Public Hunting, Part 2 — Dove & Waterfowl #1 Outdoor

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TEXAS OUTDOORSJournal

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TEXAS“Texas’ Most Comprehensive OUTDOORSOutdoors Publication” September 2014 Journal

For Hunters . . . For Anglers . . .

8 Just Hunting Freshwater Saltwater —Nate Skinner 16 Just Fishing 12 Summer to Fall on South Texas September’s “Blast and Blast” —Brian Hughes Coast Crowds of people are thinning, 20 September Dove & Deer Small Lakes - Good Bites but schools of fish aren’t, in fact, Preparation 24 Lake Roundups they are larger and more active Dove are the primary quarry but it — Pros Forecasts than ever. — Danno Wise is also a time to prepare for the up- 24 North – Brian Hughes coming deer season. —Bob Zaiglin 26 East – Matt Williams 18 Saltwater Journal 46 Central – John Jefferson —Mark Sosin 64 South - Danno Wise The Shallows 66 West – TOJ Staff 32 Just Fishing 66 High Plains – TOJ Staff —Nate Skinner 36 Jurassic Bass Count on Reds thie Fall TPWD gives green light for stocking 35 Tackle Tips & Techniques state Operation World Record fish -Danno Wise in South Texas private lake. Variety at the Jetty —Matt Williams 40 CoastWatch – Danno Wise 40 Lower Forecast 30 Just Shooting 42 Middle Forecast —Kerry O’Day 58 Upper Forecast Get Ready for an Off-Hand Shot 61 Louisiana Forecast 44 Guns N’ Stuff 48 Top Tactics for September Specks —Harold Gunn A variety of ways to catch trout Rural Land Loans Load Up along the Texas coast, plus the added bonus of some afternoon Residential Home Loans 52 Just Hunting dove hunting awaits anglers this —Cody Koehler Farm & Ranch Loans 56 Bassology month. —Robert Sloan Texas Public Land Hunting- —Todd Driscoll Part 2: For the Birds Livestock & Equipment Loans Anglers Encouraged to Ramp Up Operating Capital 55 Field Tips Livewell Fish Care. —Danno Wise & Nate Skinner 67 Tackle Tips & Techniques We’re the answer. Bag More Dove Real Estate Appraisal Services —Danno Wise C apital Farm Credit has made agricultural production, real Agribusiness Financing Fly Fishing for Panfish & Bass estate and agribusiness loans for nearly a century. We embrace Leasing our cooperative structure and our commitment to return For Everyone . . . On the Cover . . . profits to our customers. Through our patronage program, 4 Editor’s Insight – Bill L. Olson “Cattails and Blue Wings II” we return almost 100 percent of our net earnings back to our 6 TOJ Notebook – TOJ Staff 62 Texas Offshore By artist Scot Storm courtesy of Wild customers — a distinct benefit of doing business with us. 51 Subscription Information —Mike Holmes Wings LLC, Lake City, MN. For more 68 G uides, Gear & Getaways Fall is the Offshore Angler’s Best information on this original painting or Chum 72 Outdoors Calendar other works of art by Scot Storm, visit 74 Fishing & Hunting Times Wild Wings at www.wildwings.com, or CapitalFarmCredit.com 877.944.5500 Follow us on call (800) 445-4833.

TEXAS’ LARGEST RURAL LENDER september 2014 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal 3 B:9.5” T:7.875” S:7”

Editor’s Insight Bill L. Olson TEXAS THE MIDDLE AGE OF A YEAR OUTDOORS Journal I liken the fall of each year to middle age in our lives. It has grown from its youthful beginning, sweated through some times that frustrated, but has arrived at a point where “Texas’ Most Comprehensive things should moderate and become better. Call me the eternal optimist but I look Outdoors Publication” forward to this month that can be more summerlike at its start, but also moves us ever closer to even better opportunities and results. Publisher/Editor There is not a hunter alive in the Lone Star State that doesn’t know what happens Bill L. Olson the first day of September. In the North and Central Zones, dove season opens. Those Administrative Assistant that traditionally hunt in the South Zone have to either head north, or be satisfied with Adala Ruhge a few weekends in the Special White-winged Dove Area. Just like in life, not all things Contributing Outdoors Editors are equal, not all of us are guaranteed the same things, at the same time. Some have to Todd Driscoll wait just a little longer. Harold Gunn When it comes to equal opportunity the regulations state the early teal season opens Brian Hughes Ford F-150 with EcoBoost.® A killer combination of towing and fuel economy.* statewide on September 13. However, Mother Nature somehow has a hand in the haves, Mike Holmes John Jefferson Cuz great gas mileage alone ain’t gettin’ the job done. and have-nots. Some will have more birds than others. Cody Koehler Then fishing is considered. Hot days continue to linger, but at times there is a hint Kerry O’Day of changes on the way. Early and late become longer periods of action on area lakes Billy Olson and coastal bays. Nate Skinner Black bass may frustrate some anglers as they tend to suspend with their first move Robert Sloan Mark Sosin of the month. Usually that first move is vertical as they leave summer depths. However, Matt Williams there are other species that will increase their activity and keep lines tight. Danno Wise Coastal anglers look forward to tangling with schools of migrating redfish. Even the Whitetail Deer Editor B:11.5” T:10.5” “glamour fish,” speckled trout tend to take a back seat to the pursuit of copper colored Bob Zaiglin S:9.5” – spot tails. Offshore mild conditions and warm waters provide the perfect setting to troll or drift Art/Production Editor over Gulf structure. Offshore fans know this is the time pelagics are at their closest to Sunni Gonzales shore. Advertising Sales As the days of the ninth month slip by there is a renewed sense of optimism. Much 713/957-3997, 713/957-3996 (fax) like the middle age of our lives we have learned and armed with that knowledge we are Subscription Information more prepared. It is a time when we relax and know things outdoors are good, and probably are Call 1-800-222-4TOJ (4865); In Houston, 713/957-3997 to charge your subscription by going to be that way for a few weeks, maybe even months. There are lots of options and phone. Subscription prices: one year $18.95, opportunities to spend time with those we are closest. Maybe it is the time to spend two years $29.95, three years $39.95. Mail that first time afield or on the water with kids or grandkids. inquiries/changes of address to: It seems like it is an unpressured time. We know in life we are not guaranteed TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal tomorrow, but those thoughts are far removed as we savor today. As we have reached 1706 West Sam Houston Parkway North this point in the year there have been days when we wasted an opportunity, or were Houston, Texas 77043 simply blown out. However, now the stage is set and any chance to be outdoors that is TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal (ISSN 1082-5940) is a pub- not taken advantage is truly a loss of our own doings. lication of Texas Outdoors Journal, Inc. Editorial and That is not to say that other life events are not important, but we are wiser and we can advertising offices are located at 1706 West Sam Houston Parkway North, Houston TX 77043. Phone (713) 957-3997. plan. Even if a Friday night is given up for high school football plans can be adjusted to Fax (713) 957-3996. take one of those “opportunity days” from work to be outdoors. A new week will just E-MAIL ADDRESS: [email protected] have to start without you. TOJ On-Line: www.texasoutdoorsjournal.com TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal is published monthly. Photo- Finally, we know in time these good days will become older, grayer, and colder. We graphs and manuscripts for publication consideration are welcomed, but the publisher assumes no responsibility still may do, but the primetime of the year will have slipped from our consciousness to for such material while in transit or in the office of the our memory. Take advantage of what we as Texans are so blessed to enjoy. publication. THE 2014 Until next month: Pursue all of your outdoor activities in a safe and ethical manner. Copyright 2014 with all rights reserved. Reproduction or use of editorial or graphic content in any manner without permission is prohibited. Views expressed by TEXAS OUT- FORD F-150 DOORS Journal contributors do not necessarily express CAUTION: All technical data in this publication, especially for handloading, reflect the limited experience of individuals using specific FORD.COM the views of Texas Outdoors Journal, Inc. Publication of tools, products, equipment and components under specific conditions and circumstances not necessarily reported in the article and advertising in TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal does not con- over which Texas Outdoors Journal has no control. The data have not otherwise been tested or verified by Texas Outdoors Journal. Texas stitute endorsement of products or services advertised. Outdoors Journal, its agents, officers and employees accept no responsibility for the results obtained by persons using such data and disclaim all liability for any consequential injuries or damages. Volume 23, Number 9 *When properp ly equippped. Baased on max. towing, EPA-estimamatedt raating of 16 city/222 hwy/188c combined mpg, 33.5L V66 4x24x . Actual mileage will vary.

4 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal september 2014

FTRK01861_FMFS8438000A_CPg_R05.indd 1 12/6/13 11:49 AM Ford F150 File: FTRK01861_FMFS8438000A_CPg_R05.indd Date: 12-6-2013 11:49 AM Rev: 5 Galley: 1 F 150 new pg Inks: Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black Client: Ford Division Engraver: Park PrePress Fonts: ITC Franklin Gothic Std (Book Compressed, Links: Park_QC Steps.eps (100%), 2014_F150_Mstr_PPK.psd (CMYK; 300 Ad #: FMFS8438000A Doc Scale: 100% Heavy, Book) ppi; 100%), 2014_F150_EcoPower_PPK.psd (CMYK; 300 ppi; 100%), FTRK_ Agency #: FD TBS 1078059 Output Size: 100% BFT1in_4C_Ht_R01_PPK.psd (CMYK; 300 ppi; 100%) Park #: FTRK-01861 Media/Type: Magazine Live: 7” x 9.5” Trim: 7.875” x 10.5” Bleed: 9.5” x 11.5” Note: This document utilizes the Pantone + color library

Park ADD: S. Duerr Creative Director: P. Kirner Direct Mail Ops: Legal: Park Designer: None Art Director: B. Hambly Art Producer: A. Ayralt Product Info: Park PM: S. Watz Writer: B. Henson Account Super: C. Boe Copy Editor: Park Prod Artist: M. Kozikowski Print Producer: C. Sosin Account Exec: L. Fifelski Traffic: A. Fulbright sponse rate. While public land access remains a Property leased: 11 percent This survey was the first attempt to persistent and major challenge for many Other land (employers’ properties, TOJ Notebook learn more about dove hunter character- sportsmen, privately owned land provides out-of-country, etc.): 5 percent istics; dove hunters’ time spent hunting; the majority of opportunity for today’s “Both private and public land access perceived constraints to hunting; and atti- hunters. When asked to describe the type remains critical in providing opportunity tudes and opinions about potential effects of land they hunted most often in the for our nation’s hunters,” says Rob Breeding Duck Numbers Up 8 Percent of spent lead from hunting ammunition past 12 months, roughly two-thirds of Southwick, president of Southwick on mourning doves and other wildlife. hunters used privately owned properties Associates, which designs and conducts In early July the US Fish and Wildlife structure and bag limits for 2014-15. to the long-term average. Black ducks “These opinions and preferences compared to one-third who utilized the surveys at HunterSurvey.com, Service released its report on 2014 Trends Individual states will make their specific (Eastern Survey Area): 619,000, which is are important and should be taken into public lands the majority of the time. ShooterSurvey.com and AnglerSurvey. in Duck Breeding Populations, based selections within a federal framework of similar to the 2013 estimate and similar to account whenever possible,” said Shaun These findings do not, however, com. on surveys conducted in May and early season length, bag limit and dates. Hunt- the long-term average. View all the data Oldenburger, Dove Program Leader for diminish the important role federal and “With half of all hunters dependent June. Total populations were estimated ers should check the rules in their states and get a species-by-species breakdown the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. state-owned lands play in providing on lands owned by others, the results also at 49.2 million breeding ducks in the for final dates. at www.ducks.org/DuckNumbers. “The department does not have plans to hunting opportunity for American underscore the importance of encouraging surveyed area. This estimate represents Species estimates are: make any regulatory changes based on sportsmen. In fact, while public land private landowners to permit free or fee an 8-percent increase from last year’s Mallards: 10.9 million, which is similar National Dove Hunter Survey the survey findings. This information hunters account for a quarter of the hunting on their properties if America’s estimate of 45.6 million birds, and is 43 to the 2013 estimate and 42% above the Findings Released about dove hunters’ motivations and their overall sportsmen surveyed, they still far hunting heritage is to be maintained.” percent higher than the 1955-2013 long- long-term average. Gadwall: 3.8 million, perceptions can help us make informed outnumber those who hunt land they As part of that same survey, hunters term average. This continues a three-year which is similar to the 2013 estimate and About 250,000 mourning dove hunt- decisions concerning education programs own or lease. were asked to describe the size of the trend of exceptional water conditions and 102% above the long-term average. Amer- ers harvest 5 million mourning doves on and in our communications with this In fact, public land hunters outnumber property they hunted the past 12 months population numbers for many species. ican wigeon: 3.1 million, which is 18% an annual basis in Texas – making the group of stakeholders.” them even when combined. Only those revealing the important role smaller The main determining factor for duck above the 2013 estimate and 20% above Lone Star State the nation’s leader in both The full survey results, along with who hunted a friend or family member’s properties play in providing quality breeding success is wetland and upland the long-term average.Green-winged teal: the number of hunters and harvest. The further information about dove hunting, land outnumbered public land hunters. hunting access. habitat conditions in the key breeding 3.4 million, which is similar to the 2013 findings of a National Dove Hunter Sur- can be found at http://bit.ly/DoveHunt- The breakdown by type of land hunted Forty percent said they hunt lands landscapes of the prairies and the boreal estimate and 69% above the long-term vey will help managers better understand erSurvey. was as follows: less than 100 acres in size, while another forest. Conditions observed across the average. Blue-winged teal: 8.5 million, the opinions of this important hunting Friend or family member’s property: 21 percent hunt lands between 100 acres U.S. and Canadian survey areas during the which is similar to the 2013 estimate and community at a national level. Private and Public Land Access, 39 percent. and 200 acres. Only 39 percent of those 2014 breeding population survey were im- 75% above the long-term average. N orth- The National Dove Hunter Survey is Small Properties All Play Crucial Public property: 30 percent hunters surveyed hunted lands larger than proved or similar to last year. Total pond ern shovelers: 5.3 million, which is similar a cooperative effort by the Association Roles for America’s Hunters Property owned:16 percent 200 acres. counts for the U.S. and Canada combined to the 2013 estimate and 114% above the of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, National showed 7.2 million ponds, which is sim- long-term average. N orthern pintails: Flyways Council and the U.S. Fish and ilar to the 2013 estimate and 40 percent 3.2 million, which is similar to the 2013 Wildlife Service. Last year, the survey was above the long-term average. estimates and 20% below the long-term sent to randomly selected hunters in the The spring surveys provide the sci- average. Redheads: 1.3 million, which is 40 states with dove hunting seasons. The entific basis for many management similar to their 2013 estimates and 85% large sample of 800 per state on average programs across the continent, including above the long-term average. Canvas- ensured that most of the survey results hunting season dates and bag limits. The backs: 0.7 million, which is similar to their are applicable at the national, regional, four flyway councils and the US Fish and 2013 estimates and 18% above the long- and state levels. Of the 30,382 surveys Wildlife Service Regulations Committee term average. Scaup: 4.6 million, which is successfully delivered, 12,631 hunters met in late July to recommend the season similar to the 2013 estimate and similar responded—earning a 41.6 percent re-

Cover Art Every hunter in Texas has been waiting for September’s arrival. Doves capture most of the attention of wingshooters, but there is a small army of waterfowl hunters that eagerly look forward to the early teal season. The date for the 16 day teal season is September 13 - 28. Scot Storm’s original acrylic painting entitled “Cattails and Blue Wings II” captures a trio of these speedy, early arriving ducks. “The natural coloration of blue-winged teal almost blends into the blues and browns of the stormy sky, and wispy cattail reeds, however depicted in a vertical format from a lower angle these birds become a vibrant part of the scene,” the artist commented. The vertical image measures 6” x 12”. For more information on this original painting or other works of art by Scot Storm, visit Wild Wings at www.wildwings.com, or call (800) 445-4833.

“Cattails and Blue Wings II”

6 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal september 2014 september 2014 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal 7 JUST HUNTING | Nate Skinner Lanier also likes to rotate which ponds particular pond or field rest for a few days or mourning doves. Just like with teal and fields he hunts to manage the pressure without any hunting pressure.” he says. hunting, water and vegetation are key to September’s “Blast” and “Blast” on the birds throughout the special early “This allows the birds to rebound in that a successful afternoon dove hunt. teal season. “Often many of these birds area, and ensures we will have teal on our Scott Clary says he prefers to set up migrate down all at once, and then when properties throughout the entire sixteen along the edge of field with lots of seed, early teal season opens, they are constantly day season.” explains Lanier. such as a plowed maize or corn field, or relaxed as a mourning dove fluttered over prairie are best early in the morning. shot at for sixteen days straight. If we Scott Clary says he often hunts large a cut rice field with water nearby. “Most the pond. “They sure do zip around like “Teal just fly well early,” he explains, “and hunt a pond or field hard for a couple of flooded fields during teal season to have of these fields are lined by dirt or gravel a teal, diving straight at the Mojo decoys we shoot a lot of limits because of this in days, or shoot a large number of birds in success harvesting a large numbers of roads,” says Clary. “I like to set up along sometimes,” laughed Mike Lanier of Red under an hour after legal shooting time.” an area one morning, then we will let that birds on a hunt. “I like to set up on these roads at the edge of the field and Bluff Prairie Hunting Club. “Let the teal “They’re just everywhere in the a levee,” says Clary, work into the decoys, and we can go after mornings,” says Lanier. “There’s nothing “on whichever end the doves this afternoon.” like sitting in the blind before shooting of the field is holding Dove and Teal Seasons It’s hunting time in Texas, and time and watching wads of teal fly around the most teal.” “The although some of the major seasons in the dark as their wings sound like jet levee provides good are still weeks away, September brings a engines, cutting the calm still air on the Early Teal: natural cover, and State Wide: Sept. 13 – 28 unique opportunity for all those willing prairie. The anticipation of just knowing puts hunters at eye to grasp a shotgun and do some wing you’re about to have a great hunt makes level with teal coming shooting. Dove and early teal seasons teal hunting so exciting!” Dove: straight into the North Zone and Central Zone: open this month, providing hunters Scott Clary, hunting guide and owner decoys for an easy with a chance to not only pursue dove of Coastal Prairie Outdoors, says teal Sept. 1 – Oct. 20, Dec. 19 – Jan. 7 shot,” he explains. South Zone: Sept. 19 – Oct. 20, or teal, but to harvest both, even in the hunts on the upper Texas Coastal Prairies After teal hunting Hunters can hunt both dove and teal in Dec. 19 – Jan. 25 same field on the same day. With both produce some of the fastest action of the in the morning, September - it’s a wingshooters’ “blast” and species producing fun, exciting shoots, year. “Teal usually fly around in large “blast.” hunters can make why choose to hunt just one or the other? groups, and tend to decoy really well in Special White-Winged Dove the switch from steel Area: Sept. 6,7,13 & 14, Blue wings dipped and darted Dove and teal are often found flying September,” he says. “The weather is shot to lead dove everywhere, skirting the edge of the in the same areas, eating some of the usually mild and the birds are thick. These Sept. 19 – Oct. 20, and Blue wings will be the main stay during early teal season with a loads and go after Dec. 19 – Jan. 21. decoys. The first volley dropped five and same vegetation, and constantly looking hunts are just plain fun!” handful of green wings mixed in. some white wings smoking barrels awaited the next flight for water. Doves typically feed in the When it comes to planning for a teal willing to come within range, as the morning and midday hours in fields, hunt, scouting is key. Blue winged teal yellow lab tromped through the spread looking for water in the afternoons and will readily decoy into a spread when large hastily retrieving the fallen teal. Still, birds evenings, while teal can be found buzzing concentrations of them are found. Mike 78 Baker Rd buzzed above as if they were waiting for around early in the mornings, searching Lanier says all of his scouting revolves Purvis, MS 39475 the dog to exit the water so they could for a pond or flooded field with vegetation around water. “You’ve got to have water to (800) 421-7370 have a safe place to land. Suddenly a single to eat. Hunters can use this pattern to hold teal,” he says. “We scout a number of www.longleafplantation.net came swooping from the left and shotguns hunt teal in the morning and dove in the different ponds and flooded fields looking were shouldered and safeties clicked off. afternoon, participating in a “blast and for large numbers of teal, every afternoon “It’s not a shooter. Don’t shoot!” came blast,” sure to produce memories and red, on the prairie. When we find them, we set the instructions before the bird reached hot barrels! Veteran waterfowl guide Mike up on them the next morning.” the shooting window. All four hunters Lanier, says teal hunts on the Garwood In line with his scouting routine, Plantation

A sportsman’s respite true to the traditions of the Old South and a time when gentlemen would gather together and indulge in lively sport, impeccable Southern cuisine, much needed relaxation, and all-around camaraderie, culminating with the classic Bobwhite Quail Hunt as the apex of the festivities.

Longleaf Plantation pays homage to these rich days of old, and then some, making it the perfect retreat for business, pleasure, or both. In fact, at Longleaf, it’s quite likely you’ll find what you’re seeking before the hunt even begins. Escape to Another Time and Place

8 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal september 2014 september 2014 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal 9 catch the doves on their way to get water or in their blind bag,” explains Kohleffel. not to get excited about hunting. Greatest Hunters Convention on the Planet™ Is Coming Soon! after feeding. If you can figure out their “Hunters can leave their lead shot in Teal and doves are flocking Texas fly path from the field towards a pond, their truck or vehicle. After teal hunting, fields by the hundreds and the best January 15-18, 2015 Dallas Convention Center you can get them to fly right to you.” he they can take their strap of teal and put part is, there’s an opportunity to says. When positioning for doves this way, them in the vehicle, swap ammunition hunt both on the same day. Plan Clary also likes to use a few Mojo Dove and begin hunting doves.” he says. an early morning outing to harvest decoys to bring the birds even closer for an “As long as a hunter is not using some teal, catch a nap and a hearty easy shot. He’ll place these decoys about or possessing lead shot while in the lunch, and then partake in a dove 10 to 15 yards out in front of him at the possession of teal, or sitting in a blind hunt near one of the birds’ favorite edge of a field. “I like to elevate the Mojos with duck decoys out obviously trying to watering holes. The only thing if I can,” says Clary, “propping them up on shoot teal while in possession of lead shot, hotter than the afternoon sun top of a fence or hanging from tree limb there will be no issues. Just remember, will be the barrels of shotguns at if there’s one in the area.” that when dove hunting with lead shot, it the end of the day! Note: All of the Pack your While hunting teal and dove during is illegal to shoot a teal if one happens to guides mentioned in this article can the same day and in the same fields and fly by.” says Kohleffel. be found in the GGG section in back areas, it is important for hunters to abide With September upon us, it’s hard of this issue. trunks and by Texas Parks and Wildlife and federal regulations on ammunition. Teal are Cajun Teal Hunting considered waterfowl and hunters may bring the herd. only use non-toxic, steel shot shells while The state of Louisiana’s early teal season falls on the same exact dates as the sea- in the process of hunting them. According son in Texas does — September 13-28. On the east side of Calcasieu Lake, Cameron to Colorado County Game Warden, John Parish offers a freshwater marsh that is teeming with swarming teal this month. Kohleffel, the most important thing to Captain Nick Poe of Big Lake Guide Service says early teal season action can remember is that a hunter cannot possess be as fast as hunters can reload their shotguns. “Our freshwater marsh sees huge lead shot shells when in the process of wads of teal, buzzing around in large bunches,” says Poe. “It’s breathtaking to see hunting teal or when in possession of teal tons of teal come sit down in the decoys at daylight.” in the field. Just a short drive from Houston, Texans can enjoy this month a Cajun wa- “While teal hunting, hunters cannot terfowling experience in a completely different scene on the east side of Lake have any lead shot shells in their possession Calcasieu.

