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June 2013 / $3.99 Freshwater Lures Gone Salty | Spoiled Whitetail & Game Management Study, Part II ShareLunker’s Test Tube Baby | DPMS Bull Barrel AR Rifle texasoutdoorsjournal.com

coastal & lake forecasts | tide & solunar tables TEXAS“Texas’ Most Comprehensive OUTDOORSOutdoors Publication” June 2013 Journal

For Hunters . . . For Anglers . . .

32 Evaluation, Decisions, & Implementation CONSERVATION. EDUCATION. HUNTERS’ ADVOCACY. A multi-part discussion of whitetail deer and game management on a hypothetical 2,000 acre South Texas ranch. Part II —Bob Zaiglin

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Freshwater Saltwater 44 Test Tube Baby 8 Freshwater Lures Gone Salty Little Lake Naconiche giant is the A number of lures designed to catch first ShareLunker offspring bass and other freshwater fish are documented at whopper size now catching coastal species. —Matt Williams — Robert Sloan

48 Just Fishing 38 Just Hunting —Bill L. Olson 12 Saltwater Journal —Mark Sosin —Matt Williams DPMS Panther – NOT an Eternal Vigilance Trailers need some love, too — Assault Rifle 14 Spoiled Fishing or else 40 Just Shooting —Kerry O’Day The arrival of spoils islands and 49 Tackle Tips & Techniques I Shoot Too Fast! humps decades ago irreversibly —Danno Wise changed the fishing patterns in 42 Guns ‘N Stuff —Harold Gunn Rigging Flukes & Jerkbaits Texas’ bays. — Danno Wise The Shooter’s Library 50 Lake Roundups 18 Rediscover the Bolivar Wells — Pros Forecasts Locate uncharted fish attracting 50 East – Matt Williams shell pads by combining modern 53 North – Brian Hughes day tools and technology. 55 South - Danno Wise — Nate Skinner 57 Central – John Jefferson 22 CoastWatch – Danno Wise 58 West – TOJ Staff 22 Lower Forecast 59 High Plains – TOJ Staff 24 Middle Forecast 26 Upper Forecast 30 Forecast For Everyone . . . On the Cover . . . 31 Tackle Tips & Techniques 4 Editor’s Insight – Bill L. Olson —Danno Wise Walking The Dog 6 TOJ Notebook “Bolivar Lighthouse” 67 Subscription Information by Christi Mathews 60 Guides, Gear & Getaways For more information contact Mathews Gallery at 64 Outdoors Calendar (361) 758-1838 66 Fishing & Hunting Times Visit us at www.biggame.org ©2012 Dallas Safari Club june 2013 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal 3 B:9.5” T:7.875” S:7”

