Weed, Feed and Catch Top Outdoor Magazine in Texas (see page 47 , #1 for more information)

TEXAS“Texas’ Most Comprehensive OutdoorsOUTDOORS Publication” Journal

$ July 2017 / 3.99 The Big & Little of the AR | The Heart of Galveston Bay Beating the Heat at Night | Passive Performance for Big Catfish Don’t Wing It | Whitetail Deer Management Objectives texasoutdoorsjournal.com

coastal & lake forecasts | tide & solunar tables TEXAS“Texas’ Most Comprehensive OUTDOORSOutdoors Publication” July 2017 Journal

For Hunters . . . For Anglers . . . Freshwater Saltwater 16 Just Shooting Lake Roundups — Pros Forecasts 10 The Heart of Galveston Bay- —Kerry O’Day Texas’ largest estuary contains The Big and Little of the AR 22 Central – John Jefferson 44 East – Matt Williams plenty of summertime deep- 24 Just Hunting 46 North – Brian Hughes water hotspots. —Nate Skinner —Tom Claycomb III 68 South - Danno Wise Choosing the Proper Knives & How 70 West – TOJ Staff to Sharpen Them 70 High Plains – TOJ Staff 34 Whitetail Deer Management 26 Passive Performance- , Objectives- Habitat and how stump poles and noodles let you look it is managed is the most vital the other way and still catch fish ingredient to successful management —Matt Williams if one or more of the three compon- ents (time, nutrition, and genetics) 18 Weed, Feed, and Catch- Hit the are missing.—Bob Zaiglin weed lines for fast action offshore .—Robert Sloan It’s your dream.

Let’s make it a reality. 40 Bassology 50 Don’t Wing It- Now is the time for —Matt Williams Safe Boating: A Little Common Sense bird hunters to prepare for the CoastWatch – Danno Wise Goes A Long Way rapidly approaching hunting 30 Upper Forecast At Capital Farm Credit, we understand that a piece of land is more than a place seasons. —Nate Skinner 60 Just Fishing 32 Louisiana Forecast to go hunting; it’s an escape where you create memories with family and friends. 66 Guns ‘N Stuff —Brian Hughes 54 Lower Forecast That’s why we’re with you every step of the way throughout the entire lending —Harold Gunn Beating the Heat 58 Middle Forecast 42 Saltwater Journal process. We’re a cooperative, and that means your goals are our goals. And our Gear Up for Waterfowl Season 76 Tackle Tips & Techniques —Mark Sosin patronage dividend program means we share our profits and put money back in 78 Field Tips & Techniques— —Danno Wise Set Lines for Summer Catfish in the Deep Blue Sea your pocket. Because we’re all in this together. And together we’re better. Bill L. Olson & Danno Wise Summer’s Practical Pre-Hunt Rifle 62 Simple Summer Speck Strategi- Practice es- Use these techniques and coastal anglers will find themselves catch- ing plenty of fish. —Danno Wise Together we’re better. For Everyone . . . On the Cover . . . 72 Texas Offshore Partnership that really pays. 4 Editor’s Insight – Bill L. Olson “Weedline Buffet” —Mike Holmes 6 TOJ Notebook – TOJ Staff The Offshore ’s Best For more information on “Weed- Friend is A Chum 47 Subscription Information line Buffet” and other fine works of 74 Tackle Tips & Techniques 75, 77, 79 Guides, Gear & Getaways art by Don Ray visit www.donrayart. —Danno Wise capitalfarmcredit.com | 877.944.5500 80 Outdoors Calendar com or call (772) 388-2477. Mid-Summer Pelagic Options - NMLS493828 82 Fishing & Hunting Times Near and Far

july 2017 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal 3

72073.01 CFC Hunting ad_TX Outdoor_8.125x10.875.indd 1 1/2/17 10:48 AM Editor’s Insight Bill L. Olson

NO PROBLEM??

The deadline for the July issue usually coincides with the long Memorial Day weekend “Texas’ Most Comprehensive when America remembers those military personnel that have given their lives to protect Outdoors Publication” our freedom. This column is the last one compiled, and since it appears in the issue of our country’s independence something appropriate that ties our outdoor world to patriotic Founder/Publisher/Editor reality is written. Bill L. Olson There is great generational divide that seems to have always existed between those a Administrative Assistant little older than those trying to just get their legs underneath them. As a teenager and Adala Ruhge young adult I remember the trendy comments that seem to curl the hair of grandparents Contributing Outdoors Editors and parents alike. Tom Claycomb III “Far out,” “Right On,” and “Go for it,” were a few responses that were met with a cockeyed Harold Gunn look that seemed to ask, “What the hell are you talking about?” The older generation was Brian Hughes even more confused when many sentences were ended with, “Yah know?” Mike Holmes These “out of touch” old timers, many who made up what is considered to be “The John Jefferson Kerry O’Day Greatest Generation” didn’t have time for a lot of nonsense. They had survived The Great Bill L. Olson, Jr. Depression, found in two World Wars and continued to deal with conflicts at home and Nate Skinner abroad. Robert Sloan The jargon became even more veiled as decades past when “bad” meant good, being Mark Sosin “down” was being in agreement, and “you know it” another phrase of agreement. Matt Williams Danno Wise Today, what hair is left on top of my hair is curled, a shiver runs up my back and teeth are gritted when a young person’s response to a courteous “thank you” for them doing their Whitetail Deer Editor job is “No Problem.” How can it be a problem if a job is simply being done? “No problem” Bob Zaiglin seems to indicate that whatever was done did not inconvenience the young person doing Art/Production Editor the deed. What happened to a simple, but more appropriate, “You’re welcome?” Sunni Gonzales Hold on to that thought while considering on July 4 the United States of America celebrates her 241st Anniversary of Declaring Our Independence. When it comes to a fight for, or wars to preserve freedom there are no short cuts. Advertising Sales Looking at statistics it reflects when we fight amongst ourselves it is the most costly. The 713/957-3997, 713/957-3996 (fax) loss of life to win our independence was about 4,435 out of about 217,000 troops deployed. Compare that to Civil War statistics of 618,000 dead out of a combined 3,263,363 deployed. Subscription Information That is about one death out of five deployed. Call 1-800-222-4TOJ (4865); In Houston, In fact the total military death toll for the Civil War is larger than the number of 713/957-3997 to charge your subscription by phone. Subscription prices: one year $18.95, lives lost in both World Wars, Korea and Viet Nam combined. It represented about two two years $29.95, three years $39.95. Mail percent of the total population at that time and based on today’s population would total inquiries/changes of address to: about six million. I cannot image the vast majority of those that enter the military throughout our history TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal 1706 West Sam Houston Parkway North responding with, “no problem.” They undertook to do a job and the fact we remain free Houston, Texas 77043 is a testament to them doing the job right. Now transition from the more broad aspect of life to our outdoor world. When divided TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal (ISSN 1082-5940) is a pub- lication of Texas Outdoors Journal, Inc. Editorial and we, along with wildlife, lose. There are significant challenges to wild resources and those advertising offices are located at 1706 West Sam Houston that sit back and let others carry the burden are a part of an unnecessary load. Parkway North, Houston TX 77043. Phone (713) 957-3997. Fax (713) 957-3996. There is also the aspect of recruitment. Being proud of our rich tradition and passing E-MAIL ADDRESS: [email protected] that on to the next generation is the only way our outdoor heritage will be preserved. TOJ Online: www.texasoutdoorsjournal.com There is “no problem” if we remain active and are a part of the solution. It’s the way TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal is published monthly. Photo- graphs and manuscripts for publication consideration are Americans have done it for 241 years. welcomed, but the publisher assumes no responsibility Until next month: Pursue all of your outdoor activities in a safe and ethical manner. for such material while in transit or in the office of the publication.

Copyright 2017 with all rights reserved. Reproduction or use of editorial or graphic content in any manner without permission is prohibited. Views expressed by TEXAS OUT- DOORS Journal contributors do not necessarily express the views of Texas Outdoors Journal, Inc. Publication of CAUTION: All technical data in this publication, especially for handloading, reflect the limited experience of individuals using specific advertising in TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal does not con- tools, products, equipment and components under specific conditions and circumstances not necessarily reported in the article and 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 26, Number 7 disclaim all liability for any consequential injuries or damages.

4 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal july 2017 TOJ Notebook DALLAS SAFARI CLUB with SPORTS Trends in Videoing Hunts Revealed in New Survey AFIELD

With the rise in outdoor television percent video their hunts about half memories in our lives,” says Cody Lar- programming; technological advance- the time. Thirty-nine percent only do it rimore, Research Analyst at Southwick ments that make videoing events easier; occasionally. Associates. and easy access to online outlets such The technology used to video those as YouTube, videoing hunts continues hunts is also encouraging growth as the New Chronic Wasting Disease to grow in popularity among everyday quality of cameras on smartphones and Management Response Rules hunters. the popularity of small action cams like Adopted In fact, according to a recent survey GoPro have become more popular. Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission conducted through Southwick Associ- Despite these trends, a dedicated video has approved amendments to chronic ates’ HunterSurvey.com, there has been a camera/camcorder is still the device of wasting disease management response 68-percent increase over the last five years choice as 39 percent of those hunters who rules based in part on the discovery of the of those hunters who video some or all of report videoing their hunts use them. disease in a free-ranging white-tailed deer their hunts. But those other devices remain popular west of San Antonio. Of those hunters who video their as well. The changes address containment and hunts, 31 percent of them said they have Thirty-one percent use their smart- surveillance measures, and permitted been doing so for five or more years, 21 phone, 23 percent use a helmet or mounted movement of live deer, in portions of percent have done so for three to four video camera and seven percent use a still Bandera, Medina, and Uvalde counties as years, 26 percent have done so for just camera with video capability. well as zone delineations in the northwest one to two years and 21 percent just began “As technology has become easier to Panhandle. videoing their hunts over the past year. use and easier to access, an increasing Last year, the Commission established - And how avid are these new-age, high- number of hunters are bringing a whole a CWD Surveillance Zone in portions of JANUARY 4 7, 2 0 1 8 tech hunters? new enjoyable aspect to this very tra- Bandera, Medina, and Uvalde counties as Thirty percent report videoing their ditional pastime. Like photos, video is a result of CWD being confirmed in per- Kay Bailey Hutchison Omni Dallas Hotel hunts always or frequently, while 31 a great way to capture these important mitted deer breeding facilities in the area. 555 South Lamar - Evening Banquets, Auctions, Convention Center Ladies’ Luncheon & Life Member Breakfast 650 South Griffin Street Thur/Fri/Sat 9am-5:30pm, Sun 9am-3pm

WEDNESDAY FRIDAY Welcome Party & Auction Ladies’ Luncheon & Auction Cover Art Gilley’s Dallas 6:30 pm to 10:00 pm 10:30 am - 3:00 pm Outfitter of the Year Award Evening Banquet & Auction Most know the Gulf of Mexico is a large, virtually feature- 6:00 pm - 11:00 pm less bowl with little to naturally attract and hold bait as well as Artist of the Year Award pelagic species. However, what regularly occurs are the long Colin Caruthers lines of sargassum that makes its way north across the Gulf. Weatherby Award Young Hunter Award These lines as well as discarded flotsam are prime targets for Banquet & Auction - Omni Hotel offshore anglers to troll, drift and fish. Cocktails & Silent Auction 5:30 pm Educator of the Year Award This month’s cover art is by renowned marine artist Don Dinner & Live Auction 7:00 pm Ray and has captured a scene that every offshore angler looks SATURDAY forward to encountering. His “Weedline Buffet” depicts the THURSDAY Life Member Breakfast & Auction shade, cover and hidden bait that attracts dorado, ling kingfish, Evening Banquet & Auction 8:00 am - 10:00 am wahoo, billfish and more. Plus a bull dolphin is feasting upon 6:00 pm - 11:00 pm Evening Banquet & Auction the inhabitants. The forecast for the movement of sargassum Conklin Award 6:00 pm - 11:00 pm in 2017 is for large quantities to move across the Gulf to be deposited on our beachfront. On the way they will provide Dave Baxter Literary Award Outstanding Hunter Achievement Award many memories for those that fish the deep blue. For more information on “Weedline Buffet” and other fine Dixie Yeatts Award of Excellence Peter H. Capstick Hunting Heritage Award works of art by Don Ray visit www.donrayart.com or call (772) FOR MORE INFORMATION & BANQUET RESERVATIONS 388-2477. — Bill L. Olson “Weedline Buffet” 800.9GO.HUNT | [email protected] | www.biggame.org | 972.980.9800 6 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal july 2017 The Greatest Hunters’ Convention on the Planet TM A containment Zone was not established hunters. more than 60 projects statewide, including in this area because the disease had been The new rules also provide greater these examples: detected only in permitted deer breeding latitude for permitted movement of live •713,993 GIANT SALVINIA WEE- facilities or their adjacent release sites, deer as it relates to CWD containment and VILS were produced and stocked in all of which had been issued hold orders surveillance zones. Under these new pro- East Texas lakes to eat and control giant or quarantines by Texas Animal Health visions, permitted movement of captive salvinia, Commission; these measures included deer into a CZ or SZ may occur, as well •3,500 ACRES OF SALTCEDAR were requirements that satisfied the need for as movement within the zones by permit treated along 112 miles of the upper Bra- a CZ. holders having Transfer Category 1 or 2 zos River to restore habitats for wildlife, This particular SZ was exempted status provided certain guidelines are met. including game birds and endangered from mandatory sampling and carcass Harvest on release sites must be equal fishes, movement restrictions in lieu of a local to or exceed the number of breeder deer •17,643 ACRES OF GIANT SAL- voluntary hunter and landowner effort to introduced that year and deer may be re- VINIA were treated with herbicides on submit samples. leased from TC 2 facilities to an adjacent East Texas lakes, including Toledo Bend However, CWD was subsequently release site once “Not Detected” tonsil Reservoir and Caddo Lake, detected in a free-ranging white-tailed biopsy test results are obtained. •4 RAPID RESPONSE events success- deer within that SZ, which introduced an fully “nipped in the bud” introductions epidemiological imperative to designate Record Effort to Combat of giant salvinia at Lake Fork, Falcon that area as a CZ by emergency rule and Aquatic Invaders Yields Early Lake, Brandy Branch, and Martin Creek require CWD testing and restrictions on Success reservoirs, movement of live deer and hunter-har- Efforts to stop aquatic invasive spe- •1,960 BOATS were inspected at 57 vested deer. The new rules replace the cies from taking over Texas waterways boat ramps on lakes infested or at high emergency rules and establish as a CZ are ramping up this spring, made pos- risk for zebra mussels, all land located within two miles of the sible through record funding from state •334 LANDOWNERS cooperated to property boundaries where CWD has lawmakers. Invaders like giant salvinia, give experts access to manage Arundo been detected in permitted deer breeding zebra mussels and many others blanket (giant reed) along more than 100 miles facilities, and within five miles of the ap- waterways and block boating, fishing and of Hill Country rivers, proximate location where the CWD-pos- swimming, crowd out native species, spoil •80 MARINAS were visited as part of itive free-ranging whitetail was harvested. rivers and lakes, and clog power plant and outreach work to promote invasive species A SZ is proposed for all land that does municipal water pipes. Experts say it’s prevention, not fall within the proposed CZ, but is a huge challenge, but progress is being •575,000 REGISTERED BOATERS surrounded on the north by F.M. 470, made, and the public still has a key role are receiving “Clean, Drain and Dry” on the east by F.M. 462, on the south by to play. outreach materials to prevent the spread U.S. Highway 90 and the west from the The 84th Texas Legislature provided of invasive species, and intersection of U.S. 90 and the Sabinal $6.3 million to the Texas Parks and •177.7 MILLION IMPRESSIONS were river, following the river north to the Wildlife Department for aquatic invasive made through radio, online, print, and intersection of F.M. 187 and north along species management in 2016-2017, an outdoor advertising during giant salvinia F.M. 187 to F.M. 470. increase from $1.1 million in the previ- and zebra mussel outreach campaigns. Amendments to the SZ delineations ous biennium. Bolstered by this record Details about this work, including in the northwest Panhandle extending appropriation, the department has built or photos and story profiles showcasing the zone east of the cities of Amarillo and expanded partnerships with universities, various projects, are on the department’s Dumas have also been adopted by the river authorities, municipal water dis- aquatic invasive species management Commission to make sample submission tricts, non-profits, local, state and federal web pages. and carcass disposal more convenient for agencies, and other partners to deliver With the summer boating season un- derway, the department and its partners are calling for boaters help to stop the spread of aquatic invasive species like giant salvinia and zebra mussels that can be spread from lake to lake on boats and trailers. Given boats are the primary way these invasive species are spread, boaters need to “Clean, Drain and Dry” their boats, trailers, and gear every time they travel from one waterbody to another. An online video demonstrates the simple steps to properly clean, drain and dry a boat. For more information about invasive plants and animals in Texas, visit www. texasinvasives.org. 8 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal july 2017 july 2017 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal 9 alveston Bay ranks as the performing V-hull style of boat in the summer patterns in Galveston Bay than seventh largest estuary in form of a 2017 25 foot Majek Xtreme. the Texas City Dike. Located smack dab Gthe United States, containing Shear massiveness combined with in the middle of all the action, the Dike 378,063 acres of open water. This equates deep water makes Galveston Bay a summer is the perfect place to launch a boat, fish The Heart of to almost 600 square miles. It boasts an fishing Mecca. As water temperatures around, or even fish from. additional 108,724 acres of marshes, climb, fish seek refuge around a variety The five mile long structure provides which is nearly 170 square miles. of deep-structure in open water regions. multiple launching locations for anglers The strong freshwater influences, Meanwhile, consistently light summer fishing from a boat. From here many diversity, significant passes, and deepwater breezes create calm conditions, allowing exceptional summer honey holes are just a structures of the Galveston complex anglers to effectively target these areas. short ride away. A few include Halfmoon GALVESTON BAY make it an extremely productive estuary. The bay system contains all the Shoal, Dollar Point, and Levee Reef. Located in close proximity to Houston, aspects necessary to compile a long list of Halfmoon Shoal is an area that just the fourth largest metropolitan area, the summertime hotspots. Significant depth gets better as water temperature heats up. system receives immense fishing pressure. changes and an array of structure types The deep oyster shell reef sits just west of Yet it continues to afford anglers with consistently hold concentrations of fish. the Houston Ship Channel. It is likely to memorable catches year after year. I am Many prime areas are centrally located have plenty of fresh slicks from feeding blessed to call the area my home and within the heart of Galveston Bay. They trout surrounding it on sunny afternoons have been fishing its waters since I was a can be found around the Texas City Dike, during mid July to late September. youngster. Upper Galveston Bay, the Houston Ship The best approach at Halfmoon As Texas’ largest estuary, Galveston Bay Channel, East Galveston Bay, and Lower is to find the edge of the reef fish are requires the anglers navigating it to be Galveston Bay. concentrated on and then drop anchor. prepared to encounter rough conditions. Most of these areas afford bank fishing, Fish the area until the bite dies. Then This was my number one concern while kayak fishing, and walk-in-and-wade move around until more fish are found. working with the folks at Ron Hoover fishing options. There are opportunities Soft plastics rigged on a 3/8 ounce jig head Marine in Donna last fall to a new boat to catch a number of species using a and live shrimp under a popping cork that would handle this big bay. Knowing variety of techniques all summer long. work well during a moving tide. choppy, open bay waters could always be Texas City Dike Anglers confined to the bank can find a hurdle to contend with, I chose a high It doesn’t get any more central for steady action at the end of the Texas City

Texas’ largest estuary contains plenty of summertime deepwater hotspots.

Story and photography by Nate Skinner

Hook-N-Line Chart F102 reveals all of the locations of the hotspots mentioned in this article.

july 2017 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal 11 Dike where a deep hole is located. This The rocks along the southern edge lights. former gas wells can be found using a topwater plugs early in the morning up to Marker 76 near Five Mile Cut are drop off is often referred to as the “drum of the Dike provide another productive Mosquito Island and the entire stretch link in the “For Anglers” section of the and switch to soft plastic jigs as the sun consistently loaded with specks and reds hole,” and attracts plenty of black drum, structure for shore-locked anglers. Big of the Texas City levee are excellent Texas Outdoors Journal website. The web comes up. during the heat of summer. The shell redfish, trout, and flounder. Natural baits time numbers of speckled trout are caught options for walk-in-and-wade anglers address is www.texasoutdoorsjournal. Houston Ship Channel humps holding the most fish are often fished along the bottom are the best bet every summer along these rocks at night as well as kayakers. An assortment of com/for-anglers/ and the link is entitled Spoil islands along the Houston Ship covered with slicks. Typically the spoils when fishing this area. by those fishing under generator powered topwater plugs, soft plastics, and live baits “GLO Map of Rig Sites.” Channel from Marker 52 at Redfish Bar on the northeast edge of the channel are will coax strikes from a variety of species. Upper Galveston Bay Bolivar Wells Upper Galveston Bay is chock full Northeast of the Texas City Dike of oyster shell. Productive areas in this the historic Bolivar Wells are scattered. portion of the estuary include Miller Known for massive summertime hauls of Point, Dickinson Reef, the spoil islands specks during the 80’s, this gas field looks along the Dickinson Bay channel, the much different today. piers and pilings along the shoreline Many of the wellheads that served from April Fool Point to Eagle Point, and as visual “targets” have been removed, Todd’s Dump. These areas attract plenty however, the shell pads and structure of trout and reds, along with sand trout, underneath the surface remains. Most black drum, and sheepshead. of these pads are found in 15 to 30 feet of All of these locations are very close to water, making them perfect warm weather one another. Anglers can make a day out hot spots. The area still attracts hoards of of fishing the oyster shell in each area. fish and receives significantly less pressure The key here is to find concentrations of than it did several years ago. mullet along with slicks and make long Carolina rigged live shrimp is the drifts. The hottest action will take place most productive presentation around the during moving tides and right when the Bolivar Wells. The stronger the current, tide turns to switch directions. the heavier the weight should be in order For those chunking live bait, live Although many of the well heads have been removed, the Bolivar gas field is littered with shell to get the bait down to the structure. shrimp and croaker rule the game. pads where these structures once existed. These hidden locations can be found using a link in Redfish, black drum and sheepshead will Hardware anglers should plan to throw The Texas City Dike provides shore-locked anglers with access to prime summertime fishing the “For Anglers” section of the TOJ website. be found lurking around these well pads grounds. Pictured is Mosquito Island at sunset. The area is perfect for and kayakers. alongside plenty of trout. The location of well pads from

The Bolivar Wells still attract hoards of specks, along with other species during the summer months.