©Dallas Safari Club 2014 ©Dallas Safari Club For more information, visit our website www.biggame.org 10 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal september 2014 eptember is quite often a time world of angling adventures. when fishing is pushed to the INSIDE THE BAY side by casual anglers. With the Anglers fishing in the Lower Laguna startS of Texas public schools, fishing sea- Madre and adjacent South Bay have a re- son, dove hunting season and a plethora alistic shot at landing a Grand Slam every of other activities competing for time, day during late summer and early fall. it is understandable that many weekend Beginning in September and continuing anglers can’t quite find the time to get on until the first hard fronts of the year, the the water. But, as summer fades to fall, a majority of fish will be concentrated on sense of anticipation is found in the most the southern end of the Lower Laguna ardent angling circles. Seasoned saltwater and in South Bay. fishermen know that late summer through To start with snook will still be steady early fall is an almost magical time to be in areas below the new causeway. Anglers fishing coastal waters. can generally find plenty of linesiders In Deep South Texas, the next few around the swing bridge, Children’s months offer opportunities not found at Beach, the old causeway, along the man- other times of the year. While the Lower groves on the backside of Mexiquito Flats Texas Coast is known for having a di- or in South Bay. While fishing these areas verse, year around fishery, the months of for snook, fishermen will also likely land September and October are when fishing some hard-fighting mangroves snapper just north of the Mexican border is at its as well. Trout, too, will be found on the very best. bottom end of the bay. This is always the best time to land a The grass flats throughout the south- Slam — or Grand Slam, for that matter — ern half of the bay, including Mexiquito tangle with bull reds off the beachfront, Flats and the Pasture, will have some solid catch kings within sight of land, hook up specks hanging around the potholes. This with blackfin tuna following a short run is commonly thought to be the second offshore or battle bruiser tarpon. That’s best time of the year to catch a trophy to say nothing of the number of trophy trout (next to the winter/spring spawning trout landed this time of year or about the period). flounder getting friskier. In short, while But, although the trout generally September may mean the start of school don’t weigh as much as they do in the or the opening of dove season to some, pre-spring spawn, a greater number of in Deep South Texas it opens an exciting “long” trout tend to be caught during late Summer to fall on South Texas Coast Crowds of people are thinning, but schools of fish aren’t, Story and photography by Danno Wise in fact, they are larger and more active than ever.

12 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal september 2014 september 2014 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal 13 summer and early fall as the fish and the jetty of the East Cut and fish along this Kingfish, tarpon and bonito are thick conditions tend to be more cooperative desolate stretch of beach from their vessel. within sight of land — often in the pass this time of year. Along the beachfront anglers can catch or around the jetties. Just past the jetties, Fishermen just wanting to catch a lot speckled trout, snook, Spanish mackerel, ling can be found many times around the of trout will also find what they are look- bull reds, and even tarpon. Fishermen “farewell buoy.” Not much further out, ing for in September. ‘Schoolie’ specks who are just interested in feeling a big blackfin tuna and sailfish become realistic will still be congregating on the edges and pull have a couple other options — jack possibilities. drops and are easily found. And, is usually crevalle and shark. Jacks appeal to “more Not only do fishermen have a much the case when these fish are stacked up on active” anglers, as plugging is the way to shorter run to reach target species during drops and channel edges. Once the fish go — jacks will absolutely crush topwaters September and October, but seas are gen- are located anglers can generally catch as and other plugs. Many fishermen have erally much calmer (the exception being many as they want to catch. found this to be a good way to use old if there is a late-season tropical system). As redfish begin making their way out beat up plugs. This means late summer and early fall of the bay for their annual spawns, massive Shark fishing, on the other hand, is nearshore and offshore fishing is easier schools will be found south of Gaswell’s, pretty sedentary — basically soaking bait on the body (less pounding) and much over the Pasture and on Mexiquito Flats. on bottom and waiting on a bite. But, more enjoyable as well as being more Quite often, fishermen can stay on a single many seasoned surf fishermen have gotten productive. school of fish all day. And, it is not unusual in the habit of leaving a “big rod” baited September is a month when fishing to locate a large school day after day as for bull reds or sharks while plugging tends to fade from fishermen’s focus, due Flounder become more active as summer gives way to fall. they meander toward the pass. the surf for other species. Since crowds largely to other activities competing for Flounder will start to become more usually aren’t a problem after Labor Day, time. But, it is important to remember active as summer passes to fall. Flatfish artificial baits will produce good results Spanish mackerel, kingfish, tarpon and anglers will have plenty of “elbow room” that in September, the crowds of people Bull redfish become targets as they make can be found in the small drains and along this time of year, the icing on the late mangrove snapper. And, as a bonus, every while working the surf. are thinning, but schools of fish aren’t — their way to the Gulf during the annual the channel edges. Later in the month, the summer cake is the incredible topwater so often when the tides swing just right, in fact, they are larger and more active migration. flats around the Coast Guard Station and action that can be had. Not only is the fishermen will see bonito swim within NEARSHORE/OFFSHORE than ever. Children’s Beach will see good numbers of surface bite often better, with fish being casting distance of the rocks. Nearshore and offshore action will To that end, late summer and early time of the year also sees some of the flounder staging to move out into the Gulf. more aggressive than earlier in the sum- Beachfront fishing can be just as hot in be just as hot as inshore fishing. During fall see a more dense concentration of most consistent weather. All in all, fall is Although a variety of natural and mer, but it also lasts longer into the day September and October. Anglers fishing late summer and early fall, fishermen are fish within reach of light tackle anglers a nearly perfect time to fish on the Lower than at other times of year. the extreme lower end of the Texas coast able to find fish much closer to dry land. than at any other time of year. And, this Laguna Madre. In fact, as summer turns to have a few surf fishing options. Boca Chica fall, the topwater bite tends Beach, which must be accessed through to last longer and longer. Brownsville, is the stretch of sand between By October, there are days the Rio Grande River and the Brazos San- when fishermen can catch tiago Pass. The south jetty of the Brazos fish on top throughout the Santiago Pass is located on the north end day. In September, snook, of Boca Chica Beach. trout and redfish can all be South Padre Island can really be taken on topwaters, with bisected into two halves for surf fishing “Jr” size plugs usually pro- purposes — the southern, non-drive-on ducing better results than half and the northern half which allows full-size versions. vehicular access. Both portions can be productive. Fishing the southern half BEACHFRONT & JETTIES means getting use to condos as a back- Whether fishing from a drop, but the angling action can be good. boat or on foot, anglers will The northern jetty of the Brazos Santiago find plenty of options along Pass is located on the southern tip of the beachfront and jetties South Padre Island, inside Isla Blanca during late summer and Park. The south jetty of the East Cut is early fall. The jetties lining located on the north end of South Padre both the Brazos Santiago Island. Anglers hoping to drive that far Pass and East Cut will offer north are best served riding in a four- almost unbelievable ac- wheel drive vehicle. tion during September and Anglers can also fish the Padre Island October. While speckled National Seashore, which ends at the East trout will be found along Cut. In order to fish this area, shore- the rocks, they are pretty bound fishermen must drive south from much an afterthought. Corpus Christi, as entering the seashore Spanish mackerel and other pelagic species move close to the jetties during the fall. Rather, jetty fishermen will from water is illegal. Boating anglers, be focused on bull redfish, however, can just swing around the north 14 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal september 2014 september 2014 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal 15 Just FISHING | Brian Hughes and ¼ oz. spinnerbait. You can also toss the Ribbit Frog around any pad beds that Small Lakes – Good Bites are present. Finally we get to the “large” small lakes. State parks often house lakes of three to five hundred acres up to a thousand a little adjustment in your gear. Lose the or so. Tyler, Purtis Creek and Cleburne heavy action baitcast rod and twenty- State Parks are just a few that offer good pound test line for a medium to light small-lake fishing in the north Texas area. action spinning rod of about six feet in Other area small lakes NOT in a state length and maybe eight pound test at park include Coffee Mill, Crockett and most. Better yet, use a braid of about Alvarado. Purtis Creek is one example three pound diameter which will equal of a small lake, at 365 acres, that can fifteen to twenty pound break strength. produce really big fish. With the timber You’ll be small enough to catch the smaller and hydrilla that was present (before fish these lakes are going to produce, but TPWD decided to introduce grass carp), strong enough to recover from snags Purtis fished a lot like a small Lake Fork. and hang-ups. Try standard bass lures You fished like you were on Fork in a like a Texas rigged 4” worm, 1/8th oz. small creek arm, and the same patterns spinnerbait and 4” Senko, as well as would work. Jigs in tight cover, topwaters (Clockwise from top left) A 1/8th oz spinnerbait, an Egret Bait Mini WedgeTail, or a 4” Sluggo smaller lures like Egret Baits Mini-Wedge over submerged grass, Senkos along the are good size baits to fish small lakes. White Rock Lake is an example of a good small fishing lake within sight of downtown Dallas. Tail. You may be prevented by regulation outside edges and frogs in the pads would from putting a kayak or tube on these all produce fish on Purtis. learn what’s going on with the fishermen, basis. Much the same is true on the other I really like small lakes. If I had to in high school had a small ranch in east lakes and will have to fish from the bank, There was a good deep-water boats and lures that are so prevalent each “large” small lakes. And just because I’ve guess I would say this stems from the days Texas that had a lake of about five or seven so I’d stay away from treble hooked lures Carolina–rig bite after the spawn and into weekend, and they become extremely talked mostly about bass, don’t think these before I could afford a fishing boat and acres. That’s where we would fish and hunt that will snag easily. It will take a little the summer as well. With a lake record cautious about biting. With fish that big, lakes don’t have very good catfishing, was relegated to bank fishing or a rented ducks whenever we could get away from trial and error at each lake to see what the bass that stands at well over thirteen you can use the bigger worms, 10” and up, crappie, sand bass and brim fishing as canoe. Being on a small lake feels more school, or work. You could, in a half-day fish will bite and how big they can be. As a pounds, and a catch-and-release rule on because the fish size dictates bigger baits well. intimate than the big reservoirs, with of fishing, easily walk around the entire rule you’re going to be catching one or two largemouth bass, I’ve often wondered are in order. The rest of your gear is also Take a minute or two to find the thousands of acres of water and hundreds lake two or three times. We would catch pound fish at best so leave off the eight why the lake couldn’t get to fourteen dialed to big fish, with medium heavy to small lakes near you and give them a (if not thousands), of fishermen, jet-skiers bass up to five and six pounds which was and ten inch worms, and use four and or even fifteen pounds for a record fish. heavy rods, and 20 pound test line. Night try next time you want to fish. You may and sailboats, all vying for the same space. pretty good for bank fishing. I think that six inch models. Be sure and check with The only answer I could come up with is fishing with ½ oz. black spinnerbaits will be surprised at just how much you like Remember too, that you’ll have a lot less would be the benchmark for a small lake, the agency responsible for governing the that the fish in a lake that small quickly yield six to eight pound fish on a regular them! lake to search. about five acres or more. And you don’t lake to find out about any special fishing The first time you fish a lake like Sam have to know someone with a private lake permits that may be required before you Rayburn it can be overwhelming, with either. There are literally thousands of wet a line. so much area to cover and learn. Small these little lakes across Texas. Municipal Next up is the municipal or city lake. lakes can often be learned in a day or two. lakes, park lakes, and small state park These were often impounded to furnish Smaller lakes also offer a solitude that lakes all offer plenty of good fishing for the nearby city with drinking water and comes with being alone to contemplate the angler that understands small waters, may offer very good fishing for bigger nature and the fish you pursue. I guess it and fishes accordingly. bass. These lakes tend to range from just feels right to fish small lakes. Starting with park lakes, these are in ten or so acres to as large as a couple of Defining small, of course, is a matter the neighborhood parks and recreation hundred acres. They may allow small You can make a difference by of perspective. I have a small pond in the areas of many cities. They are primarily craft to launch, but again, check with park at the end of the street where I live. what is called a water feature and they the governing body about permits and reporting illegal hunting and fishing activity! At the widest point you can cast across really serve no purpose other than restrictions, to avoid fines. There are any Up to $1,000 may be paid for information leading three-fourths of it with a slab. Put that aesthetics, that is to look pretty. Many number of these in the north Texas area, slab on a spinning reel and I have no times they are used by kayakers and including Canton City Lake, Kaufman to arrest and conviction of poachers doubt you could reach the opposite bank. canoeists, and occasionally the fisherman City Lake, Moss Lake, and Whit Rock Nonetheless, this little pond will provide looking for something close to home. Lake in Dallas. hours of good fishing each year as long Texas Parks and Wildlife has a couple You’ll use a little bigger gear because Reward Hotline 800-792-GAME as you realize that you’ll never catch a of programs designed to make these the fish can be a little bigger. A six and ShareLunker here. It is good for a few destinations better for the fishermen, a half foot medium baitcaster should be minutes of relaxing fishing early in the including a trout stocking program in plenty of rod, and 15 or 17 pound test line Support anti-poaching efforts by becoming a morning before the neighborhood wakes the winter months and catfish stocking will surely handle any fish you’re likely to member of the Operation Game Thief Program up and begins the daily hustle and bustle. in the summer. You can find out more catch. Again, if you want more strength, (call 512-389-4381 for membership information) or by But it is just a pond. I don’t think it rates about these programs and the lakes that go to braid to keep line diameter at a sending your tax deductible contribution to Operation as a lake because it is just too small. participate at the TPWD website. minimum. Use the same lures as above Game Thief, 4200 Smith School Road, Austin, TX 78744 On the other hand, a friend of mine Fishing these inner-city lakes will take but go to a five inch Senko, six inch worm

16 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal september 2014 september 2014 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal 17 SALTWATER JOURNAL | Mark Sosin meal to venture over the edge. If you are electric motor, use it. Poling is another fishing from shore and standing on the using a swimming bait that will dive, one option. Minimize noise in the boat as bank, ease into position quietly and don’t The Shallows of the tricks is to cast it in the shallows, well. Look for signs of life in the shallows. get right up to the water’s edge. Stay back crank it over the edge and down just a It may be cruising sharks or rays. Perhaps a few feet and it may pay dividends. bit, pause for a second, and then continue there are birds working or merely sitting The shallows hold fish. Work them the retrieve. The pause allows the lure to on the water or on a nearby shore. This effectively and you’re going to have a often ignoring the shallow that we couldn’t get the boat rise slightly as if the prey was resting for indicates that bait is or was there. Schools good day. shallows on either close enough to make a cast and reach an instant and this could be the trigger of bait are another clue that predators will side of them. Lately, them. There was a long distance swimmer mechanism for a strike. be there. At times, you can see a ripple there have been working along the coast not far from the It’s important to remember that that indicates a single fish or a school several stories in beach. He had no idea that there were water temperature ranks as a key factor of fish. Captain Rob Gorta is one of the the news of sharks more than 100 sharks between him and in determining where fish will be at any best redfish guides I know. He studies cruising among the sand. If you’re trolling offshore of a given time. Every species has specific the water a long way off, peering intently swimmers and there beach, it often makes sense to swing as temperature preferences and temperature at and through the surface even though has been video on close to shore as you can and give it a tolerances. They can bypass their the water is not very clear. Usually, he television showing whirl. And, if you’re casting, don’t forget preferences for a while, but they cannot sees a flash from the body of a redfish these predators to heave the bait or lure as close to the ignore their tolerances. The point to long before anybody else does because coming almost up sand as you can every once in awhile. remember is that shallow water warms he trained himself to recognize it and he on the sand. They When you do spot a school of fish either more quickly than the depths around works hard to maintain his concentration. Along the beachfront there are shallow bars running parallel to the are there because cruising or feeding a short distance from it and it cools more quickly. As long as If you are relatively new to shallow shoreline. When fishing from a boat hang back a bit and cast up on the shallow bar. Then, work the bait or lure over the edge and into they know that their shore, remember to keep the boat seaward temperatures remain comfortable for the water fishing, pick one area and learn deeper water or guts. next meal is likely in of them and off the front of the school. species you seek, working the shallows is it well. Tides may make a significant shallow water. When you move into bays, rivers, a worthwhile endeavor. difference. Some spots produce on We were a long way from saltwater, It’s not unusual to see gamefish and estuaries, working shallow water can Another point to recognize is that fish incoming water and others on outgoing. but I never forgot the lesson I learned moving along the beach in water so produce favorable results. All of us have are wary of noise and that holds whether Check both events. When you are trolling, Photo by Bill L. Olson that day. A Ph.D candidate was studying shallow that their backs rise above the seen predators cruise in very shallow water or not you can see your quarry. If you work shallow to deep and deep to shallow. If relatively new to shallow water fishing, pick trout in a stream from a blind buried surface. That’s why experienced surf along a shoreline. They are looking for an have to use a motor, put-put rather than Be aware of everything around you one area and learn it well. Tides may make among the trees and some 20 feet above casters work a 180 degree arc from the easy meal. This, of course, is sightfishing race right into the spot. When possible, whether it is in the water, in the air, or on a significant difference. Some spots produce the ground. As I observed a number of sand on one side to the sand on the other. and you need to get a bait or lure in front cut the engine and drift or, if you have an land. And one final caveat — if you are on incoming water and others on outgoing. fish, I suddenly discovered that the largest And, they are always alert to movement of them and then make it look as if the one was in water so shallow that no angler in the skinny water. At times, you might offering is escaping. would ever think of casting to that spot. witness a feeding frenzy where the big guys Sometimes, there is a shallow bar along Expanding my thinking, if it happens in drive the bait out of the water and up on the shoreline or at the mouth of a feeder freshwater, the shallows should be equally the sand. That demonstrates how close a stream emptying into the main body. important to big fish in saltwater. husky fish will come to the beach. The key here is to hang back a bit and One reason big fish venture into We were trying to film a television cast up on the shallow bar. Then, work shallow water is because the food supply is show fishing for spinner sharks along the bait or lure over the edge and into there. Surf fishermen, for example, try to the beach. Our captain spotted a couple deeper water. Gamefish often hang in the see how far they can cast into open water, hundred of them working in water so deeper water waiting for an unsuspecting