Editor’s Insight Bill L. Olson TEXAS Old School – New School – Same School OUTDOORS Journal Each year at this time I suggest that while school is out the learning really begins. That is if parents, grandparents, and mentors will simply invest the time with kids outdoors. “Texas’ Most Comprehensive In this age of new technology it is easy for kids of all ages to be distracted to the Outdoors Publication” latest and greatest. However those with a little more gray in the hair left upon their head can remember a time when outdoor activities occurred without the benefit of Publisher/Editor advanced electronics. Bill L. Olson Now don’t get me wrong, new technology has always made things easier when it comes to fishing. The paper chart recorders worked well decades ago though not as Administrative Assistant good as the new side imaging units of today. Adala Ruhge In some respects each of the electronic advancements were just like the cash register Contributing Outdoors Editors that tells the now-day clerk how much change to return to the customer. However, if Harold Gunn the power goes out, or God forbid, the odd pennies are offered do they know how to Brian Hughes make change? John Jefferson The same is applicable during the summer months while fishing. At the risk of Kerry O’Day Billy Olson showing my age, here are some old school tips that still work that some may remember, Nate Skinner while the younger crowd would do well to learn — just in case. Robert Sloan How many times have you been at a favorite fishing hole and used triangulation Mark Sosin to locate, remember, and then return to that same spot. Today’s GPS certainly makes Matt Williams things easy, but triangulation will get you back to the spot while the electronics confirm Danno Wise your mental effort. Whitetail Deer Editor Coastal anglers use modern depth recorders and sounders to determine depth and Bob Zaiglin bottom structure/contour. Back in the day a piece of inch and three eights wooden B:11.5” T:10.5” clothes pole would be used as a sounding pole in shallow water. A modern lightweight Art/Production Editor S:9.5” Jean Canestrini pushpole will do the same and allow one to f-e-e-l the bottom make up. Soft plastics are the staple on the and have been for decades. Today some tackle manufacturers are releasing something called a “hair jig” or bucktail. Does anyone Advertising Sales remember the tandem trout rigs? If not, ask you parent or certainly your grandparent. 713/957-3997, 713/957-3996(fax) Do bass anglers remember a Hellbender? They are still on the market but Subscription Information what was a hot bait in the 70s is hardly mentioned. I admit I missed a few classes while Call 1-800-222-4TOJ (4865); In Houston, at Baylor U to fish one for black bass on Lake Waco. 713/957-3997 to charge your subscription by Now this month’s column is not designed to simply be a memory walk, but rather phone. Subscription prices: one year $18.95, an opportunity for two different generations to share and both learn. The younger gen- two years $29.95, three years $39.95. Mail eration can probably make any electronics sing with ease, while graybeards can teach inquiries/changes of address to: them to navigate using a compass and chart, or lake map. TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal When it comes to maps, those that love to hunt can pass on how to read a topographic 1706 West Sam Houston Parkway North map, and orienteering with just a compass. If you plan on escaping Texas summer heat Houston, Texas 77043 to some high country getaway then invest in a topo of the area. Then find an alpine park TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal (ISSN 1082-5940) is a pub- and figure out exactly where on the map you are sitting amongst all of those circular lication of Texas Outdoors Journal, Inc. Editorial and contour rings. This will help the newcomer use their imagination to understand that advertising offices are located at 1706 West Sam Houston Parkway North, Houston TX 77043. Phone (713) 957-3997. lines closer together mean a more rapid and dramatic elevation rise or fall. It‘s fun to Fax (713) 957-3996. Best combination of towing and fuel economy.* E-MAIL ADDRESS: [email protected] point out the different peaks, and find the open parks or saddles where elk, mule deer TOJ On-Line: www.texasoutdoorsjournal.com 11,300 lbs. 22 hwy mpg. That’s quite a haul. and other critters feed and move. TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal is published monthly. Photo- There’s nothing wrong with new school gadgets, but just remember, when batteries run graphs and manuscripts for publication consideration are welcomed, but the publisher assumes no responsibility out, or a signal is lost, there is always old school ways to get you where you want to go. for such material while in transit or in the office of the Until next month: Pursue All of Your Outdoor Activities in a Safe and Ethical Manner. publication. Copyright 2013 with all rights reserved. Reproduction or use of editorial or graphic content in any manner without permission is prohibited. Views expressed by TEXAS OUT- DOORS Journal contributors do not necessarily express INTRODUCING CAUTION: All technical data in this publication, especially for handloading, reflect the limited experience of individuals using specific the views of Texas Outdoors Journal, Inc. Publication of tools, products, equipment and components under specific conditions and circumstances not necessarily reported in the article and advertising in TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal does not con- THE NEW 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. *When properly equipped. Based on max. towing and EPA-estimated 16 city/22 hwy mpg, Outdoors Journal, its agents, officers and employees accept no responsibility for the results obtained by persons using such data and 3.5L V6 4x2; 4x4 shown. Class is Full-Size Pickups under 8,500 lbs. GVWR, Non-Hybrid vs. 2013 F-150 disclaim all liability for any consequential injuries or damages. Volume 22, Number 6 comparable competitive engines. Available EcoBoost® vs. 2013 GM 5.3L, Ram and Toyota 5.7L and Nissan 5.6L V8 engines. FORD.COM