12 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal july 2017 july 2017 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal 13 ...Turn Fishing Into...CATCHING from mid summer is moving at a moderate pace. to early fall. The stretch of water between the Schools of trout railroad bridge and the causeway is loaded and redfish will with shell and rip rap that concentrates chase swarms of solid numbers of fish. Anglers should shrimp and shad anchor up between these bridges in three under birds during to five feet of water. Live shrimp under a the mid morning popping cork will produce the best results. to mid afternoon A fun way to fish the causeway is to hours on calm pitch jigs around the pilings underneath days. Most of the bridge at night. Most of these pilings this action takes have lights that shine down into the place between the water, attracting swarms of specks. Bright Texas City Dike colored, paddle tail soft plastics on 1/4 and the railroad ounce jig heads is all that’s needed to fool bridge, west of these fish. the Intracoastal The spots mentioned are indicated Waterway. on Hook-N-Line chart F102, along with The shoreline their GPS coordinates. It is important to from Vriginia remember that the coordinates given on Point back towards the chart are a general, relative location Swan Lake is and may not be exact. another great Public access to areas along the bank area that contains as well as boat ramps are also specified plenty of shell. on the chart. It can be purchased at www. This stretch of hooknline.net. bank is a prime Pick up a chart and learn to how to When the deep open waters of the Galveston Complex become calm during the summer, the action heats up. location during effectively fish a variety of areas in the strong winds with state’s largest estuary. The hot action of better than the ones on the southwest side. a westerly direction. summer has arrived. It’s all happening in Bulkhead Reef and the edges of The edges of Sand Island also hold the heart of Galveston Bay. Atkinson Island on the northwestern concentrations of end of the ship channel are also prime trout, redfish, and locations. flounder during Further to the south the Redfish mid to late summer. Oilfield is located east of the channel. The same goes UNFAIR LURES’ SoftBaits and Jig Heads These wellheads and shell pads are for the backside available June 2017 exceptional structures to target during of Pelican Island the summertime. Anglers should exercise from the Pelican caution when navigating this area — there Island Bridge on up towards Sand are many obstructions just below the SMACK PADDLE water’s surface. Island. Live croaker is hard to beat when The deep ledges bounced along the bottom near structure along the Galveston Channel near the along the Houston Ship Channel. Soft SMACK TAIL plastics rigged on 3/8 ounce jig heads will Pelican Island also do the trick. Bridge attract East Bay several species In East Galveston Bay, anglers can of fish, including expect to find speckled trout holding tight reds, trout, black SMACKSHAD to the bottom over oyster shell around drum, sheepshead, Ladies Pass, Hanna Reef, and Moody’s and flounder. This Pass. Keeping baits close to the bottom is an exceptional UNFAIR LURE Single Hook is the ticket. Soft plastics on 3/8 ounce jig location to fish Rigged Weedless heads hopped along this shell will produce with live shrimp plenty of strikes. . or mullet along SMACK PADDLE WITH 1/8 oz JIGHEAD - Rigged Weedless Lower Galveston Bay the bottom with The open waters of Lower Galveston a Angler Nick LeJeune with a gorgeous red he caught near the Houston Shown in Hot Orange and available in Bay are known for superb bird activity when the current Ship Channel. proven fish-catching colors.

14 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal july 2017 julyAv 2017ailable at better retailers. TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal 15 Ask for them by name. Just Shooting | Kerry O’Day Everyone thinks you have to have hits at 250 yards with the gun but after a an AR-10 type rifle to have a caliber big few dozen rounds no one wanted to shoot The Big and Little of the AR enough to hunt game with. Well, that is it any more. not true! Let’s take a look at two of the Later that day, I picked up one of big AR-15 calibers. the Taurus 44 Mags to shoot on the On the short range side of the SAAM Dangerous Game course. I have always course, we were shooting AR-15’s in 458 enjoyed a challenge and shooting a 44 When an AR-15 is mentioned most Socom and 500 Beowulf. Both of these Mag. handgun on a very unique course automatically think of the calibers 223 and AR calibers are used for hunting. You designed to teach you how to handle 556. When the firearm shifts to an AR-10 could easily use either of these two guns to yourself in case of a charge seemed to be a 308 or a 7.62 are the calibers most often hunt any game animal in North America, the perfect challenge. The Dangerous thought of first — correct? Well, in most in fact, I would not be afraid to hunt any Game course is designed to help hunters cases you are right. Most AR-15’s are in animal in the world with these calibers. make that once in a life time shot on the 223 caliber and most AR-10’s are a I shot the Rock River 458 Socom out Africa’s dangerous game. If you are going 308 caliber. to 250 yards and never missed an 8 inch to hunt dangerous game like buffalo or Fortunately there is so much more to plate. The MGA Taranis2 is a unique elephant or make a long shot for a Marco the AR type of gun than just “two calibers.” looking AR, has a great trigger, shoots very Polo or Ibex, it is worth your time to take A few months back I was with a group of accurately and is wonderful to carry, but some professional instruction from Tim writers in the Texas Hill Country shooting shooting it in the 500 Beowulf caliber will Fallon and the FTW staff to make sure different guns and riding motorcycles. make you take notice. you have the confidence and the expertise One of our stops was at the FTW/ Shooting a 400 grain bullet at nearly when that one shot counts. SAAM long range shooting facility near 2000 feet per second in a 4 ½ lb. AR is no We were practicing on moving Bracketville. While there, I was able to fun; it will ring your bell. We were making elephant targets at ranges from 10 feet shoot several different AR type rifles and to 50 yards. They have compare the big and little differences charging elephant targets between them. that take 3 shots in 10 I started out shooting the long range seconds to stop them. I SAAM shooting course and I selected a was able to do well on the Rock River AR-10 in the 6.5 Creedmoor charging elephant targets caliber. The first thing noticed about this The author shooting a Rock River AR in 458 Socom but the crossing targets gun is its size. The rifle is big and heavy, were my demise. I could weighing in at just over 10 lbs. with a 24 that same day. With the 6.5 Creedmoor weighs just under 5 lbs. with a 16 inch never figure out the lead inch heavy barrel. The trigger is great and hitting 8 inch metal targets was easy. barrel and is skeletonized to make every with the 44 mag and always breaks at just less than four pounds. The On the other hand, I also shot a 6.5 part of it light. hit too far behind the kill entire gun feels solid and looks the part Grendel AR-15 Ultra-Light made by my The 6.5 Grendel caliber shoots the zone of the target. This is of a long range target rifle. The Rock company, MG Arms. This rifle is the same bullet as the Creedmoor, just 100 feet great training in case you River was topped with a Swarovski Z5 complete opposite of the Rock River. The per second slower. The light weight rifle have to stand your ground 3-18 power scope. Shooting started at 300 MGA Taranis2 is made for hunting and was easily hitting targets to 500 and 600 and make a lifesaving shot. yards and we made it out to 900 yards later is an easy light-weight carry. This rifle yards, beyond that you had to really hold I have had to do that and I the gun tight and concentrate on your can tell you it is very hard shots but we were able to make a few hits to stand and wait for the at 700 and 800 yards. perfect brain shot that will Now everything on the Rock River stop an angry, charging Creedmoor AR is bigger than the MGA Cape Buffalo. Taranis2 rifle. The Rock River upper and If you are looking for lower is ½ inch longer and taller. The bolt a long range AR rifle and carrier alone is more than three times the weight doesn’t matter I weight of a standard AR-15 bolt carrier. would recommend the Rock The AR-10 is designed for a longer, River in 6.5 Creedmoor. larger caliber and works very well for a 308 However if you want a or 338 Federal caliber. Even though the lighter rifle for walking 308 size case is small compared to a 300 and stalking look at the 6.5 Mag. it is more than four times the size of Grendel in an AR-15. And a 223 case. Trying to make an AR-10 light for stopping big game like a weight is hard to do. You can shorten the charging bear or a running barrel and lighten the bolt carrier and the bull elk the 458 Socom or bolt, but you will still have a heavy rifle. 500 Beowulf are going to Now that is where making an AR-15 into a The AR 10 bolt carrier (right) is three times the weight of the do everything you could A skeletonized MG Arm’s Taranis2 in 6.5 Grendel only weighs 4 1/2 pounds. lightweight rifle can be a much easier job. AR 15 bolt carrier.4 1/2 pounds. ask.

16 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal july 2017 july 2017 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal 17 he Gulf of Mexico was about as many. Once you get a school of these fish idled along the grass and saw several ling flat it gets, hot as hell and we feeding you can load a cooler with them. just kind of cruising along looking for hadn’t caught a thing in three When filleted and grilled they make an easy meal. Moving parallel with the hoursT of fishing. That is until we pulled excellent tacos. ling we pitched 5-inch long Yum Money up along the side of a sprawling weed bed More often than not the best way to Minnows to the bronze targets and had that was loaded with dorado in the two to approach a weed line is to idle along the three hookups in a flash. WEED, FEED four pound class. edge and look for fish. It’s also a good idea Trolling is a great way to hook up with The water was gin clear and we could to have chum handy. That’s a sure fire way who knows what along the weed beds. see all sorts of small baitfish and crabs to get fish out from under the shade and Nearshore, about 10 to 20 miles out, you under the spread of Sargassum that was security of the Sargassam. can troll big silver spoons, or anything several hundred yards long and about 40 It’s not at all unusual to find numbers flashy and catch king mackerel, dorado, yards wide. It was a fishing opportunity of ling hanging out along a weed line. A and ling. The trick is to keep the baits close anglers in the know rarely pass up. few years ago I was with some buddies to the edge of the grass. The closer you get and I picked up a handful of chum and about 36 miles offshore. We had found to the grass the better your chances are of CATCH tossed it in the blue green current. A a long line of scattered Sargassam. We getting more strikes. swarm of dorado showed up instantly. Curtis Thorpe, Bill Panto and I picked up three lightweight spinning rods rigged with 2-inch long chartreuse jigs and preceded to catch 23 of the colorful and tasty “chicken” dolphin in just a few minutes. The deck of the 36-foot Contender was a bloody mess, and as we were icing down the catch I looked over the side of the boat just in time to see a huge ling go cruising by. “Look at that big ling,” I yelled. Thorpe was quick to grab a rod rigged specifically for that fish. It had a 1-ounce silver spoon tied on and he quickly tipped its hook with a whole Spanish sardine. I tossed in a couple of dead shrimp. The ling did a bat turn, snarfed up the chum and inhaled the spoon. It was game on. Just like that our slow day of fishing had turned into a classic offshore adventure. Big floating beds of Sargassum can be found anywhere from just off the line of surf to a hundred miles offshore just about anywhere along the Texas coast during the summer months. The really crazy thing about cruising up to check out a weed line is that you never know what’s going to show up. After more than 40 years of offshore fishing I’ve seen giant sharks, sailfish, tuna and even blue marlin hanging close to and under beds of Sargassum. The near shore beds of this fish attacking grass will at times attract and hold tripletails. This is one of the strangest fish you’ll ever catch in the Gulf. They look like a big crappie, float sideways and have white firm meat that is delicious. They will layup under the grass and will readily hit Hit the weed lines for fast action offshore fishing. jigs and live or dead shrimp. Quite often small dorado are the most Story and photography by Robert Sloan plentiful fish along these weed lines. Farther offshore, 50 to 100 miles out, you can troll weed lines and catch bigger fish like wahoo, Where you find one you’re apt to find dorado, blackfin tuna and even the occasional blue marlin or sailfish.

18 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal july 2017 july 2017 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal 19 along a weed line is an 8-inch Mold Craft chicken dolphin, ling and tripletails. and buoys you definitely want to fish the of fish holding structure that’ll attract all Super Chugger or a Hooker Softhead. As you can see there are many options weed lines, tidal rips, any floating debris as sorts of hard fighting and great tasting Best colors are chartreuse, pink or blue/ when fishing offshore. Aside from the rigs well as wrecks and rocks. There’s all sorts game fish. white. They can be rigged with or without a trailing ballyhoo. Another option is to bump troll live baits along a grass line. Several years back some friends and I were fishing a marlin tournament out of Port O’Connor. We were bump trolling live hardtails along a weed line and had a blue marlin eat one of the baits. It weighed about 400 pounds and when it came up on the surface shaking its bill we just about blew a gasket. Unfortunately the big marlin shot back under the grass and snapped the line just like that. Hardtails, a.k.a. blue runners, are excellent baits to troll along deep water weed lines. They will attract big time gamefish like tuna and marlin. A lot of offshore anglers center their One of the best lures to pull along a weed line is an 8-inch Mold Craft Super Chugger or a Hooker fishing around the many rigs that can be Softhead. They can be rigged with or without a trailing ballyhoo. Best colors are chartreuse, found along the Texas coast. They attract pink or blue/white. a lot of baitfish and in turn gamefish. But the rigs get a lot of fishing pressure, Farther offshore, like 50 to 100 miles, the grass in deep water areas are wahoo especially on the weekends. That’s one you can troll weed lines and catch bigger and dorado. A wahoo is one of the most very good reason for fishing other types of Big center consoles and catamarans like this Freeman 33 can quickly get anglers out to the blue waters of the Gulf of Mexico to do battle with a fish like wahoo, dorado, blackfin tuna tasty fish you’ll catch offshore. This fish attracting structure in the Gulf. Weed variety of pelagic species. and even the occasional blue marlin or particular fish is a speed demon. It’ll lines are a viable option on just about any sailfish. Trolling baits along a grass line slam a bait and head south like there is given day. But buoys, used to tie off rig in cobalt blue water is the cat’s meow. You no tomorrow. Conversely, a bull dorado supply boats, quite often hold big schools never know what’s going to light up on a will hit a lure, feel the hook, light up and of baitfish that bring in the players like bait. There is nothing finer than seeing come out of the water doing cartwheels. wahoo and dorado. a surface running lure get slammed and That’s a pretty special sight – one you won’t Never pass up anything that you see hear the reels drag go off like it’s on fire. soon forget. floating in the open Gulf. I’ll never forget Two of the more abundant fish along One of the best lures you can pull one morning when we were trolling seven baits near a rig about 132 miles out of Freeport. We saw a white refrigerator The Benefits of Sargassum Weed floating about 400 yards down current of the rig. Our first pass by the refrigerator The brown drift of floating seaweed that and pieces break off and drift with the cur- raised a blue marlin. We couldn’t have is Sargassum weed acts as a mobile transport rents. Each year, large chunks of this seaweed been more surprised. habitat for a variety of marine life that attract breaks away from its home base and makes Tidal rips are another hotspot for a lot of gamefish that includes dorado, trip- its way toward the Caribbean Sea, spilling finding big fish offshore. These are easy letail, ling, king mackerel, wahoo and even into the Yucatan Straits and is then pulled into to spot. One side of the rip will usually sailfish and blue marlin. When young fish a loop current stream in the southern Gulf of be slightly off color, while the other side find a safe haven in Sargassum they are far Mexico. Eventually, this drift of Sargassum might be dark blue. This is like a fish more protected from the ocean’s predators. finds its way to the Gulf of Mexico with the highway, especially if you’re looking to Many species of marine life take refuge in the assistance of the current. hook up with tuna and blue marlin. Sargassum and travel thousands of miles with 2017 Sargassum Forecast Things you want to keep an eye out this floating habitat, seeking protection and According to seas-forecasts.com, a small for while making an offshore run includes survival from opportunistic gamefish that in research from A&M Galveston specializing is anything floating. Wooden pallets are turn are caught on rod and reel. Sargassum predict large landings in Texas, fairly common and will definitely hold How Sargassum weed moves in the Gulf Mexico and islands of the Carribean. If ling and tripletails. of Mexico correct this should bode well for nearshore The shipping buoys, found at the Even with the vast concentration of Sar- and offshore anglers looking to tangle with end of jetties, hold all sorts of fish. You gassum weed lying in the Sargasso Sea, bits a variety of pelagic species this summer. can actually move from one buoy to the next and stand a good chance of catching 20 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal july 2017 july 2017 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal 21 For information on guides mentioned, see Guides, Gear & Getaways on pages 75, 77 & 79 a near-trophy bluegill that gave me a good fight. (Don’t tell my wife we threw Lake Roundup it back; she grew up catching “sunnies” in Minnesota, and doesn’t believe there was ever a perch too small to fillet.) The bluegill and an athletic largemouth that left no doubt as to what his pedigree was as he became airborne after breaking the surface gave me my four-species slam. Both were released to delight future fishermen. Not all of the crappie were under the 10 inch minimum and, along with a meal of the larger whites, also went

Photo by John Jefferson back to Cedar Park with me a little after This black-nose or black stripe crappie caught by the author while fishing near Gloster Bend on 1:00 a.m. Lake Travis with guide, Bryan Short, has a recessive gene causing the black stripe from the dorsal Bryan had offered to move to a fin down to its lips. The first such crappie caught by the author was in the same area 15 years different dock to boat larger crappie, but ago. Since then, he has also caught several of the strangely-marked crappie on Lake Travis in the the varied action and abundant white Jonestown area. bass lessened any urge to move. We didn’t count the numbers, but let me just say we had told me to meet him at either Pace – and the fish. caught all we wanted, including a black- By John Jefferson Bend or Somewhere in the Muleshoe As it got darker, we moved over to nose crappie that I caught. Bragging is Bend area. I was planning to do just that. docks and coves on the windward side of seldom appreciated, anyway. My oft-quoted Canyon Lake guide/ In asking his directions to the Muleshoe the lake, which were a little more protected The temperature that day had bounced buddy, Phillip Walker, continues to Bend Area, he realized that I lived in from even the mild breeze. He showed between 92 and 94 degrees, and it was still species-slam the multiple variety of game Anderson Mill, off Hwy 183 – more or me fish on the screen stacked up under Photo by Phillip Walker May. After following a cool front two days fish on the largeGuadalupe River reservoir less in Cedar Park. the lights, and we started fishing. Using before that had brought the high down to west of New Braunfels – this time taking Canyon Lake fishing guide, Phillip Walker, continues his species-slam of the multiple variety “Oh,” he said, “you’re closer to Gloster a small plastic minnow-like lure on a of game fish on the large Guadalupe River reservoir west of New Braunfels – this time taking 74, fishing in the sun would have broiled five different species, and, this time, all Bend out 1431, and that’s where I usually 1/8th ounce jig head, I began casting my five different species, all on the same lure, a Missle Shockwave 3.5 . L-R: crappie, our catch for us -- along with broiling on the same lure, a Missle Shockwave 3.5 smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, white bass, striped bass. meet clients from north Austin, Round spinning rod with eight-pound test line, us. That was then; and now it’s July. That swimbait. Top that if you can! Rock and Georgetown.” That bought me letting the bait sink to the bottom before evening with Bryan was about as pleasant One night near the end of May, I One of the keys to Short’s success is actually early morning – it was midnight. more time – and a longer nap. I gladly starting to reel, it as I did. It didn’t at fishing gets. Just enough gentle breeze to did something similar on Lake Travis. I his use of a structure-scan fish locater. Time flies. agreed to the amended rendezvous site. take long. keep us cool. I also don’t remember seeing caught four different species, although I I contacted Pitts, and he confirmed And it really did that evening. Bryan The last time I had been to Gloster, the Action was steady for the next several another boat that evening – the day before employed three different lures to do so. the structure- lake was about a hundred yards west of hours. In addition to the soft plastic the Memorial Day weekend. That part of But wait! Did I say “One night?” scanner and his the boat ramp across a parched limestone minnow, I also tossed a small grub and the lake is definitely less-travelled than the Sure did. Bryan Short, a Central Texas recent catches, beach during an infamous Texas drought. then a small jigging spoon. Fish fell for all lower part of the lake. And it surely makes professional guide (512-529-7883 or but added that he Times have changed; the water now comes three. As he netted and unhooked a white me want to fish more after dark during the North End River Guide on Facebook), had also caught up to the foot of the steep concrete ramp. from the jigging spoon for me, Bryan said, summer. How about you? and I fished the upper-middle part of Lake largemouths and Bryan had said to meet him at the “It amazes me that fish will strike a shiny The full moon this month is on Travis in the Gloster Bend area. If you’re stripers while Gloster boat ramp at 8:45 p.m. I thought piece of hard metal!” But they do. Sunday, July 9. That date and a day or so not familiar with that part of Travis, you fishing with Short. that was a little late, but didn’t argue. I We seemed to alternate between before and after would be a fine time to might have been missing something. It I mentioned was waiting for him when he motored keeper whites and under-keeper crappies. try it out. lies northwest (upriver) of Lago Vista in last month’s up precisely at 8:45. The sun had already We even caught a few sunfish, including Cool! and southeast (downstream) of Muleshoe column that Short set and light was fading. We loaded up Bend. fishes from dusk and slowly powered off, heading south On the west side of the lake, there is a on to either a limit (slightly downstream). boat ramp in Pace Bend Park off Highway of fish or a limit He explained that to fish boat docks, it 71. On the east side, there is a boat ramp at on his clients’ late- was better to wait until it got dark enough Gloster Bend Primitive Area off FM 1431. night endurance. for lighted docks to attract baitfish. Right now, both ramps are open. During I did better than Photo by Bryan Short Makes sense. In the meantime, he showed droughts, it’s often a different story. I had expected, The monitor of Bryan Short’s Lowrance Structure Scan shows what is how his structure scan worked. It was Bryan was recommended to me by Jay partly due to nap directly beneath the boat in the large image in the center-left portion pretty amazing. The left side of screen McBride, fishing department honcho at after lunch that of the screen . The vertical white object on the right side of the central- showed a left and right hand view of the McBride’s Guns. My friend, Hayes Pitts, afternoon. Naps left image is the edge of a dock. The narrower vertical image on the lake bottom. The right side displayed a right side of the fish finder represents the water column under the boat, had told McBride about his success fishing are recommended. and shows fish stacked at a depth between 10 and 30 feet the night he vertical-view which showed the depth with Short. Pitts had limited on white bass Always. The first and the author fished together. Short encircled the crappie and baitfish at which the fish were suspended. It also and crappie several times while fishing time I looked at my in yellow and the larger fish - bass or carp - in pink to make it easier for showed more detail of the bottom – with Short. watch that night – readers and the author to tell what they’re looking at. especially the contour and any vegetation

