANYON - September usually be found in the upper reaches and in the hardest to catch. With a full lake anglers may need to fishermen looking for a reason to hit the late summer with more water than it has sees the start of good topwater action river itself. Here is the dilemma and it comes with cover water to find fish. A spinnerbait lake. in quite some time. The month of June on Choke Canyon. This year should be Hybrid bass should also be active near a big IF, should rains fall and Ivie begins or topwater lure are a good one-two COLETO CREEK – Even with all the more or less resurrected the lake. Medina no different – especially considering the the dam. As the weather cools, hybrids to rise the pattern will be pretty simple, combination. Fish on top early and late recent rains, Coleto Creek is one of the went from 3 percent full, covering just 700 new influx of water that entered during should spend more time on the surface, follow the rising water. Until that occurs, and use a spinnerbait as the morning few South Texas lakes that can boast surface acres in May to 75 percent full and the early summer. Although there is where they can be easily located. look for schooling bass busting the surface warms.

56 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal september 2015 september 2015 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal 57 TACKLE TIPS & TECHNIQUES | Danno Wise Guides, Gear & Getaways Catching September’s Spanish Mackerel SALTWater FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK! TEXAS News, Updates, Giveaways OUTDOORS UPPER COAST | SABINE UPPER COAST | MATAGORDA and more, delivered straight JOURNAL to your newsfeed!

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62 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal september 2015 september 2015 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal 63 Deadline for the October calendar is August 25, 2015 park staff, Outdoor Cooking, Setting up Annual, or call (800) 792-1112. SEPTEMBER 26 – 27, Camp, Fishing instruction, Campfire Squirrel season, Special Youth Season. Outdoor Calendar building, Time management, Inter- SEPTEMBER 19, In all counties that have an October pretive themes and hikes, Liability and Two Hour Kayak Trip, Martin Dies Jr. 1-February 22, and May 1-31 open youth protection, Gear maintenance, State Park, Jasper. Want to explore our squirrel season. For more information Leave No Trace, and much more! This sloughs on canoe but not alone? Join a refer to TPWD Outdoor Annual, or call training is free but space is very limited. ranger for a two-hour, three mile long (800) 792-1112. THROUGH SEPTEBMER 7, refer to TPWD Outdoor Annual, or call designed to provide you with hands MOLT training will be hosted as a guided kayak trip through the park’s C.C.A. S.T.A.R. Tournament, statewide. (800) 792-1112. on experiences and scenarios to build partial classroom and partial in-field swampy sloughs and the Neches River. SEPTEMBER 26, For more information call (713) 686- outdoor leadership skills. By attend- experience. Attendance of all dates and While paddling, be on the lookout for 3rd Annual West End Anglers KID’S 4222 or visit www.ccatexas.org. SEPTEMBER 5, ing the Master Outdoor Leadership a continuation of 30 volunteer hours is wildlife such as bald eagles, belted TOURNAMENT, West End Restaurant & Angler Education Instructor Training Training in the Dallas/Fort Worth area mandatory for certification. First class- kingfishers, herons, turtles and alliga- Sand Bar – Sea Isle, Galveston. Youth SEPTEMBER 1 – OCTOBER 25, Workshop, Austin. Become a TPWD followed by 30 hours of volunteer work room portion: Wednesday, September tors. This trip is from 9:00 am to 11:00 Division (12 & Under), and Teen Divi- Dove Season, North Zone. For more Certified Angler Education Instructor. in state parks you will be certified as a 9th, 6:30pm - 9:30pm @ Sheldon Lake am in the morning and costs $15 per sion (13-15) for various species. For information refer to TPWD Outdoor This free workshop is open to anyone Master Outdoor Leader. Topics covered State Park. Two Overnight in-field por- kayak; which can fit one adult. Partic- registration information visit www.fish- Annual, or call (800) 792-1112. 