4 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal june 2013

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Park ADD: S. Duerr GCD/CCO/GDD: None Direct Mail Ops: None Legal: None Park Designer: None Associate CD: Kirner Data: None Product Info: None Park PM: S. Watz Art Director: Henson Art Producer: Ayrault Copy Editor: None Park Retoucher: The Park Writer: Mersch Account Super: Boe Traffic: Nguyen Park Prod Artist: M. Kozikowski Print Producer: Sosin Account Exec: Fifelski Rise in Public Approval of Hunting . . . The National Shooting Sports Foun- TOJ Notebook dations reports that data compiled by Responsive Management, an independent research firm, shows 79 percent of the Reasons for Hunting Are Diverse Mossberg 500 Fastest Selling American public approves of hunting— Shotgun of All Time the highest level of support for hunting American sportsmen hail from every spending time with family and friends since 1995. walk of life imaginable, and just as they are outdoors to the peace and solitude of Since the first model came off the The nationwide scientific survey a diverse crowd, so too are their reasons being alone in nature, hunting is much line on August, 21, 1961, Mossberg’s showed the public’s approval of hunting for participating in hunting. While many more than taking game,” says Rob South- 500 Pump-Action shotgun has received rose five points in the past year, up from portray hunting as an intense effort to get wick, president of Southwick Associates, accolades from sportsmen and women, 74 percent in 2011. game, the reality is the overall outdoor which designs and conducts the surveys. law enforcement and military personnel Support for hunting has remained experience holds much more sway in “Future efforts to increase hunting, or alike for its reliability, versatility and generally consistent during this time—73 attracting people to the sport. to successfully promote hunting-related affordability; and notably its distinctive percent in 1995; 75 percent in 2003; 78 To monitor long term trends, each products and services, must emphasize ambidextrous top-mounted safety. Now percent in 2006; 74 percent in 2011; and year HunterSurvey.com inquires about fun, social interactions and the total out- this American classic has reached an a peak of 79 percent in 2013. hunters’ motivations. The January 2013 door experience hunting provides.” astonishing milestone of 10,000,000 Mark Damian Duda, executive di- increased by 9 percent while shooting in support for hunting.” poll found that rather than one key or produced; and in an unprecedented 52 rector of Responsive Management, is participation has increased 18 percent One thousand Americans 18 years leading reason that motivated sportsmen Concealed Carry Jumps Amoung years making the 500 Pump-Action the still evalutating survey results to better since 2009,” he continued. “Other studies old and older were surveyed to achieve to hunt, there are actually many. And no Florida Women . . . fastest-selling shotgun in history. understand why approval has increased. we have conducted on public opinion on a sampling error of plus or minus 3.00 single motivator stands completely head More than 1 million Floridians have Lead design engineer, Carl Benson, “Approval of hunting among Americans hunting show that the strongest correla- percentage points. More than half (52%) and shoulders above the rest. their concealed carry permit, but the gen- and his team at O.F. Mossberg & Sons, is fairly stable and bounces between 73 tion for approval of hunting is knowing of those surveyed strongly approved of When asked “Why do you like to der and age bracket showing the largest in- Inc. began work on a slide-action and 79 percent,” Duda said. “The reasons a hunter—over and above demographic hunting. At the other end of the spectrum, hunt?,” respondents provided the follow- crease might surprise you — it’s women 66 shotgun to replace the unique design for this increase are still unclear, but it is variables or anything else. With the in- 12 percent of Americans disapprove of ing answers (participants could check years of age and older. Their numbers have of the 200 Series which had been in probably related to the increase in hunting creased number of hunters in the field and hunting. Another 8 percent neither ap- all that apply): 92% Like to spend time jumped 619 percent since 2004, reports the production since 1955. Though the and shooting participation. sport shooters at the range, it is possible prove nor disapprove (total does not equal outdoors. 87% Enjoy seeing wildlife. 87% Orlando Sentinel, and total nearly 35,000 Model 200 had set a new standard for “Since 2006, hunting participation has that this is being reflected in this uptick 100% due to rounding). Enjoy the peace and quiet of the outdoors. individuals licensed to carry a firearm in innovation, Benson knew that Mossberg 80% Enjoy the challenge. 74% Like to the Sunshine State and 35 other states. needed a more traditional-looking pump spend time with friends/family who hunt. The Sentinel also reports that women shotgun to compete with the “big three” 70% Like providing food for my family/ in the youngest age bracket, 21 to 35, with at the time. friends. 9% Other reasons. pistol permits increased 463 percent to The result was the 500 Shooting “This matches recent in-depth Na- more than 40,000. While gun ownership System, a 12-gauge pump-action base tional Shooting Sports Foundation re- is up, the Sentinel reports violent crime in gun with interchangeable barrels. This search that showed hunters go afield for Florida has dropped nearly 60 percent in original design remained virtually fun, social and outdoor reasons. From the last 20 years. unchanged for 30-plus years.