22 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal july 2017 july 2017 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal 23 JUST HUNTING | Tom Claycomb III the prize. The spine is ground down so it all that my dad had was an old Arkansas but not out of information. For more on has a point so you can cut the pattern and stone which worked fine in that era with Knife Sharpening go to amazon Kindle Choosing the Proper Knives & How to Sharpen Them yet it is a drop point knife that makes it a 30 degree angles but now knives have 25, and I have an E-article titled KNIFE great skinning knife as well. 22, 18 and on down to 14 degree angles. A SHARPENING. I also love The Legacy. It is an elegant knife with an angle that steep tells you that Well good luck on sharpening your knife. The Summit model is right in the it has hard metal in it. If it was not that knife. Don’t get frustrated and give up. If you’re an outdoorsman then it’s can cut the pattern, or first cuts middle of the mix as well, so when I head hard then at that steep of an angle the edge It’ll take some practice. highly probable that you like knives. In into the hide. With a drop point out the door to go hunt it’s a toss-up would roll or chip off. To fact, you may have a knife problem. I have you can skin faster without fear everytime as to which one I will grab. be able to sharpen them knife issues. I do a lot with knives and have of cutting holes in the hide. This For caping the Pinnacle II takes the you’ll need a diamond written hundreds of articles on them and is important if the hide is being prize. I can’t tell you how many top-notch stone. have taught knife related seminars from saved. If not, then a clip point knives are in the Diamond Blade line I use a Smith Texas to Alaska. will suffice. up. From my perspective I don’t know if Products fine diamond After nearly every seminar people ask If you’re mounting your deer anyone else is even a close second. stone. They color their me which is the best knife to buy. The head or skinning the feet and toes For six or eight inch boning knives fine diamond stones reality is there’s not really a “one knife on a bear then you’ll want a caping there are a few good brands. Some of my orange. With a diamond fits all” design. You don’t just have one knife. They’re usually around 2 favorites are Don’t Tread on Me, Dexter stone you can sharpen screw driver do you? To properly address ¼-inches long, have a narrow and and Forschner. They are made of good your modern (hard) the answer to that question one has to pointed blade. steel that can be sharpen on a smooth knife within two to three determine what task is about to perform. You’ll for sure want a boning steel. minutes. Just because it’s a good design doesn’t knife to bone out your game or As previously noted above, for boning When it comes to The author says maintaining the proper angle when use to fillet your freshwater fish I favor a six inch knife but many good sharpening boning mean it’s a well-made knife. sharpening a knife is critical. He uses the ultimate knife First let’s consider the various designs on up to larger fish. sharpening set up, the Smith’s Trihone set. It is elevated boners favor a five inch model. It’s a knives. use a smooth and then some good manufacturers. For To slice steaks or trim fat you so that it is easy to work with. matter of personal preference, not a right steel. With a smooth get a lot smoother cut if an eight steel you can cut all day most outdoor purposes there are five or wrong. Some of the author’s favorite knives include, (top to bottom) different knife designs: a clip point knife, inch knife is used as opposed to a six inch So there are the five different designs I With a good knife or knives selected, as long as you steel you Puma fold-up Clip Point, Don’t Tread on Me 6-inch boning knife, a drop point, a caping knife, a six inch blade. It would be a good idea to have recommend. So do I always carry all five? they need to be kept sharp. I’ve always said knife every two minutes. Diamond Blade Summit - a great skinning knife, Diamond Blade boning knife, and an eightinch trim knife. both a six and eight inch knife to cover No. I’ve skinned over 100 deer with just that 100 percent of the outdoorsmen use Well I’m out of Pinnacle II caping knife, and Diamond Blade “The Traditional A clip point knife has a point so you a variety of slicing and trimming needs. a fold up clip point knife. But as a bare a knife but I bet fewer than five percent room for this months Hunter.” minimum to clean and process your deer can sharpen one. It does take some skill you’ll need a clip point knife and a 6-inch but don’t give up, it doesn’t require a PhD. 30 Years Experience in Trophy Deer Managment boning knife. The reality is, it’s half science and half Now that the knife blade design art. I’ve trained thousands of boners and options has been considered it is time it takes them a month of working eight to look for a good manufacturer. It hours/day to just learn how to steel their constantly puzzles me as to how many knife so don’t despair. companies make a good knife but have In a nutshell the theory is, run your dysfunctional designs. I sometimes knife down the stone at the same angle all wonder if they ever consult with any the way down the blade and use the same outdoorsmen before they making their number of strokes on each side. Simple in knives. theory, but a little harder in reality. Typically I recommend two to five Should you cut into the stone or run different manufacturers on products I’m the knife backwards on the stone? Or discussing. However when it comes to I’ve even seen people rotate their knife knives it’s getting harder and harder to in a circular motion. Which is correct? It Whether you enjoy an do because hands down Knives of Alaska doesn’t matter as long as you obtain the established program or and Diamond Blades owns the market for same angle all the way down the blade. are just starting out, both functional knife design and quality. To me it’s easier to do this by cutting into contact Bob Zaiglin, KOA offers a line of economical, well- the stone. one of the most designed and high-quality knives. If you If your knife edge is rolled over want a clip point check out the Pronghorn or so beat up that it is mushroomed repected names in the and if you favor a drop point the Elk then I recommend running your knife wildlife industry at Hunter. For a caping knife their Cub Bear backwards. If the edge is mushroomed Zaiglin’s Wildlife & is the best on the market. and you cut into the stone then you’re Resource Managment. However, if you want the ultimate just smearing it over more. Make sense? in style and quality you check out the In these situations sharpen it backwards Diamond Blades line. Here are my about three revolutions and then switch Bob Zaiglin, Certified Wildlife Biologist favorites. For the best hunting knife on to cutting into the stone as normal. (830) 591-7420 the market, the Traditional Hunter takes Which stone should be used? As a kid,

24 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal july 2017 july 2017 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal 25 when Barber was growing up, but today’s as the lid is sealed to prevent water from money. Materials you will need are several anglers are allowed to have no more than seeping in. water noodles (the same ones used in a 100 hooks in the water at the same on It is legal to have as many as five hooks swimming pools, a few joints of 3/4 or 1 all fishing devices combined. spaced out on the jug line so you can cover inch PVC (depending the diameter of hole PASSIVE “He had trotlines tagged with his the water column top to bottom. Most in water noodle), end caps for the PVC, name, my grandmother’s name, my name anglers like to secure their jug line sets some small eye bolts, a tube of silicone and and my sister’s name,” Barber chuckled. using railroad spikes or some other object a few joints of 1/2 inch rebar cut about “We used to spend hours running those heavy enough to hold it fairly stationary 3-4 inches long. lines. He was pretty serious about it and to the bottom, even in big wind. When a There are some how-to videos for he caught a lot of catfish.” fish eats the bait it will usually hook itself. building noodles on the Internet that For those who may not know, a The noodle line works like the jug line, take you through the process step by PERFORMANCE is a multi--up usually but is generally built for applications in step. To find them do a Google search for strung between two stumps or bushes. fairly shallow water with only one hook. “building catfish noodles.” It typically consists of a main line made Not only are noodles inherently easier to Those who don’t want to spend the from heavy-duty tarred nylon with strong manage than jugs, but they are also way time building their own might want to hook stagings that should be secured no less cumbersome to store when not in use. look into store-bought noodles. Little closer than three feet apart to comply Wrapped neatly I can easily store a Stinker’s Pop-Up Fish-a-Noodle is a good with state law. dozen or more catfish noodles in the one. Just be ready to spend a little money The hooks should be equally strong same space it takes to hold three jug lines. if you take this route. The noodles cost in order to hold large fish. Most anglers That’s because noodles are small in profile around $5 each. prefer stainless steel circle hooks for measuring roughly three to four inches in There are a couple of ways to fish with durability and hooking efficiency. diameter and about 15-18 inches long. noodles. You can secure them to bottom While a single line may contain as Something else that makes noodles using heavy weights or use a lighter barrel many as 50 hooks, most serious trotliners attractive to fish with is they are fairly weight and allow them to drift with the prefer to build more lines with fewer simple to build and don’t cost much wind. hooks. This allows them to cover more water and boost the chances offinding a productive area. All trotlines must be equipped with a gear tag identifying the line’s owner and the date it was put out. Trotliners should always remove their lines from the water when not in use. Otherwise, gear tags must be updated every 10 days. Effective as it can be, the trotline isn’t the only “passive fishing” method Texas anglers can legally use to put a mess of fish in the freezer. Passive fishing is referred to as such because it involves placing some sort of static fishing gear in the water and waiting for the fish to approach it, often while Trotlines, stump poles and noodles let you look the other way unattended. It’s directly the opposite of and still catch fish. “active fishing” methods like rod and reel fishing, where the angler actively chases or pursues fish using a hook, line and bait of some sort. Here’s a rundown of some other Story and photography by popular passive fishing methods used on Matt Williams Texas waters: Jugs and Noodles Another popular passive fishing tactic ason Barber is a burly guy who Barber comes by his love for catching more. is running noodles. The concept is similar has a crafty way with heavyweight whiskered fish naturally. He was raised To hear Barber tell it, his grandfather to running jug lines, but the device is Jcatfish. Year-in and year-out the along the shores of the 33,000-acre knew the lake like a road map and always altogether different. 42-year-old fishing guide from Gun Barrel impoundment by his grandparents. His made a point to keep the maximum A jug line is made by tying a length City probably catches as many big blue late-grandfather, Lee Roy, was an avid cat number of hooks in the water that was of heavy line tied to a 1-2 gallon plastic and channel catfish on rod and reel from fisherman who loved running trotlines allowed by state law. jug of some sort. Used bleach or laundry Some really big blue and channel catfish can be caught using one of several “passive” Cedar Creek Lake as any angler around. and probably loved eating catfish even I’m not sure what the law was back detergent jugs are good choices so long techniques.

26 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal july 2017 july 2017 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal 27 Some noodlers like properly before you try it. If the the grass is the float. wrap-ups by forcing the fish away from have to touch the line. Instead, just grab to bait up right at dark five feet below the surface, stage the hook He ties knots outside the drilled holes the stump. It also makes it simpler and the pipe and use it as fishing pole to sling and run the noodles two to three feet below the surface using to prevent the device from sliding, and safer to run the sets, because you never the fish into the boat. at first light, but it is a 1/8 or 1/2 ounce sinker to keep the bait always makes sure to leave usually best to stay with down and and a barrel swivel to prevent about two feet of excess line them until you are done line twist. outside the entry hole for fishing, especially when Stump Poles tying off to large stumps. At the fish are on a strong Charlie Shivley of Huxley is a hardcore that point he secures a large bite. Otherwise, there passive fisherman who just about always swivel to the line nearest the is a chance you won’t keeps several dozen hooks baited at the ball and adds an 18-24 inch recover them all when upper reaches of his home lake, Toledo staging followed by a 6/0-10/0 you return to check Bend. Trotlines, noodles, stump hooks…. stainless . them. Shivley does it all. But he may be an even When setting a stump pole Like other passive bigger fan of using a contraption he Shively always snugs the end fishing methods, fashioned himself. opposite the float fairly tight noodles are a great He calls them stump poles. It’s similar against the stump about a option when youngsters running stump hooks, except there is a foot above the water, causing are in the boat. three to four foot joint of 1/2 or 3/4 inch the pipe to sit at a downward That’s because the PVC involved that helps cut down on lost angle. anticipation factor fish while providing some leverage to help He prefers not to use a is always high and land the big ones. weight when using cut bait keeping an eye on the Shivley builds the devices by running or bream heads. That way the noodles helps hold the pipe through a styrofoam ball about fish won’t feel any resistance their attention. Plus, the size of a cantaloupe or a eight inch until it is too late. between unhooking section of swim noodle material. He Shively says the stump Bream heads on a stout hoot tied to strong line are the fish and cutting bait glues the noodle to one end of the PVC poles work similar to stump ingredients for an effective passive that range there is almost always pipe using PVC glue, then drills holes at hooks, only better. That’s Anticipation and excitement are high when running a trot line. You never know what or how big the fish might from trot lines, stump poles or jugs and noodles. something to do. both ends of the pipe that are just big because they cut down on be that hooked on the line. Noodles will work enough for No. 72 tarred nylon line to Dos and Don’ts of Passive Fishing just about anywhere, but they are super pass through freely. effective when put to use over shallow Once the assembly is complete, Shivley * On Texas waters, the only fish caught grass flats, especially on days when there feeds the heavy line through the drilled on passive fishing devices that may be is a light breeze to push them along. hole opposite from the float, through the legally retained are blue catfish, flathead Just make sure the noodles are rigged pipe and out the drilled hole closest to catfish, channel catfish and non-game species. Sport fish like black bass, crappie, Check back often for the latest outdoor news from across Texas, the United States, and white bass, stripers and hybrid bass caught around the world. on passive fishing devices must be imme- diately released. • Stay informed in between issues * Each fishermen have up to 100 hooks • Latest outdoor updates and news in the water at the same time using all de- vices combined. • Links to all your favorite resources * All passive devices must be marked • Information for hunters and anglers with the owner’s name, address and date • Tide Tables it was put out. • Hunting & Fishing times * Passive fishing devices should always • Read issues online for subscribers be removed from the water when not in use. • And much, much more! * A wide variety of baits can be used on passive fishing devices. Fresh cut bream or shad are hard to beat. Other good choices include live perch, shiners, night crawlers, Stay OUTDOORS informed! carp, blood and livers. * It is always a good idea to use stainless Follow us on Facebook! steel circle style hooks on passive fishing devices. The hooks are designed so they Texas Outdoors Journal hook fish easily and keep them pinned. Charlie Shively says the stump poles work similar to stump hooks, only better. That’s because Updates, News, Giveaways and More, they cut down on wrap-ups by forcing the fish away from the stump. Plus it is simpler and safer Stainless steel hooks won’t rust and they are delivered straight to your newsfeed! to run the sets, because you never have to touch the line — just grab the pipe and use it as heavy duty to resist bending. fishing pole to sling the fish into the boat.

28 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal july 2017 july 2017 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal 29 For information on guides mentioned, see Guides, Gear & Getaways on pages 75, 77 & 79

a variety of lures including topwaters Verm. “I will be smack dab in the middle jetties and beachfront. July is great and Down South soft plastics. In West of that. for a wide variety of fish along the CoastWatch Danno Wise Matagorda we will be wade fishing deep “We will run our offshore trips out rocks. Speckled trout, redfish, pompano, guts leading into the flats along the south of Galveston or Freeport, depending on Spanish mackerel, drum, sheepshead, shoreline. customer preference. sharks, jack crevalle, flounder, king fish, “When the tide is close to its peak, we “Fishing out of Freeport yields deeper bull reds, tarpon and more. Live shrimp, will also fish the grass flats focusing on water faster, so there is less driving and croakers and piggy perch are our go to July is the true start of the summer the surf every day if the casting into the sand pockets. These fish more fishing. After we limit out the boat baits for reds and trout. Fresh skipjack season and, without a doubt, more conditions are right,” will position themselves at the edge of the on big snapper, we then target mahi, kings, and white trout are great baits for shark people take to the water during July and said Countz. “By mid or grass and feed on bait as it passes through cobia, wahoo, black fin tuna, triple tail, fishing. August than any other time of year. But, late July, our wind will the openings. and more. This is a great trip that is sure “The bay and marsh in July is extremely because so many more options are be dying down, which “In East Matagorda we will continue to fill a cooler. good for flounder. Small shad are hatched available during those months, the water is what we need for the drifting deep reefs in the west end of the “Inshore fishing is great along the in the back bayous, and flounder gorge hardly seems crowded. surf to get good. That’s bay throwing Berkley GULP! or live bait From back lakes to the open bay, from our number one deal in under a popping cork.” the beachfront to the blue offshore waters July - if the surf is right, Galveston guide Capt. Greg Verm of of the Gulf of Mexico, good fishing will we’re going. You only get FishingGalvestonTX.com says there will be found virtually everywhere during so many days a year to be plenty of good fishing in the Galveston July. enjoy that action in the Bay Complex as well as beyond the surf, so I don’t miss it if beachfront in July. it’s right. “Our red snapper season for Federally UPPER COAST “If I’m not in the surf, Permitted Charter boats that began on I’ll spend most of my June 1 continues through July 20,” said time in West Bay wading grass beds and fishing for trout. “I’ll be using mostly darker plastics on light jig heads - 1/8 or even 1/16 ounce. We’ll wade along and cast to all the dark spots. Then, later in the day, we’ll go back Matagorda guide Capt. Tommy and re-wade some of Photo by Grady Allen Countz says July is surf fishing time. those spots working In July there will be plenty of action for those drifting or wading “Starting this month, I will be in even slower. It’s really bays waters out of Port O’Connor. TOJ’s Sunni Gonzales shows important off a nice redfish she caught while fishing this area. t o w o r k slowly in summer. When head so we can get them down. And, that water’s hot, those fish sometimes we might start out with will be really lethargic. In topwaters. Early in the morning there fact, I think one of the most can be a really good topwater bite. It just important things you can do depends on what mood they’re in.” is fish braid so you can feel Sargent guide Capt. Trey Prye says he’ll even the lightest bite. start looking to the surf every chance he “Tripletail is also still gets in July. an option during July. Of “The surf is where we’ll be at every course, that’s out in the main opportunity starting in July,” said Prye. part of West Bay, so you need “When I’m fishing the surf, I like to start light winds to make that out throwing topwaters. After the bite dies happen. off in the surf, I’ll move back into the bay, “If I’m in East Bay, I’ll focusing on mid bay reefs with Norton Jrs be drifting shell reefs or and DOAs.” mud flats. We might fish Capt. Kendall Kersh of Pure Salt Photo courtesy Capt. Kendall Kersh live shrimp if that’s what my Adventures will be fishing throughout Some quality speckled trout will be caught all Photo courtesy Capt. Greg Verm clients want to do. the Matagorda and Freeport areas in July. through the summer months in the area out FishingGalvestonTX.com’s Kids Summer Camp continues in “But, usually I’ll be “Once again in July we will going to the of Freeport and around San Luis Pass. This July. Great hands on instruction for youngster wanting to throwing those same dark Matagorda Island surf when conditions angler shows off a nice speck he caught while learn about coastal fishing. plastics, but on a heavier allow,” said Kersh. “We will be throwing fishing with Pure Salt Adventures.

30 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal july 2017 july 2017 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal 31 themselves on these the south end of the lake,” said Foreman. “This month always produces some of small shad. We sight “We’ll also have plenty of fish along the our fastest action which is nice because cast to these fish as they Louisiana shoreline. When I’m fishing in we can usually beat the midday heat with are feeding. the lake, I’ll be throwing a lot of Down quick limits of trout. “Also, our summer South Southern Shad rigged on a ¼-ounce “Shrimp imitations, like Mirrolure Lil’ kids camps will still be jig head. Johns, will be our go-to baits. Bull reds underway during July “We’ll also be seeing fish on the beach will be found roaming the middle of the and is great fun for kids and around the jetties. Again, I’ll be lake under birds, muds, and slicks. Shrimp ages 8 to 14. throwing the Southern Shad. In the surf, imitations work well in this scenario as “Finally, summer I’ll usually throw the Midnight Money, well. nighttime flounder because it seems the darker colors are “There will also be opportunities for will be in full always better in the surf. sight fishing redfish in July. The small swing and is a great “And, we’ll run out to the short rigs for duck ponds located behind Grand and way to beat the heat on trout as well. There are usually plenty of Lambert Bayous will offer plenty of shots Galveston Bay in July.” fish around the rigs – and you never really at healthy slot fish. Sabine Lake guide know what you’ll catch. “, spoons, topwaters Capt. Randy Foreman “Back in the lake, we’ll be catching and weedless work well in says there will be plenty flounder on the Louisiana shoreline. the marsh. Good luck and see all of you of options over the next I’ll throw the same plastics but will tip fishing soon.” few weeks, as he will them with shrimp when I’m fishing for Venice fishermen can expect plenty of be chasing trout and flounder.” exciting angling action both inshore and reds in the lake, along “I’ll also be fishing for reds back offshore during July. Though federal red the beachfront and at in Keith Lake. I’ll be throwing those snapper season will be closed by the time the rigs throughout the Southern Shad rigged on a weedless hook. Independence Day is celebrated, there will Photo courtesy Capt. Tommy Countz month of July. You can really tear those reds up back in plenty of other species available off the While the surf will be the first choice for many anglers in July, on “Come July, the Keith Lake, but you got to be able to make Louisiana coast. In fact, there will even days when conditions won’t allow, look for Capt. Tommy Countz bird action will be long casts, so you need to make sure you be snapper, as big mangrove snapper will Photo by Nate Skinner to have clients catching fish while wading the bars and grass tremendous and we’ll are using a rod that gives you good casting be hanging around most of the offshore In southwest Louisiana the Cameron jetties, beachfront and short rigs are all great summertime beds in West Matagorda Bay. have plenty of fish on distance.” structure also occupied by red snapper. options for Capt. Nick Poe. Anglers looking to get a snapper fix would do well to target mangrove snapper LOUISIANA COAST during July. Ling fishing will also be coming into its own in July. Most of the cobia will be found along grass lines or other floating structure. Kingfish will be thick around practically every piece of nearshore and offshore structure in the Gulf during July. Additionally, dorado and wahoo will be within reach of most offshore anglers this month. Tuna are still a viable option as well, although anglers looking for tuna during Fishing on Lake Calcasieu should be July will need to make the little longer run hot in July, according to Kimberlee Poe to the deep water floating rigs. of Big Lake Guide Service. Tarpon fishing will also be kicking “We are really looking forward to July,” off in July. Fishermen can expect to start said Poe. “Traditionally, favorable weather seeing Silver Kings show up just offshore makes July one of the most consistent early in the month. By the end of July, months of the year. tarpon should be common sights along “At this time, water conditions as well the beachfront and in the passes. as weather conditions are usually excellent The passes, along with the outside for catching trout throughout the entire beaches, will also be holding plenty of estuary. speckled trout. And, the short rigs located “Most of our time will be spent in the in 8 to 20 feet of water will be holding ship channel, but nearshore platforms specks and a variety of other species such and the surf are always an option when as Spanish mackerel during July and seas are flat. through August.