18 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal september 2014 september 2014 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal 19 SeptemberSeptember DoveDove DeerDeer& Dove are the primary quarry for many hunters this month, but those forays afield are also a time to prepare for the upcoming deer season. PreparationPreparation Story and photography by Bob Zaiglin

ituated underneath a sparsely leafed hovering over the water, and I dropped deer advocates, it’s time to prepare for problem as dove hunting is recognized as limits, representing Smesquite tree, I avoided some of one into the middle of the pond. As the the upcoming deer hunting season, but big business and a substantial amount of additional time in the the blistering rays of the September gentle southeasterly breeze delivered for wing shooters, September represents land is made available for a nominal fee. field and more birds in sun. Beside me were my favorite the bird to the shoreline, the girls were enjoyable outdoor excursions with family Mourning doves, which are recognized the bag. hunting companions, granddaughters awaiting its arrival with sticks which and friends shooting doves on the wing. as the most abundant game bird in Texas, The most unique McKenzie and Madison. Watching them they employed to flick the bird onto the Unquestionably, one of the best can be found throughout the state, but for aspect to a dove shoot preoccupy themselves was amusing as sunbaked shoreline. bargains in hunting are the nominal fees multi-specie hunts, nothing compares to is the fact that one they constructed a castle out of mesquite While awaiting more birds to arrive, charged for scatter gunners to take a what I refer to as the Edwards Aquifer doesn’t actually hunt beans that littered the grayish-colored the girls remained at my side plucking few of those bluish-gray aerial acrobats corridor which extends from San Antonio them. Birds fly to soil surrounding the small tank where we feathers that attracted their attention, called mourning doves. It may be the to Uvalde. This approximately 75-mile- the shooter, thus it’s awaited the evening arrival of mourning reminding me of the time when at their only hunting-related activity where the long stretch is characterized by farmland critical to select good dove looking to satisfy their thirst. age my uncle would drop off a pheasant misses are as enjoyable as the hits because littered with dove-attracting delicacies. shooting positions. Without a single dove sighting for the or two at our home. I not only plucked poor shots are usually observed by other More importantly, a significant number Open grain fields are first 30 minutes, the leopard frogs lining them, I saved the magnificently-colored often loquacious companions more than of native birds exist throughout the extremely attractive the shoreline attracted the girls’ attention, feathers and yearned for the time when it ready to make an amusing remark and region. Not only can one expect to see a to birds, but how they and before long their clean tennis shoes would be my turn to shoot a bird. prepared to hear the same upon their lost substantial number of mourning dove, but approach and exit the were covered in mud as they attempted to By the end of the evening, Beth had a opportunities. the highest density of whitewing dove in fields is important catch a few of the amphibians. limit of birds while I only had a few, but The nice thing about doves is the fact Texas also resides there. when it comes to a Moments after they figured out the enjoyed the event as I shared my time with that they are abundant and misses are Another resident is the Eurasian dove. successful shoot. Thus frogs were a worthy opponent, the sounds some new and upcoming sportsmen—my rapidly forgotten. And simply because it is not considered it’s prudent to visit the of a dove approaching could be heard granddaughters. Thanks to substantial spring rainfall, a game bird, doesn’t mean that it is not area you intend to followed by the bark of my daughter The month of September ushers in particularly in May, an abundance of dove sporting or doesn’t taste good because it shoot over prior to The abundance of whitewing dove throughout the Edwards Aquifer corridor can be attributed to much farm land as well as the birds’ Beth’s over-and- under. Before Beth could the arrival of fall, but more importantly can be expected once again this fall, and does. And the fact that it is recognized the season opener to willingness to visit those backyard bird feeders. retrieve her dove, three more birds came another hunting season. For dedicated locating a place to shoot should be no as an invasive species, there are no bag determine the ideal 20 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal september 2014 september 2014 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal 21 shooting positions. used to, but I enjoy it even accomplish a variety of tasks that insure normally attracts the most attention. magnificent buck on film yet never see Shooting over stock tanks is one of my more because I now have a safe and successful deer hunting season. The vibrant red vermillion flycatcher the animal again. The fact that you saw favorite activities, particularly small water my granddaughters with Deer blinds can be checked for repairs perched precariously on a weed extending it at all is stimulating and if captured on holes. There’s usually some shade from the me. Watching them glaring and spruced up while the old trailer or above the water to the fluorescent green film, it still represents a trophy. More sun and the optimal shooting time is in into the sky for the next camp house could use a little attention. and yellow-bodied green jay adorned importantly, knowledge of a desirable the late evening hours when temperatures target for Pappy to shoot is If food plots are a part of the hunting with a purple cape make for exceptional buck adds impetus to one’s hunting effort drop a little. It also facilitates the location just amusing. And when a operation, September is the time to have photographic opportunities that is until when the season opens. of downed birds because more often than bird falls from the sky, they them disked and planted. It’s also a time the sun drops below the mesquites and So as the fall begins, sportsmen will be not the area around a tank is quite open. are the best retrievers I have to set out those trail cams in order to coyotes enter the picture followed by about simply doing what they like most— Locating downed birds in a grain field ever seen. see how well those antlers turned out. those reclusive bucks. It can be hot, but sharing the great outdoors with family and can be frustrating, particularly when a That’s just what dove More importantly, if conducted correctly, extremely rewarding for those who enjoy friends. Besides, what can be better than strong flight of birds occurs and one easily shooting is all about. It’s a cameras represent a population survey the denizens of the brasada. And one dropping a few doves to kick off another loses track of where their birds are falling. family affair for me extended tool when it comes to deciding how never knows when they might catch a hunting season? My advice is to remember that a bird in a little longer around the many bucks and does should be harvested the hand is worth two in the air. In other grill when we get to dine on during the upcoming season. words, mark every downed bird and don’t the palatable critters. And After an early evening dove shoot take your eyes off that spot until the bird is unlike deer hunting when I is over, one can also sneak in on their retrieved. If at first the bird is not located, may go the duration of the favorite isolated water trough or stock place your hat at your mark and repeatedly long season without popping tank to see first hand just how well those circle the hat, enlarging the circle with a cap, I can easily go through antlers fared over the long hot summer. each rotation until the bird is in your a box of shells at each setting For those interested in photography, hands. Most lost birds are inexcusable when dove are the objective. there is nowhere better than a stock and should be avoided. In other words, it’s not only tank in late summer when it comes to For youngsters, wingshooting dove challenging, but mentally Family and friends—that’s what a dove shoot is all about. filming mature bucks. They may be is as exciting as brim fishing. There is refreshing as there is no reclusive during the day, but they relish always something going on that attracts such thing as a trophy dove—they are all of daily life and enjoy the great outdoors. an opportunity to obtain a drink of water their attention, thus it’s a grand way to fair game. While for others, it’s a reason to visit their at sundown. To a photographer, it is introduce youngsters to sport hunting. Shooting dove for most sportsmen is favorite piece of deer real estate. After all, nonstop action as a stock tank is the most I may not shoot as many doves as I simply an excuse to get out of the rhythm you can’t hunt doves all day, but one can popular place for wildlife to be during the normally hot latter parts of summer. From bull frogs to illegal aliens, one never knows what will show up. But it’s the phenomenal bird life that

The excitement in the eyes of the author’s granddaughter, McKenzie, as she retrieves a bird takes the sport to another enjoyment level for TOJ’s Whitetail Editor.

22 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal september 2014 september 2014 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal 23 For information on guides mentioned, see Guides, Gear & Getaways on pages 68-71 McDonalds tournament comes to Fork in beginning of big fish season on Fork,” says As we get into September, the weather September and brings with it a lot of boat Stevenson. “Try a 1oz. Johnson Custom will cool the water temps and the baitfish Lake Roundup traffic. Texas rigged 8-10” worms from Baits spinnerbait in chartreuse/white or will move back into the creeks with the LFT, or the Zoom ole monster, in red bug, black/blue, fishing in 20 feet of water. bass following. Use your Carolina-rigged june bug and plum apple are the choices Yo-yo it off the bottom with rips up, and French-fry worms and drop-shot baits for the later bite. Another option is the then drops back to the bottom. That’s only on the deeper structure and points, later at this point, and even though nobody in the morning out around the mid-lake 1/2oz. jig in black/blue or perch colors. if you want a big fish, and don’t care about switching to spinnerbaits, traps and had been even remotely threatened with area. And never count out the Carolina rig with catching a lot of fish in a day.” He also ad- Senkos as the fish move shallow. Water- NORTH TEXAS harm, I was done. “Look for the white and blue herons a 6” LFT lizard, a ring fry or a Zoom fluke vises working slowly. “I want my clients to melon/red, junebug and pumpkinseed are The gun was taken away and I was on PK instead of gulls.” he advises. “Also, in the same colors. We will also sometimes have a shot at one of Lake Fork giant fish.” good colors to start with. Add a touch of through for the day, relegated to merely a bait with the feather teaser on the rear start the morning with small crankbaits LAKE ‘O THE PINES — A favorite lake chartreuse to the tail as we get later into being the bird-boy again. Shamed and treble will produce three to one over a like a 1 or 1.5 squarebill, throwing out to for many due to the relatively low pressure the month. disgraced by my failure, and required to plain treble.” After that, try the downrig- 8-10 feet if we’re seeing surfacing activity.” from anglers, LOP is located between The stumpfields to the north end of the steep in the memory for the rest of the ger and 1oz. bucktail jigs or trolling ‘traps After so many years on the lake Steven- Marshall and Dangerfield. It’s not near lake are also bass magnets and if you’re a day, while the adults powdered bird after and crankbaits. Of course, hybrids will son has seen little patterns others may have any of the major population centers of fan of flippin and pitching this is where bird for me to fetch. act the same as stripers for the most part. missed, like how it seems like bass will bite the state and locals like that just fine. With you should concentrate your time. Jigs That was nearly 40 years ago and I still Black bass will have a fake spawn, and every other day. “We get that a lot. On the just under 17,000 acres of water LOP is and Texas rigs are well received by the think about that day nearly every time I Dean says you can treat September just off day catching bass requires finesse baits plenty big enough to support club-level “timber bass.” pick up a gun. And I am retentive about like the spring. “Go to the shallow cedar like drop shots and wacky worms.” tournaments and that’s when you’ll see the Crappie fishermen also like this area, guns being on safe to this day as well. stumps, pitch your jig into them and hang He also suggests that the more fronts most pressure from anglers, when there is but if you’re not familiar with the lake it By Brian Hughes Some might think (as some of the adults on. I recommend 20-30 pound line on or tropical depressions that come through, a tournament. can be a little overwhelming, what with the thought that day) that my Dad was too stout medium or medium heavy action the better fishing will be. “Dry and hot Most bass fishermen will focus on the amount of timber and potential crappie hard on me. That maybe I should be given rods.” There are a lot of double digit bass means we stay with the summer pattern east side of the lake and the three creeks, hiding places. Newbies should just stick to For me, September is a time of antic- a break. After all, I was just a youngster in PK and a jig-and-pig in black/blue, a longer.” Alley, Johnson and Hurricane. Copeland fishing the 155 Bridge with minnows. Find ipation. I am a devoted (some would say and everybody makes mistakes right? spinnerbait in white or white/chartreuse, September usually brings the begin- Creek is a popular choice on the west side the depth of the crossmembers, and drop demented) dove hunter. I can’t get enough. Wrong!! A mistake with a gun can get or live bait, might tempt one to bite for ning of the end for the really hot days of of the lake. Early in the month you’ll want your minnows to that depth alongside I’ll go at least two or three times during somebody killed. Go back and read that you. Look in the area of the South D&D summer and ushers in some cooler temps, to focus on the creek mouths and deeper them, and you’ll get bit. the opening week, maybe more. sentence again. I am pleased to say that Campground. at least after mid-month. “That’s sort of the portions above the thermocline. RICHLAND CHAMBERS — Bass fish- Where most hunters see dove hunting over the next few seasons I did learn and Catfishing will be prime on fresh as a social event, I see it as a coming-of- was rewarded one Christmas morning dead cut shad. “Blues and Channels will age ritual. This ritual was first practiced with my very own single shot H&R 20 be anywhere from Costello Island to the by my Dad when he was just 9-years old. gauge. midlake area,” he explained. “Normally I’d Largest Selection of He would ride his horse to the outskirts of What does all of this have to do with say go to the northern part of the lake, but BLUE WAVE BOATS town and shoot a mess of birds for dinner. fishing? Nothing really. Late summer I the level is down so I’d work that middle.” Powered by YAMAHA When I reached that age it was my turn to don’t fish as much because I have been Crappie will be in 10-20 feet of water in North Texas go for my first hunt. Unlike Dad however, scouting bird fields, shooting clays to and will bite minnows and crappie jigs, I wasn’t allowed to shoot that first season. I sharpen the eyes and exercise the reflexes but Heffner swears by the Fle-Fly. “I can just followed along, watched the shooting, for dove. fish one of those in chartreuse right next and picked up birds. Oh yeah, and teaching a new gener- to a guy using minnows and outcatch him The next year I was allowed to carry ation of youngsters to be safe, so they two to one every time.” Grand-dads old Model 12 pump in 16 might enjoy their coming-of-age this dove Dean reminds you to call ahead to gauge, but with only one shell in the season. However, you might try your find the ramps that are open and try to chamber. “Keep it on safe until the bird is hand at a North Texas cast and blast by plan your trip so that you’re on the lake in range,” Dad said, “ then take it off safe, hitting the waters early, then heading to as a cold front hits the Texas- Oklahoma slide your finger to the trigger, follow the the dove fields. border. “We always get good fishin’ before bird, get out in front, and fire.” He added For your lake reports let’s check with those fronts get here.” one more thing, “Be sure and put the safety some folks who will be fishing this month. FORK — Mark Stevenson, longtime back on after you shoot.” POSSUM KINGDOM — Talking with guide at Lake Fork, says September will be That’s what got me — the first bird flew Dean Heffner at PK is always entertaining. a transition month with fish moving shal- over and I did all of what he told me. Of He’ll educate you if you care to listen—for low and deep fish still in place. “There will course I missed, but how exciting! I got to instance, did you know that oxygen con- be two different patterns at once — one Bringing Families shoot at a dove. tent affects baitfish color? I did, because shallow with topwater action early, then Then Dad said “Let me see your gun”. he’s told me that before. Seem that high back to deep water as the day heats up.” Together for 60 Years! I knew — I knew before I looked — I oxygen content gives the baitfish a blue A buzzbait is the best choice for topwater knew before he looked — I had forgotten tint-hence the blue/chrome colors in fishing over the grass in 4-6 feet, and a to put the safety back on. Even though lures. popper would be the second choice. the gun was empty (we all knew it was Like the Tiny Torpedo, Spook or Pop “We like the Yellow Magic and I’ll East HWY 82 | Gainesville 1100 NE Loop 820 | Fort Worth empty cause I was only given one shell at ‘R that Dean would be throwing early this throw that when there is less grass pres- 940-665-9331 www.northtexasmarine.com 817-246-2100 a time), even though there was no danger month. That’s for the topwater striper bite ent.” says Stevenson. “The Big Bass Splash/

24 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal september 2014 september 2014 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal 25 ermen need to focus on fishing near boat have otherwise missed. of eastern Texas this year. “This lake is full of fish and in the best or a football jig.” only five of those fish may be longer than docks and using Texas rigs. You can throw I’ve also done well in the summer by Like most lakes across the region, shape it has been in for several years,” said Martin will key on underwater points, 30 inches. buzzbaits, Spooks and Pop ‘R’s early in the fishing under and around the 287 Bridge Lake Palestine will enter fall in a lot better Martin. The problem is the lake is so high ridges, humps and other structure at SAM RAYBURN — Talk about a freak morning ‘til the sun gets up, then it’ll be a for whites while seeking relief from the shape water-wise than normal. Thanks to and they (the Sabine River Authority) those depths that he locates with his situation. The water level at Sam Rayburn drag — literally. blazing sun. They are not always there, but abundant rains this summer, the lake was aren’t generating any water. You can see Lowrance StructureScan electronics. He was two inches above full pool as July gave Drag your Texas-rigged 8 inch worms, it always feels good to be in the shade. only three inches low as July gave way to all kinds of fish on your depth finder, arms his units with a Navionics mapping way to August. It’s been years since the big (with a ¼ ounce weight) past boat docks August. but getting them to bite is tough without chip and GPS Lake Maps. The latter is a lake east of Lufkin has seen high water this and timber for bass. Fishing points on the Fishing guide Ricky Vandergriff some current. They’re just scattered out downloadable program that overlays on time of year. main lake will also find some bass, use says he is anticipating some decent bass and sitting there.” the Navionics map and displays creeks, So, what will abnormally high water drop-shots, Alabama rigs and Carolina fishing action throughout the month, Martin says he is hopeful the lake will bridges and other structure with precision mean for September’s bass fishing rigged fries. The many old pond dams on EAST TEXAS particularly during the latter days as drop 2-3 feet by the time fall rolls around. accuracy. prospects? According to TPWD fisheries R-C are also good places to fish these baits. surface temperatures begin to cool in lieu If so, he thinks the fishing will be much September catfish prospects on biologist Todd Driscoll, it probably won’t Whites are chasing baitfish around and of longer nights and shorter days. better, especially around the grass. That’s T-Bend can be outstanding, especially help out much. they will school up and corral the bait, “September is always pretty good,” because it would cause a lot of the grass to at the lake’s northern reaches. Trotliners “September fishing on ‘Rayburn is feed, and then disappear. You’ll have to Vandergriff said. “It’s not great for big “mat” on the surface, creating distinctive make some great hauls here, as do rod normally just “fair” in comparison to find them with your electronics and try to fish, but the numbers can be pretty decent edges anglers could see with the naked and reelers. October and November, which is when follow them, or just wait over a good point at times.” eye. It would also “position” the fish a lot Best baits for trotline sets are live perch the water temperatures start cooling down and be ready when they show up. Look Vandergriff says the patterns he will better and make it easier to flip for them and cut bait. Hand fishermen can expect and the bass get more active,” he said. around the Pelican Island area, the dam, fish will vary with the area of the lake. using heavy jigs and plastics. the best results on prepared baits, shrimp, “With the high water the fish are naturally and points in the mid-lake area. Up north, he says frogs, topwaters and “After a few fronts there could also be cut shad or night crawlers. going to be spread out more than normal, You’ll want to have a couple of baits Senkos will be effective around shallow some fish up shallow that you can catch Catfishermen also should make so they will naturally be harder to find.” ready. A clear Tiny Torpedo or 1/4oz. ‘trap grass beds adjacent to Kickapoo Creek and on a topwater or spinnerbait,” Martin said. note of a new regulation that goes into Driscoll says there should be several the Neches River. He also recommends “But for the most part I’m probably going effect this month that liberalizes daily patterns working in early fall pertaining for when they surface, slabs for when they By Matt Williams go deep, and a tailspinner for casting long pitching a jig or Texas rig along the edges to be doing what I always do this time of limits. Beginning Sept. 1, anglers may to shallow, mid-range and deep water. In distances to both groups. You’ll also want of Kickapoo Creek in water depths of year. I’ll spend a lot of time in the 15-18 retain 50 channel and blue catfish in any a nutshell, a guy should be able to pretty to add a crappie jig to your slab line as PALESTINE — Most lakes are typically 8-11 feet. To refine the search he’ll key foot range fishing a drop shot, Texas rig combination with no size limit. However, much pick his poison and catch a few fish. well. Go a couple or three feet above the at their lowest levels of year during fall on stumps, brush and any grass close the slab and tie on a white or yellow jig and due to summer evaporation and a lack of creek’s edge. you’ll pick up some white bass you may rain, but that’s not the case across much Down south is where deep crank baits and Carolina rigs will come into play. He’ll throw them on points as well as the old Highway 155 roadbed. Flipping plastics and jigs around deeper boat docks also should get you bit. Vandergriff says channel cat are hard to beat if you’re after some freezer meat. “They’ll be tearing it up along the edges of the river and on humps in 13-18 feet,” he said. “Night crawlers and punch bait are good choices, but catalpa worms are hard to beat if you can find them.” September crappie fishing isn’t top notch, but Vandergriff says anglers can still pick up some decent numbers if they know what to look for. Brush piles are the ticket. “I’ll fish stuff on the main lake in 16-18 feet of water, but you can also catch them around pilings and cross members at the Highway 155 Bridge. There are quite a few brush piles around some of the support pilings.” TOLEDO BEND — Believe it or not, Let our team of creative professionals help you Toledo Bend was two inches above pool with your marketing and graphic needs. level and showing no signs of declining as this report was written the end of July. According to fishing guide Tommy Martin, the bass fishing was mediocre at best.

26 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal september 2014 september 2014 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal 27 In shallow water, say 1-5 feet, the Creek channel north of the power lines. let you fish it. biologist suggests throwing a frog, wacky The key here is to cover water and flip the Probably a better option is fishing over worm, Senko, topwater or shallow running grass vertically using a heavy jig or Texas baited holes along the edges of the San crankbait around torpedo grass and pond rig creature. Jacinto River channel in about 20 feet of weed. Beyond that, hydrilla beds growing The grass should be matted in some water. Terpe likes to use cattle range cubes to depths of 11-12 feet should be holding areas, but the deeper stuff probably won’t to attract the channel cat, but you can also isolated concentrations of fish you can be visible to the naked eye; you’’ll need to use soured maize or chicken scratch. His catch on heavyweight jigs and soft plastics. rely on your electronics to find it. preferred bait is cheese bait on a sponge “There will also be some deep fish Moving baits like a shad pattern hook. Some other good choices include Texans Are “Talking” . . . around brush piles and hard breaks in crankbait, swimbait or spinnerbait also King’s punch bait, Catfish Charlie or night 18-25 feet of water that you can catch on could be effective when worked over the crawlers. About spoons, football jigs, Texas rigs, Carolina tops of the deeper, submerged grass beds. LIVINGSTON - Here’s another East rigs and deep diving crankbaits,” he said. Another pattern to check out is Texas impoundment that came through “Plus, there should be some school fish throwing frogs (hollow bodies and buzz the summer months in excellent shape. popping up here and there, so it would frogs) around lily pads and clumps The lake was two inches above full pool be a good idea to keep a topwater handy.” of hydrilla in shallow water. The best in late July, so it’s a safe bet things won’t Anglers looking to catch some crappie stuff will generally be located close to a change much as we head into September. for the freezer will need to key on deep significant depth change created by creek Veteran Livingston bass hunter Randy brush piles using shiners, jigs and maybe channel, point or drop off. As a rule, these Dearman says the current water level TEXAS OUTDOORSJournal a small spinner like Stanley’s Mini Wedge tactics will be most productive early and change his plan of attack from September’s Runner. late or under overcast skies. gone by. Simply put, he’ll be up a creek. You can tip it with a tiny wedge tail CONROE — The water level at Lake “September is usually when you’ll Hunting AND Fishing minnow or one of the company’s new Conroe was about an inch high late July, start seeing a lot of shad making their “ I love the new look of I read TOJ from cover to every month! “ “ Ribbit Runts. It’s a small scale version of which means anglers can expect to find way up the creeks, and the bass will make your covers. cover every month. the original Ribbit that’s a perfect fit for water levels fairly close to full pool by the the move right along with them,” says That’s great! ” ” the mini-spinner. time September rolls around. Dearman. ” NACOGDOCHES — Lake According to fishing guide Butch “The bite will get progressively better Nacogdoches was only three inches low on Terpe, the high water has flooded an with time, because the days are going to July 28 and big rains were in the forecast. abundance of terrestrial vegetation that start getting shorter and the nights longer. Finally, a magazine that My guess is water levels will be real close grew at the lake’s upper reaches last year That’ll cool the water off.” “ I like it because it’s about Best saltwater coverage covers Texas like it should “ “ to pool level by the time this issue of TOJ while the lake was low. Lots of that stuff Dearman says spinnerbaits and Texas. of any magazine around. hits the streets. has 2-3 feet of water in it now, and he crankbaits are good choices when the be covered. ” ” If this September is like most, there predicts it will be holding fish throughout fish are acting aggressive and in the mood ” should be plenty of school fish getting the month. to chase a moving lure. A light breeze active throughout the day on the main “That’s where I’ll spend a lot of my and surface chop can help bolster that I’ve cancelled all my Your Lake Roundup lake as well in the mouths of random time,” Terpe said. “I’ll start off early in program. It’s the best – and most “ “ major coves. the day throwing a Stanley Ribbit frog He suggests keying on creek channel “ other magazines except even talks about some of The schoolies generally aren’t very big, and once the sun gets up I’ll switch to breaks in fairly shallow water. To refine the useful – gift I’ve ever TOJ. Keep up the good the smaller East Texas but they can be a blast to catch when they something like a Senko or maybe a shallow search he dials in on bends and channel received. are active on the surface. Assorted baits running crank.” swings that offer some sort of wood such ” work. lakes I fish. will work, but it is usually a good idea to Farther south, Terpe says boat as stumps and laydowns. Select boat docks ” ” use something you can cast a considerable docks, retaining walls and shoreline and piers located in close proximity to distance to avoid getting too close and rock structures will all be holding fish. deep water also can be good. spooking the fish. He likes to flip around the docks using If the bass aren’t in a chasing mood, Glad TOJ knows how to Topwaters that are chrome or clear in plastics or a jig. Otherwise, he’ll throw a the former guide advises working the “ Love the new look. “TOJ just keeps getting color are ideal. Another good choice is a crankbait or maybe even a topwater if he area with a Texas rig plastic or jig before count to 12!! LOL! “ ” better, and better. 1/2-ounce spoon reeled at a fast pace right sees something that warrants it. writing it off as unproductive. A buzz bait ” ” through the middle of the blood bath. “There will also be some fish hold in also could stir up some commotion. A Texas rig or crankbait also can be deeper structure like roadbeds and pond White bass will probably be the most good choices. These baits will sometimes dams in 8-15 feet,” he said. “A Carolina rig reliable game on the lake this month. fool larger fish that might be cruising or deep diving cranks are the best options The fish will school periodically on the Isn’t it time YOU found out along beneath the major school, picking in those types of areas.” main lake, then take their business to the off dead or injured shad that get left As much as Terpe likes to chase bass, bottom. what all the talk is about? behind in the killing spree. channel cat are the better option for those Rat-L-Traps, crankbaits and topwaters Grass fishing also will be a good way just looking to get bit. He says the FM are deadly medicine on schooling whites. to catch ‘em in September. The best stuff 1097 Bridge is a great community hole Spoons and deep-diving cranks are the To subscribe, call 1-800-222-4865 (4TOJ) should be in water ranging 8-16 feet of that gives up big numbers of fish. You orders of the day for bottom oriented or go online at water in close proximity to the main Loco just have to pick days when the wind will fish. www.texasoutdoorsjournal.com