Cover Art There was a time when Texas lighthouses helped mariners find safe passage through passes and inlets from the Gulf of Mexico into the bays. Shinning beacons were located at Port Isabel, Port Aransas (Lydia Ann), Pass Cavallo (Matagorda Island), Half Moon Reef (West Matagorda Bay), Sabine Bank, Galveston Jetty, and Bolivar. Texas artist Christi Mathews has captured the “Bolivar Lighthouse” that today stands as a reminder of times passed. Colorful coastal birds circling the old house as the old beacon continues to watch over productive waters many anglers love to fish. For more information on “Bolivar Lighthouse,” or other works of art by Christi Mathews visit Ma- thews Gallery in Aransas Pass, her website at www. christimathews.net, or call (361) 758-1838. Bolivar Lighthouse by Christi Mathews

6 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal june 2013 june 2013 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal 7 the inland lakes it was made to mimic a shad and minnow. Along the coast trout Story and photography by Robert Sloan and reds feed heavily on mullet. The Long A is the perfect mullet imitation. It floats and with a slight twitch will dive. You can fish the bait fast or slow. Usually a faster retrieve is best during the warm water months. A slow and steady retrieve is best during late winter and early spring when trout are slower to react to a swimming lure.” Poppers like a Chug Bug and Pop-R made the move from largemouth bass A number of lures originally designed to catch bass to trout and reds. Back about 12 years ago the Chug Bug was an absolute killer and other freshwater fish have found their way in the surf. On one particular morning I was wading the beachfront just east of the into the “Hall of Fame” for catching coastal species. Sabine jetties. Four of us caught it on a flat day when the surf was clean and green to the beach. We wore the trout out with silver Chug Bugs. On days with just a little ripple on the water’s surface a bone or chrome/blue Pop-R was a good to be working over shallow shell on the flats. There is absolutely no way you can talk about crossover lures without centering on the extremely popular Heddon . Talk about a lure that belongs in the Hall of Fame for all-time best plugs, this is it. The Spook was introduced to the freshwater fishing world by James Heddon in 1939. It was the first of Heddon’s million sellers. The magic of this lure is the classic “walk-the-dog” action from it’s torpedo- like design. Many lures have been created over the past few decades to mimic that distinctive action. But it’s an extremely rare day when you’ll find an experienced saltwater angler It’s an extremely rare day when you’ll find an experienced saltwater angler without some sort of without some sort of Spook handy and Spook ready to fish and hook up. ready to fish. The two most popular Super Spook number of years ago I was “I remember that afternoon like it steady retrieve, like used with a spinner- Saltwater Minnow was hanging on tackle saltwater grade hardware. sizes are 5 and 3-1/2 inches. The original fishing a gut off the east end was yesterday,” says Randazzo, who has bait, would also work.” store racks. The silver/black and silver/ Phil Brannon is a hard core bass fisher- Spook was the 5-incher. It was followed of the Chandeleur Islands racked up over 40 years of plugging the However, like a lot of other lures it’s blue fooled enough trout and reds to sink man that not only crossed over to the salty up by the 3-1/2-incher. The most popular withA Mike Barnes and Victor Randazzo. Texas coast, and now spends most of his go-to status slowly dwindled as newer and an aircraft carrier. Like the Red Fin the side of fishing, but brought along one of offshore Spook is 7-inches long. It’s called The water was trout green and we were time fishing for trout and reds out of Port more popular baits were created. jointed version of the Saltwater Minnow his top lures – the Long A. the Magnum Zara Spook. working on full stringers of specks and O’Connor. “I knew that lure was good, but The Rebel Minnow, with a plastic lip, skyrocketed to popularity with its 5-1/2 “I don’t know if there is a better lure If you have a weak heart leave the mag- reds. It was as if we could do no wrong and not that good. In fact, that was not the only is similar to the Red Fin. It’s got a slim inch model as the best producer. made for catching numbers of trout and num at home. But if you’re into eye-cross- it was all due to one lure – a five inch long day we absolutely hammered the trout design and is built to fish anywhere from Another popular jerk bait that rose reds on the flats,” says Brannon. “Along ing excitement take this bad boy offshore jointed Red Fin. That’s a Cotton Cordell with jointed Red Fins. There were many the surface and down to about 2 to 3 feet. from freshwater fame and crossed over the coast the jointed Long A is one of my and do some topwater fishing for ling, classic that was first produced to catch years when that was the go-to lure in the For years it was the darling of bass fishing to catching reds and trout is the Bomber go-to lures. The silver flash with a red head king mackerel and jacks. Last year while both stripers and largemouths. But like surf and on the bays along the entire Gulf anglers. Then one day some yahoo took Long A. It was designed with a tight wiggle is a killer. Ditto that for one in silver and fishing out of Venice, La. for yellow fin so many other lures this particular twitch Coast. The chrome-blue Red Fin was a one to the coast and quickly discovered that would fool largemouth bass. And it chartreuse. tuna I tied a magnum on just to see what bait was destined to become a crossover killer. We would cast it out and reel it in that it would catch reds and specks all could be cast a country mile. The saltwater What makes this lure so good is that would happen. At the time the tuna were from freshwater to saltwater. on a stop and go retrieve. Additionally a day long. It wasn’t long before a Rebel version of the Long A is souped up with it looks just like a struggling mullet. On busting the surface. On about my third