32 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal july 2017 july 2017 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal 33 ith the advent of another considerations is the fact that four contest in order to satisfy most sportsmen. deer season upon us, it’s subspecies of whitetail occur in Texas, In other words, the definition of a trophy Wtime to locate a place to which dictates both body and antler size. rack lies in the eyes of the beholder. hunt. For most deer hunters this place For example, the Carmen Mountain For example, the privilege I had to could be described as an area that is Whitetail, odocoileus virginianus take several record book whitetails has conservatively hunted and inhabited by carminis, inhabiting the mountainous been a surreal experience, but none of bucks exhibiting huge racks. regions of West Texas, is a collie-sized those Boone and Crockett qualifiers have Whitetail Deer Does such a place exist, or is it just deer compared to the larger bodied Kansas ever eclipsed the excitement I enjoyed something hunters dream about? In subspecies that inhabits portions of the taking my first deer, which was just a Texas, portions of South Texas and the Texas Panhandle. Managing Carmen yearling buck. In other words, quality deer Management Objectives Panhandle come close, and the reason Mountain Whitetail to develop antlers hunting experiences cannot be measured these areas stand out lies in the fact that comparable to their South Texas cousins in inches of antler. they represent vast expanses of land is an example of an unrealistic goal. Reality is another extremely important conservatively hunted and characterized The basic foundation for improving issue that wildlife managers and sportsmen by a diverse habitat composed of antler size is the combination of time, must recognize. The fact that large bucks vegetation nutritionally beneficial to nutrition, and genetics, which equates to occur in certain regions does not mean deer. But even the hallowed grounds just how big those antlers can get. When they exist throughout that region. within these regions remain inhabited one of these vital ingredients is suppressed One potential method of augmenting by bucks that develop less than desirable or missing the benefit of the other two the genetic integrity of a deer herd is racks for the discretionary hunter. The components fail to materialize. to temporarily confine selected sires fact is, bucks developing what are referred Allowing deer to live to maturity is not with more doe than they can breed on to as trophy antlers in the wild are only the easiest, but the most cost effective a natural basis throughout the breeding aberrations, and the habitat they rely on management philosophy one can employ season. Based on research employing is highly variable and always dependent to augment antler size, which remains DNA technology, we now know that on climate, requiring the application limited because antler configuration and those large-racked highly desirable bucks of proven management concepts based size is equally dependent on the genetic are not necessarily performing all the on achievable, realistic goals in order to potential of the animal. breeding. Some bucks may skip a year augment antler size. One very important aspect to while others will only breed one to three When searching for that ultimate piece remember is that a buck does not have does per year, especially in deer herds with of deer turf, one of the most important to qualify for the record book or win a balanced sex ratios.

Habitat and how it is managed is the most vital ingredient to successful management if one or more of the three components (time, nutrition, and genetics) are missing. Story and photography by Bob Zaiglin The ideal piece of deer turf can be defined by conservative hunting practices complemented by a diverse habitat.

34 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal july 2017 july 2017 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal 35 Thus by capturing a particularly permit required activity, this technique represents a nontraditional method employing this strategy is just how much impressive buck and confining it with a shows promise, but it does not address of genetically engineering deer herds. artificiality are sportsmen willing to large number of doe during the breeding the common nutritional problems in the Today an individual can acquire a parcel accept before losing interest in the hunting season, it’s logical to assume that the wild due to drought and habitat abuse. of property, construct a game-proof experience? offspring will demonstrate similar male For those with adequate funds, fence around it, and purchase desirable A buck’s age is irrelevant if it exists traits once released back into the wild. A the whitetail propagation industry stock. This is unquestionably the closest on subpar habitat regardless its genetic thing to a silver bullet that potential, or place of origin. I have witnessed in over 40 Bucks inhabiting the brush country of years, but it can have some South Texas are renowned for large antlers serious negative repercussions and they are not always a byproduct as well. When such an endeavor of high fences or any other magical is undertaken, particularly ingredient. when incorporating the larger Historically, even prior to the northern strain of deer, the application of scientifically proven animals are subject to diseases management concepts, exceptional antlers such as epizootic hemorrhagic developed simply as a result of the right disease, tuberculosis, and combination of genetics complemented chronic wasting disease, which by a rich plant diversity limited only is always a concern when deer by climate, complemented by a strict are translocated. Along with trespass law where bucks were allowed this is the impact these larger- to reach their optimal antler-producing bodied animals could have on years. Thus with all three aspects of the habitat. More important management present, exceptional antlers it can negatively impact the developed. paramount ingredient to one’s Travel 90 miles north of the fabled hunting experience by erasing brush country to the Edwards Plateau, the anticipation as to what and bucks in the older age classes exist, could show up. The question but antler size does not always compare to Improving wildlife habitat is one of the sportsmen’s greatest challenges. that must be addressed when those brush country bruisers. The reason Habitat not only represents nutrition, but escape cover as well.

36 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal july 2017 july 2017 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal 37 size of deer inhabiting poor soils cannot be expected to compete antlerwise with those on fertile soils. The point is that one’s goal should be based on the probability that results are at least realistic. For example, if I suddenly acquired a landholding in southern Florida and decided to manage Keys deer “the smallest of the subspecies of whitetails” with the goal of producing racks the size of those developed in South Texas, it would not be long before I realize that such an endeavor is not only unrealistic but unachievable. The point is a deer herd should be managed so that a certain antler size can be realized, or at least slightly improved upon based on the geographical region. The fact that antler quality will always vary on a regional basis makes the whitetail unique. Sad would be the day when cloning of deer becomes acceptable, and all one needs to do is decide when they would like to shoot one. And I say one, because if antlers were all similar, why would anyone want more than one. The fact that “no two sets of antlers are ever the same” is what makes whitetails Shortcuts in deer management, can remove the anticipation as to“what can show up next?” truly attractive to all of us. A deer is a byproduct of its for this lies in the fact that the vegetative environment regardless its genetic component in much of the hill country constitution. Thus it’s the manager’s is not as diverse or nutritionally stout as or hunters’ responsibility to protect the that in the brush country of South Texas. habitat from abuse. In some instances, So what is the most vital ingredient habitat improvement is required. The fact to deer management if one or more of the is, habitat is a derivative of the climate, three components, which is most often which dictates soil type as well. The more the case, are missing? It is habitat and we know about the environment, the more how it is managed. Whenever habitat is we should understand the limitations to manipulated by prescribed fire, disking, producing quality deer. Bottom line is, sculpting, etc., not only deer but all a 135-class deer at six years of age from inhabitants are impacted in a positive one region can be considered comparable fashion, particularly when nutrition is to a 170-inch-class deer on another concerned. nutritionally stronger environment. In The driving force behind deer other words, the smaller racked buck management should not be the production could represent every bit the challenge and of trophy Boone and Crockett bucks, but memory of a 170-inch deer, at least when the realization of the highest quality harvested under fair chase conditions. animal that the particular landholding Thus, an old buck that has escaped the can produce. So if your hunting turf is gauntlet of several hunting seasons located where soils are of poor quality, regardless its antler size could very well rain, or any other ingredient will not be a greater prize than the super buck sustain antler growth comparable to deer taken on a ranch that has been artificially located in the more fertile regions of the enhanced with big bucks regardless the state. In other words, one can establish location. a management program sustaining the All these thoughts must be considered vegetation at an earlier successional stage whenever one searches for a place to hunt, of development that is palatable and and there is no better time to start than nutritionally beneficial to deer, but antler right now.

38 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal july 2017 july 2017 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal 39 BASSOLOGY | Matt Williams I certainly wouldn’t. they also cause a lot of people to lose all part of it. You’ve got to be aware what is I don’t run my boat at a fast clip when awareness of what is physically going on going on around you at all times instead Safe Boating: A Little Common Sense Goes A Long Way I can’t see well, either. Boats don’t have around them,” Jenkins said. “Plus, they of just running down the lake 60-70 brakes and they don’t turn on a dime, take away your night vision, even when m.p.h. looking at a 7-12 inch screen. A either. you dim the screen. I’m not saying these lot of fishermen have become way too True. All vessels must have working things are the problem, but they are dependent on them.” The photos that accompany this piece TPWD Capt. Game Warden Tom running lights, but not everyone abides by are pretty darned disturbing. Both are Jenkins said the circumstances around the law. You never know when you might illustrations of boating accidents that the accident involving the two boats are cross paths with such a rig or one that has occurred last April during a big bass derby particularly spooky. become disabled for some reason. on Sam Rayburn Reservoir that routinely “They were apparently going to fish Secondly, when you push the “Go draws thousands of contestants each year. the same spot,” Jenkins said. “The first To” button on a GPS it will take you to Luckily, no one was injured in either boat was shut down and the other boat your destination exactly as the crow flies. accident, but they could have been. came in on top of them. When the boat Following that path without taking into One of the accidents occurred on came off of plane, the bow came up and A boat sits atop an island near the Rayburn account points, islands, floating logs and Park boat ramp after the driver ran aground the first morning of the event near an the driver never saw them.” other obstructions along the way can get while traveling at a high rate of speed. area known as “Five Fingers” when Jenkins said both boats had their Jenkins said the accident occurred before you into trouble in a hurry. one boat crashed into the port side of running lights on at the time and that daylight and that no one was injured. Bottom line is boaters should always another competitor’s boat and ripped the moving boat rammed the stationary use common sense and good judgement the outboard engine completely off the one at an angle, right where the passenger ramp at Five Fingers. He then drove to the while operating a motor boat, especially transom. The second accident occurred was sitting. Umphrey Pavilion to report the accident when doing so in the dark or in other on Saturday morning when a competitor “The passenger saw it (the other boat) to tournament director Bob Sealy. conditions that may impair their ability to ran his boat aground on an island just coming and he was quick enough that “We’re lucky there were no fatalities,” see. As illustrated earlier, relying strictly offshore from the Rayburn Park boat he dove onto the front deck to get out of said Jenkins. “It tore up a boat and on GPS to show you the way can be a ramp. There is nothing rosy about boating the way,” Jenkins said. “If he hadn’t been knocked a motor off that’s now at the recipe for disaster, especially in situations Photo Courtesy TPWD accidents, but what makes these two stand quick he would probably be dead. He’s bottom of the lake. Insurance can fix when there are lots of other boats on the TPWD game warden Tom Jenkins says this boat was broad-sided by another boat on the first out is the common denominator they very lucky.” those things, but there are some things water at the same time. morning of the Sealy Outdoors Big Bass Splash held April 21-23 on Sam Rayburn. The warden said the accident occurred during the dark and that both boats had their running lights on. share. Both wrecks happened during the Jenkins said the two boats separated that insurance can’t fix.” “Those GPS units are great tools, but Luckily, no one was injured. wee hours of the morning, before it was and that the driver of the second boat The game warden said the angler who light enough to see. subsequently pulled the other to the boat ran his boat aground was apparently traveling at a fairly high rate of speed. He said the island he hit is close to “30 yards wide” and that the boat almost made it to the opposite side before sliding to a stop on dry ground. “He was clicking along pretty good,”Jenkins said. “If he had been running three to four m.p.h. faster he probably would have made it all the way across. Luckily, nobody got hurt in that deal, either. It didn’t hurt the boat. We pulled the boat off the island and they left and went right on fishing.” Jenkins added the angler indicated that he was watching his GPS as he was speeding down the lake and that the unit didn’t show the island being in his path. The lesson here is two-fold. First off, is it is never a good idea to go tearing across a lake at high rate of speed in the dark or in fog. It makes no difference whether you have a state-of-the-art GPS chartplotter loaded with all the latest and greatest mapping technology, or how well you know a lake. Think about that for a minute. Would you attempt to navigate down a highway at night at 70 m.p.h. in your pick- up — with no headlights — and nothing more than a GPS unit to guide the way?

40 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal july 2017 july 2017 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal 41 SALTWATER JOURNAL | Mark Sosin outriggers. Assuming you have outriggers, the basic setup is four baits. Two are Trolling the Deep Blue Sea fished long from the riggers and the other two are towed two or three wakes behind the boat. It should be noted that as a boat moves through the water, it creates horizontal waves astern. Whether you are towing artificial lures or natural bait, the offering should be positioned on the front side of this water movement. There are countless options beyond the basic four bait setup. If you’re fishing natural bait, you can add a couple of teasers behind the boat or possibly Photo by Bill L. Olson a dredge or two. Dredges work with Eternal vigilance holds the secret to successful offshore trolling. That involves several things Most species of gamefish show a strong preference for edges like a weedlne. They may be on one side of an edge or the other, so try the first side artificials as well. For species somewhat starting with scanning the water in all directions on a regular basis and varying the speed of your boat until hooked up. and if that doesn’t work, switch to the other. reluctant to attack on the surface, a You would think it was simple. All you you can focus on it. The same procedure nothing happens, start dropping it. The can be used to put a goodie choice. Just don’t be afraid to experiment would slow down, while the inside baits have to do to catch fish in the Gulf (or any works well when you find a current. In point is that you are constantly making well below the surface. On larger boats, if they are not doing the job at the started moving from the depths toward ocean) is to head offshore and drag baits that case, try trolling with it, against it, changes. It’s easy to cruise along without you can fish two baits from each outrigger moment. the surface. It was amazing how many around. Too many anglers fall for that and across it. paying total attention to every aspect of — one long and the other at mid-distance Let me leave you with one tactic that strikes we got with that tactic. approach believing there are countless fish When water depth drops off rather trolling simply waiting for something astern. Captain Skip Smith shared with me more If you remember only one thing, focus everywhere just waiting to pounce on one quickly from the beach, it adds another to happen. Successful trolling demands It goes without saying that natural years ago than I can remember. Every on eternal vigilance when you troll and of their baits. There’s much more to the factor. There are times when fish will hard work. baits should be changed frequently so once in awhile, he would make a sharp don’t forget to keep at least one eye on the story. Maximizing your success trolling only strike when you work from shallow For most offshore assignments, they are constantly fresh and in perfect turn to port or starboard and head on a baits. Every day is different. Keep making in deep water challenges a long list of to deep. At other times, just the reverse 30-pound tackle works fine. Most fish condition. You can also change artificials new course. As he made the turn, the baits changes until you find the combination subtleties that tend to turn the odds in is true, if you’re not trolling from deep to are under 100 pounds or just over it. If if they are not producing fish or even on the inside would start to sink, while the that will work at the moment. When your favor. shallow, strikes are non-existent. It may your goal is to catch a monster of the deep, attracting “lookers.” Everyone has their baits on the outside would speed up. As you do, go ahead and pat yourself on the If you know someone who has just not make sense, but I’ve seen it happen. you would probably opt for an 80-pound favorite colors as well as their artificials of he set the new course, the outside baits back. had a successful day fishing offshore, ask The same fish are in the same spot, but outfit unless you’re trying to set a light them how deep the water was where they they won’t chase a bait unless it is moving tackle record. If possible, you should carry Enjoy this costal getaway while caught their fish. You don’t have to find in the right direction. one or two backup outfits. At least one of out the precise spot where they found Eternal vigilance holds the secret to them should be rigged with a bait or lure GREAT INVESTMENT/ letting your investment work their quarry. For some reason, if there successful offshore trolling. That involves and kept handy in case you have to use it SECOND HOME for you. are ample fish at a particular depth, there’s several things starting with scanning the on a fish in the spread. NORTH PADRE ISLAND a good chance they will be at that depth water in all directions on a regular basis. The number of baits, teasers, dredges, CANAL FRONT CONDO 3 bdrm, 2 bath condo w/one car in several places. This is usually a good You should also vary the speed of your and fished at one time garage, boat slip and shore power. place to start. boat. Start at a slower speed and then ease and where they are fished depends on Built 2004, sold fully furnished or Lacking any knowledge of where the the throttle up if you aren’t raising fish. the width of the beam in the stern and unfurnished, kitchen fully-equipped, full fish might be, start working seaward When you reach a fairly fast speed and whether or not the boat is equipped with size stacked washer/dryer, rental history. looking for an edge. It could be where Quiet top floor corner location with the water changes color from green to VIEW FROM BALCONY great multi-directional views, shaded blue, a current, weedline, temperature from afternoon sun, access via stairs and change (as little as one degree), debris on elevator. the surface, and so forth. Most species of gamefish show a strong preference for Near Packery Channel with easy access to upper Laguna Madre and Gulf of Mexico. edges. They may be on one side of an edge New Schlitterbahn Water Park now open or the other, so try the first side and if that within 250 yards of front door. doesn’t work, switch to the other. And, if you are in an area that boasts serious deep 3 hours from Houston, 3.5 hours from Austin, water structure, that’s also a good place to 2 hours from San Antonio. work. Pelagic species often hang above Owner/Broker | Show by appointment. that structure. 14427 Compass Street, Unit A13, The best way to work an edge if you Corpus Christi, TX 78418 are trolling is to set a course at a 45 degree See on Zillow.com angle to the edge. Cross the edge and then Call for more information: turn to a 45 degree angle that will take you Photo by Bill L. Olson Bill L. Olson to the other side. Once you determine This black fin tuna was caught while trolling structure off of the Aransas Bank out of Port FULLY-EQUIPPED KITCHEN SPACIOUS LIVING/DINING MASTER BEDROOM 713-957-3997 | 713-201-6970 which side of the edge holds the fish, Aransas.