18 or older interested in teaching include: Safety and Risk Management, tions: Friday, September 11th, 6:00pm ipation is available to anyone capable westend.com, or call (713) 594-4252. fishing skills in their communities. Working effectively with park staff, - 2:00 pm Sunday September 13th, @ of the moderate exertion of paddling SEPTEMBER 1 – OCTOBER 25 The program provides the curriculum, Outdoor Cooking, Setting up Camp, Huntsville State Park (campsite and for a couple of hours. Space is limited SEPTEMBER 26, Dove Season, Central Zone. For more equip-ment, materials and support Fishing instruction, Campfire build- entry fees are included in the train- so please call our headquarters office Bluegill Family & information refer to TPWD Outdoor to help volunteers successfully in- ing, Time management, Interpretive ing, please provide your own camping in advance to make your reservation. Outdoor Expo, Texas Freshwater Fish- Annual, or call (800) 792-1112. troduce youth and their fami-lies to themes and hikes, Liability and youth gear). Meals will not be provided. (409) 384-5231. eries Center, Athens. Fun-filled day of fishing. Ideal for teachers, youth group protection, Gear maintenance, Leave Participants are encouraged to eat trying to catch the biggest bluegill on SEPTEMBER 2, 5, 12, 19, 26, leaders, afterschool or camp staff and No Trace, and much more! This training before arriving at classroom sessions SEPTEMBER 19, Lake Athens. Also stop by the Outdoor Fly Tying Demonstration, Allen. TPWD commu-nity volunteers. SBEC credit is free but space is very limited. MOLT and provide their own meals during Go Fish! Texoma on the Fly, Eisenhower Expo to learn a variety of outdoor volunteers from the Dallas Flyfishers available for teachers. Held at Ed training will be hosted as a partial the in-field portion of the training. For State Park, Denison. Youth and adults skills and engage in activities such as Club will be on hand to show you how Werland Training Room 1340 Airport classroom and partial in-field expe- more information call (512) 800-4324. can learn the basics of . Fam- archery, fishing and kayaking. The tour- easy and fun it is to tie a fly. This free Commerce Drive - Building 6 Suite rience. Attendance of all dates and a ilies can learn the basics of FLY fishing nament awards prizes for the heaviest demonstration is open to beginners 600a Austin, TX 78741. 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 continuation of 30 volunteer hours SEPTEMBER 12, through fun, hands-on activities. Take stringers of sunfish, but the event is and novice fly fishers. Equipment and p.m. Preregistration is required, please is mandatory for certification. First Go Fish! Learn-To-Fish Event, Galveston away a fishing fun pack and enter the really about adults and children having materials provided, or bring your fly call Caleb Harris (512) 389-4472. classroom portion: September 9th, State Park, Galveston. Take away a fish- drawing for door prizes. Equipment fun fishing together. 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 tying tools if you have them. Held at 6:30pm - 9:30pm @ To Be Determined ing fun pack and enter the drawing for and bait provided or bring your own. p.m. Call for details or to pre-register Cabela’s on Highway 75. 6:00 p.m.