28 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal september 2014 september 2014 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal 29 Just Shooting | Kerry O’Day

You can make very accurate shots this lying down, while others use longer legs scope to a lower setting and watch your way but you need to be shooting off a for shooting in a sitting position. If you breathing. Somehow we just can’t get Get Ready for an Off-Hand Shot hill or on very flat ground with nothing are hunting on very flat ground or in an away from the practice makes perfect in the way. area where there is tall grass you will need thing. Another way to shoot prone and to be the longer legs. very solid in your position is to use your Don’t just think that How many time have you been walking backpack as a rest under the forearm of you can go out and hunt up to your blind in the morning and had the rifle and your free arm to support using a bipod or sticks the biggest buck you have ever seen jump the butt stock. Practice throwing down without practicing with up and run off 50 yards then turn and look your pack during the off season will not them. Most shooters will at you? I have had this happen several only acquaint you with the position, but find that they shoot about times to me and in most cases I just had will also get you thinking about what to 3 or 4 inches higher when to look at the old guy and say you beat put in the pack that aides in support for shooting off sticks than me this time. your rifle. Shooting sticks and bipods are when they sighted in from Most of the time my hands are so full a great way to shoot game. I love to shoot the bench. of stuff I could never have gotten a shot off them and you can make very accurate This can ruin your off at the deer. Even if I could get a shot shots by using them. whole day to discover that off at the deer I would not take a chance Using shooting sticks is very easy, just you are shooting high and of missing or wounding him. brace off the sticks like you would when missing the game. You Why would I miss or not hit in the using a tree branch. Always shoot across need to practice shooting right spot to make a clean kill? I had not your body for balance and try to hold on off sticks, bipods, or in practiced shooting off hand, sitting or to the sticks and the forend of your rifle a sitting position and even kneeling with my rifle. at the same time. If you will practice remember to check your Most of us can shoot a decent group this a few times you will find out that sight in. you can shoot very well this way. I have The barrel of a rifle or from a shooting bench with sand bags and Brace your forearm against your side to help keep the rifle steady. a rest, but how about shooting off-hand made several 200 yard shoots off sticks handgun will rise more or in a sitting position? In the real world or bipods. when shooting off sticks of hunting, there are not many shooting shooting positions and how to shoot from rifle up so some time spent in the gym Bipods come in several different than when you shoot from Keep the scope on low power on this Z 5 3.5 power will work benches out in the field from which to each correctly. wouldn’t hurt. heights. Some have short legs for shooting a solid benchrest. Set your better than at 18 power. shoot. Have you ever tried to shoot off hand? A sitting position is a very stable There is the exception in South Texas Every time I go to the shooting range shooting position. Sit Indian style with with the high rise blinds or over a prairie to shoot I will send a few rounds down your front knee bent up. Brace your dog town. But in most cases you will range from an off- hand shooting stance. forearm off your knee and use this for a have to be able to make a clean shot using It is real humbling to see how bad you rest. Again shoot across your body to keep whatever is available to brace with. shoot and how much your rifle will move your balance. You will find that this is a I was hunting in Montana for around. Off-hand shooting is the hardest very stable shooting position. pronghorn antelope and had a shot at way to shoot accurately. Again have the scope set on a lower a good buck at just over 400 yards, but There are ways to help improve this power like the 3 or 4 power setting. when I looked for something to brace type of shooting. Always shoot across Remember scopes are adjustable and are from, there was nothing. I went over and your body; this will help keep you on meant to be changed not just turned to sat down, braced on my front knee, and balance. Use your front arm and hand to maximum power and left there. made the shot. Now I could not have brace off, I like to bend my forearm and Watch your breathing and take your done this if I hadn’t practiced this shot brace it to my chest and rest the rifle in time. Unlike shooting off-hand you position before. my hand. can hold this position for quite a while Shooting from a bench is great to Watch your breathing and try not to without getting tired. find out how accurate a rifle or handgun hold too long on target in this position. Shooting in the prone position is one is or checking a new load, but real world Take a rest if you have to hold too long of my least favorite ways to shoot. My shooting is not done from a bench. In or you will start moving the front of stomach seems to get in the way and fire Africa, you will most likely be shooting off the barrel. Then making a clean shot is ants always get me. This is the way you a set of 3 legged shooting sticks. In Alaska, hopeless. learn to shoot in the Army. It is a way to your shots will be made sitting or lying Having a good light weight rifle helps. shoot very accurately but you feel much prone and using a bipod. When hunting You can rap the sling around your forward more of the recoil and will be in a very elk in the West, you will use any tree arm to add extra support. Always have awkward position. branch or boulder to rest on. Occasionally your scope on the lowest power, so use the Lie down on your stomach, brace the you might even have to shoot off-hand 3 or 4 power setting. If you try to make an rifle on your bent forearm and brace the which is very hard to do, especially if you off-hand shot using 9 or 14 power, forget butt pad into your shoulder. Your rifle have never tried it before. it you will be all over the target. Last, is braced off your forward arm, your The following are several types of you have to be strong enough to hold the shoulder and your shooting arm.

30 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal september 2014 september 2014 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal 31 Just FISHING | Nate Skinner “bulls.” Contrary to their nickname however, TPWD biologists conclude that Count on Reds this Fall the majority of these “bulls,” are actually females, as most red drum in excess of 30 inches are females. Catching these monster reds can be as The ride out was a lot rougher than easy as picking a bait and casting it out, I expected. As the tide rapidly fell, a as they will often eat just about anything moderate easterly breeze blew against in sight. Popular natural baits include the current making for choppy surface cut mullet and cut shad, live croaker, live conditions in the Galveston Channel. mullet, live shad, freshly cracked crab, live With gritted teeth and white knuckles we or dead shrimp, fresh squid, or any other throttled down just knowing this rodeo of type of fresh cut bait. Artificial lures can a trek to the jetties would be worth it. It work just as well with the most productive was as close to a guarantee as one could offerings being heavy jigs, large Rat-L- get, at least that was our hope. Traps, and deep diving crank baits. Twenty minutes later the anchor More so than bait choice, tide and finally met the brine some twenty yards off location are extremely important for the granite, as the boat settled parallel with planning a productive outing during the rocks and lines were taught behind the the redfish run. Whether incoming or stern in the ripping current. No sooner outgoing, the fish seem to bite the best had the two fresh pieces of cut shad made during periods of strong tidal movement. it to the bottom than the clicker on both Like other predators, red drum use the reels go off with the two broom sticks current to their advantage to feed upon of rods doubled over. For the next two bait being pushed by the tide, and they hours, bull red after bull red were caught will stack up on the down current side and released until the tide finally fizzled of structure. out. Tired and satisfied I thought, “It sure When fishing jetties, the channel Kauffman releases the oversized red to spawn and fight another day. did feel good to be right for a change!” side or inside of the jetties will be more After a summer that has seen anything productive on an incoming tide as reds but normal weather patterns, not to will be feeding on bait being pushed mention wildly abnormal inshore fishing through holes in the rocks and any cuts patterns along the Texas Coast, September or small boat passes. On an outgoing tide, might coax some anglers to hang up the the outside or Gulf side of the jetties are rod and reel and reach for the shotgun. a better choice, as the current is moving Despite the inconsistency, it seems the the opposite direction through the rocks and so is the bait. Texas Redfish Biology During low tides, expect to find the redfish far off the beach in the third gut or The red drum is a unique fish that further. As the tide comes in and reaches is considered a late breeder in that they its peak, monster reds can be found as typically do not spawn until they are close as the first gut from the beach in nearly four years old under normal water that is just a few feet deep. Often conditions. The females long outlive All of Texas jetties are good places to catch bull redfish like this 32” bull red caught by Jeremy Kaufman at the North Galveston Jetty. during high tides in the middle of the the males, and adult females spend the night, schools of these huge reds can be majority of their lives within the Gulf, found in the shallow flats just off the beach feeding on just about anything along onset of fall may bring just the opposite through channels and passes into the Gulf near passes. The surf near San Luis Pass the jetties and in the surf. Many of these to Texas fisheries, in a large way, in the of Mexico, where these fish will eventually is a great area to target these fish in the adult females grow to lengths in excess form of a brute sized swimming tank, spawn offshore. The redfish run occurs in shallows at night, as well the flats along of thirty inches and can live up to 20 or known as the red drum. Yes, “Thank all Texas channels and passes that connect the Surfside beachfront near Freeport. 30 years in age. God for Redfish!” If all else fails, redfish, bays to the Gulf of Mexico, as well as along Sabine guide, Captain Randy Foreman Male redfish rarely live longer than particularly big ones, can be found the surf of Texas beaches from Sabine Pass says he expects redfish to be in full force at five to seven years, and are generally roaming the surf, passes, and jetties of the to Boca Chica. According to Texas Parks the jetties, along the beach, and the short smaller then adult females. These males Lone Star State as they begin their peak and Wildlife biologists redfish do not rigs by the first week of September near migrate to passes, jetties, and the surf spawning period that lasts throughout breed until they are about four years old Sabine Pass. “With all the rain we’ve had every fall to spawn with the giant females the fall, commonly known as the “Bull and longer than 28 to 30 inches in length, most of the bait has left the marsh and is initiating the redfish “run” that will kick Red Run.” hence the reason many of the fish caught headed to the Gulf, and the reds are going off in full force this month. This “run” refers to the migration of during this time period at the jetties and to follow it out through Sabine Pass where mature adult redfish in the bays moving in the surf are “oversized,” and considered they will spawn,” he explains.

32 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal september 2014 september 2014 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal 33 TACKLE TIPS & TECHNIQUES | Danno Wise

Triggering the Run – A look back in history Variety at the Jetty According to long time outdoor writer, the late A.C. Becker Jr. the redfish spawn- ing run can be triggered as early as mid August. “This trigger is invariably a tropical disturbance, that may go from just that, to a full blown hurricane,” Becker explained. Becker wrote that storms that roll ashore in the late summer and early fall are almost always followed by a major bull red run that follows within 24 hours after the squall passes inland. His vivid accounts of the most significant run he ever witnessed in the early 1960s are unbelievable. While writing for the Galveston Daily News at the time, Becker documented over 6,000 bull reds being reported caught after a major hurricane passed just off the Texas Coast and slammed into Louisiana.

Colin Welch with a 33 inch Bull Red caught along the Bolivar surf.

Galveston Bay guide, Captain Tim Young, says the schools of redfish he usually sees in Trinity and East Bay did not show themselves throughout the summer. “The reds did not stack up in the bay like they do in a normal year this summer, and my guess is, the jetties and the surf is the only place they could be right now. If you want reds, the Gulf is the ticket.” he says. Captain Greg Verm says he will be fishing for bull reds during the entire month of September at both of the Galveston Jetties. “I’ll target these big reds with large baits like shad or live croaker fished on the bottom. These fish travel in schools and we’ll hook two and three at time.” he says. Freeport area guide, Captain Mike Segall also plans to spend much of the month of September fishing for bull reds along the Freeport jetties and along the beach in the surf. “It’s as easy as soaking some freshly cut shad on the bottom,” he says. “Just cast out and get ready for a strong fight!” With summer winding down, fall brings an end to some frustrating inconsistency. Check the tides, pick a spot accordingly, and go after these spawning reds that swim like an underwater bulldozer. Multiple hook ups will be the norm, so get out there and burn up those drag washers! It feels great to plan for success in September!

34 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal september 2014 september 2014 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal 35 South Texas private lake owner Gary Schwarz has his sights set on producing a largemouth bass that will top Manubu Kurita’s current world record of 22 pounds, 4.97 ounces. That fish, pictured here, was caught in July 2009 at Lake Biwa in Japan. (Courtesy Photo)

TPWD gives green light for stocking state Operation World Record fish in South Texas private lake. Story by Matt Williams

Jurassic Park. has accomplished at La Perla. So proud meals to eat. Super fertile and manicured with that he charges a weekend rate of $2,000 “After seeing how big a difference my bass and bass fishing in mind, the lake per day, per person, for parties of 1-2 forage ponds made at the 12 percent level Schwartz calls La Perla is managed by people to fish there. The ranch website (la- relative to the big lake at La Perla, I set a team of private biologists. It is said to perlaranchresort.com) states that fishing out to build Jalisco with supplementation be equipped with everything from state- is limited to only eight days per of-the-art aeration and water filtration month to help prevent the bass systems to abundant water reserves that from becoming too lure savvy. can be utilized during periods of drought. Excited as he is about the Furthermore, it offers the fish a smorgas- big bass potential of his flag- bord of nutritious goodies that includes ship lake, Schwarz thinks his everything from bluegills and shad to chances of growing a world minnows, and get this, freshwater prawns. record will be even better at In case you’re wondering, a prawn a new lake he just completed ary Schwarz is a Zapata Wildlife Department’s most highly-prized lines Schwarz’ ambitious plan to surpass is similar to a shrimp. It packs a ton of on his ranch. It’s called Jalisco County ranch owner who is Florida bass offspring finning around in a what guys like Glen Lau and other big protein, too — way more than traditional Lake. on a big league mission to brand new lake he calls “Jalisco.” bass farmers before him spent years and bass forage. Schwarz, whose set-up also He said the 60-acre im- accomplishG something with largemouth Deer hunters might recognize Schwarz’ countless dollars trying to accomplish, includes several small ponds dedicated poundment was built using an bass that many private lake owners would name from the path he forged in the deer but failed. solely to growing prawns, first introduced improved La Perla blueprint probably love to attempt if they had the management industry in early 1990s. He It tells of a 62-year-old man with a the protein-rich crustaceans to his bass that called for well established resources and the time. He wants to grow pioneered Tecomate, a well-known food relentless drive to bring the world record forage program in 2009. Since that time, populations of shiners, shad, an army of big fish and, ultimately, one so plot forage believed to produce bigger, title to Texas…. a guy with a history of ac- he claims La Perla’s pure Florida and F1 bluegills and minnows before fat and heavy that it will top the current healthier whitetails. complishing things that others say can’t be hybrid largemouths have achieved some the lake is filled to capacity. world record of 22 pounds, 4.97 ounces. Bass fishermen, meanwhile, may rec- done…. a “visionary” who has reportedly significant increases in growth rate. Additionally, Schwarz built Only time will tell if he is able to pull ognize him from a story titled “Building transformed a tired, South Texas cattle To date, the lake has kicked out a a series of nearby ponds for Photo courtesy TPWD it off. If he doesn’t, it certainly won’t be the World Record Bass,” which appeared lake into a vibrant 90-acre impoundment number double-digit fish, including a 13 growing prawns and other for a lack of effort. It won’t for a lack of in the April 2013 issue of Bassmaster ripe with whopper largemouths that have pounder that was shocked up by biologists forage that equal nearly 40 Last June, TPWD stocked one of Schwarz’s lakes with 7,405 highly-prized Operation World Record fingerlings. The fish fish with the DNA to grow abnormally Magazine. achieved above-average growth rates amid during a Dec. 2013 electrofishing survey, percent of the lake’s capacity. are believed to have superior genetics, similar to these large, either. Interestingly, Schwarz has got The article (www.bassmaster.com/ an environment so artificial in nature that he said. In short, the fish will never ShareLunker prodigy that were stocked at Lake O’ The several thousand of the Texas Parks and tips/building-world-record-bass) out- it sounds like something straight out of Naturally, Schwarz is proud of what he run short on high calorie Pines in 2010.

36 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal september 2014 september 2014 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal 37 approaching a much higher proportion Implemented in 1999, OWR emphasizes 105,114 fingerlings; 97,610 fish were with deep pockets to follow, but in what stocking into Lake Fork and in the stock- have put out a press release in regards to of 50 percent of the bass habitat in forage selective breeding by pairing pure Florida divided among the six public lakes that ways will research data gathered in such ing of Florida hybrids into Echo Lake this recent venture down big bass road. ponds,” said Schwarz. “Imagine each year ShareLunker females with pure Florida produced ShareLunkers in 2013-14, and a freak setting benefit a guy who buys a in Henderson County, which produced But for some reason they didn’t, and that being able to create the equivalent of a males spawned by previous ShareLunk- Marine Creek, a 250-acre public study lake fishing license every year and fishes for consecutive state records in 1981. doesn’t look good on the state agency. surge of water mimicking a flood, only in ers. The Jalisco Lake fingerlings were the near Ft. Worth. bass on Sam Rayburn or Lake Somerville? Forshage says the first time a contract What makes it worse is the fish were this case it brings in threadfin, bluegill, offspring of a 13.67 pounder caught last The rest were sent to Jalisco Lake, Moreover, of what use will the data be to lake was used in evaluating OWR fish was sent to a private lake that is destined to fatheads, and prawn along with the en- January from Lake Athens by Frank Kirk where they were stocked at a rate of 123 TPWD when it comes to managing our in 2001. Six others have been stocked with become a “fee lake” as part of a deal that riched nutrients that the bass can gorge of Athens. fish per acre — a rate much healthier than public fisheries? OWR fish since, but only three are still be- contains an “Early Termination” clause on at will... and every year, it is repeated.” While state studies Allen Forshage, who heads up the ing used. The biologist said he first learned that says “either party may terminate this To tie it all together, Schwarz’ lake are ongoing to deter- department’s OWR program, claims there about La Perla’s program in 2012 from Agreement early, without liability and manager John Jones told Bassmaster that mine if OWR prodigy are several possible benefits. Texas bass pro Alton Jones. Subsequent without advance notice if: either party the new lake would be stocked with “a grow faster than stan- “Demonstrating the possibility of evaluations helped him determine it was determines, in that party’s sole discretion, very specialized strain of pure Floridas dard hatchery Floridas, raising trophy bass in private waters may a good prospect for a research site, he said. that termination is in that party’s best that have the genetics to grow really big, TPWD insists that result in more people doing so, which “One of the big problems with raising interest.” TPWD would have 180 days really fast.” OWRs are the créme de will reduce pressure on public waters,” big bass is the failure of forage base to to remove the fish at that point, but they I’m not sure which strain of Florida la créme of its Florida Forshage said. “As the population of Texas sustain high densities of big largemouth probably wouldn’t bother. If they did, it bass Jones was talking about there, but I do bass hatchery program. grows while the amount of public waters bass,” he said. “Lake Jalisco was built to would be impossible for them to collect know which type of fish were ultimately They are perceived as remains fairly constant, this will become eliminate this problem. This was the pri- them all. dumped into Jalisco Lake in late June. And very valuable fish be- more important. More intensively man- mary reason I agreed to stock our OWR Man on a Mission once word gets out where they came from, cause of their genetics. aged private fisheries would also result in into this lake. I feel we have good genetics No fault to Schwarz, though. My Texas’ 1 million-plus bass anglers might The number of more economic guess is there not be very happy about it. OWR fish available impact from aren’t many peo- The OWR Connection for stocking is lim- fisheries, creat- ple around who In a move that could cause some se- ited by the number of ing jobs and in- would invest the rious public relations issues for TPWD’s pure Floridas turned come for those amount of time Toyota ShareLunker program, the state over to ShareLunker operations. This and money he quietly trucked about 7,500 of its Oper- by Texas anglers each would be simi- did in building ation World Record program offspring season, and how many lar to the effect Jalisco Lake and Sunny and Jordon Shipley (right) with a pair of thick shoulder La to La Perla Ranch on June 25. Stocking of them spawn success- Perla lake largemouths. (Courtesy Photo) TPWD research then sign an reports indicate 100 of the fingerlings fully. Based on supply on trophy deer agreement that died during the 500-mile journey, leaving and demand, TPWD management allows some- 7,404 fingerlings for stocking into Jalisco sometimes retains a percentage the OWR lakes Fork, 0.5 fish per acre; Athens, 10 has had.” one else to tell Lake as part of a “research” project that fish for research purposes. Meanwhile, fish per acre; Palestine, 0.5 fish per acre; From a pub- them what they is bound by a restrictive 15-year contract the majority of the offspring are usually Toledo Bend, 0.07 fish per acre; Marine lic water per- can and cannot agreement between the state and Schwarz. stocked back into ShareLunker lakes at Creek, 50 fish per acre; and Lady Bird spective, the do with it for 15 OWR is a spinoff from TPWD’s high proportional rates, as they should be. Lake, 23 fish per acre. ShareLunker years. profile Toyota ShareLunker program. The OWR program this year produced The lopsided stocking rate of these chief says find- But it ap- highly-prized fish between Texas’ public ings from the pears that is ex- lakes and a single private lake that has study could actly what he has never contributed a single bass to the pro- lead to changes done. Schwarz gram is just part of this deal that may not in the way our claims his quest sit well with TPWD’s license purchasing lakes are man- to grow the constituents. aged. world’s biggest Photo courtesy TPWD Another is that the fish were stocked as “If the study Frank Kirk of Athens with the 13.67-pound Lake Athens ShareLunker that is the mother of 7,404 bass has become part of a TPWD “research” project aimed demonstrates Operation World Record fingerlings stocked into Jalisco Lake. Kirk publicly stated on the Texas Fishing an obsession and at finding out how big and fast OWR fish that it is possible Forum that he was not happy about the state’s decision to do so. a dream, not a can grow in a hopped-up environment to significantly pastime. Schwarz that in no way simulates what exists on increase the size of bass by increasing the with our fish, the habitat is very good, and also pointed out that reaching his goal isn’t any public lake in the state. forage base, this may lead to changes in the forage supply will be maintained using about fame or money. “This isn’t about The way it sounds, these fish are management strategies for public waters rearing ponds.” me,” he said. “My whole goal with this going to live like kings and queens on to try to achieve more of a balance be- Forshage added that he doesn’t see any deal is to do something great for the state room service. They will fin around in a tween stocking game fish and forage fish,” conflicts with Schwartz’ advertised fishing of Texas…. to knock it out of the park.” 60-acre lake, unmolested, and pig out on Forshage said. operation, because he “signed a 15-year He wants to bring the world record a high-protein diet of prawns, bluegills, A bout Those Contract Lakes contract to not allow fishing or access on title home. If successful, he can expect shad and whatever else comes their way Contract deals with private lake own- this lake.” Considering the high profile some critics. The way many see it, catch- for 15 years while we humans wait and ers aren’t anything new with TPWD, but of the Toyota ShareLunker program and ing a record bass in a 60-acre private lake Freshwater prawns will comprise a considerable portion the bass’ diet in a research project that some feel will provide no benefit to our public fisheries because they will be raised in an artificial watch to see how big they can get. they are pretty rare. The first were hatched Schwarz’ high profile in one of world’s would be akin to killing a record buck environment that cannot be duplicated on public lakes. (Courtesy Photo) No doubt such research may serve as in the early 1970s. Contract deals were most popular bass fishing magazines, you inside a 100-acre pen. a good blueprint for private lake owners instrumental in brood fish collection for would think somebody in Austin would Just not much glamour in it. 38 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal september 2014 september 2014 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal 39 For information on guides mentioned, see Guides, Gear & Getaways on pages 68-71