42 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal july 2017 july 2017 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal 43 For information on guides mentioned, see Guides, Gear & Getaways on pages 75, 77 & 79 do the trick. heat of the day. His go-to baits away from a time when bass anglers will need to start CONROE - Hard hitting hybrids will be the bank are a crankbait and Carolina looking for fish in the mouths of major Lake Roundup on the prowl this month at Lake Conroe rigged brush hog. and secondary creeks up and down the and fishing guide Butch Terpe says he’ll be Vandergriff says anglers can catch lake. He says the fish won’t necessarily be looking to deep water to find them. some quality fish up north, too. The best holding deep, but they’ll be relating to “They’ll be relating a lot to points,” pattern will be fishing along channel water that is relatively close to water that magical line says and you probably won’t In addition to brush piles, the Highway Terpe said. “I’ll usually look for the fish breaks in Kickapoo Creek. He advises is well over your head. get bit; there is no oxygen down there. 147 Bridge pilings should be holding some with my electronics before I fish. You can working a jig or Texas rigged brush hog “About three to six feet, right along EAST TEXAS July isn’t that great of month of fish you can catch on shiners or jigs. save a lot time that way.” around any wood cover you come across. the edges of channel breaks, on points or crappie fishing because of the heat, but TOLEDO BEND - Toledo Bend guide Hybrids can be caught a variety of “There could also be topwater bite real around boat docks will be ideal,” Dearman you can still box some fish around brush Tommy Martin summarized his July bass ways. They’ll hit shad tight lined on early around the islands, but but it will said. “Places where a channel swing comes piles with a little effort. Some of the best fishing game plan in one word — offshore. bottom, pounce on spoons and slabs just be short lived,” Vandergriff said. close to a point or dock can be especially ones are on points and channel breaks “That’s where the majority of the fish like white bass and slam topwaters in the Crappie: Brush piles and deep log good.” from the powerlines south. Live shiners are going to be,” Martin said. “It’s that way event you find them feeding on or near the jams are the ticket, Vandergriff said. Best Dearman says any number of baits will be the best bet. just about every summer. We don’t have surface. Terpe likes to get more aggressive depth range will be 18-20 feet using live will work, but it’s hard to go wrong with SAM RAYBURN - Sam Rayburn has much hydrilla now so there’s not a whole by trolling with a deep-diving crankbait shiners or jigs. a shad pattern square bill crankbait. He been fishing strong all year long and lot for them to relate to shallow. The SRA like a Hellbender trailed by a pet spoon. Channel Cat: Vandergriff says channel said it is important to deflect the bait off biologist Todd Driscoll looks will be pulling water and my guess it will This allows for covering an abundance of cat will be on a strong feed and limits of any wood cover that you come across. for the big lake to keep right on truckin’. be down to around 170 by now. That and water in fairly short order. should come quick over baited holes in “Casting a Texas rigged Rage Craw ‘Rayburn is into good of shape habitat the warmer summer temperatures will Bass fishing crowds have been enjoying around 16 feet of water. “The catfish are (june bug) also works really well on this By Matt Williams wise and so full of fish that it’s difficult to push a lot of the fish deep.” some good fishing since late May. Terpe going to be pretty easy,” he said. “I’ll catch lake,” he said. “You’ve just got to test the think any other way. Martin says he will spend the highest says he knows of two 30-pound limits them on punch bait, but you can also do fish and let them tell you what they want.” NACOGDOCHES — Late May brought “We’ve had some real strong year percentage of his time keying main lake recently weighed in local tournaments. pretty well on night crawlers.” Livingston white bass aren’t nearly some big rain to eastern Texas and Lake classes and the lake is full of four-pound structure spots north and south the The majority of the better fish have been White Bass: The guide says the fish as picky as the largemouths. Dearman Nacogdoches was sitting about seven plus fish right now,” Driscoll said. “The Pendleton Bridge. His go-to bait out there caught away from the bank and he expects will be feeding aggressively on near the said the fish will be feeding aggressively inches above pool level as of this writing. grass is coming back strong and it’s set to is a matched with a Zoom Trick the trend to continue through summer. surface on main lake points towards the throughout the month around offshore The lake should be in great shape this produce some great fishing. I’d love see Worm or Ol’ Monster worm. June bug and “You’ll be able to catch a few fish early dam at first light. You can catch good humps and roadbeds in 12-18 feet of summer. the lake stay fairly stable for a while so the red bug are the preferred color patterns. and late around rocks and docks, but the numbers on topwaters If you like to flip and pitch heavy baits grass would spread deeper.” “You’ll also be able to pick up some better quality fish and numbers will be and lipless cranks when for bass in hydrilla, this is the first year in As of late May Driscoll says the hydrilla fish on Carolina rigs, football jigs and hanging structure like old pond dams, the schooling activity is a while that the potential has existed to was growing out to about 12 feet and is crankbaits, but the Texas rig is going to road beds, points and channel swings,” he going on. One the surface do it around here. In late May, grass was matted on the surface in water as deep as be my main deal,” he said. said. “Anywhere you find brush piles will bite wanes he’ll follow already matted to six feet in places and six feet. He thinks there could be some If this July is like most, T-Bend crappie be a big plus. That’s what holds the fish.” the school to the first or growing about six feet off bottom in 12 grass deep enough to flip with a big weight will be locked into their summer patterns. Terpe says the best methods for second drops in 10-14 feet of water. Things should be getting or jig by July. For fishing guide Stephen Johnston, that probing around the deep structure are feet and tease them with close to ideal for punching the grass by There also should be plenty of fish means soaking shiners and jigs around Carolina rigging or dredging with a big a spoon or slab. July, if not a little sooner. holding around shallow bank cover and brush piles. bill crankbait in a shad or bluegill color. LIVINGSTON - Beaver-style baits matched with a 3/4 on main lake structure in 14-25 feet. Johnston says the best brush will be Football jigs also and Hardheads also can Veteran fishing guide to 1 ounce sinker are great choices for this Frogs, cranks, Senkos, topwaters and swim in water ranging 20-30 feet of water. The be effective on hard bottoms. Randy Dearman said style of fishing, as are punching skirts and jigs will be good choices in the shallows. fish will be suspended somewhere above Channel cat? July isn’t the best month Lake Livingston was a grass jigs. The trick is to make short flips Out deeper, try Carolina rigs, Texas rigs, the thermocline, so it is important to soak of the year by any means, but the guide muddy, sloppy mess or pitches ahead of the boat and allow the football jig and Fumble Bugs on hard your bait at that depth or just above it. says anglers can still box limits around due to big rains that fell bait to fall vertical through the grass. Once bottom structure. Johnston is also careful not to pluck baited holes along creek channels and across eastern Texas and it reaches bottom, hop it a couple of times, “If the water level stays where there too many fish off his individual brush the San Jacinto River channel. Terpe likes farther north during late reel in and repeat the process. It usually is three or more feet of water around piles at one time. He’ll generally catch to use range cubes to stir a feeding frenzy May. The water level was works best along the edges of creeks and the bank cover, there will be some 8-10 off a spot then move on to another. and cheese bait on a sponge hook to catch three inches high as of along drop offs where the grass forms a tournaments won up there,” he said. July also produces some good the fish. Punch baits like Danny King’s May 25 and more water distinctive wall. “’Rayburn bass love to live shallow, but catfishing, especially up north along the and night crawlers also are good choices. was on the way down the Early and late topwater fishing also there will also be some fish away from Sabine River and the stump-cluttered PALESTINE - Lake Palestine fishing Trinity. good around grass points and flats up and the bank. There should be multiple ways flats adjacent to it. Rod and reel fishing guide Ricky Vandergriff offered the “Surely it will have down the lake. Once the sun gets up and it to catch ‘em so long as we’ve got plenty over baited holes using night crawlers and following tips for the Big 4: cleared back up by now, turns off hot you’ll need to move to mid- of water.” punch bait is a good way to catch channel Bass: Vandergriff says he will will but with this weather range depths with a Texas-rigged plastic, Crappie fishing can be outstanding on cat as well as blues. Soured grain or cattle spend the majority of his time fishing you never know around shaky heads, medium diving crankbait Sam Rayburn throughout the summer, range cubes work great for attracting the lake’s southern reaches during the here,” Dearman said. or go looking for offshore sweet spots but you’ll need to locate some brushpiles schools of catfish, but just don’t give dog days of summer. He’ll begin the “If it is clear the fishing with a deep crank, Carolina rig, football using your electronics to experience much them too much. The idea behind baiting day throwing some sort of topwater or should be fairly decent. jig or shaky head tied on. It’s important success. The best ones will be in water is to attract the catfish, not to feed them. around shallow hay grass and We’ll just have to wait Photo by Richard Jue to take note of the thermocline on your ranging 20-30 feet and the fish will be A small coffee can or two scattered along other vegetation, then move to deeper and see.” Anglers can beat the heat and catch bass on top early and late. depthfinder. Fish any deeper than the suspend around or on top of them. the edge of a stationary boat will usually water 10-16 feet deep on points during the The guide says now is Night fishing on Conroe and other lakes is another good option.

44 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal july 2017 july 2017 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal 45 water. Trinity, and many of its tributaries, are on Fork can easily weigh five, six or seven “They’ll be schooling under the birds excellent fisheries. White bass abound pounds and sometimes you’ll get that 10 TOP TEN REASONS TO SUBSCRIBE part of the time,” he said. “When they’re in the river early in the year, and catfish pounder. up they’ll bust a topwater or lipless are plentiful as well. Access depends on How could we not mention the night TO TEXAS OUTDOORS JOURNAL crankbait. Once they go down is when I’ll water levels. Too low and you can’t get to fishing at Fork? Up shallow use the switch to a spoon.” it, too high and it is just too dangerous. moving baits like your buzzbaits in black, July catfishing action can be pretty Best to stick to the roadway bridges and and spinnerbaits of the same color. Fish 1. On February 25, 2017, was again recognized in Major Outdoor Publication strong as well. Dearman says anglers make other bank access. Standard catfish baits around cover and the pads. As you work category. For 19 consecutive years, named one of the top fi shing, hunting some good hauls on channel and blue on a weighted rig will get plenty of Trinity deeper, from six to eight feet or more, go & outdoors magazines in Texas. No other major outdoor publication in cat by using punch bait, fresh shad and cats on your line. I’ll go into more details with the big 10 and 12 inch worms on a night crawlers to target blown out bridges about rivers and river fishing in a future Texas rig. Black/blue, red shad, blue fleck Texas can equal this level of sustained excellence and recognition. towards the south end of the lake. A good piece for Just Fishin’. are all good colors. Work around the tall depth range is 10-18 feet. FORK — The first thing to do in July timber adjacent to the creek channels. You 2. A year’s subscription has 12 issues, not something less. on Fork is try the topwater bite. Very early may not catch as many fish with the bigger in the morning, sometimes before the sun worm as you would with a six inch bait, 3. Both fi shing and hunting coverage in every issue. comes up, bass will hit topwater baits like but the quality of your catch will go up. NORTH TEXAS a buzzbait, Pop R, or ‘spook. This will only A jig-and-pig is also a great bait in 4. Covers Texas like it should be covered with timely reports from last until light hits the water and then they these areas, as well as around the boat move to deeper haunts. docks. Back in the day there weren’t a the fi eld and on the water. Begin looking to the pads or points. lot of docks on Fork, but over time there The pads will hold some bass shallow have been quite a few new homesites and 5. Proven solunar table of major and minor feeding periods of the day. and be good for those that want to flip housing additions built, and lakeside and pitch jigs and worms around the homes come with boat docks! You can 6. Tide table with adjustments for the entire Texas coast. openings. Fish the Senko around the flip and pitch to your hearts content with edges. Watermelon/red with a dash of a black/blue, brown/green or all white 7. Written by top writers that have etched their names in the record books. chartreuse on the tail is a good color jig setup. choice for the Senko, as is chartreuse/ Crappie anglers will want to focus 8. TOJ tells you where to go, what to expect when you get there and pepper. on the bridges for the first four hours of how to do it a little bit better. By Brian Hughes Jigs can be black/blue brown and daylight and the evenings and night. orange or a greenish brown, while worms CEDAR CREEK — Most anglers on in purple, green pumpkin and red shad Cedar Creek have no idea what lurks 9. Covers the Texas outdoors and outdoors interests of Texans. It’s that time of year again, when it gets will work. Toss them into all of the thick below the surface. While they see the sand really hot outside and folks are looking for cover you can find, especially where pads, bass on top, and may catch a bunch, they 10. Every cover is a work of art. ways to stay cool. River fishing is a great grass and timber come together. miss out on a truly astounding event going ONE YEAR SUBSCRIPTION way to beat the heat, at least as far as the The fish will then move out deep on at much deeper levels. $ 95 $ 95 fish are concerned. Rivers have current in huge schools and run the main lake Out on the main lake humps, in water 12 MONTHS OF TEXAS OUTDOORS JOURNAL and that current keeps the water both humps, channels and points. When you 14-18 feet deep lay thousands of sandies! 18 DELIVERED TO YOUR DOOR EACH MONTH 18 cooler than your average lake, and more find them, you can catch a lot of fish in one And there will be hybrids mixed in, and oxygenated as well. place. Try 15 to 25 feet, depending on the around, these huge schools of fish. NEW You also don’t have the issue of a thermocline, with deep-diving crankbaits. Most fishermen will be distracted by Yes, I want to receive TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal. Sign me up for: thermocline to deal with. Remember that Points are for the guys that like the the schooling fish, and they’ll do alright RENEWAL fish will sit behind a rock, log or other Carolina-rig or drop-shot approach. Small on Torpedos and Pop R type baits. But the one year $1895 two years $2995 three years $3995 GIFT cover looking out into the current to see Flukes or french-fry type worms are good angler in the know will tie on a slab in ½ 12 issues 24 issues 36 issues From what comes by for them to eat. They will on the Carolina rig, while the drop-shot to ¾ ounce and get to working the humps. ($47.88 on newsstands) ($95.76 on newsstands) ($143.64 on newsstands) dash out, grab a bait and return to their will show finesse lures. Cast out past your target hump, let the lair, to wait for the next meal. Present your You can also take these set-ups to bait pendulum into the school, and begin NAME bait in this fashion and they’ll hit it before the road beds and deep humps to catch the reel and drop process. Reel five or six they have time to realize it’s a lure. bass. Don’t forget that you are fishing for turns, then drop the bait back down, then ADDRESS BRAZOS RIVER — Above Lake Whitney, big bass and whatever setup you chose repeat. Many days you’ll get a fish on every CITY STATE ZIP the Brazos River has a lot of access and is should be rigged accordingly. The eight cast and have a limit in no time. a wide beautiful river. Plenty of cover pound line that they use on a drop-shot To extend your day, start trying for PHONE EMAIL ADDRESS and room to run also abound. Use your in California doesn’t work here in Texas. hybrids with a larger slab and look to texas outdoors Journal does not rent or sell its mailing list, nor release any information about subscribers. basic moving baits like spinnerbaits, ‘traps Of course July will also see schooling the edges and below the sandies. Be sure Payment: Check/MO Enclosed Visa MasterCard American Express Discover and small crankbaits, retrieved with the fish on top, which calls for a different you know the difference between sand current, for a natural presentation. Below approach. Topwaters will work for these bass (or white bass) and a hybrid. The Account # Exp. Date the lake is more suited to canoes, tubes fish, especially clear Torpedos and such. length limits are different and the game CW2 (3-digit code on back of MC, Visa & Discover; 4-digit code on front of AmEx) and kayaks. Flyfishing is good here, as is Don’t forget to get out the swimbaits, warden will point out any mistakes you fishing with conventional tackle. traps and the Alabama rig. The ‘bama rig make with a lovely state issued certificate Signature TRINITY RIVER — Believe it or not the seem to catch bigger fish. Schooling fish of angler achievement. Much like the 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. 46 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal july 2017 july 2017 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal 47 Or order SECURELY online at www.texasoutdoorsjournal.com. Please allow 6-8 weeks for your subscription to begin. driving certificates I’ve received from state We tried, unsuccessfully, to get them 2010 era, and then the drought came along troopers, these are NOT desirable. going earlier but it just wasn’t to be. and things were just bad all around. It is Catfish will also hang around the However, right at three o’clock they remarkable what rain and cover have done main lake area off the humps. The most would show up on main lake humps in for the lake. common approach is an egg sinker from big schools. Most were of average size, When the rains came and filled the ½ to 1 ounce with a two foot leader and but every now and then you’d get a really lake all of the brush and grasses that grew a circle hook, using cut bait and keeping chunky one on the line and the fight was along the lower shoreline were inundated. it around 15 feet. truly on. This became a haven for fry that hatched Cedar Creek also has a great reputation We used slabs and the cast, reel and each year. Several years of good spawning for crappie fishing. Due to the unusually drop technique mentioned earlier. Just and survival have contributed to the large amount of brushpiles that have been chunk it past the hump, reel five or six overall population of fish that now call PK put into the lake, crappie have plenty of turns and push the button letting the slab home. Stockings from the Texas Parks and cover and shade throughout the lake. fall back down. Repeat until eaten. Wildlife Department also added to the This is attributable to the large number There is sometimes an early morning abundance of fish now available. of homes around the lake, and the close bite, we just missed the timing and Stripers will be over the channel proximity to the DFW metro area. Locals weather for that. If they do start up in the in about 20-45 feet of water. Live bait and visiting anglers, all who want to morning, use a ¾ ounce lead head and and slabs will catch fish, but keep a big establish their own secret honey hole, chartreuse swim body. topwater bait like the pencil popper ready. drop in a massive number of Christmas Keep this bait handy as schooling fish Add a bit of chicken feather to the rear trees and other brush each year. Spend can show up at any time, and this is the treble to increase the bite frequency. a couple of hours cruising and focus on bait to have ready when that happens. Bass fisherman want to look to the your electronics. Mark the piles you find Staying at the cabins in the state park shallows early in the morning. Bass will and keep looking. When you have a dozen was a great experience as well. The rooms bust topwaters and spinnerbaits while or so, go back to the first one and start were clean, well maintained, but without a they chase the brim fish. Later you can fishing. You’ll find fish on one of those television. Imagine that. You actually have get bit on shallow crankbaits and Texas piles sooner or later. to do something, or talk to the people you rigged worms. Once the sun really gets up As for bass, follow the typical summer came with. in the sky, back off to the ledges in 20 or pattern. Early on top, then Texas rigs. Fish POSSUM KINGDOM — PK, as it is 30 feet and use the Texas rig or Carolina the zillions of docks and look to the deeper commonly known, has made quite a rig, even a jig and pig. edge during the day and the shallower comeback over the last few years. It was Don’t let the summer heat keep you edges at night. hurt by fish kills due to algae in the 2001- indoors. Get out and go fishing. COOPER — I was fortunate enough to spend a few days at Cooper (now officially Jim Chapman) Lake last summer, in July. Hot as a firecracker describes both the temperature and the fishing. I was surprised that Cooper receives almost no recreational boat traffic. The entire time we were there we saw about six boats at any one time, and they were all fishing. This makes Cooper a great choice for fisherman as a holiday destination and summer . We caught bass in the late evening and overnight on black spinnerbaits and buzzbaits. The hybrids we were fishing for wouldn’t cooperate until three Photo courtesy Texas Parks & Wildlife o’clock in the afternoon, Possum Kingdom Reservoir and its State Park have recovered from a devastating golden algae bloom, wild fires the hottest part of the day. and drought. Today great fishing opportunities abound as well as picturesque vistas to enjoy.

48 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal july 2017 ust wing it.” This advice might Decoys might be the last thing dove During the regular duck season, “ work in some aspects of life, but hunters think about when it comes to hunters should compile their spreads Jit has no place in the outdoors. gearing up for the September opener. with decoys that resemble the species of Being unprepared is a recipe to fail. And A pile of dove decoys is unnecessary; ducks present in the given area. On coastal let’s face it. Failure doesn’t result in however, a few can increase success. prairies and marshes a mix of green- memorable moments afield. Spinning wing decoys like the MOJO winged teal, gadwall, pintail, widgeon, Migratory game bird hunting seasons Voodoo Dove and the MOJO Wind Dove and shoveler decoys work best. Mallard, commence in September. They start with will often draw birds in closer or at least gadwall, pintail, and wood duck decoys dove season which is quickly followed within range. The flashing illusion created are the perfect option for flooded timber DON’T mid-month by the early teal season. The by the rapidly spinning wings of these as well as sloughs along inland lakes. regular duck season will also arrive before decoys is what gains the birds’ attention. For hunts taking place in coastal bays, we know it. This leaves hunters with One side of these decoys’ wings is painted redhead, scaup, widgeon, green-winged only the remaining weeks of July and the dark gray, while the other side is white. teal, and pintail decoys will produce month of August to prepare. The faster their wings spin the more optimum results. Now is the time to obtain ammo. enhanced the flashing illusion becomes. The size of duck decoy spreads will Wing It The shelves at sporting goods stores The MOJO Wind Dove will only be depend on the size of the body of water and supplies from online distributors effective during windy conditions. The being hunted. Prairie ponds and back are guaranteed to be picked clean the MOJO Voodoo Dove operates on four lake marshes will require anywhere from last few days before season openers roll AA batteries. As battery life diminishes, four to eight dozen decoys. Small holes around. Hunters should go ahead and the rate at which the decoy’s wings are in the timber and remote sloughs may purchase enough shotgun shells to last spinning decreases. Hunters should only call for a dozen to two dozen decoys. them through the season. always keep spare batteries handy while Massive spreads of 10-15 dozen decoys are Another thing to consider is the type in the field to ensure the effectiveness of necessary for hunters to be successful on of shot shell being used. Some ammo this motorized, featherless fake. open bay waters. seems to cycle better through particular Old school, clip-on dove decoys will When it comes to rigging duck decoys guns than others. During sessions at the often encourage approaching birds to there’s no simpler method than the “Texas range, shotgunners should consider using slow down and land nearby, especially Rig.” This involves using a heavy-duty several different brands of shells to find when attached to a barbed wire fence or cord or monofilament. The weight is out what performs the best when paired the branches of a tree. These decoys are attached to one end and a loop closed with their shotgun. inexpensive and hunters can easily carry by a heavy-duty crimp is on the other. Some folks may have acquired a new a handful in their field bag. The decoy is allowed to slide freely along gun. Plenty of rounds need to be cycled When it comes to teal a moderately this line. When it is deployed, the decoy through it before it is ever relied upon in sized spreads of four to six dozen decoys floats and slips up the line while the the field. This is not only necessary for will do the trick for most early waterfowl weight sinks to the bottom. Texas rigged break-in purposes, but also for hunters hunting situations. to become completely familiar and Scenarios in which comfortable with the new firearm. extremely small Consistent practice at the range is holes or ponds always necessary prior to the season. are being hunted Wingshooters must redevelop muscle may only require memory. There’s no better way to do this a dozen or two than shouldering the gun and firing at decoys at the most. moving targets. Plenty of reps will make Effective the first shot at a bird feel instinctive. decoy spreads Migratory bird hunting has become for teal should a heavily decoy oriented sport. Modern consist of mostly technology has produced lifelike fakes in blue-winged teal, all shapes and sizes, not to mention some with some green- that are motorized. winged teal, and Those wanting to obtain more decoys a few pintails, for the upcoming season should follow spoonies, or other the same approach as purchasing ammo. big duck decoys Now is the time to acquire these items. mixed in. A Finding out that the particular decoys couple of spinning Now is the time for bird hunters to prepare for the rapidly approaching desired have been sold out just a few weeks wing decoys like hunting seasons. before the season can be disappointing. the MOJO teal Plus rigging up a spread the night before will increase the Teal season is coming before we know it. This young hunter had a great Story and photography by Nate Skinner the first hunt is not a task anyone wants attractiveness of early teal hunt with Red Bluff Prairie Hunting Club on the Garwood to lose sleep over. the spread. Prairie.

50 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal july 2017 july 2017 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal 51 consist of two or three decoys Beabout says the next step is to begin access to nearly one million acres of land, prairies, Top Flight Hunting Preserve and Guide Service is an excellent outfitter in attached to a long cord with a stake a routine training regimen. including more than 180 hunting areas Red Bluff Prairie Hunting Club will ensure the area. on one end. Hunters that rig this “I like to work on different situations such as wildlife management areas, state wing shooters experience an outstanding There are a multitude of things to up now will have it at their disposal and scenarios regularly,” he elaborates. parks and approximately 120 dove areas adventure. Hunting southwest Louisiana prepare and consider before hunting whenever conditions warrant its “This will include throwing bumpers two leased from private landowners. near Calcasieu Lake is something all seasons begin. Start now and don’t wing use necessary during the season. to three times per week.” One of the best ways for hunters to Texas hunters should experience. Big Lake it. Preparing dogs for upcoming Scouting and searching for new areas ensure they have a successful hunt is hunts is essential. It is likely that to hunt is another way hunters can make to book a trip with a guide. This can retrievers have had little activity use of this valuable time before hunting be money well spent when the right in terms of fetching downed birds seasons begin. Duck hunters traveling to individual or outfitter is chosen. since the final shots of last season. hunting areas by boat should navigate new Beabout is a great choice for those Captain Nathan Beabout, waters in the daylight and log safe tracks longing to duck hunt the shallow bays owner of AB Kennels as well as on their GPS units. and back lakes in the Seadrift area. These N&M Sportsman’s Adventures, Some of the finest waterfowl hunting hunts are often preceded or followed by claims the most important first grounds in recent years consists of stock some excellent fishing for trout and reds. step in reconditioning a dog starts ponds and cattle tanks that lie within the Further down the coast, Captain with brushing up on obedience. triangle between College Station, Paris, Justin Cooper with Laguna Adventures “Typically retrievers have been and Breckinridge. offers premier coastal duck hunts in the pretty lazy for the past several According to the TPWD Waterfowl Baffin Bay and Land Cut areas. He also months,” he explains. “They’ve Program Leader, Kevin Kraai, this portion has floating cabins that provide unique, When hunters gear up in advance of hunting season basically just been pets since of Texas is quickly becoming the largest on-the-water lodging facilities. They they can relax and enjoy quality time in the field. hunting season ended. This usually waterfowl refuge in North America. are comfortable and extremely close to Father and son duo, Joe Link (left) with his son Nathan leads to the dog being rusty when Hunters can take advantage of these productive hunting areas. who displays his first ever harvested dove during an it comes listening to commands.” untapped grounds by discussing hunting Some of the finest dove and duck opening weekend hunt. Beabout suggests hunters opportunities with landowners in the hunting in the state can be found in south decoys can be thrown out or picked up should first work on fine tuning area. Texas. There’s no better way to experience in a hurry. A dozen or so can be attached basic commands like sit, heal, and stay. Some of the best dove, teal, and these hunts than to book a trip at Getaway to a carabineer to hang in a storage area “This will make a big difference in how a duck hunting grounds are located on Adventures lodge. when not in use. dog handles,” he confesses. “Once these public land. Hunters should seriously For dove and duck hunts on the coastal Texas Rigged duck decoys can be picked up easily and quickly. Duck hunters should always keep a basics are reiterated, everything else that consider purchasing the $48 Annual jerk string available to add lifelike motion revolves around hunting and retrieving Public Hunting Permit in addition to their to their spread on calm days. It should will fall into place.” hunting license. The permit provides

2017 Dove and Waterfowl Season Dates

The following dates for migratory game Jan. 7, 2018 birds are probable, but tentative according to Texas Parks & Wildlife Department’s website. South Zone & Special White-winged Final season dates and bag limits for migra- Dove Area tory game birds have not yet been issued by Sep. 2, 3, 9, 10; Sep. 22 - Nov. 8, 2017; the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Dec. 15, 2017 - Jan. 21, 2018 These dates will be updated when the season dates and bag limits are finalized by Early Teal: the USFWS. Until then use them as a rough Sep. 9 - 24, 2017 guide as to when season open and their duration. Duck: Hunters should also consult The Outdoor North Zone Annual when they buy their new hunting Nov. 11 - 26, 2017 & Dec. 2, 2017 - license and stamps when they go on sale in Jan. 28, 2018 August. Also download The Outdoor Annual app. It is updated as changes warrant. South Zone Dove: Nov. 4 - 26, 2017 & Dec. 9, 2017 - North Zone Jan. 28, 2018 Sep. 1 - Nov. 12, 2017 & Dec. 15 - Dec. 31, 2017 High Plains Mallard Management Unit (HPMMU) Central Zone Oct. 28 - 29, 2017 & Nov. 3, 2017 - Sep. 1 - Nov. 5, 2017 & Dec. 15, 2017 - Jan. 28, 2018 Full straps await those that take the effort to make off season preparations.