- 9:00 SEPTEMBER 5, in the DFW Area. Two Overnight in- prizes. Equipment and bait provided or No license necessary. Adults must call (903) 670-2266. p.m. For more in-formation call (972) Go Fish! Learn-To-Fish Event, Cedar Hill field portions: Friday, September 11th, bring your own. No license necessary. accompany children. Bring sun protec- 618-6714. State Park, Cedar Hill. Take away a fish- 6:30pm - 2:00 pm Sunday September Adults must accompany children. Bring tion and water. Registration and start SEPTEMBER 26, ing fun pack and enter the drawing for 13th, @ Lake Mineral Wells State Park sun protection and water. Registration time is 9:00 A.M. For more in-formation Fishing for Beginners, Bentsen-Rio SEPTEMBER 3, prizes. Equipment and bait provided or (campsite and entry fees are in-cluded is 9:00 a.m. For more information and call (903) 421-4984. Grande Valley State Park, Mission. Southeast Texas Rocky Mountain bring your own. No license necessary. in the training, please provide your reservations call (847) 780-6474. Beginning anglers learn how to as- Elk Foundation Big Game banquet, Adults must accompany children. Bring own camping gear) Meals will not be SEPTEMBER 24, semble basic tackle, tie fishing knots, Beaumont. For more information and sun protection and water. Registration provided. Participants are encouraged SEPTEMBER 12-27, Midland Chapter Ducks Unlimited and cast safely during this hands-on reservations call (409) 673-2771. is 9:00 a.m. For more information and to eat before arriving at classroom September Teal Only Season, State- fundraiser, Midland. For more infor- in-structor training course. Parents reservations call (972) 900-1296. sessions and provide their own meals wide. For more information refer to mation and reservations call (432) are encouraged to participate. Pin and SEPTEMBER 4, 11, during the in-field portion of the train- TPWD Outdoor Annual, or call (800) 664-9559. certification at end of program. For Fishing with a Ranger, Martin Dies Jr. SEPTEMBER 10, ing. For more information call (512) 792-1112. ages 7 and up. For more information State Park, Jasper. Join a Ranger to Heart of Texas Chapter Ducks Unlim- 389-8757. SEPTEMBER 24, call (956) 584-9156. learn how to fish. Join Ranger Amy to ited fundraiser, Pflugerville. For more SEPTEMBER 12-27, Corpus Christi Chapter National Wild discover the essentials of fishing, how information and reservations call (512) SEPTEMBER 11-13, Canada Goose Only Season, Eastern Turkey Federation fundraiser, Corpus to tie basic knots, place a bobber, and 680-5745. Master Outdoor Leadership Training – Zone. For more information refer to Christi. For more information and res- enjoy the sport of fishing. Bring your Texas Outdoor Family, Huntsville State TPWD Outdoor Annual, or call (800) ervations call (512) 966-9539. own bait. A limited amount of fishing SEPTEMBER 10-30, Park, Huntsville. Master Outdoor Lead- 792-1112. poles are available for this event. Meet Alligator season, 22 counties and ership training is designed to provide SEPTEMBER 26, at the Walnut Ridge fishing pier in the special properties (by permit only). For you with hands on experiences and SEPTEMBER 17, Uvalde Chapter Ducks Unlimited fund- Mail your Outdoor Calendar shelter loop. 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. For more information refer to TPWD Out- scenarios to build outdoor leadership Katy - Brookshire Chapter Ducks raiser, Uvalde. For more information items to: more information call (409) 384-5231. door Annual, or call (800) 792-1112.. skills. By attending the Master Out- Unlimited fundraiser, Katy. For more and reservations call (210) 844-9306. door Leadership Training in the Hous- information and reservations call (832) 1706 W. Sam Houston Pkwy North, SEPTEMBR 5, 6, 12, 13, 18 – OCTOBER SEPTEMBER 11-13, ton area followed by 30 hours of vol- 577-6888. SEPTEMBER 26, Houston TX 77043 21, Master Outdoor Leadership Training unteer work in state parks you will be Northeast Chapter National Wild Fax: 713.957.3996 Email: [email protected] Dove Season, Special White-winged – Texas Outdoor Family, Lake Mineral certified as a Master Outdoor Leader. SEPTEMBER 18 – OCTOBER 21, Turkey Federation fundraiser, Mount Dove Area. Legal shooting hours are Wells State Park, Mineral Wells. Mas- Topics covered include: Safety and Risk Dove Season, South Zone. For more Pleasant. For more information and noon to sunset. For more information ter Outdoor Leadership training is Management, Working effectively with information refer to TPWD Outdoor reservations call (903) 577-2674.