67 and drifting north toward the Cullen snook in South Bay on topwaters, but we’ll some mangrove snapper, drum or trout. House. start getting some real consistent action “September should also be great for CoastWatch Danno Wise “We do have some windy days in up the ship channel starting in September mangrove snapper. We always have some September, especially once we start seeing - especially once those early fronts start of our best mangrove snapper fishing some early fronts. If we get during September and October. some wind, I’ll move up on the You can catch them around just flats and fish for redfish. We’ll about any of the structures in LOWER COAST have a lot of redfish up on Gas the bay — bridges, docks — Well Flats. If we get some early or up in the ship channel or fronts where we have a really around the jetties. When I’m strong north wind blowing, you fishing for mangroves, I’m can get up on the bars around using shrimp or cut mullet. Gas Wells and catch some good “Really, we’ve got all kind of reds. There will also still be fishing going on in September. some reds in South Bay and Just keep in mind that it is over Mexiquito Flats through still a summer month - at September. Those fish won’t least in the beginning. Later Port Isabel guide Capt. Gencho leave until it cools off later in in the month, things will start Buitureira, Jr. said, “September is a the year. changing and we’ll start seeing summer month on the Lower Laguna “For the most part, I’ll still the fish transition into a fall Madre in both terms of the weather and be free-shrimping. If I am fishing Photo courtesy Capt. Gencho Buitureira Jr. pattern. But, at the beginning Early in September fishing the Intracoastal Waterway will still be a Photo courtesy Capt. Gencho Buitureira Jr. fishing pattern.” But, he says, by month’s for trout, I am almost always of September you need to fish good option as evident by this nice trout caught by Carla Carrillo of Sabrina Carrillo and Steve Calamia of San Antonio show off a pair of fish available for fall end there will be some noticeable changes free-shrimping. I will be fishing McAllen. the same way you would fish in anglers. in each of those areas. some cut bait when I’m fishing July and August.” September is a month that offers great As the gateway between summer and “Fishing during the first part of for reds. If I am fishing cut bait, it will be pushing through. When I’m fishing up In Port Mansfield, Capt Mitch fishing, although relatively few fishermen fall, September has somewhat of a split September will be almost just like fishing either mullet or skipjack. the ship channel, I’ll be free-shrimping. In Richmond of Get-A-Way Adventures are around to see it. After a summer of personality. There is no question early in July and August,” said Buitureira. “It is “Towards the end of September, I’ll September, you can almost always catch Lodge says September is the start of bustling bays and beachfronts, September September is hot and fish are still in their still summer and it is still hot. So, the fish also start making some trips up the ship something up the ship channel. If the shallow water fishing. offers anglers plenty of solitude as the summer pattern. will start out still in a summer pattern in channel for snook. You can catch some snook aren’t biting, you can always catch “In September, I look for reds over summer crowds have gone. But, although However, around mid-month, the first September. the crowds have dwindled, the schools of few feeble fronts begin to push through “Of course, for me, when fish are in a fish have not. the Lone Star State. These early fronts, summer pattern that means I’ll mostly be Schools of speckled trout, redfish and coupled with shorter days and slightly fishing bridges, channels, and other deep black drum can be found in every bay. cooler air temperatures are enough to get water structure. In September, we have Along the beachfronts of the Lower and the water temperatures to start dropping. a lot of calm days. If it is calm, I’ll start Middle Texas coasts, tarpon will be active. As the water temperature drops, fish out around the bridges. Again, it’s pretty At the tip of Texas, snook and mangrove activity rises. much like August. I’ll also be fishing along snapper will also be targets for inshore By the end of September, fishermen the Intracoastal quite a bit. If I’m fishing fishermen in September. start getting the feel of fall. the ICW, I’ll usually start around Marker

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40 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal september 2014 september 2014 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal 41 feet of leader. mullet or they can stake out and fish cut Port O’Connor guide Capt. John bait to worry about. I can usually catch If they hit that one before the others, piggy perch, skipjack or finger mullet in Frankson says there will be plenty of plenty of bull reds on shrimp and then, if I’ll switch everyone to corks. But, we the potholes. angling options in the POC area during I move into the bay, I can use those same usually just free-line them and that does There will still be plenty of trout fishing September. shrimp for trout or reds in the bay. the trick. If I’m using lures in September, to be had in September as well. Essentially, “During September, we’ll have a lot “As far as bay fishing goes, I will still I’ll be throwing topwaters.” the first few weeks of September will be a of bull redfish around the jetties,” said be fishing the wells over near Palacios for repeat of August, with fish holding on the Frankson. “So, that’s usually our first trout in September. I’ll also be fishing outside edges and in the channels. There option — we start a lot of days out fishing around Half Moon Reef. will also be good trout fishing over the there. “You can usually pick up a pretty good MIDDLE COAST reefs in Aransas Bay. Usually, I’ll use live shrimp. A lot of mix of trout and reds around Half Moon Live shrimp, piggy perch and soft- people use mullet or cut shad for bull reds. Reef that time of year. We’ll also still be plastics will be the top choices for trout I just stick with shrimp. doing some wadefishing, too. fishermen. Later in the month, as it begins “I like using shrimp because I move “Really, we’ll be doing a little bit of to cool off a bit, the topwater bite should around a lot and it’s nice to just have one everything in September.” get going as well. Rockport guide Capt. Ray Burdette says fishing along the Coastal Bend should be superb in September. Speckled trout, redfish and black drum will move up on shallow grass flats to feed as “By September, all our fishing is temperatures cool. getting better,” said Burdette. “Both trout and redfish action will be getting better. It shallow water grass beds early in be doing the same thing. Usually, I’ll start Aransas Pass anglers will see redfish is still hot in September, but the days are the day,” says Richmond. “I’ll usually be out fishing a little deeper for trout first emerge as the primary target during shorter so the water will slowly be cooling throwing a Super Spook Jr in Pink Flash thing in the morning, then I’ll move up September as giant schools of bull reds off, which causes the fish to become more or an Egret 3 1/2-inch Wedge Tail Minnow on the flats for reds. Remember, it is still will be getting ready to leave the bay. These active. on their 1/16 oz screw lock jig head. At real hot during the first part of September, schools are easily spotted on the shallow “We’ll mostly be using piggy perch times, I’ll also throw a gold 1/4 oz Johnson so most of the trout will still be hanging flats, where they can be taken on spoons, for both trout and reds, but we’ll be weedless spoon. a little deeper. soft-plastics and topwater plugs. using some live mullet for redfish as well. “Later in the day I shift my focus to “Really, about the only thing I do The typically calm conditions Usually we’ll be drifting or wading and trout hanging over grass beds in waist a little different between August and experienced in September also enhance fishing in sand spots in grass beds. This deep water. Again, I’ll be throwing top September — besides switching to piggies the sight-casting opportunities for both pattern will hold as long as the weather waters or an Egret soft plastic. If the bit — is I’ll sometimes use an Alameda rattler conventional tackle anglers and fly stays warm. is a little slow, I’ll stick with the soft- when I’m fishing bait. Most of it will still fishermen. “Sometimes it lasts into October, plastics. When fishing grass beds, it is be free-lining, but I’ll sometimes start out Anglers wanting to fish natural baits other years it will start changing in mid- not uncommon for a bed to hold several throwing one with a cork and about three can sight cast with live shrimp or finger September. It all depends on when we start keeper trout. So, it’s always a getting those early fronts. good idea to cast at the same “As long as the weather is hot, we’ll grass bed several times after be spend the first half of the day fishing getting a hit or catching a the potholes, then move out to drop-offs fish.” and channel edges. We’ll be fishing the Corpus Christi guide same baits out there, just fishing a little Capt. Allen Sifford says he’ll deeper water. be splitting time fishing “Most of the time, we’ll be throwing Baffin Bay and the Upper live bait. But, we do throw some artificials Laguna during September. — mostly topwaters and soft-plastics. He says the biggest change We’ll throw the topwaters over the top of this month will have to do holes and run jerkshads through them. with his bait of choice. If water is real clear, we’ll be throwing “By September, all the darker colors and more neutral colors. If croaker will be too big to use. the water is stained, we’ll throw something So, if we’re throwing bait, it with a chartreuse or white tail. will be piggies,” said Sifford. “In September, we’ll still come across “So, I’ll either be fishing schools of black drum on the flats. When topwaters or piggies, looking the tide falls out they are on edges. When for trout and reds. the tide comes in they push back into the “I’ll be fishing in Baffin, as back of the flats and into the back lakes. I well as the Upper Laguna and always like to make sure I have a rod rigged Yarborough. No matter what As water temperatures begin to cool, a good topwater bite will start to develop. to throw shrimp in case we come across a body of water I am fishing, I’ll school of black drum.”

42 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal september 2014 september 2014 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal 43 GUNS ‘N STUFF | Harold Gunn For those with the original controlled-expansion bullet, “the need for speed” the Remington Core-Lokt with the pro- Load Up Remington has put gressively tapered copper jacket locked the pedal to the metal to a solid lead core. A bit of tweaking with the new Hyper- has birthed the Core-Lokt Ultra Bonded Sonic Centerfire line designed for accuracy, weight retention hunt year round. First they changed the wad creating a offering up to 200 feet- and expansion.This bullet retains up to At the onset of shot cup within a shot cup. A center post per-second velocities 95% of original weight and offers con- fall great sea- at the base of the wad grabs and holds 1⁄8 over standard loads. trolled expansion up to two times original sonal hunting ounce of shot upon setback when the shell Development began diameter. Remington offer HyperSonic opportunities is fired thus weighting the wad so it flies with a proprietary Centerfire cartridges in several calibers. become avail- true. The wad petals are longer than stan- blend of propellants A couple of examples are the .223 Rem. able now through dard and have a helical cut that provides to increase the speed sending a 62-grain bullet downrange at the spring and spin upon opening. then working to match 3262f.p.s and a .300 Win. Mag. turned give hunters the The wads come in two colors to aid the loads and bullet up to 3122f.p.s. Find out more at www. chance to check visibility depending on background. For designs to achieve the remington.com. out the latest am- low light and dark backgrounds choose end results. For the Load up, practice and be safe out munition avail- florescent orange or black for bright skies bullet they began with there. able for those and light backgrounds. pursuits. These shells are available in 12 and 20 the pig’s thick tough hide and delay the Hornady .308 WIN American Whitetail. Fast flying gauge with No. 7 or 8 high-antimony lead expansion to deliver the energy inside dove and quail shot. The NRA has awarded Winchester the porker. It is a joyous time for Texans as tradi- are missed most often by shooting behind the 2014 Golden Bullseye Award for Am- Winchester has now expanded the tional fall hunting seasons begins to open the bird followed by the exclamation, munition Product of the Year. Our first use rifle cartridge line to include .270 Win., on September 1. It starts with dove and “How did I miss?” Winchester has added a of the AA TrAAcker shot shells should be .30-06 Springfield, .308 Win., and sur- then closely followed by the season open- new feature to their famous AA load along for practice. prisingly 7.62x39. AK shooters rejoice. ers for waterfowl, quail, squirrel, whitetail with a new name, TrAAcker, to show us Winchester has given waterfowl a lot This year they have added a pig specific deer, turkey and more. Also, never forget how we missed. This is their twist on a more to worry about with their new Blind .44 Rem. Mag. for handgun and carbine exotics and feral pigs are available to tracer round and it works. Side shotshells. The magic is the unique hunters featuring a .225-grain bullet steel shot that is cube shaped. They call it with a six position beveled profile that Hex Shot because the technical name for strengthens the expanding segments for Winchester’s Blind Side Hex Shot. the shape is hexahedron with corners, weight retention and penetration. edges and 6 flat sides. 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44 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal september 2014 september 2014 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal 45 For information on guides mentioned, see Guides, Gear & Getaways on pages 68-71 their boats. Most do. Other boaters are two years? It looks like massive stocking (massive hydrilla coverage) instead of the similarly required. Some ignore the law. of triploid grass carp are the culprit. They cause (nutrients that fed hydrilla, leading One fisherman told me in July that he are stocked to eat hydrilla. For the first to a population explosion). Perhaps the Lake Roundup witnessed three different boats motoring eight years of their stocking in Austin, authorities should devote more attention down the lake in the dark with no lights. 13,900 were released. For the last four to what flows into the lake that causes Another fisherman told me a few years years, 31,167 of the eager eaters were plant growth. weathermen change careers. recommended fishing at night during late ago that a man and girl motoring slowly placed in the lake. That’s going on three There’s got to be a better solution. The So, until the weather and water cool, summer – which goes into the first half of for some inexplicable reason one night times as many in the last four years as in fishery means too much to Central Texas we’ll be in a summer pattern a few weeks September. I’ve especially suggested that failed to see his boat with lights on both the previous eight. to be destroyed. longer. For largemouths, that usually for anyone wanting to fish Lake Austin. ends of it and cruised right over him, I was unable to obtain complete Onward. If you like vegetation, try a means hitting the schooling herds that There are fewer boats on the lake at night. inspite of his yelling. He dove at the last vegetation surveys by TPWD’s Inland canoe or kayak trip down the Colorado chase shad on all of our lakes. Fish right During the daytime, the constant aqua minute, narrowly avoiding death. Fisheries folks due to summer vacations, River below Longhorn Dam. There’s at daylight and look and listen for the parade of high speed boats with their loud The blue boat incident on Lake but the most recent one – March, 2014 – plenty of plant life on the river now. Neal splashing, frothing action on the surface. motors is bothersome. Buchanan some time ago left one kid showed a 20% lake presence of milfoil, but Cook, of Cook’s Canoes (512-276-7767) Any lure that resembles a two to three One man pulling a kid on a tube or dead, one unconscious in the boat, and didn’t mention hydrilla. in Webberville, says his boats can still inch shad will work. Tiny Torpedoes and wakeboard and not paying attention to one adrift in a dark lake. The blue boat had That’s about the percent of grass navigate and the fishing is great, but the Shad Raps are my favorites for schools where he was going nearly ran over my no lights on, and left the scene. Eight years the guides indicated. All or most of it water hyacinths are trying to take over. that erupt near the boat, but the weight wife as she paddled her bright yellow later, the pilot was located and convicted. is between the Low Water Bridge and They’re beautiful to the eye, but rapidly and configuration of those baits restricts kayak across the upper end of the lake Just beware of other boaters! Mansfield Dam. Water clarity seems clog waterways. Cook says he’d like to their casting distance. I keep one rod this past spring. To add insult to mental Until the water cools, fish the shade to have suffered, too. Lack of filtering stock hippos. Got any? Too bad carp don’t rigged with a white or silver jigging spoon anguish, he yelled at her to stay out of his during the day. Bass like to stay out of vegetation will cause that. eat hyacinths. By John Jefferson that will cast like it was shot out of a rifle. way as he motored close by. She refers to the sun. Boat docks or patches of shade Several guides said they were not Cook had to help the guys who White, silver or blue Rat-L-Traps work, Lake Austin as a “toy lake.” provided by bluffs or trees are usually guiding Austin anymore. A couple others camped on an island in the river and had At last! The “Rs” are back – those too. Recent anecdotal evidence tells me that productive. said they still guided there, but their their boats washed away during a recent wonderful, relieving months with Rs The schooling action is usually over night fishing on Austin is confounded by As the water begins to cool, the baitfish clients caught a lot fewer fish. The storm. in their names that signify the end of around noon, but sometimes lasts longer. the darkness and isn’t much safer – even will move from deep water to shallower consensus was that instead of controlling Reminds me of a time on the Llano summer, cooler weather, and better and But will YOU? The mid-day and afternoon with fewer boats present. Fishermen environs. Follow ‘em! Use electronics hydrilla, the carp eradicated it. 40 years ago when we neglected to check more enjoyable fishing. Oysters harvested heat are limiting factors. For years, I have at night are required to have lights on to find the schools of bait and fish any One guide said hydrilla treatment the weather. Ever spend a stormy night during these months are brush, weeds or structure nearby. Jigs was based on attacking the symptom in a cave? safer to eat, too. and crankbaits are wise choices, the latter But finding oysters in enabling you to cover more water quickly any of the Highland Lakes and find the fish. The Latest Freshwater and Coastal Reports is only slightly more rare Back to Lake Austin and the lack of from around the Region than finding grass in Lake hydrilla. Several guides and fishermen Austin nowadays. If you have reported a severe decline in hydrilla find any of either, please let and Eurasian milfoil, the two major me know. More on the grass species of aquatic vegetation in the lake. shortage further down in I personally talked to four guides, three the column. The oyster of whom said emphatically that the reference is thrown in just vegetation was virtually gone. The fourth as a public culinary service. one said he could show me grass but Although good weather acknowledged that it was above Quinlan TEXAS * LOUISIANA * OKLAHOMA * ARKANSAS and good news about Park and was not hydrilla. Comments on With Host Barry Stokes fishing are on the way, austinbassfishing.com also emphatically Weekly Reports Including: that usually doesn’t hit confirmed the lack of hydrilla. Lone Star Lakes - Brian Hughes, until around the middle of The significance of this is that the "On The Coast" - (Texas) Capt. Bill L. Olson, Cajun Bites - Cajun Phil & Capt. Kevin Broussard, September. hydrilla is superb bass habitat, and most Sooner Beat - Gary Dollahon As mild and occasionally of the habitat in Austin. With almost damp as the summer was, all species, destroy their homes and the cool fall weather may be species declines. TPWD also confirmed a little later coming this the hydrilla decline. year. I don’t know why Before the hydrilla loss became that is, but it seems like obvious, Lake Austin was considered as weather is funny that way. hot or hotter than any bass lake in Texas – Have a freeze in October including Fork. The ShareLunker records or early November, and show that Austin produced three Lunkers THURSDAYS 10:30 P.M. CST SATURDAYS 7:30 A.M. CST (NEW TIME) there might not be much Photo © John Jefferson in 2011, five in 2012, two in 2013 and just cold weather the rest of the Fishing guide Mike Hastings about to release a pair of nice bass in a time before habitat one in 2014. Watch Last Week's Show In Full HD NOW At FoxSportsOutdoors.com winter. I guess that’s why destruction on Lake Austin. Why the ShareLunker decline the past

46 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal september 2014 september 2014 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal 47 Top Tactics for SEPTEMBERSEPTEMBER SPECKSSPECKS

A variety of ways to catch trout along the Texas coast, plus the added bonus of some afternoon dove hunting awaits anglers this month. Story and photography by Robert Sloan

he best thing about September fish in the 3 to 4 pound class, will often be ing shorelines, during September, is along is that the summer crowds are feeding under a single gull. If you pull up the south shoreline of East Galveston Bay. gone. School is open, football on a huge flock of gulls you can usually During the week this particular shoreline seasonT is in full swing and about the last expect to catch lots of small trout in the gets very little fishing pressure. And it’s thing many folks think about is fishing. 12 to 14 inch class. It’s best to leave that where you can catch good numbers of But truth-be-known this is the time to situation and hunt for bigger trout. At trout on topwater plugs early, then switch target speckled trout from Sabine Lake times there will be six to eight groups of over to soft plastics after the sun heats to the Laguna Madre. That’s a lot of water gulls working in one area. That’s when it’s things up. and as we move away from simmering hot best to move from one flock to another You will definitely catch better trout days, tactics for catching trout can vary until you start sticking solid specks. while wading in waste deep water early, from one bay to another. Best lures will be fast sinking soft then moving out a little deeper after the September on Sabine Lake means plastics. One of the local favorites is a Yum dawn topwater bite slows. A bone colored fishing under the birds. This is one of F2 Houdini Shad rigged on a ¼ to 3/8 Super Spook One Knocker is a very good my favorite places to fish in September. ounce Bomber Saltwater Grade jig head. choice, according to guide Jim West. Top There are not too many boats to contend You want to use the heavier jig heads to colors for soft plastics include glow white, with and numbers of trout feeding under get down past the smaller trout feeding red/shad and rootbeer. the birds is something you have to see to on the surface. Another very good lure Fishing the jetties at either Sabine believe. is a Cotton Cordell Super Spot in black/ Lake or Galveston Bay is a good option There are several ramps on Sabine chrome, blue/chrome or chartreuse/shad. during September. The main reason is that provide quick access to the open If you see fish hitting the surface hit ‘em that there are practically no boats working water areas of the lake where you’ll find with a topwater like a Super Spook Jr. the rocks during the week. Even on the great action under the birds. One of the Usually the heavier trout will push shrimp weekends you’re going to find that there best is at the Pleasure Island RV Park on to the surface. That’s when a topwater lure is considerably less boating traffic along the northwest end of Sabine. Another is will work best. the granite rocks. located at the causeway bridge that con- East Galveston Bay offers September Granted, the bird action is likely to nects Texas to Louisiana. There are ramps anglers two very good options. One is to be pretty darned good on the open bays, on both sides of the bridge. The best one target trout under the birds. The other, however keep in mind that fat trout will is on the Louisiana side. for bigger trout, is to wade the shorelines be feeding along jetties big time during The most consistent action under the while fishing topwater plugs and soft plas- September. All the shad and shrimp that birds for big trout will be under small tics for better than average specks. the fish are feeding on under the birds flocks of gulls. Some of the heaviest trout, One of my favorite all-time wade fish- will eventually move with outgoing tides