52 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal july 2017 july 2017 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal 53 For information on guides mentioned, see Guides, Gear & Getaways on pages 75, 77 & 79

CoastWatch Danno Wise

July is full of options for fishermen along the Middle and Lower Texas Coasts. Beginning in the back lakes and bays, both reds and specks will be plentiful for light tackle anglers. July also sees calmer winds, allowing fly rodders more opportunities. The beachfront will also be getting going, with good catches of speckled trout expected as soon as the water is ‘green to the beach.’ Jetty fishermen will have shots at specks, reds, pompano, Spanish mackerel and more. Kingfish and tarpon will be hanging around Gulf passes and in the nearshore waters. Offshore fishermen will also have a full slate of options available. Kingfish, ling, bonito, and dorado will all be Photo courtesy Capt. Gencho Buitureira Jr. common targets. Red snapper, grouper While speckled trout, snook and redfish may be the Lower Laguna Madre’s glamor fish, there are and amberjack will be the focus of blue plenty of big tugs awaiting for those that hook up with black drum. water structure fishermen. And, July Port Isabel guide Capt. Gencho options for reds, trout and drum. begins the prime period for billfish off Buitureira Jr says July offers almost too “Really, what we do all depends on the Texas coast. many options for fishermen in the Lower wind and tide conditions. If it’s calm, I Laguna Madre. like fishing the ICW, the causeways, the “In July we have so many options,” South Bay Channels - any drops or deep LOWER COAST said Buitureira. “We have the ICW, which structure. Most of the time I’ll start on is good for trout, drum and flounder. the ICW, freelining shrimp. After I get With the shacks, we will have reds, drum, my trout, I’ll move onto the nearest flat sheepshead and flounder. Then we have with potholes and start fishing cut bait the causeways with trout, sheepshead and for redfish. But, I always start with trout. mangrove snapper. South Bay will have I fish for trout early in the morning, then trout, drum, snook and red, also. redfish later in the morning or in the “If it gets windy in July, Gaswells, afternoon.” Mesquite Flats and South Bay are all great Guides fishing out of Port Mansfield’s

54 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal july 2017 july 2017 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal 55 because it has probably got fish around no winds and no current, the deeper it. If you don’t get bit right away, bounce cuts around the spoil Islands between around the area a bit because they are Yarbrough and the ICW is a good place probably in the area. You need to give it a to find cooler moving water. little more time than you would in spring “During July, we also get a great bonus or early summer. Give it 15 or 20 minutes. when the drum are stacked up in Packery If you’re not getting bit, move over a little Channel. Best method to catch drum is and try some more. They most likely will dead shrimp on a ¼ ounce jighead. Cast be in that area. past the school and slowly retrieve it back “Even though I’ll be spending most in until you have a drum on. These will of my time in Baffin, I will also fishing be perfect eater drum measuring 18 to the Upper Laguna some. When I’m in 22 inches. the Upper Laguna, I’ll be fishing drops, “In July, I will also downsize my lures. channels and deep sand pockets. For a soft plastic, I will go from the six “There will some fish up shallow early. inch super model to the four inch Down You can always fish early over sand where South Lure with a 1/16 ounce jig head. water is cool and start off with a topwater. White Ice and Texas Roach are the only Or, you can also get on the flats with a two colors in my bag. For topwaters, I topwater or a spoon and catch redfish. will replace my six inch Dawgwalker to But, mostly I’ll be throwing croaker the Rip-N-Slash topwater. I have found for trout. But, no matter what you’re the fish cannot resist the Rip-N-Slash throwing, typically all your fish will be topwater from Unfair Lures when fish are Photo courtesy Capt. Justin Cooper holding over sand in July.” looking for a smaller bait. Capt. Justin Cooper of Laguna “With the dog days of summer fast Fishing early or late are a couple of ways to beat summer’s heat while hooking up with some Adventures says he will spend most of good fish. approaching night fishing under the lights Photo courtesy N & M Sportsman’s Adventures his time in Baffin Bay this month, but will at one of Laguna Adventures floating Capt. Nathan Beabout has a one-two plan for July. If conditions are right he will commit to Get-A-Way Adventures Lodge say summer July – bull reds, tarpons, snook, kingfish, also hit the Laguna Madre and Packery cabins is a great way to catch some fish make the run to fish the surf, otherwise he will have clients wade the shorelines of Matagorda trout fishing will be in full swing in July. Spanish mackerel. Whenever we get some Channel some. and beat the heat.” Island where quality trout and redfish await. “Most of the trout will be found on calm days, it’s usually worth heading out “By July, summer is in full effect as the outside edges of the grass and in to the jetties.” will be the heat,” said Cooper. “Be sure the potholes on the deeper grass flats,” Baffin Bay guide Capt. Daniel Land to stay hydrated early and throughout said Capt. Steve Ellis. “First thing in the says he’ll be fishing out of the boat a little the day; staying hydrated allows you to morning, you can start off shallow with more often in July. fish further into the day. Sunscreen or a topwater and do pretty good. But, after “Boat fishing will be good in July,” said some type of protection from the sun that, you need to fish a little deeper with Land. “So we’ll be throwing croaker over will be needed. I prefer UPF clothing over soft plastics or GULP!s under corks. Trout deep rocks as water heats up. The fish will sunscreen - nothing will kill a live well full fishing will be really good, but those fish move a little deeper after they spawn, so of bait faster than sunscreen. A long sleeve will be deep for the most part. you really want to look for fish on some shirt, long pants, hat and a Buff will keep “Redfish will be good as well. There sort of deep structure. It might be rocks you completely protected from the sun. will still be a lot of reds on the flats. During or sand pockets with grass around it, but I prefer a stick of sunscreen on the boat July, you want to start looking at the sand you need some type of structure that’s for my face and lips vs wearing the Buff. flats to find reds. There will be some bull deep with bait around it. “I closely watch the Lunar/Solar tables. reds around the jetties, too. Actually, we’ll “If you see bait in an area that has some Checking the tables prior your trip will have all kinds of stuff around the jetties in deep structure, you might want to fish it allow you to plan your day on the water. “During the peak hours concentrate on fishing the areas you are familiar with and have caught fish in the past. During the lows don’t wear yourself out trying to locate the fish, take this time to scout new areas, sightsee, take a break and eat lunch. “I will be spending most my time in Baffin Bay this month. We will start the morning fishing shallow rocks, grass lines or shallow grassy flats with small sand pockets. As the water warms up during the day I will move to deeper cooler water. Fishing with croaker around the deeper rocks will produce the most fish. If you happen to be fishing on a day with

56 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal july 2017 july 2017 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal 57 low-light trout bite. The best starting produce good fish during the midday heat find that lone stretch MIDDLE COAST points will be the channel edges, as well as well, but conditions must be calm for of shoreline with all the as the numerous wells in Corpus Christi a safe outing to these mid-bay structures. right signs, these are my Bay. The wells will also produce good fish Redfish will be feeding on the flats during favorite areas to fish. It is during the midday heat, assuming the July. Areas like Dagger and Hogg will have hard to beat casting into wind isn’t too high to fish the open bay. plenty of active redfish, particularly early individual sand pockets Redfish will be on the flats, especially in the day. and feeling that thump in areas like Dagger and Hogg. Fishermen “Fishermen looking for reds should as you drag through it. looking for reds should concentrate on concentrate on the sand pockets and “Now, on days in the sand pockets. Lures, as well as live and the edges of grass beds. Following birds, July when at 5 in the dead bait will work. working slicks and fishing along the surf morning it is a slick off Rockport area fishermen will also be and beachfront will be other options and the moon shines all fishing Aransas and Corpus Christi bays available to Rockport fishermen during the way across the bay, Aransas Pass anglers should look at throughout July, where they will find the month of July. those are the days I will getting out early to avoid the heat and good numbers of trout along the channel Seadrift guide Capt. Nathan Beabout be making the dark run crowds and take advantage of the good edges and around the wells. The wells will of N&M Sportsman’s Adventures is down to the surf. Those excited about July fishing. are some days that can “We all know July can be hot, starting be talked about for a the dog days of summer, but with this it long time. usually means no wind,” said Beabout. It is hard to describe “More like manageable winds - SSE 5-15 what it’s like when you is our typical day here on the Middle Texas step onto the face of Coast. This means lots of areas to pick the beach and as far from. Oyster shell, grassy shorelines, and as you can see in the even the surf can produce good results. twilight mullet are being “When I think of trout fishing, I always crushed in the first and try to hunt bigger fish, and while there second gut. Walking the can be some very solid trout on some of guts you do have to be Back lake areas behind Mustang, St. Jo and Matagorda Islands will see some great action for trout and San Antonio Bay’s oyster shell, it may take mindful of sharks, but redfish through summer into fall. some time to find that particular reef. In most of the time they are busy chasing my opinion, most of our reef fish are 15 mullet, but it is a good idea not to tie your ½ to 19 inches and can be found on ledges stringer off to your belt. of reefs, bends, or a gut in the reef. Now “Know your weather conditions for there is nothing wrong with these trout, this month, get a game plan, and try to but most of my customers come looking stick to it. Otherwise, you will be running for quality over quantity. around the bay all day burning fishing “For that reason, I like to concentrate time. my wades in areas where I know bigger “I always tell my customers, if we make trout reside, which are the miles of grassy the call to go to the surf, we are committed shorelines of Matagorda Island. These to staying, and eventually the bite will turn spotted grassy areas are where many on. If we run all the way to the surf give it trout hold during the spawning season. one wade and leave, we have wasted a lot Usually mixed in with redfish, on light of valuable fishing time. wind days these shorelines can be a little “Get out there early, catch ‘em fast, and more difficult to fish because of the lack be back in the shade before the July day of stained wind blown water. beats you up.” “This stained water is always key Port O’Connor fishermen will have a in areas like this, because it is a hiding number of good angling options in July. spot for baitfish. If these areas present The surf should be holding plenty of themselves, rest assure, we will make solid speckled trout. The jetties will also a walk through them, armed with soft be lined with specks, as well as bull reds, plastics and topwaters. sharks, and, later in the month, tarpon. “Most of the trout and reds will be As the month wears on, the back lakes found along the edges of this stained and bays will turn on, giving anglers an water, throwing 10-15 feet inside the opportunity to box good numbers of Photo courtesy Capt. Justin Cooper stain working out usually proves to be specks from around the various mid-bay This is a common summer scene of trout being attracted to the lights off one of the cabins the best method. Work these areas slowly, reefs. Laguna Adventures has available. Spend the day on the water, then relax at a cabin and keep repeatedly casting along the edge of the “Bird activity should also be going on fishing at night. stained water it will pay off. If you can strong throughout the month of July.

58 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal july 2017 july 2017 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal 59 Just FISHING | Brian Hughes

Beating the Heat

It’s not news that Texas can be brutally hot in July and August. For fisherman this time of year presents a pair of significant challenges. The first being the depth of the fish we are trying to catch. During the hottest months, when water temperatures are at their highest of the season, fish will spend most of the day in deeper water. This applies to crappie, bass, and catfish, as well as other species. Suspended on, or nearby, a piece of structure these fish can be hard to motivate into taking your offerings. The second issue arising from the heat of summer is the toll it can take on the fisherman. Back in the day I was much more likely to stick it out and challenge the sun and fish, to see who was tougher. Well, I’m not that mad at them anymore. Sunburn, dehydration and heat stroke Lights or glow sticks are all very real possibilities during these may help attract crappie Some anglers believe a bigger worm (10-12 inches or more) produces better when fishing at night. months. to your offering when Plenty of sunscreen, applied repeatedly fishing after the sun has Cover or timber will also produce at night, as works wonders on those nights when throughout the day, lots of water and set. (may want to gang This is what a fish hides in to avoid will riprap and boat docks. The trick is the buzzbait won’t produce because it’s these two images). sports drinks, and taking breaks in being detected. Both predator and prey to understand how the approaches will moving too fast. the shade can help prevent all of these species use cover. As mentioned before, differ from what you might do during Next is a spinnerbait. One quarter problems. But I’d rather dodge them and you’ll probably see even the available light can provide cover. the daytime. to one half ounce, black with some blue altogether. a bass dart in, chasing The bottom contour can also provide In the heat of a summer day most in the skirt, and gold Colorado and/or Avoiding the pitfalls of summer minnows, and then dash cover in some cases. Many years ago I anglers would fish a grassbed on the Indiana blades. I use both tandem and fishing heat means fishing when the back into the security of guided on a lake with almost no shallow deeper edges with a jig, or Texas rig. At single blade baits. sun is not out. Not only is it reasonably the darkness. docks, or these “artificial” aids. cover. No timber or vegetation for the fish night you can run a buzzbait or topwater Next in line is a Texas rigged worm, cooler overnight, but the fish will be more The best fishing will usually be on the Moon to hide in made daytime shallow water frog over the top. Timber is much the and a big one at that. I believe that bigger cooperative as well. Fish that spent the edges of whatever light is available, right A lot of fishermen I know will only fishing very difficult. About the only same. Daytime timber means deeper edges worms catch bigger fish at night so a 10 day lazing around in deeper water will where the dark and light meet. Think of it fish the full moon. This goes back to the option were boat docks, of which there with a jig or worm. Nighttime timber is or 12 inch or even longer worm is used. move shallower at night, looking for a like this; when you are in your house with previous section and the light a full moon were many. more about laydowns and spinnerbaits. Usually I put no more than a ¼ ounce meal. That will make them easier to catch. all of the interior lights on and you look provides. Obviously, a full moon offers However, at night, oh the difference. The same can be said for riprap and brass weight on this rig, along with a glass Here are several things that you can look out the window, you cannot see what’s more visibility to the predator fish, but in The bank sloped gently away from the docks. Work the back area of the dock bead, and maybe a brass “ticker” and 5/0 for to help maximize your nighttime on out there very well. Turn off the lights and the mind of many anglers there is more shoreline for 15-20 feet, then dropped with a topwater and the lighted edges with hook. I want the bait to make some noise the water. suddenly it is much easier to see outside. to it than that. The gravitational pull of sharply from three or four feet deep into the spinnerbait. Riprap can be worked in in the dark night. Light The eyes of fish work much the same as the moon, the timing of the cycle, or just about eight feet of water. a top-to-bottom fashion. First a buzzbait, Sometimes I’ll include the Carolina The first consideration of night fishing ours, they don’t see as well looking from plain magic, the full moon in the eyes of Once the sun set, fish would move up then spinnerbait, then the Texas rig. rig for deeper structure or docks, but is light. The three species mentioned light into dark either. many will produce more bites. from the deeper water off shore and hang Since the fish are shallower, I always most often my last choice for nighttime earlier are all predator species. They Looking into the light from the dark I have done a lot of night fishing over around that breakline. When something try to get a topwater bite going first. Then bassing is the crankbait. I’m using a black ambush their prey. Most anglers know allows them to see without being seen. the years and I believe that the bite is appealing presented itself, they would I’ll work my way down through the water crankbait that will dive from five to eight that a lighted dock, or suspended fishing Throw your lure or bait to the inside edge better on both the full moon, and the dark rush up shallow and feed, then return to column with other baits. or nine feet. I’ll throw this on riprap, light will draw baitfish, and therefore of the darkness, where fish can see it but (or no) moon. Experience has taught me the breakline again. Baits docks, breaklines and anywhere I know predator fish. don’t have to fully venture into the lighted that I will have a better outing on these Fishing buzzbaits and spinerbaits just At night I usually only carry four to fish are likely to be present, and I’m not Many however are unaware that the area to strike. moon phases than a “middle” phase. That inside the breakline proved very effective five baits. A black buzzbait is a must and likely to get hung up. predator fish also use that light to their For crappie there are many light doesn’t mean I won’t catch fish during the on most nights. If that didn’t work for my first choice when I start casting. Remember to take extra precautions advantage by hiding in the shadows, products designed to attract fish and help middle phases, just that I expect to catch some reason, a Texas rigged worm on the A second option is a Jitterbug. This is and be safe at night. Try these tips and or darkness, created by the very same you catch them. Drop your minnows into more, and maybe bigger fish, during the deep edge would put fish in the boat. a great old-school bait that can be slowed see if your success rate and size of fish light. Watch a dock light long enough lighted areas, either from sources such as full and dark moons. Other types of cover such as hydrilla WAY down and still remain on top. It increases while staying “cool.”

60 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal july 2017 july 2017 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal 61 Simple Summer Speck Strategies Story and photography by Danno Wise

peckled trout are the top target fishermen, many of whom assume trout found at various depths throughout the for most fishermen on Texas are always inhabiting deep water during summer months. Sbays during the summer months, the summer months. While it is true that “Spotted seatrout frequent shallow and with good reason. Summer is a time speckled trout will spend a good bit of waters during summertime to mate when anglers can find concentrations of time in deep water, they will actually be and search for prey. However, if water fish and employ fairly simple strategies to found at a variety of depths throughout temperatures get too hot, or salinities catch them. It is also a good time for kids the summer, and often times, within a change too much, they will move to and casual anglers to catch plenty of fish. single summer day. deeper water until conditions improve,” It is also a time period that offers Mark Lingo, Texas Parks & Wildlife said Lingo. anglers a chance to catch fish in a variety Department Coastal and With this in mind, the best way for of ways and places. This may come as a Policy Branch Chief in Brownsville, offers anglers to consistently be successful bit of a surprise to some Texas saltwater a concise explanation of why these fish are during the warm weather months is to be prepared to fish a variety of depths, structure and bay terrain. However, this doesn’t mean they have to be a highly- skilled tactician to catch fish in these areas. Rather, there are a number of simple summer speck strategies that can be utilized to catch fish in a variety of areas and situations. Free-Shrimping Structure Summer’s calm days are perfect for free-lining, as it is a technique that takes a deft touch and will work at a variety of depths. Summer is also a time when fish often congregate around structure – whether that is a mid-bay reef or bridge piling – and these areas are ideal for freelining bait. Without a doubt, live shrimp is the most common bait item Use these techniques and coastal used on a freeline rig. However, mullet, anglers will find themselves catching croaker and even pinfish and crabs can Paddle tail soft plastics are an extremely versatile and effective bait to catch speckled also be used. plenty of fish. trout that can be fished along shallow shorelines, over flats, potholes and grass beds, or When it comes to terminal tackle, dropped off into the deeper depths of the Intracoastal Waterway. nothing could be simpler than a free-line