8 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal june 2013 june 2013 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal 9 cast a big tuna blew up on the Spook and says a bone colored Spook Jr. is a fish tough for saltwater. It’s available in a 5 be pitching black and gold to headed south. catching machine. inch and all new 4-1/2 inch. big reds. That was about 10 years ago, well One of the best blow-ups you’ll ever “I’ve been using them for years,” The Rebel Jumpin’ Minnow is a before the redfish/ jag began see on a topwater plug is to work a Spook says Lowrey. “I don’t ever leave the dock topwater lure that rose to the top of the to take shape. To make a long story short for kings. They will rocket from the depths without a box of Super Spook Jr. lures. saltwater world then slowly faded out of we had a blast. We actually pitched the to eat a swaggering Spook. It’s a lure that’s got the right shape, sound sight. Rebel lures founder, George Perrin, spinners to shallow feeding reds. Others The overwhelming favorite Spook and action.” had an injection company that mostly were caught while waking the baits along along the Texas coast is the 3-1/2 inch By the way the newest thing in Super made parts for refrigerators and kitchen the edge of grass. It was the same tactic I Super Spook Jr. This is a compact lure Spook design is the Chug’n Spook and cabinets. Being an avid angler he decided had used for catching bass on places like with a seemingly magic action in the Super Spook XT. The 4-7/8th inch long to make a minnow-imitating lure that Lake Fork and Choke Canyon. water. Best colors are bone, blue/chrome, Chug’n Spook has a cupped face that could be molded from plastic. The result Spinnerbaits designed to catch reds spectrum and white/red head. Veteran splashes and spits on a walk-the-dog was the first Rebel Minnow. It tore up the have come a long way over the past several Texas saltwater guide Dwayne Lowrey retrieve. The XT is beefed up and extra bass fishing world for decades. years. Reds are big, bad tough fish that For years the most popular lure along can crunch baits. Heavy duty wire and the Texas coast was the Jumpin’ Minnow. saltwater grade hardware make todays It is a lure that when twitched will glide spinnerbaits tough as nails. The great from side to side and has a lead rattle thing about fishing spinners for reds is inside. that it’s akin to bass fishing except the I especially like the action of this lure. target fish are on steroids, and you had It doesn’t make a lot of noise on the sur- best have a firm grip on the rod when you face. On a fast retrieve it’ll dart from side set the hook on a big and hungry redfish. to side and dive a couple of inches under Some of the lures mentioned are still water. It’s got a unique movement that on the go-to list for many salty anglers. summer-time speckled trout will attack Others are dust collectors and can be with a vengeance. tough to find. But one thing is certain – Long time Sabine Lake guide Jerry all of them still catch plenty of trout and Norris says the Jumpin’ Minnow is one reds on any given cast along the Texas of his all-time producers. The saltwater version of the Long A is souped up with saltwater grade hardware. coast. “It’s one of those topwater lures with some sort of action that really attracts trout,” says Norris. “The 4-1/2-incher in bone or copper/black/orange belly are my favorites. I do a lot of fishing over shallow oyster reefs on Sabine. In places like Lighthouse Cove I can work a Jumpin’ Minnow in the guts between the reefs and Bay & Offshore Boats Deck & Pontoon Boats get some all-time blow ups. One thing that I do is attach a small piece of lead to the www.ronhoover.com shank of the back treble hook. That way it Bringing Families Together on Land & Sea for Over 25 Years sits deeper in the water for more visibility and casting distance.” Get Reconnected to your Kids by taking them Fishing or Camping - FAMILY TIME IS TIME WELL INVESTED. The Bill Lewis Rat-L-Trap made the Boats Your Repower Headquarters for RV's move from freshwater fame to saltwater years ago. The crawfish-colored Trap is worth its weight in gold on lakes like Sam Rayburn and Toledo Bend during March and on up to June. Conversely, the blue/ silver or chrome/chartreuse Trap is a trout and redfish magnet when fished along the jetties and under the birds during the fall. It can be fished at all depths. Over the past decade or so spinner- baits have become pretty popular among Where the road takes you, anglers targeting redfish. The best day you can count on us. I’ve ever had for catching 5 to 10 pound Volume Discount Pricing Means You Save Money class reds was with Billy Murray. We were ROCKPORT KATY LA MARQUE BOERNE DONNA GALVESTON CORPUS CHRISTI fishing the marsh out of Venice, La. The 1510 W. Market St. 16465 Katy Frwy. 1903 Gulf Freeway 29277 I-H 10 W 101 Expressway 83 8126 Broadway 1314 S.P.I.D. day before we went out he said we would 361.729.9695 281.829.1560 409.935.7101 830-981-9543 956-464-4403 409-935-7101 361-814-8770