48 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal september 2014 topwater plugs Springer. “Some of the best trout we’ll and swim baits. catch during September are along the clear TOP TEN REASONS TO SUBSCRIBE One tactic water flats of the Intracoastal Waterway. you definitely The key is to find the small guts leading off TO TEXAS OUTDOORS JOURNAL don’t want to the flats to the deeper water. That’s where pass on is the the heavier trout will stage on a falling surf option. Once tide. We’ll be using Super Spooks Jr.’s early. 1. In March 2014, named #1 in major outdoor publication category. we begin getting Then after the sun heats things up and the For 15 consecutive years named one of the top fi shing, hunting & cool fronts the fish move to deeper water soft plastic jigs surf along Mata- will be the best option. One thing that outdoors magazines in Texas. gorda Island will keeps us on September trout is to find and go flat and green fish big schools of bait on the flats.” 2. A year’s subscription has 12 issues, not something less. to the beach. And Last September I fished with Springer guess what – big along a flat just off the Intracoastal Water- 3. Both fi shing and hunting coverage in every issue. surf-run trout way. We got there at dawn and found big will be under numbers of mullet on the surface. 4. Covers Texas like it should be covered with timely reports from photo by Nate Skinner pods of baitfish “It’s gonna work today,” said Springer the fi eld and on the water. in the first and as he slid over the gunwale. “Let’s stay on Veteran Sabine Lake guide Capt. Randy Foreman hooks up with another solid speckled trout at the Sabine jetty. second guts. This the outside edge of the mullet and throw 5. Proven solunar table of major and minor feeding periods of the day.. is where big top- Spooks and see what happens.” through the jetties. A September outgoing water plugs rule. Super Spook One Knock- The topwater bite lasted about an hour, tide at the Sabine jetties can put trout into ers in chrome/blue or mullet patterns will then we switched over to soft plastics. I 6. Tide table with adjustments for the entire Texas coast. a major feeding frenzy. rack up some serious numbers of 3 to 5 stood in one spot and caught 53 trout to Best lures along the jetties are chrome/ pound trout in the surf. Another proven 4-1/2 pounds while using a 3-1/2-inch 7. Written by top writers that have etched their names in the record books. black or chartreuse/silver Spots. The best lure is a half or ¾ once silver spoon with long herring colored Yum Money Min- way to fish this lure is parallel to the rocks either a pink or yellow bucktail teaser. now. That’s a perfect imitation of a finger 8. TOJ tells you where to go, what to expect when you get there and in about four to seven feet of water. If the If you plan on fishing the surf along mullet or shad. We were in about three to how to do it a little bit better. lipless cranks don’t deliver the action, Matagorda Island fill up with fuel prior four feet of water. The trick was to fish the switch over to a swim bait or a jig. I like to leaving the dock. What you want to Money Minnow about two feet deep on a 9. Covers the Texas outdoors and outdoors interests of Texans. a white or white/chartreuse 3-1/2 inch do is run out through the Port O’Connor steady retrieve. That was one of those epic Money Minnow rigged on a ¼ ounce jig jetties or Pass Cavallo. From there you can days where everything went right. 10. Every cover is a work of art. head. Another option is to fish a Houdini run for miles, east or west, while fishing I met Springer back at his boat and we Shad on a ¼ or 1/8 ounce jig head tight to under baitfish, or following flocks of gulls compared stringers. the rocks. Big trout will be feeding close to and pelicans. “You about ready to head back in, get ONE YEAR SUBSCRIPTION the rocks under big pods of mullet. That’s Mike Sutton, owner of Getaway Ad- some lunch, and go dove hunting,” asked $ 95 12 MONTHS OF TEXAS OUTDOORS JOURNAL $ 95 where you want to be fishing early and late. ventures Lodge, says that trout fishing on Springer. That’s why September is such a 18 DELIVERED TO YOUR DOOR & AVAILABLE ONLINE 18 If you like to wade now is the time to give the Laguna Madre clear water flats is the great month to be fishing and hunting in East Matagorda and West Matagorda bays ticket for September success. Texas. a shot. Guide Charlie Paradoski says his “What makes this place such a popular NEW favorite time to wade for numbers of trout option in September is that we’ve got trout Yes, I want to receive TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal. Sign me up for: RENEWAL on these bays is September and October. fishing in the morning, and dove hunting His go-to lures include a clown-colored in the afternoon,” says Sutton. “This is one year $1895 two years $2995 three years $3995 GIFT Super Spook Jr. and a Badonk-A-Donk when our topwater action is some of the 12 issues 24 issues 36 issues From $ $ $ in a natural croaker pattern. best that you’ll find anywhere along the ( 47.88 on newsstands) ( 95.76 on newsstands) ( 143.64 on newsstands) both print anD online Versions are incluDeD With these subscriptions “Those are two topwater lures I’ll be Texas coast.” fishing over shell reefs and along the east On my most recent fishing excursion NAME shoreline of East Bay,” says Paradoski. to Mansfield we headed out at first light to “That’s where big trout will be feeding fish a belly-deep flat along the King Ranch ADDRESS on mullet and shad. That’s why the small shoreline. Along on that trip were David CITY STATE ZIP topwater plugs work so well. The fish are Sikes, Sutton and Joe Doggett. Sikes had PHONE EMAIL ADDRESS there and the lack of boating traffic allows tied on a Badonk-A-Donk and within a teXas outDoors Journal Does not rent or sell its mailinG list, nor release any information about subscribers. me to put my clients on good numbers of few casts locked up with a trout in the solid trout with topwater lures like a 3-1/2 7-pound class. That’s about as good it gets Payment: Check/MO Enclosed Visa MasterCard American Express Discover inch Badonk-A-Donk.” for September trout fishing. Port O’Connor offers miles, upon Guide Ted Springer has been fishing Account # Exp. Date miles of clear water flats to fish around the Laguna Madre, out of Port Mansfield, photo by Nate Skinner CW2 (3-digit code on back of MC, Visa & Discover; 4-digit code on front of AmEx) the many islands scattered out in Espiritu for over a decade. Nate Skinner enticed this, and several other Signature Santo and San Antonio bays. This is where “You won’t find a better place to wade solid specks to hit topwater lures from an Mail this completed form to: TEXAS OUTDOORS JOURNAL, 1706 W. Sam Houston Parkway North, Houston TX 77043 you want to wade fish with scaled down for good numbers of solid trout,” says East Galveston Bay reef is seven feet of water. Or call 1-800-222-4TOJ (4865) In Houston call 713-957-3997 to charge your subscription by phone. 50 september TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal 2014 Or order SECURELY online at www.texasoutdoorsjournal.com. Please allow 6-8 weeks for your subscription to begin. JUST HUNTING | Cody Koehler level. Position yourself in cover adjacent is centered on the hunter with a do-it- make your own luck. to the gap and be ready to shoot. yourself mentality. There are no published Keep in mind that guidelines vary Texas Public Land Hunting – Part 2: For the Birds Johnson says that getting out in hunter success rates for dove fields. You from location to location. For example, person, confirming what you’ve last season at the Lake Somerville seen is an important final step. public hunting lands, dove hunters “After I’ve computer scouted, I were allowed to access and hunt like to ground truth what I’ve seen dove every day of the Central Dove and early teal signal the start of on Google Earth: Is there water in season. Simply follow the dates that hunting season in Texas. After waiting out that pond? Are there crops in the TPWD sets and the boundaries the summer heat, Texans are ready to hit area?” Putting together a great given at the lake. A few counties to the field with shotgun in hand, bird dog hunt on public land will take some the north, the 14,238 acre Richland at heal. Part 1 of the public land hunting work. For the $48 that buys the Creek Wildlife Management Area series (TOJ, August 2014 issue) chronicled APH permit, it can be well worth only opened to dove hunters for a where to find big game opportunities with the time. thirteen day span. the Annual Public Hunt permit and public Knowledge of dove patterns Two places, same region, draw system. Hunters looking for public and behavior paired with studying different rules. Make downloading land access for dove and waterfowl also of Google Earth are the keys to and knowing the 2014-2015 public have an abundance of options. hunter success. Kelly Edmiston hunt booklet your priority. Tech The APH permit opens over one with the Public hunting program savvy hunters can download to a million acres of land to Texas hunters. at TPWD said that unlike the mobile device. Snap pictures with The Public Land Hunting Booklet, only controlled draw hunts, data for your phone of your successful published online starting this year, is APH walk in hunting is not hunt and be connected with the a detailed manuscript that ever public gathered. rule book at the same time. For teal hunter must have. The booklet contains “We do send surveys to APH hunters, the Austin, San Antonio maps that show everything the public holders every couple of years, and Houston regions hold the land dove hunter needs from exact but only to measure utilization largest number of public hunt locations of fields to all requirements. and hunter satisfaction of our Waterfowl hunters also have a plethora of public hunting areas for early waterfowl hunting. options from the early teal season in September, through the The booklet can be viewed at: www.tpwd. areas” said Edmiston. The APH The Austin/Waco region leads state.tx.us/huntwild/hunt/public/lands/ close of the regular waterfowl season in January. table_contents. Texas Parks & Wildlife breaks down public hunting into eight regions across the Lone Star State: Panhandle, Trans- Pecos, Central Texas, Dallas-Ft. Worth, Made to go Pineywoods, Austin/Waco, Houston/ Beaumont, and San Antonio/Corpus wherever your Christi. quest takes you . . . The number of public dove hunting Dove hunters have plenty of hunting options by purchasing an Annual Hunt Permit wherever locations varies by region. The Austin/ licenses are sold. Access to thousands of acres is available to hunt dove and other game. Waco region with 45 and San Antonio with 42 have the most dove fields from things: potential roosts, food source, ground for birds to land and eat. which to choose. The Dallas-Ft. Worth water, and a linear feature dove will follow Finding roosts, water and food is only region with 24 has the third most options. between those three.” part of the equation. To be within shotgun Texans in the Trans-Pecos and Central For roosting, Johnson explained to distance, hunters must discern how the Texas regions have the fewest with only look for oak or mesquite flats, or really birds are entering or exiting the field. A three public dove hunt properties each. wide and thick fence rows. Water sources big dove field is too vast to simply plop a With a total of 152 public land dove could be a pond, creek or nearby lake. As swivel-hunting bucket near the parking fields to choose from, scouting the best for food, timing with local farmers is the spot and hope birds fly close. Locate linear Black & Tan Camo fields for success would take months of key. “Google Earth will show plowed up features such as power lines, treed fence driving and observing. Fortunately, all ground plain as day,” said Johnson. lines, dry creek beds – anything a bird can reconnaissance can be done from home. Google Earth map data goes back zone in to follow from above. The most accurate ultra-light A downloadable Google Earth KML and many years, and hunters should look at According to biologist Johnson, the rifle without compromise GPS map with every public dove hunt previously taken imagery for indications ticket is to find a hole in the line. “As 3 location can be found on the TPWD of agricultural activity. Johnson recalled they fly in, dove will generally break into A precision firearm designed for ultra- • Custom Built as Light as 4 /4 lbs. minimum weight, ultra-minimum recoil, website: www.tpwd.state.tx.us/huntwild/ seeing a public land field full of birds the field wherever there is a gap in the • Customer’s Choice of Caliber and ultimate accuracy. • Guaranteed Accuracy hunt/public/lands/maps. thanks to a farmer’s tractor. “The best linear feature.” A break in a power line, TPWD Urban Biologist Brett Johnson hunt I’ve ever seen was a Johnson grass two fences coming to a gate, a gap in the explains how he prefers to evaluate a field field that got plowed under on August trees – any place the line stops is a spot w w w . m g a r m s i n c . c o m | t : 281.821.8282 | m g a r m s @ s w b e l l . n e t from Google Earth. “I’m looking for four 31.” Plowing stirs seed and provides clear the birds may use to dive down to ground MG Arms recommends Swarovski Optik for precision long-range optics and is an Authorized Swarovski Dealer.

52 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal september 2014 september 2014 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal 53 MGA-QuestAd-Horz-TOJ.indd 1 7/1/14 8:58 AM FIELD TIPS & TECHNIQUES | Nate Skinner & Danno Wise a public hunting program booklet. This information packet Bag More Dove answers 18 frequently asked questions about hunting requirements at the lakes. Everything from permits needed to hunter orange requirements is covered in the FAQ. It can be downloaded at: media. swf.usace.army.mil/ pubdata/ops/recnres Almost every aspect of the hunting process — applications, information booklets and scouting has gone on-line. Almost. The real action still takes place in the great outdoors. Texans don’t need to own land to have a great Dove hunting is a great sport to be shared with friends and family. The author’s wife’s smile represents the thrill all hunters fall season. Grab an will experience as another season of hunting begins. She greets Annual Hunt Permit, the new season with the family retriever, Mojo dove decoy, and and/or apply for a few her favorite shotgun. draw hunts. However you prefer, get outside the way with 25 different teal locations. and get to hunting. There are a number Unit #703 – the Richland Creek WMA – is of options and acres of public hunting the largest acreage track in the region with lands available. a total of 14,328 acres. This WMA is open to teal hunters every day of the early teal season. The second largest public hunt land in the Austin/Waco region is the 10,888 acre Granger Lake area. Granger also allows access to teal hunters all season. If the 73 teal hunting locations provided by TPWD are not enough, there is another option for teal hunters searching for more water. The US Army Corps of Engineers manages 25 lake projects across Texas. The vast majority of US Army Corps lakes are located along the Interstate 35 corridor between Austin and Dallas-Ft. Worth. The Army Corps work closely with TPWD to provide hunting opportunities on 23 of these lakes with approximately 188,000 acres of public hunting land. Each lake has its own rules for the type of game, season dates, permits and hunting method. A list of every lake with links to each can be found here: www. Rewards of the hunt — bacon wrapped dove swf-wc.usace.army.mil/cgi-bin/rcshtml. breasts. And here’s a tip, teal breasts cut into pl?page=Recreation smaller pieces, marinated and wrapped in The US Army Corps also publishes bacon, and grilled are just as tasty.

54 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal september 2014 september 2014 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal 55 BASSOLOGY | Todd Driscoll During a typical tournament day (8-9 equipment with anyone that is interested. cooled with ice, and treated with salt. hours), eight pounds of ice added every A TPWD presentation on these oxygen Effort should be taken while in the line Anglers Encouraged to Ramp Up Livewell Fish Care 3 hours when water is exchanged should systems can be seen at www.slideshare. to exchange the original water in the bag maintain a cooler livewell temperature. net/raminlandfish/livewell-oxygen-injec- with the aerated, treated water in the tanks Thermometers are a must to insure wa- tion-8773301. and to keep your bag submerged in the ter is not cooled more than 10 degrees. Fish hooked in the gills or stomach holding tanks. Many tournaments now The popularity of bass fishing has carried in ziplock Thermometers used to measure vehicle may die even with appropriate care due have multiple air stones in each holding exploded during the last 20 years. During bags. air conditioning work well and can be to excess bleeding. Dead fish will cause tank for placement inside your weigh- this time many changes have taken place, Many com- purchased at auto stores. poor water quality conditions in the live- in bag. Oxygenating your water in the including increases in fishing technology mercial water Most of the electronic GPS/sonar units well and should be removed immediately weigh-in bag while in line is absolutely and the advent of more restrictive harvest conditioners (i.e., can support additional temperature sen- and placed on ice. However, as required critical, as oxygen in the weigh-in bag can regulations. However, one of the most im- catch and release sors that can be permanently mounted in by state game laws, dead fish must be drop to zero in just a couple of minutes. portant changes includes increased angler formulas) cannot livewells. The ability to plot both livewell retained as part of your daily limit. It If fish are held for pictures, wet your acceptance of catch and release practices. be recommended temperatures and the lake surface temper- is illegal to cull dead fish. The weigh-in hands before touching the fish. Grasp There is no doubt that the popularity by state agencies, ature on the GPS/sonar screen allows for is an additional stress factor. Probably fish by lower jaw but never bend the head of catch and release has helped sustain and not due to ineffec- continuous monitoring and adjustment the most important thing anglers can do down or hold horizontally by jaw. Avoid enhance bass fisheries throughout Texas. tiveness, but be- of livewell temperatures. during this time is to not carry bass in dry touching the body of the fish as this re- Currently, almost all bass tournaments re- cause the ingredi- To maintain livewell-held bass in the bags from the boat to the holding tanks. moves the protective mucous covering. quire release of all live fish weighed in and ents have not been best possible shape, pure oxygen-injection As simple as this sounds, it is surprising When holding bigger fish, the lower body penalize those with dead bass. In addition, tested by the U.S. systems (oxygen bottle, regulator, and how many anglers do not take the time to should also be supported with a wet hand conservation of the resource should be a Food and Drug fine-pore air diffuser) can be installed for get enough water in the bags to prevent under the belly to prevent jaw damage. Do major consideration of all tournament Administration approximately $300. By far, lack of oxygen stress during the time the fish are put into not keep fish out of water any longer than anglers. Therefore, tournament anglers as safe for human is the primary reason fish die in livewells. the bag until they reach the life-support you can hold your breath. Air exposure is should do everything possible to ensure consumption. During the most extreme conditions, tanks or scales. extremely stressful to fish. survival of released fish. By following the If water is re- (15-plus pounds of bass in a livewell over Fill your weigh-in bag with at least guidelines below, anglers can minimize circulated, replace 85 degrees), these systems are the only four gallons of water from your livewell, Editor’s Note: Todd Driscoll is a veteran stress on bass while held in livewells. half of the live- way to maintain optimum oxygen levels. I especially if you have been using ice to fisheries biologist with the Texas Parks and All fish care recommendations are well water every 3 have this system installed in my boat, and cool the livewell water. Holding tanks Wildlife Department and an avid tourna- based on water temperature, oxygen, am- hours to prevent would be happy to display and discuss this at the weigh-in line should be aerated, ment angler. monia levels, and proper handling of fish. toxic ammonia Stress in the livewell occurs as a result of build up that re- low oxygen levels and ammonia buildup sults from fish from fish waste. As water temperatures waste. When water Photo by Matt Williams increase, water holds less oxygen, bass is replaced, addi- TPWD fisheries biologist Todd Driscoll say anglers can reduce stress on consume more oxygen, and ammonia tional salt needs to livewell-held bass by following the basic steps of livewell care. becomes more toxic. This implies that as be added. Pump- the water temperatures increase, fish in a ing fresh water in Stay OUTDOORS informed! livewell require more attention and care on a timer with intake pumps prevents these warmer temperatures, cooling the in order to reduce stress. toxic ammonia buildup but prevents use livewell water with ice is very important When water temperatures are below of salt additives. When there are more and allows it to hold more oxygen and 75 degrees and less than 10 pounds of than 10 pounds of bass in the livewell, reduces oxygen consumption by bass. NEW and IMPROVED! bass are in the livewell, at a minimum anglers must run either recirculating or Enough ice needs to be added to reduce Just like the magazine , PLUS... anglers should run either the recirculating intake pumps continuously to ensure the livewell temperature 5-10 degrees (aerating) pump or intake pump at timed optimal livewell conditions. Adequate, below reservoir surface temperature. • Latest outdoor updates and news intervals. These timers should be set to run fully charged boat batteries should have However, excessive cooling beyond 10 • Links to all your favorite resources as often as possible. By recirculating water, no problem providing continuous, all-day degrees can cause heat shock and death • Information for hunters and anglers uniodized salt can be added to livewell power to the pumps. when bass are released back into the lake. water (1/3 cup per 5 gallons of water) to When water temperatures are above 75 Block ice is preferred (it lasts lon- • Tide Tables match the body fluid salt concentration of degrees, anglers must run their recirculat- ger) and can be made by freezing water • Hunting & Fishing times bass, which is 0.5 percent. Fish experienc- ing pumps continuously, even if there is in half-gallon milk jugs or 12-ounce • And much, much more! ing stress absorb excess water while in the only one bass in the livewell. As discussed water bottles. When using recirculating livewell, diluting body fluids below levels above, uniodized salt must be added to pumps half the livewell water needs to be necessary for survival. keep fish in the best shape possible. For exchanged every 3 hours to prevent am- Maintaining the salinity of livewell boats equipped only with timer-operated monia buildup. When water is exchanged, water to that of fish body fluids minimizes pumps, the switches should be replaced to additional ice and salt need to be added. effects of stress. Uniodized salt is cheap allow the pumps to operate in continuous As a rule, eight pounds of ice will cool and can be purchased in bulk at your local mode. Again, at these temperatures, run- the typical livewell 5-10 degrees for three feed store under the name “stock salt.” ning pumps on a timer does not maintain hours. A frozen, half-gallon milk jug will Pre-measured amounts of salt can be adequate oxygen levels in livewells. At weigh four pounds.