62 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal july 2017 july 2017 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal 63 rig. All that is actually necessary is a hook. Popping corks structure and cover for fish in a relatively 20 feet deep. deep channels. However, most fishermen also utilize a can be adjusted barren piece of bay bottom. When found Early in the day, fishermen can expect Summer is a great time to spend a day barrel swivel and leader (like a weightless to fish in a variety over sand flats, grass beds may be clumps to catch fish along the shallow flats or days on a Texas bay. Speckled trout Carolina rig). And, dependent on the of water depths. as small as a five gallon bucket or they may adjacent to the channel, the channel are the perfect targeted species this time current and water depth, a split shot sinker Cigar-shaped measure several yards or more. In each edges and the relatively shallow shelves of year. By using some of these simple may need to be added to the line. corks with a 16-20 instance, the grass beds are ideal hiding and ledges. As far as the channel itself, summer speck strategies, anglers will The most critical part of fishing a free- inch leader can be spots for fish and should be targeted by these deep water haunts are particularly find themselves catching plenty of fish lined bait is to maintain contact with the effectively used on anglers within casting distance. productive during the mid-day hours more often than not during the next few bait in order to feel a strike – this means the shallow flats. As is the case when fishing potholes, when the heat is at its zenith. months. keeping the slack out of the line. However, Oval-shaped corks anglers working grass beds should begin There are a variety anglers shouldn’t keep the line so taut as to with 20-28 inch the day fishing beds in shallow water, of ways to pull fish restrict the movement of the bait. This is leaders are good then work progressively deeper as the day from a channel. a technique that takes a little getting used for mid-depth and wears on. Dense grass beds found in four Deeper running cast- to, but can quickly be mastered by anglers cup-faced corks to six feet of water are ideal spots to find and-reel lures like of all experience levels. dragging leaders trout during the summer months in the lipless crankbaits, Popping Corks on the Flats in the 30-36 inch midday hours. vertical jigging, drop- Photo by Bill L. Olson The traditional Texas style of open bay range work great Regardless of water depth, anglers can shot rigs, free-lining Anglers need to vary the cadence with which they work corks until fishing, popping corks, both attract fish over deeper grass they find the right pace and pop that entice fish to strike. expect a few different behaviors from fish bait and slow rolling and give anglers a visual cue as to when flats. Of course, relating to grass beds. At times, fish will be soft-plastic jigs can fish strike as well. And, seemingly nothing those are just general guidelines. A experienced anglers alike. buried in the grass. Other times, fish will all produce fish. The says summer on the coast like fishing a live number of leader lengths and cork shapes Casting to Potholes be patrolling along the edges of the bed. key is to try and shrimp beneath a popping cork in water can be used in different situations. But, Potholes are bare spots on grass flats. Still other times the fish may be holding determine the depth two to six feet deep. those suggestions are a good starting point In many Texas bays – especially from a few feet away from the bed. So, anglers fish are holding at But, you don’t have to fish bait to for most Texas bay fishing applications. the mid-coast on southward — these should begin some distance away from a and either countdown use a popping cork. In fact, anglers are Anglers also need to vary the cadence are the predominant structure feature. bed and work their way toward it so as not and/or use same successful using a variety of artificials – with which they work corks until they Although most anglers envision shin to to spook or miss fish that are not holding speed retrieve to make both shrimp imitation and various soft- find the right pace and pop that entice knee-deep flats when they think of fishing tight to the bed. sure bait is running plastic jigs – underneath popping corks fish to strike. potholes, these features can actually be Dredging in the Channels through the target during the summer season. Another trick used by many fishermen found in water up to four to six feet deep. The most commonly thought of depth on each cast is to place a rattle weight such as the ones Essentially, as long as the water is clear area to fish during the summer – deep once fish are found, Persistence pays off as plenty of speckled trout will be caught offered by Texas Rattlin’ Rig between the enough to allow sun to penetrate and channels – certainly hold plenty of trout. as they will usually during the summer months. If one technique does not produce, cork and hook (or lure), especially when grass to grow, there will be potholes to Throughout the day fish can be found in be found in dense try another until the correct pattern for that day, time and fishing deeper or dirtier water. be found. During the summer months, a variety of depths that range from six to concentrations in conditions works. Spoonin’ the Flats anglers should start out fishing in the One of the best ways to quickly cover shallow potholes, then work progressively water, two to four feet deep is to use one deeper as the day wears on. of the simplest and most durable lures on There are many ways to fish potholes. the market – the venerable metal spoon. The common denominator is getting the Popular spoon colors are silver, gold, bait over the relatively high grass and copper and black. down into the deeper pothole. Often Weedless models are the best bets on times fish are sulking on the sand at the shallow flats, but versions with dangling bottom of the hole, so getting a lure down hooks, such as the Johnson Sprite, can be to eye level is essential. Carolina and Texas You can make a difference by used on deeper flats. Sizes ranging from ¼ rigged soft-plastics and crankbaits very reporting illegal hunting and fishing activity! to ¾ ounces can be used. The size needed productive methods when fish are on the depends on the water depth, as well as the bottom of a pothole. Up to $1,000 may be paid for information leading physical dimensions of the spoon. Spoons Anglers can also drop jigs into potholes to arrest and conviction of poachers with wider profiles and a deeper concaved and allow them to settle to the bottom, body will sink slower relative to their where a sharp twitch of the rod tip will weight than more slender profile spoons. cause the bait to stir up sand. A jerk and Regardless of the particular size, color drop retrieve can also effectively be used Reward Hotline 800-792-GAME or model chosen, the wobble and flash with soft-plastic jerkbaits and weedless of a spoon will attract fish from a good spoons. Support anti-poaching efforts by becoming a distance away on a saltwater flat. These Fishing Around Grass Beds member of the Operation Game Thief Program During the summer months when baits also cast a good distance, making Grass beds are pretty much the speckled trout congregate around them ideal for covering vast swatches opposite of grass flats. Whereas grass is (call 512-389-4381 for membership information) or by structure is a great time to introduce of water, and can be effectively used the dominant feature over a large area on a sending your tax deductible contribution to Operation a young angler to the sport. Plenty of with a simple cast-and-reel technique, grass flat, most grass beds are the anomaly Game Thief, 4200 Smith School Road, Austin, TX 78744 opportunities for memories to be made. making them perfect for beginners and on the flats they are found – providing

64 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal july 2017 july 2017 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal 65 GUNS ‘N STUFF | Harold Gunn the elements. The new coated fabrics are the green LED for guaranteed to keep a hunter dry and take a greater stealth and Gear Up for Waterfowl Season lot of abuse. They carry a limited lifetime night vision. It warranty that states if they cannot fix it uses the lithium- they will replace it. ion rechargeable The Original X-Land’r features a battery or one zippered storage bag under the back AA alkaline Each new hunting season brings hunters will rest for gear and backpack straps with a battery with both hope for glorious days afield, dreams of a want to check built in scabbard for easy packing to the included. A rubber successful hunt and…the chance to buy out the Stevens field. This handy package retails around cover protects the more gear. Waterfowl season is on the way 320 Field-Grade $300.00. The Final Approach selection of USB charging port. and here is a partial shopping list. Camo 12-guage decoys, blinds, apparel and gear may be The built- First up is a new shotgun and pump shotgun. viewed at fabrand.com. in smart charger manufacturers are more than happy to Always known Since waterfowl hunting demands features a color- help. If you want performance, reliability for affordable a pre-dawn set up it helps to see where coded charging and be a fashion standout in the marsh performance, we are going. Browning has a new line indicator. The then Browning has just what you are this waterfowl of flashlights and spotlights for just rugged Vista camo looking for. Two new shotguns introduced camo model has that purpose. The new Browning USB polymer body is under the Wicked Wing banner for 2017 many of the same rechargeable lights offer the benefits of the tough and water- fit the bill, the A5 Wicked Wing and Maxus features of the latest in rechargeable technology making resistant and only Wicked Wing autoloading shotguns. other 320 field- it easier to always have a fully-charged 3-1/2” in length. The A5 is the genetic extension of grade models The Final Approach Original X-Land’r blind. light at hand. These new lights have longer Suggested retail for Federal’s improved Black Cloud shotshells with new FlightControl Flex the classic Auto 5 “Humpback” and one including strong run times and greater brightness levels the Epic Headlamp Wads. of the best looking guns I’ve laid eyes dual slide bars, a rotary bolt, tough well established reputation for products than traditional battery powered lights is $64.99. waterproof and submersible to three feet on. Both guns feature a receiver finished synthetic stock, and a five round capacity. that help bring the birds in and keep and the lithium-ion batteries never need Moving up the power band the for 30 minutes. The rechargeable Li-ion in a durable Cerakote Burnt Bronze It is covered in Mossy Oak Shadow the hunter hidden. The Final Approach to be replaced. They have six new LED Crossfire 1AA USB Rechargeable battery is rated for 500 charging cycles. camo finish and the barrel is finished in Grass Blades camo, has interchangeable LiveCraft Floating Mallards were crafted lights for 2017. Flashlight features brightness from 102 to A USB charging port allows the light to Cerakote Burnt Bronze. chokes and is available in both standard exclusively by Pat Godin, a 14-time World The handy Epic 1AA USB Rechargeable 300 lumens and an effective distance of 85 be used as a power source for charging Other features include banded length-of-pull and compact models at a Champion Carver. Headlamp features brightness levels to 150 yards depending on battery used. other USB electronic devices such as a extended choke tubes, a Briley extended bargain suggested retail of $273.00. Check Pat’s intensive studies on wetland from 100 to 260 lumens and an effective It has both 2-hour and 18-hour white smartphone. bolt handle and oversize bolt release, savagearms.com. waterfowl gives him a keen eye for creating distance of 75 to 115 yards depending light output modes. The light uses either It has a rugged polycarbonate housing composite stocks and forearms coated in To properly feed shotguns, Federal these lifelike decoys. Every feather, curve, on battery used. An easy to use rotary one 14500 3.7V 800mAh lithium ion with rubberized soft touch finish and Mossy Oak Shadow Grass Blades camo Ammunition has upgraded their popular and color of the LiveCraft mallards was mode selector knob lets the user choose rechargeable battery or one AA alkaline flexible rubber lens ring. A built-in, pattern and protected with sure-gripping Black Cloud shotshells with the new designed to bring the birds in. Features between 2-hour mode, 4-hour mode and battery. The light is waterproof and adjustable stand allows hands free use. Dura-Touch Armor Coating. FLITECONTROL FLEX wad. This delivers include a one-piece bird including head 10-hour mode for the white LED, or use submersible to three feet for 30 minutes. The light weighs a mere 14.5 oz. and has Both models are offered in 12 gauge improved pattern density and consistency and keel, custom-quality paint schemes At only 5-3/8” long, the lightweight a suggested retail price of $109.99. 3-1/2” and 3” models with 26” or 28” through both ported and standard that are high-vis and durable, and cord- compact design offers high output. The Three more models round out the line, barrel lengths. They have lightweight waterfowl chokes. The redesigned rear- lock keels. Crossfire sticker price is $54.99. including the 4-35 lumen Flash Keychain aluminum alloy receivers and lightweight deploying petals and side mounted vents The Livecraft Floating Mallard six- The powerhouse of the pack is the Light at a suggested retail of $19.99, the profile barrels with flat ventilated ribs separate the payload at the ideal moment pack includes two active drakes, two low High Noon USB Rechargeable Spotlight 20-160 lumen Microblast Pen Light for and fully chromed bores for corrosion for denser patterns. head drakes, one active hen, and one low with Power Bank that features brightness $44.99, and the 11-21 lumen Night Seeker resistance with Vector Pro lengthened The new Catalyst lead-free primer head hen for $ 79.99. Their decoy lineup levels from 50 to 915 Lumens with an Cap Light for $21.99. We can never have forcing cones. Three Invector-DS Banded and cleaner burning, temperature-stable includes teal, Canada, snows, speckle belly, effective distance of 125 to 550 yards. enough flashlights so get illuminated at choke tubes are included. The barrels are propellant decrease residue buildup in mallard and more. The High Noon Spotlight floats and is browning.com. topped with a fiber-optic front and ivory the barrel. The black nickel head inhibits I’m a big fan of “coffin” type blinds mid-bead sights. The stocks are shim corrosion and the sealed crimp keeps out and Final Approach has brought back the adjustable for length pull, cast and drop moisture. Federal’s Black Cloud selection Original X-Land’r known as the lowest OUTDOORS AND OUT OF CELL COVERAGE? and have Inflex recoil pads. feeds 20, 12 and 10-gauge shotguns. profile lay down blind on the market STAY IN TOUCH WITH A SATELLITE PHONE The A5 cycles with Browning’s recoil- The folks at Final Approach have a while providing plenty of protection from operated Kinematic Drive System and RENT or BUY the Maxus uses the From a top Texas Service Provider Power Drive gas system. Browning’s or Wicked Wings lineup has a suggested retail Call us today 877 614 2666 price in the $1,800.00 range. The powerful Browning High Noon USB www.g-comm.us Budget conscious The gorgeous and deadly Browning A5 Wicked Wing. Rechargeable Spotlight.

66 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal july 2017 july 2017 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal 67 For information on guides mentioned, see Guides, Gear & Getaways on pages 75, 77 & 79 Lake Roundup

continuation of the summer pattern as it sounds, a lot of times you won’t catch that began in late June. For Coleto Creek a thing if you are just outside the channel SOUTH TEXAS anglers, that means concentrating on to one side or the other, but can get steady the points and offshore structure when action if you’re right in it. looking for black bass. “The depth you are fishing at isn’t “This is the time of year when we start nearly as important as whether you are in working the points and deeper structure the channel. Fish will come up as much as using a Texas rig, Wacky Worm or a real 25 feet to hit a bait in the channel, but they light Carolina rig. If you can find any grass won’t move five feet outside the channel beds – whether it by hydrilla or coon tail to strike. So, you have to find that channel grass – you will find some fish on the and stay in it – even if it winds. If it goes outside edges. left, go left. If it goes right, go right. But “For the most part, I’ll be fishing you have to follow the channel. And, you in 12 feet of water or deeper, working want to concentrate on the steep, deep By Danno Wise Carolina-rigged plastics. You want to use drop side, not the flat side. a real light Carolina rig – nothing heavier “The water usually isn’t as clear up There are a lot of reasons many than a 1/8-ounce jig. Sometimes I’ll just the river as it is in the lake. So, fishing up South Texas anglers avoid heading to use a split shot. there can be a little easier. You can find their favorite lake in July — too hot, too “There’s a lot of worms and jerkbaits fish a little shallower and can fish a little crowded, etc, etc. However, these anglers that will work on a Carolina rig this time bit later in the day. However, that doesn’t are missing out, as July can be an excellent of year. My favorites are a Berkley Power guarantee they’ll bite. And, of course, on month to fish for a variety of species on Jerkshad or a GULP! Shaky Worm. My weekends there is a lot of recreational ponds and impoundments across the favorite colors are June bug, watermelon/ traffic up there. southern half of Texas. red, watermelon/candy or red shad. “We’ll still have some good fishing for Yes, most lakes will be plenty crowded. “We do also have a good topwater whites and hybrids during the summer. And, yes, fish will be in their notorious bite in July. You’ve got to get there really You can see them on the surface every now “summer pattern.” But, this does not early, but if you do, you can have some and then. But most of the time they will mean that fish cannot be caught. It simply real good action. I like throwing a Frenzy be down deep. Some folks have success means anglers need to vary their routine Popper right up against the shoreline. by running downriggers with Pet spoons in order to be successful. But, once the sun gets up, you might as or KT spoons and doing figure eights For the most part this means fishing well put it away because the fish will move around the islands in 30 – 35 feet of water. the low-light, cooler periods of the day. out deeper. They will get going on top a Chrome or white are the best colors. Most days, the only semi-shallow bite will little bit late in the day, but the rest of the “Of course, summer is also a time occur during the early and late portions time they’ll be on the points and deeper when we have a lot of families coming out of the day. structure.” to the lake and there is always something Fish can still be caught during the MEDINA – According to Jim Gallagher they can catch besides bass. Catfish are middle of the day, but they will more than of Jim’s Rebait Tackle it is almost always real easy on this lake. Fishing for likely be found quite a bit deeper. The impossible for anglers to fish too deep catfish is really good after it rains. Get upside to fish on deep structure is they when plying the clear waters of Medina a little runoff coming into the lake and are usually densely concentrated. Once a Lake during July. those catfish started coming up and productive piece of water is found, anglers “In July, we’ll be right in the middle of looking around. can usually count on steady action. our summer pattern, which will run all the “As far as panfish go, there are some Besides black bass, July will also see way through September,” Gallagher said. really big perch in this lake. The key to plenty of possibilities for those looking for “This means main lake and secondary finding them is looking for shade. Shade panfish or catfish. The availability of these points will still be the key. We will still has always been the key to finding panfish “fishermen friendly” species makes July have a good topwater bite early, like before on Medina. They really like it a lot. an excellent time for family fishing. There the sun comes up. Fishing will be good “So long as you can fish early or late – will be plenty of hungry fish ready to grab late as well and at night. Otherwise, fish or at night – during the summer, you will a grasshopper, cricket, nightcrawler or will be really deep. They can be caught, still catch plenty of fish. And, although small jig under practically any dock or but it’s tough. we will have some crowds on weekends, overhanging tree. “You can also catch quite a few fish in during the middle of the week you can COLETO CREEK – Victoria Bass the creek channel. But, it is critical that pretty much have the lake all to yourself.” pro Dennis Lala says July will be a you fish right in the channel itself. As crazy CHOKE CANYON – Heading into

68 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal july 2017 mid-summer, Choke Canyon has seen its water four to six feet deep. Red bug and water level holding steady at around 37 WEST TEXAS watermelon have been preferred colors. percent full. Although this isn’t great, it is Later in the day bass will slip to deeper a lot better than it was this time last year. depths around brush piles. Crankbaits And, anglers are still catching plenty of and spinnerbaits have been effective in solid fish on Choke. water 12-15 feet deep.Anglers should also As summer sets in, those big fish are continue to pay attention to fish holding going to be primarily relating to deep around boat docks with even deeper water structure and the outside edges of the nearby. This pattern has paid dividends grass beds. Early in the morning, there will for bass as well as crappie. be some shallow water activity against the The tried and true crappie bite will banks and over the tops of the grass beds. continue around brush piles in water 12- Later in the day anglers will need 15 feet deep. Minnows or blue tube jigs to go deep by either punching through By TOJ Staff have been baits of choice. grass beds, fishing the outside edges or working over deep main lake structure AMISTAD — Spring agricultural draw- like tank dams. downs plus downstream releases has “Big HIGH PLAINS The preferred method for many Friendly” about 33 feet low at the start of seasoned Choke Canyon bass fishermen June. That’s already 10 feet lower than is to use a heavy jig or Carolina rig and to the level was to start July 2016. Even with punch through the underwater hydrilla the lower level anglers will adjust to find canopy. When employing this method, be a decent early and late topwater bite. sure to rig heavy – pulling big bass from Crankbaits, spinnerbaits and rattling baits dense weed beds requires stout tackle. fished along drops will produce. Texas rigs There will also be plenty of fish up the and jigs fished around flooded timber or river. Anglers should again concentrate on rocky areas in deeper water will continue the deeper structure, in this case, flooded the bite as the day warms. Catfish will also timber and the channel edges. Texas- be in deeper water. A variety of cut or rigged lizards and deep-diving cranks will prepared baits fished around baited holes By TOJ Staff be the best deep water offerings for big will result in some good eating sized fish. bass on Choke during July. Best depth will be from 20 feet and deeper. ALAN HENRY — This popular big FALCON – The summer pattern will Striped bass continue to be active bass lake seems to have gotten its legs certainly have set in on Falcon as well. through the summer months in the deep back underneath itself. The lake level has As with the other South Texas lakes, water in front of the dam. Surface activity remained fairly consistent the past couple deep structure will also be the key for early and late are two options. During the of years. It has varied about two feet either fishermen to consistently produce bass heat of the day look for bait balls with fish side of conservation pool. on Falcon Lake during July. Points, nearby on electronics. Black bass should be shallow early and ledges and rockpiles will all produce fish. O.H. IVIE — This popular bass fishery late. Topwater lures fished prior to sunrise Deep-diving crankbaits, swimbaits and remains about 33-34 feet low as of early will produce. jumbo soft-plastics are the preferred June. That is the same level the lake was at Once the sun comes up use electronics baits. A good number of big bass will be to start July 2016. With a fairly consistent to look for fish in water as deep as 50 caught on creature baits and slow-rolled level, anglers can run and gun for school feet. Spoons have been a good choice for spinnerbaits as well. bass. Look for blacks, whites and smallies these deep fish. In July “it is hotter than The early morning hours will offer to be feed together. the hinges of hell in this part of Texas” a bit of surface action, as fishing the A variety of small topwater, rattling during daytime hours. Crappie anglers brushy shorelines in the coves can crankbaits and spoons are good options. have had their most consistent bite during produce some decent fish first thing in For those looking for larger fish try the nighttime hours. the morning. During the early morning crankbaits or spinnerbaits along the drop- OTHER OPTIONS — Other mid- hours, spinnerbaits and topwater plugs offs. Work from on top and then allow summer options around the region to will draw plenty of strikes. the bait to fall off the edge into the deeper consider include Lake Coleman where There should also be some schooling water of the channels. an early and late topwater bite is a good bass in the main lake during July. When BROWNWOOD — In recent years, option to begin the day. Crappie will be these fish are found, they’ll hit just about since the end of the drought, this lake has a good option at night. any fast-moving bait. Lipless cranks, gained a reputation for consistency. It has Stamford Reservoir was about a foot spoons, jigs and small swimbaits are remained just either side of the full mark and a half low as of early June. It should among the favorites. for the past several years since refilling also have a good topwater bite early and Catfish should be good up the river and is poised for another great summer late. Crappie will have made their move and panfish will be found around just of fishing.Anglers hitting the water before to deeper vertical structure and brush about any piece of shady structure. sunrise should throw topwater lures in piles.