64 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal september 2015 september 2015 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal 65 Tide Tables Fishing & Hunting Times TOP TEN REASONS TO SUBSCRIBE

US TIME ZONES TO TEXAS OUTDOORS JOURNAL SEPTEMBER 2015 PACIFIC MOUNTAIN CENTRAL EASTERN < (+) (-) > < (+) (-) > < (+) (-) > < (+) (-) > SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT 1. On February 28, 2015, TOJ was named for the 17th consecutive year L12:22A 0.6 L1:14A 0.9 L2:12A 1.1 L3:30A 1.3 H12:24A 1.6 H6:39A 1.4 H7:07A 1.4 H7:36A 1.5 H8:08A 1.5 L5:52A 1.4 L12:49P 0.5 L1:49P 0.3 L2:53P 0.2 L4:03P 0.1 H8:45A 1.5 named one of the top fi shing, hunting & outdoor magazines in Texas. No H7:38P 1.5 H9:06P 1.5 H10:43P 1.5 L5:14P 0.1 1 2 3 4 5 other major outdoor publication in Texas can equal this level of sustained H1:53A 1.6 H2:57A 1.6 H3:41A 1.6 H4:12A 1.6 H4:34A 1.6 H4:51A 1.5 H5:05A 1.5 L6:24P 0.1 L8:52A 1.3 L9:26A 1.3 L9:50A 1.3 L10:09A 1.2 L10:25A 1.2 L10:41A 1.1 excellence and recognition. H10:59A 1.4 H12:16P 1.4 H1:23P 1.4 H2:22P 1.5 H3:16P 1.5 H4:07P 1.5 L7:27P 0.2 L8:21P 0.2 L9:06P 0.3 L9:43P 0.4 L10:14P 0.5 L10:40P 0.6 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 H5:21A 1.5 H5:37A 1.5 H5:55A 1.5 L12:00A 1.0 L12:32A 1.1 L1:06A 1.3 L1:44A 1.4 2. A year’s subscription has 12 issues, not something less. L11:03A 0.9 L11:31A 0.8 L12:03P 0.7 H6:11A 1.5 H6:24A 1.5 H6:28A 1.5 H6:15A 1.5 H4:58P 1.5 H5:50P 1.5 H6:46P 1.5 L12:38P 0.7 L1:16P 0.6 L1:59P 0.5 L2:48P 0.5 L11:05P 0.7 L11:31P 0.9 H7:46P 1.5 H8:55P 1.5 H10:12P 1.5 H11:28P 1.5 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 3. Both fi shing and hunting coverage in every issue. L2:31A 1.3 H12:58A 1.6 H1:56A 1.7 H2:33A 1.7 H3:02A 1.7 H3:28A 1.7 H3:52A 1.7 H5:55A 1.5 L4:47P 0.4 L5:52P 0.4 L6:56P 0.4 L8:01A 1.5 L8:32A 1.3 L9:11A 1.1 L3:44P 0.4 H12:23P 1.6 H1:51P 1.7 H3:07P 1.7 4. Covers Texas like it should be covered with timely reports from L7:55P 0.4 L8:50P 0.4 L9:43P 0.6 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 the fi eld and on the water. H4:16A 1.6 H4:41A 1.6 H5:07A 1.6 L12:19A 1.2 L9:55A 0.9 L10:42A 0.6 L11:30A 0.4 H5:34A 1.6 H4:19P 1.8 H5:29P 1.9 H6:40P 1.9 L12:22P 0.3 120° 115° 110° 105° 100° 95° 90° 85° 80° 75° L10:35P 0.7 L11:27P 0.9 H7:53P 1.9 5. Proven solunar table of major and minor feeding periods of the day.. 27 28 29 30 SEPTEMBER 2015 6. Tide table with adjustments for the entire Texas coast. OCTOBER 2015 SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT 7. Written by top writers that have etched their names in the record books. L1:16A 1.4 L2:24A 1.5 L4:19A 1.5 H6:02A 1.7 H6:29A 1.6 H6:54A 1.6 L1:17P 0.2 L2:16P 0.2 L3:22P 0.3 H9:10P 1.9 H10:33P 1.8 H11:59P 1.8 8. TOJ tells you where to go, what to expect when you get there and 1 2 3 L4:35P 0.4 H1:15A 1.8 H2:11A 1.8 H2:47A 1.7 H3:11A 1.7 H3:28A 1.6 H3:42A 1.6 how to do it a little bit better. L5:50P 0.5 L8:41A 1.4 L9:03A 1.4 L9:23A 1.3 L9:40A 1.1 L9:55A 1.0 H10:59A 1.5 H12:31P 1.5 H1:45P 1.5 H2:27P 1.5 H3:41P 1.6 L7:00P 0.5 L7:59P 0.6 L8:46P 0.7 L9:24P 0.8 L9:55P 1.0 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 9. Covers the Texas outdoors and outdoors interests of Texans. 