56 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal september 2014 september 2014 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal 57 For information on guides mentioned, see Guides, Gear & Getaways on pages 68-71

“September is a great month,” said Se- gall, who fishes both inshore and offshore CoastWatch Danno Wise throughout the year. “Really, we’ll have everything going on in September, both inshore and offshore. “Offshore fishing will be like an ex- as was the case in Trinity “From a booking standpoint, Septem- tension of August. Everything should be Bay during summer. So, as ber is always one of the slowest times of about the same as it has been for the past summer winds down, bays year,” Countz asked. “Early September, month or so. We will still have plenty across the region are in good you just don’t see very many boats on of fish out there either on weedlines or shape, most having gotten just the water. This is always amazing to me, behind shrimp boats. In September, we’ll enough fresh water influx to because it is always one of the best times be catching kings, wahoo, dorado, and be beneficial for the upcom- of the year to fish. ling offshore. Look for action on upper Texas coast and in Louisiana bays to heat up once shrimp start to leave ing shrimp hatch. “September is when we really start “Right off the beachfront, we’ll still the marsh. Of course, in most bays, seeing redfish schooling up. I love fishing have some kings, too. And, the bull redfish shrimp trigger the biggest West Matagorda Bay for redfish during and shark fishing will be really good that fishing pattern transition dur- September. My preference is wading on time of year. That’s one of our best bull ing September. Once shrimp a falling tide. Usually, there are redfish redfish months around the jetties. It is start moving through the all over the place. And, because we get also one of the last months to get some bays, flocks of gulls will team so many light-wind days and there are so really good shark fishing before the water up with trout and reds to many fish up shallow, it’s a great time for cools off. feed on them. It is during this sight-casting. It is also a great time for “Inshore fishing for trout and reds in time fishermen can experi- flyfishing. the bay will be okay also. With everything ence some of the year’s best “If we are on a falling or low time, I will else going on in September, I really don’t “fast action” by fishing under be fishing the shorelines and flats. But, if think we’ll be fishing in the bay very much. flocks of gulls. And, although we have a big tide, I’ll also fish in the back We’ll either be offshore or looking for bull September is still plenty hot, lakes off the ICW. reds along the beachfront. But, you can the days are shorter and the “We’ll still be catching trout, but it’s catch good trout along the surf and there air temperature does slowly such a good time for sight casting for reds will be plenty of reds and specks in the begin to descend, resulting that sometimes it’s hard to get away from bay as well.” Photo courtesy Reel Threel Charters in somewhat cooler water fishing for reds and fish for trout. But, if Galveston guide Capt Greg Verm of Some BIG mangrove snapper have been caught around rigs and more aggressive fish as you’re looking for trout, wade the grass FishingGalveston.com says September is a out of Freeport this year. the month wears on. beds. Early in the morning you can get time when he begins to turn his attention With activities such as them on topwaters. Then switch to plas- to flounder and redfish. September is generally a “transition” school, hunting and football competing tics. My go-to plastics are still the darker “In September we will be starting our month, although in this case the transition for fishermen’s time, there should be a lot colors - Black Magic Norton Sand Eel Jr flounder gigging pretty heavy,” said Verm. doesn’t so much relate to fishing patterns more solitude on the bays along the Upper and Chicken-on-a-Chain Bass Assassins. “Actually we’ll start seeing early signs of as it does to fishing surroundings. Sum- Texas and Louisiana coasts this moth. “There may be some birds working in flounder movement by the end of August, mer does officially end the third week of East Matagorda Bay during mid-to-late so we’ll be gigging from the start of Sep- September. However, although there will September. That’s really dependent on the tember. Tides will play a big part in our be some subtle differences later in Sep- concentrations of white shrimp. If they planning during September, as high tides tember, rarely do fishermen see a drastic UPPER COAST come in early, there will be bird activity. often make me change the areas to target. fishing pattern change this month, as fish “On calm days, we usually wade the “We will also be targeting redfish on are typically playing out their summer mid-bay reefs in East Bay. Again, we’ll be the jetties and passes during September. pattern until the beginning of October. throwing topwaters early, then switch to I’ll be using live croaker for slot-size reds However, with school back in session plastics or Corkys. I know most people and fresh cut shad for bull redfish. I usu- and football season underway, it seems think about fishing Corkys in the winter ally try to let the customer know the im- as if summer’s already a distant memory. or early spring, but I really like throwing portance of releasing the large bull reds, as Crowds are typically at a minimum during them in September. We’ll also look for they are our breeding stock and aren’t that the ninth month of the year, especially pods of redfish along shorelines in East good to eat anyhow. So, we’ll usually try to on weekdays. To many fishermen, this Bay. And, there will be some big trout target some smaller, slot-size fish if they transition is much more beneficial than mixed in with reds. are looking for something to take home. anything regarding fish behavior. “It really doesn’t matter what bay “The marshes will begin to really turn Summer 2014 saw parts of Texas get Matagorda guide Capt. Tommy you’re in during September, you find on for slot reds and flounder as well in decent rainfall. However, because there Countz says that, although you won’t plenty of fish. It’s a really good month September. Usually, the marshes get going has been such an elongated drought, be able to tell by the amount of boats on for us.” once we get our first front or two. By the drops in salinity were usually minimal the water, September is actually one of Freeport guide Capt. Mike Segall says end of September, the bay as well as the and even the few times the salinity dipped the best times of the year to fish in the September is a time when anglers almost areas where the marshes drain into the fairly drastically, it bounced back rapidly, Matagorda area. have too many options. bay will be hot.” 58 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal september 2014 september 2014 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal 59 be plenty of trout out there still be holding offshore at the beginning passes before migrating out of the area this month. The big bull LOUISIANA COAST of September. Generally, specks won’t later in the fall. redfish will start showing up start moving into the river until later in The nearshore rigs will have some at the jetties as well in Sep- the month. jumbo mangrove snapper hanging around tember. We’ll start fishing So, as has been the case the past few during September and October. Cobia for tripletail and ling also, months, the key to finding specks in (ling) will be found around buoys, floating concentrating around the September will be locating structure such debris, weedlines and rigs. buoys, range markers and as productive platforms in 10 to 20 feet Moving a little further out, fishermen short rigs. The tripletail will of water. will find plenty of tuna and dorado be in an area 6 to 12 miles Offshore, tarpon will still be found beginning around 30 miles offshore. on either side (east or west) a couple miles off the beachfront and Amberjack will be hanging around the of the state line and up to 12 hanging around the major passes. As the deepwater structure in 300 to 500 feet of miles out. water cools, tarpon will begin filling the water. “The lake will also be good in September. As long In Southwest Louisiana, fishermen will as we don’t have a tropi- start seeing hints of fall as fishing patterns cal system, the lake salin- begin to change during September. On ity should be fine, shrimp Lake Calcasieu the first few weeks of the should be getting ready to month will see trout still in a summer Photo courtesy Reel Threel Charters leave and birds should be pattern, which means they will be holding September is the last good month for shark fishing before the water temperatures start to drop. working. As long as the in 4 to 6 feet of water in the middle of salinity holds, the whole the lake. lake will be good. And, once As the water cools later in the month, ALUMINUM BOAT SPECIALISTS Sabine Lake guide Capt. Randy Fore- our fishing in September is a hurricane. we start seeing the first few fronts of the the trout will begin to move shallower. For All Your Fishing & Hunting Needs man says September starts a sensational If we get a hurricane, all bets are off. But, year — usually around the second week The other “visual clues” pointing to stretch of fishing for inshore fishermen on if we don’t, we should have some really of September — the bait will start leaving schools of trout will also change during the Texas/Louisiana border. good fishing. the marsh. That kicks off some of our best September. “Fishing’s been pretty good this sum- “The beachfront will be real good in fishing of the year. The birds start work- At the beginning of the month, mer,” said Foreman. “And, our fishing al- September and so will the short rigs. This ing and we’ll be catching reds and specks ladyfish will be the key to locating schools most always gets better during September. is really getting to the end of the time we under the birds. Once that gets started, it of specks, but later in the month, once Really, the only thing that can mess up see trout out in the surf, but there will still usually holds through October. pods of shrimp begin to leave the marsh, “We’ll mostly be catching trout under schools of seagulls will point the way to Excel 2172 Viper Centerconsole Pro Drive Duck Hunter Special the birds. You can throw pretty much feeding fish. 2ND ANNUAL any soft-plastic under the birds and catch There will also be plenty of redfish  fish. I’ll usually be throwing Down South action in and around Big Lake during  Southern Shad. If you want bigger fish, use September. Throughout the month,  a 3/4 ounce Terry’s V-Dog spoon and slow fishermen can expect to find schools of YOUTH DIVISION – (12 & UNDER) roll it along the bottom. The bigger fish bull reds around the jetties. LARGEST FISH BY WEIGHT (ANY SPECIES), SMALLEST FISH BY WEIGHT (ANY SPECIES) will be below the smaller ones, holding In the lake, redfish will be packed 1ST-3RD PLACE WILL BE AWARDED IN EACH CATEGORY. into large schools and will primarily be LARGEST SLOT RED, LARGEST TROUT, AND LARGEST FLOUNDER (BY WEIGHT) right on the bottom. Excel Bay 203 Centerconsole 1ST PLACE WILL BE AWARDED IN EACH CATEGORY. “We will also have some reds mixed in working around the southern end of the

TEEN DIVISION – (13-15) with the trout under the birds. But, if you lake. Redfish will often be found under COASTAL BOAT & DOCK SPECIALISTS  LARGEST SLOT RED, LARGEST TROUT AND LARGEST FLOUNDER really want reds, you should concentrate flocks of gulls as well near the end of 1ST-3RD PLACE WILL BE AWARDED IN EACH CATEGORY. on the points and drops in the Sabine September. FOR REGISTRATION INFORMATION, VISIT WWW.FISHWESTEND.COM Ship Channel. You will usually also catch Fishermen leaving out of Venice will  a few flounder in the channel. And, after find fish still in a summer pattern as the first few fronts, the flounder will start September rolls around. This applies to staging around all the bayous that dump both inshore and offshore fish species. into the lake. When the bait starts moving But, this isn’t necessarily a bad thing, out of the marsh, those flounder will start as anglers will know exactly where to feeding on shad and shrimp. find fish during the first few weeks of “So, really, September should be a September. good month, but it all of this depends on Inshore, flounder and redfish will be Models from 1860 to 2420 Professional Accommodating Any Design and Need the weather. It’s been a quiet hurricane found in the river, as well as the various season so far. After all the rain we’ve had tributaries that connect to the Mississippi this year, if a storm hits us, it will change River. Points, drains and drop-offs will everything. be the primary areas for fishermen to 12525 I-10 East | Baytown, TX But, if we don’t have a storm, fishing focus on. www.genespowersports.com | 281-385-5888 should be outstanding.” Speckled trout, on the other hand, will

60 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal september 2014 september 2014 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal 61 TEXAS OFFSHORE | Mike Holmes not do its intended “job”. You want to entice the fish – not feed them. Moving Fall is an Offshore Anglers’ Best Chum too fast or distributing too little chum makes it too difficult for fish to follow the chum to the boat. While chumming in nearshore waters, that quarry species are known to prefer. we have hooked sharks, bull reds, jack My first efforts at mastering the “art” crevalle, Spanish mackerel, gaff top of chumming – and there really is an art catfish, ling, stingray, and tarpon. All of to this method – came just past the surf these species are more numerous in the line, when friends and I used to launch fall than in hotter weather. No matter small boats from the beach to reach water whether inshore or further out, most who beyond the reach of a long cast from a surf practice chumming feel it is best to stagger rod during bull redfish expeditions. We bait presentation at various depths. Keep would catch several buckets full of finger a bait or two close to the surface, even if mullet and other small bait species with this requires using a float. The next level of our cast nets. Some of these we chummed baits can be at randomly increased depths, whole, while larger fish were chopped into depending on how deep the water is you bite sized bits. In a pinch, we would also are working, and can also be held at the use pieces of larger mullet, shad, or chunks desired depth by using floats color coded Small shad make excellent chum for many offshore species. from jackfish or bonito. When reaching for the depth and with or without weights, a “spot” that looked good, we began to depending on the current and size and Fall is probably the most pleasant a technique that I could never understand distribute our free samples. weight of the bait. season to be on the Gulf. Weather why more Texas anglers did not try it. With experience we learned that to Especially when hoping for a big shark A mix of small fish used for chum. conditions are normally fairly stable, Instead of running all over the Gulf, cover a larger area and thus increase the inshore, I like to “drag” a large bait on or temperatures have begun to moderate, looking for fish, bring the fish to you, by chance of the chum reaching a prowling very near the bottom – which usually does ling will ignore all offerings. A judicious especially when using frozen blocks of and things are not as crowded since the scattering pieces of bait in the water and fish we could drift with the current or require a weight of proper size. Using amount of chum to get the ling’s interest chum. summer vacation season is over. Just as letting wind or current carry it over a wide the wind. If the current was too strong varying sizes of baits allows fairly selective followed by seductive presentation of A five gallon plastic bucket or a piece fall is among the best seasons for offshore area – but in the form of a trail which and moved the boat so fast we could not fishing, as tackle can be matched to bait a live bait or “dressed up” dead bait or of six inch diameter PVC pipe with holes fishing, chumming is one of the best always leads back to your baited lines. keep a proper chum trail leading to our size in hopes bigger, stronger fish will hit artificial lure will often be hit so fast the drilled in the sides and the ends capped fishing techniques for this time of year. Over the years, chumming has been by baited hooks, we would anchor and let the larger baits fished on heavier tackle. ling suddenly appears famished. work well when hung off a stern cleat, just Drifting or fishing at anchor are more far my most productive offshore fishing the current move the chum, rather than To really work a chum line properly, On another trip where “schoolie” touching the water. This sort of system comfortable now than in the intense heat technique for a wide variety of species. pushing the boat away from the chum. have a floating marker ready to drop at a dolphin were very numerous but also lets the juices of the chum get into of July or August, and autumn is a better Some might compare chumming to using The ideal “line” keeps enough chum in point when any fish too big to be brought would not take our baits, we found the water in a controlled manner. season for a variety of fish species. bait in hunting, as with a corn feeder, but the water to create a trail. to the boat fairly quickly is hooked so that chumming and keeping the boat To get a chum line started, when you There are a lot of ways to go about since I tried chumming first, I tend to Too much chum – or too little you can return to the “end” of the line in gear and moving slowly was the key want to put out more chum than you playing this offshore fishing game, and compare the use of broadcast feeders filled movement of either chum or boat – and when the fishing is resumed to keep an to getting them excited – and ended the will later on, a frozen block of chum just none are really wrong or right – and you with corn to chumming with bits of food the chum all stays near the boat and does unbroken chum line. day with 75 of the tasty fighters on the tossed overboard to float back in the are free to put your own “spin” on any Another tip I learned was when cleaning table. Larger dolphin also come current allows bits of bait fall off as the particular method or even try to come finished chumming for the day troll back to chum, as I found when shark fishing block begins to melt. This technique is up with your own unique technique. To through the area chummed to give any fish in a tournament years ago and drifting a hard to beat. get the most out of our time on the water, that had not had the time to come to the large dead mullet in a chum line that was Besides chopped pieces of fish, other however, in my opinion it is best to be boat a chance to hit either a trolled natural taken practically under the boat by a 24 forms of chum also work. Some anglers at least entry-level proficient in as many bait or a proven artificial lure. pound bull dolphin. use canned dog or cat food with holes of the established techniques as we can. In deeper water, chumming works well A lot of slow days for kingfish have punched in the sides dangled on a piece In this way we are better able to adjust for tuna, dolphin, and wahoo. On one been saved because I had chum on the of line. for weather conditions, water clarity, exciting fall evening on my old outboard boat – often in the form of small shad Shrimp or crawfish heads and scraps currents, the presence or absence of bait boat, an angler from West Texas hooked netted in the marina. Anytime you can after a seafood boil are good, as are the species, and other situations that might a decent white marlin on 20# tackle while find an anchored shrimp boat that is not remains of a fish cleaning session. Of be encountered during a day on the water. fishing for bluefish and snapper in a chum still culling their catch, a little chumming course, shrimp boat “cull” is near perfect More often than not, adjustments will be line near a rig about 18 miles offshore. I will usually bring out any fish in the shade when available. When I used to drag a bait needed for more than one of these things have chummed up yellow fin tuna at night of the hull, hoping more free food will fall trawl in West Galveston Bay for therapy, on any given day. around deep water rigs, but it was hard to overboard. I was always well supplied with bait and Although chumming seems to have keep the white tip sharks from getting to Chum delivery systems can be as chum, even when I could not find eating long been a preferred fishing method on the baits first, and we did not have suitable simple as a bucket and your hand to shrimp. the East Coast, it did not seem all that casting baits on board. devices that allow a small amount of For just about all saltwater fish in the popular on the Texas coast when I first Some easy chum delivery systems include a mesh bag, plastic bucket and PVC pipe with holes On more offshore trips than I could chum to enter the water at a given time, fall, chumming of some sort is my number began traveling through the jetties. This drilled in the sides. When hung over the side and just in the water they all allow both juices and possibly describe, chumming has “saved “automatically”. Net bags are excellent for one go-to technique when I want fast at once seemed to be so simple and logical bits of chum to be released by wave action the day” for me. Many times a picky this when the mesh size is appropriate – action and fish in the box.

62 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal september 2014 september 2014 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal 63 For information on guides mentioned, see Guides, Gear & Getaways on pages 68-71 Lake Roundup

activity, these final few days of summer 2014 was a rough one for Medina fisher- SOUTH TEXAS should be memorable ones. men. However, September always offers COLETO CREEK — Victoria bass pro a glimmer of hope for Medina anglers. Dennis Lala knows not to expect an early Usually, late summer sees more active fall this month. But, he says there will be fish and, hopefully, more rain to bring up just enough off a cooling effect on the wa- water levels on Medina. ter to really increase shallow water fishing “This summer was pretty tough,” said activity. “It’s still going to be plenty hot Gallagher. “The lake’s been way down all in September,” said Lala. “The first few summer and fishing’s been pretty tough. weeks will still be a lot like August. But Bass fishing, in particular, has been tough. the days will be a little shorter and by the High temperatures and low water aren’t end of the month we’ll start seeing a few the best combination for bass fishing. But, early fronts. So, the water will actually be things can change in a hurry on this lake, By Danno Wise getting a little cooler and the fish will be and that often happens in September. moving up a little shallower. “The first couple weeks of September September has finally arrived. For “Early in the morning, we’ll have good will probably be about the same as Au- many anglers across South Texas that topwater bite right up next to the bank gust - hot, dry and kind of tough fishing. means the long, crowded summer is and on the points – mostly the points. The But, the days are shorter in September, finally over. Actually, just the summer topwater bite still won’t be an all day thing, so the water temperatures will slowly be tourism boom is over, as summer actually but it will last a little longer in September. cooling off. By the last couple weeks of lasts until the third week of September — “If it’s cloudy or real overcast, you September, we should start seeing a few officially — and the heat will often drag can have a pretty good shallow water early fronts as well, which will cause the into October. But, given a choice, most bite all day. They might not keep hitting water temperatures to drop a bit more. As fishermen would rather deal with heat a topwater, but you can usually get them the water temperatures start dropping, the than crowds, so to that end, September on a spinnerbait or weightless soft-plastic fish should start being more active. at least offers a little peace. jerkbait. “But, assuming it isn’t cloudy or “But, again, the start of September So far this summer, South Texas has overcast, the topwater bite will usually we’ll still be in a full summer pattern. seen above average temperatures more only last a couple hours. After that the That means fishing deep. As usual, ver- often than not. And, while there has fish kind of move back into a summer- tical fishing techniques - jigging spoons, been a decent amount of rainfall over type pattern — they’ll be moving back drop-shot rigs, that sort of thing will the past few months, that precipitation out to the outside edges and onto the produce the best results. Once it cools has been sporadic in both timing and deeper structure. So, you’re going to need off a bit, everything changes. Then, we’ll location. As a result, some lakes received to throw Carolina-rigs or Texas-rigs. I start seeing a little topwater action. We’ll a much-needed influx of fresh water, while like using a Berkley Power Jerkshad on a also start seeing a lot more fish caught others continued to whither under the Carolina-rig. But, you can also do real well on other shallow baits like spinnerbaits, summer sun. Regardless of water level, with a Berkley Power Swimbait. shallow cranks, and jerkbaits. And, in lakes across the region have had unusually “We’ll also still see some schooling general, the fish will just be more active high water temperatures as a result to the bass in September. Just like in August, and more aggressive.” “It won’t just be bass hotter-than-average seasonal air tem- when those fish are schooling, they’ll hit getting more active as the water cools. peratures. That said, September will still pretty much anything. It can be a lot of This is usually a pretty good catfish lake offer a little cooler water temperatures, fun when you find a school feeding on and the catfish will be getting more active regardless of how hot the air gets during the surface. You can’t really target this fish, in September. There will be a lot of chan- the day, as the days will be shorter, which but you should always keep an eye out for nel cats and a good amount of blue cats should usher in a period of cooling water when a school comes up to the top. caught this month. There will also be a lot temperatures despite the high air temper- “Also in September, you’ll be able to of active panfish. So, for somebody who atures. Even this slight dip in the water catch plenty of channel cats and blue just wants to go out and catch something temperature will be enough to encourage cats on shrimp, worms or cut bait. These and maybe take home some fish to eat, fish to begin moving shallower as the fish will mostly be up the creek channels. they should be able to find fish just about month goes on. This should also lead to a You’ll also have some crappie along the anywhere in the lake.” “little longer” topwater bite early and late. channels. Small minnows or little jigs will CHOKE CANYON — September starts All things considered, September be the way to go for crappie.” surface action season for bass fishermen should be a good month to hit the lake. MEDINA — According to Jim Galla- on Choke Canyon Reservoir. Generally, With smaller crowds and increased fish gher of Jim’s ReBait Tackle Shop, summer September and October offer excellent 64 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal september 2014 TACKLE TIPS & TECHNIQUES | Danno Wise topwater and shallow water fishing for of the lake and in the river itself. Carolina rigs as the day warmed. A good big bass on Choke. To that end, Choke Back on the lower end of the lake, bet as the day shortens and water tempera- Canyon has always been a lake where hybrid bass should also be active near tures start to fall is that there will be some Fly Fishing for Panfish & Bass noisy topwater plugs produce the best the dam. As the weather cools, hybrids suspended fish. Try fishing crankbaits as results once the fish start feeding shallow. should spend more time on the surface, these fish adjust to changing conditions. Pop Rs and buzzbaits have long been the where they can be easily located. And, as Once the water temperature has staples of anglers surface bait arsenals. a final bonus, crappie should be steady cooled into the 70s look for fish to start to However, artificial frogs have become the in September. Recent years have seen a move up more shallow and heard shad in bait of choice for most anglers fishing over steadily improving crappie fishery on pockets and coves as they forage through Choke’s notoriously dense hydrilla mats Falcon. During September, there should the fall. during late summer. These baits have ac- be plenty of papermouths around bridge BROWNWOOD — Last year September counted for a number of big bass in recent pilings, docks and brush piles. saw anglers enjoying the benefit of some years and have the advantage of being able rains that raised the lake level in July of to be pulled through the densest of cover 2013. This September look for a fairly without fouling. WEST TEXAS static pattern anglers have fished this sum- But, as good as the shallow water bite mer to still be in play. As of early August can be, fish will still be spending plenty the lake was 12 feet low, about three to of time down deep. After all, September four feet lower than the same time in 2013. is still a summer month and the water, Boat docks continue to hold bass. Fish while cooling by the day, will still be plenty areas that are four to eight feet deep. An warm. Once the topwater action begins early topwater bite, followed by worms to die down during the day, fishermen fished around brush piles should keep should move to the outside edges of the anglers busy as water temperatures start grass beds. During the midday hours, to fall. there will also still be plenty of bass on deep structure where they can be targeted with jigs, Texas rigged lizards and deep By TOJ Staff HIGH PLAINS -running crankbaits. Anglers can also use punch jigs or heavily weighted soft-plas- AMISTAD — Patterns the first part tics to punch through the hydrilla canopy of September on this popular border and reach fish hiding out in the grass. impound is more summerlike as temper- FALCON LAKE — As usual, late atures are still in the mid-to-lower 80s, summer is surrounded by excitement on but starting to fall. Plus anglers on “Big Falcon Lake. Late summer and fall are Friendly” have about five feet more water among the best times to fish this border in which to fish than they did at the same impoundment, with both quality and time one year ago. Combine these two el- quantity being available to bass fishermen. ements and look for fish to still be holding As is the case on other South Texas around any grass or woody vegetation. lakes, Falcon fishermen will experience Topwater lures early and late, followed By TOJ Staff a decent topwater bite in September, es- by square billed crankbaits or jigs worked pecially over the last couple weeks of the around flooded vegetation. As water ALAN HENRY — Anglers fishing this month. Noisy topwater baits are always temperatures continue to fall look for late are fishing the best options in the area. best on Falcon. Popular models include Rat-L-Traps and spinnerbaits to catch Alan Henry is about four feet lower than Pop Rs, Devil’s Horses, Torpedoes, Chug fish on the move.Striper anglers will start the same time last year. At the start of Bugs, and Frenzy Poppers. Although to follow these brutes up the rivers as the August it was 17.51 feet low and contin- good numbers of solid fish can be found annual fall run begins. Look for fish to uing to slowly slip. Still a good topwater throughout the lake, most of the bigger concentrate around rocky ledges and slide bite should be available and fish should be bass are mostly going to be caught on the areas as they move up river. concentrated near the drop-off of the river lower end of Falcon. And, while those fish Catfish anglers will continue to find channel. Crankbaits, Texas or Carolina will occasionally grab a topwater plugs, fish at deeper depths early in September. rigs, and drop-shots will catch fish early they are more likely to be taken on jumbo Try water in the 20-30 foot depth. in the month. worms, big crankbaits or jigs. O.H. IVIE — As anglers head to this OAK CREEK — By September look September should also be an excellent popular lake the good news is that Ivie for this lake to be about 23.5 to 24 feet month for catfish. Fishermen looking to is at the should be at the same level in low. It has held within about a two foot catch a stringer of catfish should take a September as it was one year ago. That is range most of 2014. A topwater bite early “top down” approach to selecting their thanks in large part to a 10 foot rise the followed by Texas rigged worms has been fishing spots. While, catfish can be caught lake experienced in late May. the best option. Look for fish to respond along the full length of the lake, the major- Last year Ivie had saw a good early to cooling temperatures as the month ity of the fish will be found in the top end topwater bite with anglers switching to progresses. 66 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal september 2014 september 2014 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal 67 Guides, Gear & Getaways Guides, Gear & Getaways UPPER COAST | GALVESTON MIDDLE COAST | PORT ARANSAS SALTW aTER MIDDLE COAST | ROCKPORT OFFSHORE | FREEPORT