70 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal july 2017 TEXAS OFFSHORE | Mike Holmes chum is a good point to start with, as it little fish can be caught literally by the water at times. A friend once told me of quickly melts. A net bag can serve the same thousands at times with a in getting all the chum from several charter The Offshore Fisherman’s Best Friend Is A Chum! purpose, or a length of PVC pipe similar to marina harbors, tidal streams, the surf, boats fishing together over the same a “pig pipe” used to spread corn for hogs. the mouth of passes to the Gulf – even bottom structure and deploying it off A good cutting board and a sharp sometimes in roadside ditches that are his swim platform, in effect mimicking knife are essential for my tidal. Because they are “bite-sized” as a culling shrimper for the group to fish efforts. I never dump unused bait after they come from the factory, no cutting or around – to very good effect. When I first got the chance to fish an offshore trip, but choose to freeze it for grinding is needed. Red snapper will also respond to offshore on at least a semi-regular basis, chum on the next trip. In the “old days” They are oily by nature and leave a chumming. Just a reminder that trick there was not much being written about some fishermen used pieces of newspaper good scent signature in the water. The when fishing state waters out to nine the sport in local or regional publications soaked in fish oil, or the cardboard boxes flashing of their bright silver sides is an nautical miles. and almost nothing nationally. Any commercial bait was packaged in, torn extra visual attractant. I always kept a When chumming open water, ideas on tackle and techniques had to be into small pieces to “fill out” their chum supply in zip-lock bags in the bait freezer, especially if current or wind creates a fast gleaned from stories about fishing the line. Also used were small pieces of tin and never venture offshore without drift, don’t stop chumming long enough east coast or Florida, and then filtered foil – which flash in the current like a several of these. for fish to “lose” the trail. This is where a and amended for use on our Gulf Coast. living baitfish. After a “fast” start of several handfuls bucket, bag, or pipe type “self-dispensing” The basic techniques, such as trolling While a cast net will provide “free” or a small bag full, it is usually only chum device really helps out. and drift fishing (hardly anybody but chum and some good clean exercise, necessary to dribble a few every now While chumming various waters, I “party boat” anglers fished for bottom many coastal bait shops sell “chum” that and then. Although almost any gamefish have caught sharks of several species and species like snapper and grouper back is usually small baitfish species saved will respond, they are most effective for sizes, bull reds, kings, ling, dolphin, jack then), were not much different, but those from shrimp boat catches. There are king and Spanish mackerel and dorado. crevalle, and bonito (little tunny). Tarpon out-of-state articles often mentioned the commercial chumming products from Dolphin under a weed-line or a mid-day are also attracted by chum, and we have use of chum – cut or ground bits of fish a variety of companies available online shrimp boat will eagerly come out to grab at least hooked and jumped several, if not or shrimp scattered in the current and from Amazon as well as chum made from a quick lunch of these little munchies, as caught one yet. allowed to drift behind the boat to attract real fish from sources such as Capt. Harrys will bored ling around a rig or buoy. Small Chumming is famous as a technique fish, instead of always hunting for them. Fishing Supply. Google “chum” and you “shad” are an easy, fairly mess-free chum to attract tuna, and on Louisiana’s famous This is the same principal that made will get a lot of choices, of both chum and system that almost always pays dividends. “Midnight Lump” (Sacketts Bank) out fishing behind anchored shrimp boats chumming devices. Besides around shrimpers and weed- of Venice, so many tons of cut bonito so popular and productive in Texas’ Gulf Menhaden or shad is the author’s favorite type of bait to use as chum when fishing offshore. My most favorite chum is whole, lines, chum is also very effective over are deployed to attract yellowfin during – and maybe the abundance of culling small (less that 1” in length) menhaden bottom structure, around buoys and oil the winter that some biologists feel the shrimpers was a big part of why more overboard, anyway. There were always My personal preference has always – commonly called “shad”. These silvery production platforms or even in open natural behavior of that species has been private boat skippers didn’t “bother” with stories “floating” around, of anglers been to fish baits at various depths and altered to “program” that spot and time as chum distributed from their own boats? finding an especially thirsty crew and distances from the boat, staggered from a “natural” feeding phenomenon. So I read about east coast chumming. coming home with a cooler full of eating the surface down, with the number of Wahoo are also caught in large numbers I read about using ground menhaden – shrimp — good trade. baits depending largely on the water at “The Lump” while chumming for tuna. Yankees called them “bunker” for chum My first serious efforts at using chum depth. Balloons were often the choice for I will always remember a morning aboard for bluefish. I read about Frank Mundus was taking buckets of any small bait floats, except on large shark baits, and Wimpy and Hoyt Lowe’s Wango Tango using ground up whale meat as chum for species offshore in surf launched boats. the sharp “pop” of a balloon exploding off Freeport after chumming most of the great white sharks, and I tried grinding We caught our chum makings in cast nets after being pulled underwater was a great night for kings when a 70 pound wahoo my own chum. in the surf or in San Luis Pass. Mullet were “wake-up” call for a sleepy crew. was hooked on light tackle and fought Very quickly I found that a whole good, small menhaden sometimes better. Even after a good day’s drift while completely around the 45 foot boat mullet dropped head first in most grinders If the mullet were left in the bucket chumming, it often proved wise to knock several times before being brought to gaff. was likely the only thing you would grind overnight or in the hot summer sun off a bit early and slow troll with either Personally, I’ve hooked smaller wahoo that day, until you got those flexible bones for part of a morning, a knife was not natural or artificial baits back through than that several times while chumming and the tough, slippery skin unwrapped needed to “break” them into bite sized the area the chum had drifted over, to much closer to shore. from around the blades. Clearly a low pieces. We would power past the breakers intercept fish still following the chum I have written before of a white marlin budget hand crank sausage grinder was to good, clear water, kill the engine, and bits to their source. This also works when I hooked on 20 pound tackle while not what was needed. start feeding chum into the water. Not fishing the “free” chum line from a culling chumming for bluefish at a rig 30 miles The few Gulf fishermen I found who so much that we were feeding the fish, shrimp boat. out of Freeport, and I have also caught “chummed” usually used canned cat food just appetizers in advance of the main There are many productive and fairly white-tipped sharks around buoys at the or tuna with holes punched in the can to course that dangled just under the surface simple chum delivery systems that are Cerveza Rigs 75 miles out while trying to let juices out. They’d either hand them beneath a float, or dragged along the somewhat less labor intensive than simply chum for tuna. Because of the variety of over the side on a length of line or held bottom. spreading chunks of cut baitfish by hand. fish species a chum line might attract, it is the same way in a net bag. Movement of bait and chum is critical A bucket can be used to hold chunks of also good to vary the size and type of bait More advanced practitioners of the to success in this game. If current will chum and their juices as they wait to used as well as the strength of the tackle. art of chum carried cheap beer offshore drift the boat away from the chum – or be ladled out, but better yet is a plastic If chum isn’t the name of your best – not to chum with, but to trade to thirsty the wind blows the boat away from the bucket with holes drilled in it to let both offshore fishing partner, it can certainly shrimp boat deckhands for a few buckets chum – then you are spreading your free bits of chum and juices to be dislodged A variety of mesh bags, plastic buckets with holes drilled in the side and a length of pvc are all introduce you to a host of fish species of the cull they were just going to shovel samples over a better fish finding distance. by wave action as the boat drifts. Frozen good to disperse a variety of chum. you’ll be glad to meet.

72 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal july 2017 july 2017 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal 73 TACKLE TIPS & TECHNIQUES | Danno Wise Guides, Gear & Getaways MIDDLE COAST | ROCKPORT Mid-Summer Pelagic Options - Near and Far SALTWater UPPER COAST | SABINE & GALVESTON

BATTISTONI’S GUIDE SERVICE Galveston Bay Complex

Capt. Ryan Battistoni Corporate & Family Trips 832-335-8839 www.fishgalvestonbays.com

UPPER COAST | MATAGORDA

MIDDLE COAST | PORT ARANSAS YOUR AD SHOULD BE HERE! CALL 713-957-3997 for GUIDES, GEAR & GETAWAY ADS

MIDDLE COAST | SEADRIFT

USCG Licensed Captain NATHAN BEABOUT Seadrift & Port O’ Connor Fishing & Hunting Guide 210.452.9680 nmsportsmansadventures.com

74 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal july 2017 july 2017 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal 75 TACKLE TIPS & TECHNIQUES | Danno Wise Guides, Gear & Getaways Set Lines for Summer Catfish middle coast | port aransas middle coast | corpus christi-north padre island

“Professional Property Management and Sales” Serving North Padre Island since 1988 Luxury Vacation Rentals by Gulf Beachfront or on Canals leading to Upper Laguna Madre & your favorite fishing spot. Many with private boat docks. Book online or call our rental specialist today! 361.949.9050 OFFICE 361.949.9070 FAX 14613 S. PADRE ISLAND DRIVE, CORPUS CHRISTI, TX 78418 www.rentalmgmt.com

LOWER COAST | BAFFIN BAY Be sure to check out texasoutdoorsjournal.com before your next hunting or fishing trip

LOWER COAST | PORT MANSFIELD

A PLACE FOR ALL SEASONS Relax, we’ll take care of the details!

World Class Fishing

Dove & Waterfowl

Cast & Blast

middle coast | corpus christi-north padre island Inshore & Offshore Private & Corporate Events & Meetings GIVE US A CALL!

YOUR AD SHOULD BE HERE! CALL 713-957-3997 for GUIDES, GEAR & GETAWAY ADS

LOWER COAST | PORT ISABEL & SOUTH PADRE ISLAND FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK! News, Updates, Specials and more, delivered straight to your newsfeed! TEXAS OUTDOORS JOURNAL

76 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal july 2017 july 2017 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal 77 FIELD TIPS & TECHNIQUES | Bill L. Olson & Danno Wise Guides, Gear & Getaways LOUISIANA | LAKE CALCASIEU Summer’s Practical Pre-Hunt Rifle Practice HUNTING YOUR AD SHOULD BE HERE! HUNTING & CAMPING ACCESSORIES CALL 713-957-3997 for GUIDES, GEAR & GETAWAY ADS

Texas Fresh Water EAST TEXAS LAKES | CONROE

SOUTH TEXAS LAKES | MEDINA WATERFOWL HUNTING MISCELLANEOUS

FISHING GEAR

78 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal july 2017 july 2017 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal 79 Deadline for the August calendar is June 25 quet, Palestine. For information and lies can learn the basics of fishing Mountain Elk Foundation Big Game reservations call (903) 229-3883. through fun, hands-on activities. Banquet, Alvin. For information and Outdoor Calendar Equipment and bait provided or reservations call (281) 388-0761. JULY 15, bring your own. 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 Go Fish! Learn-to-Fish Event, p.m. No license necessary. Adults JULY 29, Buescher State Park, Smithville. must accompany children. Registra- Big Thicket Chapter National Wild THROUGH AUGUST 31, JULY 6, 13, 20, 27, JULY 8, Families can learn the basics of fish- tion and start time is 9:00 a.m. Call Turkey Federation fundraiser ban- Javelina season, South Zone. For Archery Clinic, LBJ State Park & West Bay Slam Tournament and ing through fun, hands-on activities. (972) 900-1296. quet, Kountze. For information and more information consult the TPWD Historic Site, Stonewall. Free Basic Fundraiser, The West End Restaurant, Equipment and bait provided or reservations call (402) 276-1707. Outdoor Annual, website, or call Archery Clinic.at the LBJ State Park Galveston. For information, rules and bring your own. 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 JULY 22, (800) 792-1112. Ball Field off of HWY. 290 on Cornet reservations call (713) 594-4252 or p.m. Adults must accompany chil- Crabbing 101, Sea Rim State Park, JULY 29, Street. 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Bows visit fishwestend.com. dren. Registration and start time is Sabine Pass. Join us for some basic Go Fish! Learn-to-Fish Event, Gal- THROUGH SEPTEBMER 4, and arrows will be provided by the 9:00 a.m. Call (512) 581-0377. instruction on how to catch blue veston Island State Park, Galveston. C.C.A. S.T.A.R. Tournament, statewide. State Park to use for this clinic or you JULY 8, crabs in our tidal pools. Bait and Families can learn the basics of For more information call (713) 686- may bring your own. Children 7 years Go Fish! Learn-to-Fish Event, Eisen- JULY 21-23, tackle will be provided. No fishing fishing through fun, hands-on activ- 4222 or you can visit www.ccatexas. or older as well as adults are welcome hower State Park, Denison. Fami- 27th Annual Texas Hunters & Sports- license required. Free with park en- ities. Equipment and bait provided org. to participate. For more information lies can learn the basics of fishing man’s Expo, McAllen Convention try. 10:00 a.m. until noon. Call (409) or bring your own. 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 and registration call (830) 644-2252. through fun, hands-on activities. Center, McAllen. Great outdoor show 971-2559, x222. p.m. No license necessary. Adults JULY 1-2, Equipment and bait provided or filled fishing and hunting products. must accompany children. Registra- Precision Rifle Partners Long Range JULY 6 – 9, bring your own. 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 Stop by the TEXAS OUTDOORS JULY 25, tion and start time is 9:00 a.m. Call Rifle Competition, Columbus. Open 82nd Annual Deep Sea Roundup p.m. No license necessary. Adults JOURNAL booth and let’s talk fishing, North Texas Upland Gamebird Chap- (847) 780-6474. to precision rifle shooters of all ages. , Port Aransas. must accompany children. Registra- hunting, or anything outdoors. Call ter National Wild Turkey Federation Five positional shooting stations with Deep Sea Roundup includes Off- tion and start time is 9:00 a.m. Call (956) 664-2884 or visit www.texas- fundraiser banquet, Plano. For in- JULY 31, targets from 200 – 1,000 yards. Ten shore, Bay Surf, and Ju- (903) 421-4984. hunterassociation.com. formation and reservations call (972) Cass County Longbeards Chapter rounds per station for a total of 50 nior Division plus a free Piggy Perch 496-1141. National Wild Turkey Federation rounds. Team event with minimum contest for the little guys and gals. JULY 11, JULY 22, fundraiser banquet, Atlanta. For in- two and maximum four shooters. Registration includes an open bar on Blue Bell and Bluebonnet Chapter Go Fish! Learn-to-Fish Event, Cedar JULY 29, formation and reservations call (903) Team must shoot all four categories: all three nights plus a shrimp dump National Wild Turkey Federation Hill State Park, Cedar Hill. Fami- Texas Gulf Coast Chapter Rocky 835-8035. Medium bore and AR-15/AK-47 on on registration night and full meals fundraiser banquet, Brenham. For July 1. Small bore and Magnum on Friday and Saturday nights. The information and reservations call compete July 2. Benefitting Ronald “Roundup” is considered the best (903) 227-2006. Texans Are “Talking”about McDonald House of Corpus Christi. value among the Texas Coastal Tour- For more entry information call (361) naments. For registration, rules and JULY 14-16, 533-6680. entry information call (361) 749-5919 43rd Annual Outboard Fishing Tour- Texas Outdoors Journal or visit www.deepsearoundup.com. nament, Port Aransas. Fishing tourna- JULY 4, ment for boats powered exclusively “Hunting AND Fishing Fireworks at the Fishery, Texas Fresh- JULY 8, by outboard motors. Activities will “I love the new look of “I read TOJ from cover every month! water Fisheries Center, Athens. Free San Jac Strutters Chapter National be at the Port Aransas Civic Center your covers.” to cover every month.” fishing until 8:30 p.m. 5:00 - 10:00 Wild Turkey Federation fundraiser and the Municipal Harbor. Registra- That’s great!” p.m. For more information call (903) banquet, Coldspring. For information tion is on Friday, July 14. Tournament 670-2266. call (936) 628-140. fishing days are Saturday and Sun- “Finally, a magazine “Best saltwater coverage day, July 15-16. Inshore, Offshore, “I like it because it’s and Junior Divisions. All proceeds that covers Texas like it of any magazine benefit the Port Aransas Volunteer about Texas.” Fire Department. For more visit should be covered.” around.” Mail your Outdoor Calendar items to: www.outboardfishingtournament. com or call (361) 749-4923. “It’s the best – and most “I’ve cancelled all my “Lake Roundup even useful – gift I’ve ever other magazines except talks about the smaller JULY 15, 14th Annual Conroe Chapter Rocky received.” T O J .” East Texas lakes I fish.” Mountain Elk Foundation Big Game 1706 W. Sam Houston Pkwy North Banquet, Lone Star Convention Center, Conroe. For information and “Glad TOJ knows how “TOJ just keeps getting Houston TX 77043 reservations call (936) 203-1647 or “Love the new look.” to count to 12!!” better, and better.” Fax: 713.957.3996 (281) 831-5980. Email: [email protected] JULY 15, To subscribe, call 1-800-222-4865 (4TOJ) Blunt Spurs Chapter National Wild Turkey Federation fundraiser ban- or go online at www.texasoutdoorsjournal.com

80 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal july 2017 july 2017 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal 81 Tide Tables Fishing & Hunting Times

US TIME ZONES JULY 2017 PACIFIC MOUNTAIN CENTRAL EASTERN < (+) (-) > < (+) (-) > < (+) (-) > < (+) (-) > SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT L4:14A 0.8 H2:00A 1.1 L5:03A 0.6 H10:15A 1.1 L6:32A 1.0 H11:31A 1.1 L6:06P 0.2 H10:36A 1.1 L7:07P 0.2 L6:49P 0.1 30 31 1 H1:51A 0.9 H3:21A 1.1 H4:19A 1.2 H4:58A 1.3 H5:29A 1.3 H5:56A 1.3 H6:23A 1.3 L6:45A 0.8 L8:19A 0.9 L 9:34A 1.0 L10:32A 1.0 L9:34P -0.3 L10:03P -0.3 L11:29A 1.1 H11:54A 1.1 H12:13P 1.1 H12:29P 1.1 H12:44P 1.1 H1:54P 1.2 L7:42P 0.1 L8:12P -0.1 L8:40P -0.2 L9:07P -0.3 L10:32P -0.4 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 H6:53A 1.3 H7:25A 1.3 H7:58A 1.3 L12:10A -0.2 L12:45A -0.1 L1:24A 0.1 L2:06A 0.3 L11:40A 1.0 L12:09P 1.0 L12:51P 1.0 H8:31A 1.3 H9:02A 1.2 H9:29A 1.2 H9:52A 1.1 H2:23P 1.1 H2:51P 1.1 H3:20P 1.1 L1:45P 0.9 L2:48P 0.8 L3:46P 0.7 L4:35P 0.5 L11:04P -0.3 L11:36P -0.3 H3:56P 1.0 H5:07P 0.9 H7:47P 0.8 H10:22P 0.8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 L2:56A 0.5 H12:25A 0.9 H2:01A 1.1 H3:10A 1.3 H4:05A 1.4 H4:54A 1.5 H5:39A 1.5 H10:12A 1.1 L4:02A 0.8 L5:35A 1.0 L7:26A 1.1 L8:52A 1.2 L9:48A 1.2 L10:32A 1.2 L5:20P 0.3 H10:31A 1.1 H10:53A 1.2 H11:24A 1.2 H12:09P 1.3 H1:04P 1.3 H2:05P 1.3 L6:07P 0.0 L6:55P -0.2 L7:44P -0.5 L8:34P -0.6 L9:24P -0.7 L10:14P -0.7 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 H6:22A 1.5 H7:03A 1.4 H7:42A 1.4 L12:41A -0.2 L1:28A 0.1 L2:15A 0.3 L3:06A 0.6 L11:15A 1.2 L12:03P 1.1 L12:58P 1.0 H8:18A 1.3 H8:52A 1.2 H9:23A 1.2 H9:50A 1.1 H3:07P 1.3 H4:11P 1.3 H5:19P 1.2 L2:02P 0.8 L3:11P 0.7 L4:18P 0.5 L5:16P 0.3 120° 115° 110° 105° 100° 95° 90° 85° 80° 75° L11:04P -0.6 L11:53P -0.4 H6:36P 1.1 H8:06P 0.9 H9:53P 0.9 H11:54P 0.9 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 JULY 2017

AUGUST 2017 SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT H3:26A 1.2 H4:11A 1.3 H4:41A 1.3 H5:05A 1.3 H5:28A 1.4 L8:30A 1.0 L8:03P -0.1 L8:37P -0.2 L9:09P -0.2 L10:33A 1.1 H10:55A 1.1 H1:23P 1.2 L7:27P 0.0 L9:41P -0.2 1 2 3 4 5 H5:52A 1.4 H6:17A 1.4 H6:43A 1.3 H7:09A 1.3 H7:33A 1.3 L12:29A 0.2 L1:08A 0.4 L10:33A 1.1 L10:52A 1.1 L11:23A 1.1 L12:02P 1.0 L12:46P 0.9 H7:55A 1.3 H8:15A 1.2 H2:09P 1.2 H2:54P 1.2 H3:43P 1.2 H4:39P 1.2 H5:48P 1.1 L1:35P 0.7 L2:29P 0.5 L10:13P -0.2 L10:45P -0.1 L11:18P -0.1 L11:53P 0.1 H7:15P 1.0 H8:58P 1.0 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

Times are for Galveston, Galveston Channel

TIME DIFFERENCES High Low Calcasieu Pass, Louisiana -2:14 -1:24 Sabine Pass Lighthouse -1:46 -1:31 Sabine Pass Jetty -1:26 -1:31 Sabine Pass -1:00 -1:15 AUGUST 2017 Mesquite Point, Sabine Pass -0:04 -0:25 Galveston Bay ent. south jetty -0:39 -1:05 Port Bolivar +0:14 -0:06 Galveston Bay Texas City, Turning Basin +0:33 +0:41 Eagle Point (1) +3:54 +4:15 Clear Lake(1) +6:05 +6:40 Morgan Point (1) +10:21 +5:19 Round Pt.,Trinity Bay (1) +10:39 +5:15 Point Barrow, Trinity Bay +5:48 +4:43 Gilchrist, East Bay +3:16 +4:18 Fish, game and all wildlife move in search of food in cycles relative to the moon’s location to the earth. Jamaica Beach, West Bay +2:38 +3:31 The time spans listed above are the prime times to start each day at and along each time zone meridian Alligator Point, West Bay +2:39 +2:33 of longitude 75 degrees (Eastern) 90 degrees (Central) 105 degrees (Mountain) and 120 degrees (Pacific) during Standard time and Daylight Saving during the time it is in effect. To determine the feeding cycle Christmas Point, Christmas Bay +2:32 +2:31 time for best fishing and hunting in the area you plan to fish or hunt advance the sum of 4 minutes for Galveston Pleasure Pier -1:06 -1:06 each degree west and back up 4 minutes for each degree east. The next prime feeding cycle (not listed on the calendar) will be approximately twelve and one-half hours later. There are minor periods that occur San Luis Pass -0:09 -0:09 between the prime or major periods. The minor periods are typically fair periods and last only about half Freeport Harbor -0:44 -1:02 as long as the prime periods.

Pass Cavallo 0:00 -1:20 Feeding Times by Dan Barnett have been proven by analysis of 124 – 3 day bass tournaments between Aransas Pass -0:03 -1:31 1967 through 1983 to be reliable and accurate in predicting wildlife feeding activity. The Feeding Times are not a cure-all. Weather and other environmental conditions affect wildlife feeding activity. Annual vest Padre Island (South End) -0:24 -1:45 pocket books, which show all the major and minor periods, can be ordered by sending a check or money Port Isabel +1:02 -0:42 order for $19.95 per book. For S&H, please add $4.95 to an order of 1 to 4 books. Make check or money Tidal adjustments are not predictable for Port O’Connor, Matagorda Bay; Port order payable to: Feeding Times. Send to: Feeding Times, P.O. Box 2240, Covington, GA 30015. After Oct. Lavaca, Matagorda Bay; and Riviera Beach, Baffin Bay since they are driven by wind 1, please indicate book year. For questions or comments, you can call 404-373-7151. and weather. — NOAA Over 60 Years in Print Feeding Times by Dan Barnett 17 Years Test Proven

82 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal july 2017