10. Every cover is a work of art. Times are for Galveston, Galveston Channel ONE YEAR SUBSCRIPTION 95 95 TIME DIFFERENCES High Low $ 12 MONTHS OF TEXAS OUTDOORS JOURNAL $ Calcasieu Pass, Louisiana -2:14 -1:24 Sabine Pass Lighthouse -1:46 -1:31 18 DELIVERED TO YOUR DOOR & AVAILABLE ONLINE 18 Sabine Pass Jetty -1:26 -1:31 Sabine Pass -1:00 -1:15 OCTOBER 2015 Mesquite Point, Sabine Pass -0:04 -0:25 Yes, I want to receive TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal. Sign me up for: NEW Galveston Bay ent. south jetty -0:39 -1:05 RENEWAL Port Bolivar +0:14 -0:06 $ 95 $ 95 $ 95 GIFT Galveston Bay one year 18 two years 29 three years 39 Texas City, Turning Basin +0:33 +0:41 12 issues 24 issues 36 issues From Eagle Point (1) +3:54 +4:15 ($47.88 on newsstands) ($95.76 on newsstands) ($143.64 on newsstands) Clear Lake(1) +6:05 +6:40 monthly printed issues included With these subscriptions Morgan Point (1) +10:21 +5:19 Round Pt.,Trinity Bay (1) +10:39 +5:15 NAME Point Barrow, Trinity Bay +5:48 +4:43 Gilchrist, East Bay +3:16 +4:18 ADDRESS Fish, game and all wildlife move in search of food in cycles relative to the moon’s location to the earth. Jamaica Beach, West Bay +2:38 +3:31 The time spans listed above are the prime times to start each day at and along each time zone meridian CITY STATE ZIP Alligator Point, West Bay +2:39 +2:33 of longitude 75 degrees (Eastern) 90 degrees (Central) 105 degrees (Mountain) and 120 degrees (Pacific) during Standard time and Daylight Saving during the time it is in effect. To determine the feeding cycle Christmas Point, Christmas Bay +2:32 +2:31 time for best fishing and hunting in the area you plan to fish or hunt advance the sum of 4 minutes for PHONE EMAIL ADDRESS Galveston Pleasure Pier -1:06 -1:06 each degree west and back up 4 minutes for each degree east. The next prime feeding cycle (not listed on teXas outdoors Journal does not rent or sell its mailing list, nor release any information about subscribers. the calendar) will be approximately twelve and one-half hours later. There are minor periods that occur San Luis Pass -0:09 -0:09 between the prime or major periods. The minor periods are typically fair periods and last only about half Freeport Harbor -0:44 -1:02 as long as the prime periods. Payment: Check/MO Enclosed Visa MasterCard American Express Discover Pass Cavallo 0:00 -1:20 Feeding Times by Dan Barnett have been proven by analysis of 124 – 3 day bass tournaments between Aransas Pass -0:03 -1:31 1967 through 1983 to be reliable and accurate in predicting wildlife feeding activity. The Feeding Times Account # Exp. Date are not a cure-all. Weather and other environmental conditions affect wildlife feeding activity. Annual vest Padre Island (South End) -0:24 -1:45 pocket books, which show all the major and minor periods, can be ordered by sending a check or money CW2 (3-digit code on back of MC, Visa & Discover; 4-digit code on front of AmEx) Port Isabel +1:02 -0:42 order for $15.00 per book. For S&H, please add $4.00 to an order of 1 to 4 books. Make check or money Tidal adjustments are not predictable for Port O’Connor, Matagorda Bay; Port order payable to: Feeding Times. Send to: Feeding Times, P.O. Box 2240, Covington, GA 30015. After Oct. Lavaca, Matagorda Bay; and Riviera Beach, Baffin Bay since they are driven by wind 1, please indicate book year. For questions or comments, you can call 404-373-7151. Billing Zip Code: Signature: and weather. — NOAA Over 60 Years in Print Feeding Times by Dan Barnett 17 Years Test Proven Mail this completed form to: TEXAS OUTDOORS JOURNAL, 1706 W. Sam Houston Parkway North, Houston TX 77043 Or call 1-800-222-4TOJ (4865) In Houston call 713-957-3997 to charge your subscription by phone. 66 september TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal 2015 Or order SECURELY online at www.texasoutdoorsjournal.com. Please allow 6-8 weeks for your subscription to begin. Managing Comfort in Port Aransas, TX For Over 30 Years