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70 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal september 2014 september 2014 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal 71 Deadline for the October calendar is August 25, 2014 AgriLife Extension will deliver quail sleeping bags and personal items. the drawing for prizes. Equipment ecology, decline issues, research For more infor-mation and reserva- and bait provided or bring your high-lights, and statewide initiatives tions call (512) 389-8903. own. No license necessary. Adults Outdoor Calendar concerning the Northern Bobwhite must accompany children. Bring sun and Montezuma Quail. Outdoor tour SEPTEMBER 13-14, protection and water. Registration is of sites will demonstrate activities Texas Outdoor Family, Galveston 9:00 a.m. For more information and and topics covered indoors. Topics Island State Park, Galveston, Special reservations call (903) 421-4984. include: Quail Ecology and Statewide One Night Event , Learn a variety THROUGH SEPTEMBER 1, SEPTEMBER 5, aged to attend. Wear comfortable Perspective; Texas Quail Decline; of camping, cooking, fire building, SEPTEMBER 27, Coastal Conservation Associations First Friday Tour - Addressing Natural clothing for outdoor casting activi- Texas Quail Index; and Montezuma kayaking, fishing, and other outdoor Texas Outdoor Family, Brazos Bend Annual S.T.A.R. Fishing Tournament, Resource Concerns “Facing the Quail ties. Children must be accompanied Quail Research. Reservations are skills. Participants will need to bring State Park, Needville, Special One Statewide. Call (800) 626-4222. De-cline”, Kerr Wildlife Management by a responsible adult. Bring drinking requested. Registration begins at their own food, plates, sleeping bags Night Event , Learn a variety of Area, Hunt. Texas Parks and Wildlife wa-ter, snacks and sun protection. No 7:30 AM on Sept. 5. 08:00 a.m. - 3:00 and personal items. For more infor- camping, cooking, fire building, THROUGH DECEMBER 31, and Texas A&M AgriLife Extension will fishing license required. 10:00 a.m. - p.m. For more information call (325) mation and reservations call (512) kayaking, fishing, and other outdoor Nature Programs and Hikes, Brazos deliver quail ecology, decline issues, 12:00 p.m. For more information call 347-5037. 389-8903. skills. Participants will need to bring Bend State Park, Needville. At least research highlights, and statewide (254) 694-3793. their own food, plates, sleeping bags 3 free programs and hikes every initiatives concerning the Northern SEPTEMBER 12-14, 19-21, SEPTEMBER 17, and personal items. For more infor- weekend, year-round. Programs also Bobwhite and Montezuma Quail. SEPTEMBER 6-7, Texas Outdoor Family, Lake Mineral Redfish Bay Chapter Coastal Conser- mation and reservations call (512) scheduled on some Fridays. Nature Outdoor tour of sites will demon- Texas Outdoor Family, Ray Roberts Wells State Park, Mineral Wells, Spe- vation Association fundraiser, May 389-8903. Center open Saturdays and Sundays, strate activities and topics covered State Park, Pilot Point, Special Two cial Two Night Event , Learn a variety Ranch. For more information and 9:00 am - 5:00 pm, Monday - Friday, indoors. Topics include: Quail Ecology Night Event , Learn a variety of of camping, cooking, fire building, reservations call (713) 626-4222. SEPTEMBER 27, 11:00 am - 3:00 pm. For more infor- and Statewide Perspective; Texas camping, cooking, fire building, kayaking, fishing, and other out-door Texas Outdoor Family, Guadalupe mation call (979) 553-5101. Quail Decline; Texas Quail Index; and kayaking, fishing, and other outdoor skills. Participants will need to bring SEPTEMBER 18, River State Park, Spring Branch, Spe- Montezuma Quail Research. Reser- skills. Participants will need to bring their own food, plates, sleeping bags Katy - Brookshire Chapter Ducks cial One Night Event , Learn a variety SEPTEMBER 1, vations are requested. Registration their own food, plates, sleeping bags and personal items. For more infor- Unlimited fundraiser, Katy. For more of camping, cooking, fire building, Pictograph, Bouldering & Hiking begins at 7:30 AM on Sept. 5. 08:00 and personal items. For more infor- mation and reservations call (512) information and reservations call kayaking, fishing, and other out-door Tours, Hueco Tanks State Park & a.m. - 3:00 p.m. For more information mation and reservations call (512) 389-8903. (281) 391-4909. skills. Participants will need to bring Historic Site, El Paso. Bouldering and call (830) 238-4483. 389-8903. their own food, plates, sleeping bags hiking tours accommodate 10 people SEPTEMBER 13, SEPTEMBER 18, and personal items. For more infor- and pictograph tours can accommo- SEPTEMBER 5-7, 12-14, 19-21, SEPTEMBER 10-30, Go Fish! Learn-To-Fish Event, Cedar Midland Chapter Ducks Unlimited mation and reservations call (512) date up to 25. Tours last a minimum Texas Outdoor Family, Garner State Alligator season, 22 counties and Hill State Park, Cedar Hill. Take away fundraiser, Midland. For more infor- 389-8903. of two hours, but most are out all day. Park, Concan, Special Two Night special properties (by permit only). For a fishing fun pack and enter the mation and reservations call (432) Participants should bring their own Event. Learn a va-riety of camping, more information refer to TPWD Out- drawing for prizes. Equipment and 664-9559. SEPTEMBER 27 – 28, climbing equipment such as climb- cooking, fire building, kayaking, door Annual, or call (800) 792-1112. bait provided or bring your own. Squirrel season, Special Youth Sea- ing shoes, crash pads, and chalk, as fishing, and other outdoor skills. No license necessary. Adults must SEPTEMBER 19 – OCTOBER 20, son. In all counties that have an well as food and water. Dress for the Partici-pants will need to bring their SEPTEMBER 11, accompany children. Bring sun pro- Dove Season, South Zone. For more October 1-February 22, and May 1-31 desert environment: There will be no own food, plates, sleeping bags and Lake Lewisville Chapter Ducks Un- tection and water. Regis-tration is information refer to TPWD Outdoor Open squirrel season. For more climbing instruction or equipment personal items. For more information limited fundraiser, Flower Mound. For 9:00 a.m. For more information and Annual, or call (800) 792-1112. information refer to TPWD Outdoor provided. Bouldering tours are not and reservations call (512) 389-8903. more information and reservations reservations call (972) 900-1296. Annual, or call (800) 792-1112. accessible for the mobility, visually, or call (214) 287-1219. SEPTEMBER 25, hearing impaired. Call (915) 849-6684 SEPTEMBER 6, 7, 13, 14, 19 – SEPTEMBER 13, Burnet Country Mule Deer Founda- SEPTEMBER 27 – OCTOBER 31, for reservations and information. OCTOBER 20 SEPTEMBER 11, Go Fish! Learn-To-Fish Event, Gal- tion fundraiser, Burnett. For more Mule deer season archery only, in Dove Season, Special White-winged Garland - Mesquite Chapter Ducks veston State Park, Galveston. Take information and reservations call counties that have an archery only SEPTEMBER 1 – OCTOBER 20, Dove Area. Legal shooting hours are Unlimited fundraiser, Garland. For away a fishing fun pack and enter (214) 449-5824. season for that specie. For more Dove Season, North Zone. For more noon to sunset. For more information more information and reservations the drawing for prizes. Equipment information refer to TPWD Outdoor information refer to TPWD Outdoor refer to TPWD Outdoor Annual, or call call (214) 784-6448. and bait provided or bring your SEPTEMBER 27, Annual, or call (800) 792-1112. Annual, or call (800) 792-1112. (800) 792-1112. own. No license necessary. Adults 2ND Annual West End Anglers KID’S SEPTEMBER 11, must accompany children. Bring sun TOURNAMENT, West End Restaurant SEPTEMBER 27 – OCTOBER 31, SEPTEMBER 1 – OCTOBER 20, SEPTEMBER 6, Heart of Texas Chapter Ducks Un- protection and water. Regis-tration is & Sand Bar – Sea Isle, Galveston. Youth Rio Grande turkey archery only sea- Dove Season, Central Zone. For more Kayak Basic Class, Purtis Creek State limited fundraiser, Pflugerville. For 9:00 a.m. For more information and Division (12 & Under), and Teen Divi- son, in counties that have an archery information refer to TPWD Outdoor Park, Eustace. Play games & get famil- more information and reservations reservations call (847) 780-6474. sion (13-15) for various species. For only season for that specie. For more Annual, or call (800) 792-1112. iar with the use of our kayaks or bring call (512) 461-3568. registration information visit www. information refer to TPWD Outdoor your own. Wear clothing you can get SEPTEMBER 13-28, fishwestend.com, or call (713) 594- Annual, or call (800) 792-1112. SEPTEMBER 3, 6, 10, 17, 20, wet in - meet at the Boat Ramp. The SEPTEMBER 11, September Teal Only Season, State- 4252. Fly Tying Demonstration, Allen. TPWD class is free with paid entrance to the Heart of the Hills Chapter Coastal wide. For more information refer to SEPTEMBER 27 – OCTOBER 31, volunteers from the Dallas Flyfishers park but limited in size. 9:30 - 11:00 Conservation Association fundraiser, TPWD Outdoor Annual, or call (800) SEPTEMBER 27, Whitetail deer season archery only, Club will be on hand to show you how a.m. Reservations required so please Boerne. For more information and 792-1112. Go Fish! Learn-To-Fish Event, Lake Statewide. For more information easy and fun it is to tie a fly. This free call (903) 425-2332. reservations call (713) 626-4222. Whitney State Park, Whitney. Take refer to TPWD Out-door Annual, or demonstration is open to beginners SEPTEMBER 13-28, away a fishing fun pack and enter call (800) 792-1112. and novice fly fishers. Equipment and SEPTEMBER 6, SEPTEMBER 11, Canada Goose Only Season, Eastern the drawing for prizes. Equipment materials provided, or bring your fly Fishing 101, Lake Whitney State Park, Trinity Valley Chapter Coastal Con- Zone. For more information refer to and bait provided or bring your tying tools if you have them. Held at Whitney. Learn the basics of tradi- servation Association fundraiser, TPWD Outdoor Annual, or call (800) own. No license necessary. Adults HAVE YOUR OUTDOOR EVENT Cabela’s on Highway 75. 6:00 p.m.- tional fishing such as tying a hook on Dayton. For more information and 792-1112. must accompany children. Bring sun INCLUDED IN TOJ’s OUTDOOR protection and water. Registration is 9:00 p.m. For more in-formation call a line, casting a rod and reel, identi- reservations call (713) 626-4222. CALEN DAR. (972) 618-6714. fying fish and demonstrating safe SEPTEMBER 13-14, 9:00 a.m. For more information and and responsible fishing through fun SEPTEMBER 12, Texas Outdoor Family, Franklin Moun- reservations call (972) 900-1296. Mail your Outdoor Calendar items to: SEPTEMBER 4, and engaging activities. All necessary First Friday Tour - Addressing Natural tain State Park, El Paso, Special One 1706 W. Sam Houston Pkwy North, Sam Houston Chapter Coastal Con- equipment will be provided, or bring Resource Concerns “Facing the Quail Night Event , Learn a variety of SEPTEMBER 27, Houston TX 77043 servation Association fundraiser, your own. The program is free with Decline”, Mason Mountin Wildlife camping, cooking, fire building, and Go Fish! Learn-To-Fish Event, Ei- or fax to: 713.957.3996 or email: Huntsville. For more information and a valid entrance permit for the day. Management Area, Mason. Texas other outdoor skills. Participants will senhower State Park, Denison. Take [email protected] reservations call (713) 626-4222. Families with children are encour- Parks and Wildlife and Texas A&M need to bring their own food, plates, away a fishing fun pack and enter 72 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal september 2014 september 2014 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal 73 Tide Tables Fishing & Hunting Times

US TIME ZONES SEPTEMBER 2014 PACIFIC MOUNTAIN CENTRAL EASTERN < (+) (-) > < (+) (-) > < (+) (-) > < (+) (-) > SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT L2:03A 1.2 H12:48P 1.4 H2:03A 1.5 H2:49A 1.6 H3:22A 1.6 H3:52A 1.6 H7:00A 1.4 L2:55A 1.3 L4:26A 1.3 L6:36A 1.4 L7:42A 1.4 L8:28A 1.3 L3:45P 0.3 H7:03A 1.5 H7:28A 1.5 H9:26A 1.5 H11:45A 1.5 H1:19P 1.6 L4:47P 0.2 L5:53P 0.1 L6:56P 0.0 L7:56A 0.0 L8:52P 0.1 1 2 3 4 5 6 H4:19A 1.6 H4:46A 1.6 H5:12A 1.5 H5:39A 1.5 L12:18A 0.8 L1:10A 1.1 L2:08A 1.3 L9:14A 1.2 L10:01A 1.0 L10:50A 0.8 L11:40A 0.6 H6:06A 1.5 H6:33A 1.5 H6:59A 1.5 H2:39P 1.6 H3:54P 1.7 H5:07P 1.7 H6:20P 1.7 L12:32P 0.4 L1:26P 0.3 L2:24P 0.3 L9:46P 0.2 L10:37P 0.4 L11:27P 0.6 H7:35P 1.7 H8:55P 1.6 H10:23P 1.6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 L3:31A 1.4 H12:01A 1.6 H1:36A 1.7 H2:42A 1.7 H3:20A 1.6 H3:41A 1.6 H3:55A 1.6 H7:23A 1.5 L4:36P 0.3 L5:45P 0.4 L6:50P 0.4 L9:21A 1.3 L9:30A 1.4 L9:38A 1.3 L3:27P 0.3 H11:27A 1.4 H12:45P 1.5 H1:50P 1.5 L7:44P 0.4 L8:29P 0.5 L9:06P 0.6 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 H4:06A 1.5 H4:20A 1.5 H4:35A 1.5 H4:51A 1.6 H5:06A 1.6 H5:19A 1.6 L12:05A 1.2 L9:47A 1.2 L10:02A 1.1 L10:24A 0.9 L10:51A 0.8 L11:22A 0.7 L11:55A 0.6 H5:28A 1.6 H2:48P 1.5 H3:42P 1.5 H4:34P 1.6 H5:26P 1.6 H6:19P 1.6 H7:16P 1.6 L12:32P 0.5 L9:36P 0.7 L10:04P 0.8 L10:31P 0.9 L11:01P 1.0 L11:32P 1.1 H8:19P 1.6 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 L12:40A 1.4 L1:18A 1.5 L2:03A 1.6 H5:31A 1.6 H5:31A 1.6 H5:35A 1.7 120° 115° 110° 105° 100° 95° 90° 85° 80° 75° L1:14P 0.4 L2:04P 0.4 L3:01P 0.4 H9:30P 1.7 H10:49P 1.7 28 29 30 SEPTEMBER 2014 OCTOBER 2014 SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT H12:09A 1.7 H1:12A 1.7 H1:55A 1.7 H2:26A 1.7 L3:11A 1.5 L5:21P 0.4 L7:28A 1.5 L7:49A 1.4 H5:47A 1.7 H10:20A 1.6 H12:28P 1.6 L4:08P 0.4 L6:33P 0.4 L7:41P 0.5 1 2 3 4 H2:54A 1.7 H3:20A 1.7 H3:45A 1.7 H4:10A 1.7 H4:35A 1.7 L12:14A 1.3 L1:07A 1.5 L8:26A 1.2 L9:07A 1.0 L9:49A 0.7 L10:33A 0.5 L11:17A 0.3 H5:00A 1.7 H5:23A 1.7 H1:58P 1.7 H3:16P 1.8 H4:26P 1.9 H5:32P 1.9 H6:37P 1.9 L12:03P 0.3 L12:49P 0.2 L8:42P 0.6 L9:38P 0.8 L10:31P 1.0 L11:23P 1.1 H7:42P 1.9 H8:49P 1.9 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

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 OCTOBER 2014 Mesquite Point, Sabine Pass -0:04 -0:25 Galveston Bay ent. south jetty -0:39 -1:05 Port Bolivar +0:14 -0:06 Galveston Bay Texas City, Turning Basin +0:33 +0:41 Eagle Point (1) +3:54 +4:15 Clear Lake(1) +6:05 +6:40 Morgan Point (1) +10:21 +5:19 Round Pt.,Trinity Bay (1) +10:39 +5:15 Point Barrow, Trinity Bay +5:48 +4:43 Gilchrist, East Bay +3:16 +4:18 Fish, game and all wildlife move in search of food in cycles relative to the moon’s location to the earth. Jamaica Beach, West Bay +2:38 +3:31 The time spans listed above are the prime times to start each day at and along each time zone meridian Alligator Point, West Bay +2:39 +2:33 of longitude 75 degrees (Eastern) 90 degrees (Central) 105 degrees (Mountain) and 120 degrees (Pacific) during Standard time and Daylight Saving during the time it is in effect. To determine the feeding cycle Christmas Point, Christmas Bay +2:32 +2:31 time for best fishing and hunting in the area you plan to fish or hunt advance the sum of 4 minutes for Galveston Pleasure Pier -1:06 -1:06 each degree west and back up 4 minutes for each degree east. The next prime feeding cycle (not listed on the calendar) will be approximately twelve and one-half hours later. There are minor periods that occur San Luis Pass -0:09 -0:09 between the prime or major periods. The minor periods are typically fair periods and last only about half Freeport Harbor -0:44 -1:02 as long as the prime periods.

Pass Cavallo 0:00 -1:20 Feeding Times by Dan Barnett have been proven by analysis of 124 – 3 day bass tournaments between Aransas Pass -0:03 -1:31 1967 through 1983 to be reliable and accurate in predicting wildlife feeding activity. The Feeding Times are not a cure-all. Weather and other environmental conditions affect wildlife feeding activity. Annual vest Padre Island (South End) -0:24 -1:45 pocket books, which show all the major and minor periods, can be ordered by sending a check or money Port Isabel +1:02 -0:42 order for $15.00 per book. For S&H, please add $4.00 to an order of 1 to 4 books. Make check or money Tidal adjustments are not predictable for Port O’Connor, Matagorda Bay; Port order payable to: Feeding Times. Send to: Feeding Times, P.O. Box 2240, Covington, GA 30015. After Oct. Lavaca, Matagorda Bay; and Riviera Beach, Baffin Bay since they are driven by wind 1, please indicate book year. For questions or comments, you can call 404-373-7151. and weather. — NOAA Over 60 Years in Print Feeding Times by Dan Barnett 17 Years Test Proven

74 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal september 2014