10 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal june 2013 june 2013 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal 11 SALTWATER JOURNAL | Mark Sosin on the outboard corner. In the first position, the key centers on Eternal Vigilance getting your presentation slightly ahead of the school or just be- yond the closer corner. You may frequently find some fish lagging Early in my career, an extremely suc- behind and that’s why the rear of Ready for cessful and highly skilled angler insisted the school is also an important that the price for catching fish was eternal position. vigilance every moment one is on the Fish want to isolate their prey, water. Whether you are fishing the flats so you must make the presen- or prefer the offshore grounds, the key is tation on the outskirts of a bait ? learning to recognize the signs. If there is school rather than in the middle a secret to all this other than experience of it. And, it’s important that the Flounder Gig and practice, it lies in total concentration. bait or lure is moving in the same This is not casual fishing where you can direction as the predators or on a let your eyes and mind relax or wander forward angle to that direction. aimlessly. It demands a determined and Bigger fish seldom want to turn systematic approach. in the opposite direction that the Your head and eyes become a radar school is traveling. antenna, scanning everything around you If you are and locate a until something breaks that beam. On the single fish on or near the surface shallow flats, it could be the sighting of a or a school of fish, the technique Flounder fish or structure or nervous water that in- is basic. Keep the boat away from Light dicates something is moving beneath the Photo by Bill L. Olson the fish as you move forward of Light weight surface. Offshore, you might spot a school Photo by Bill L. Olson Capt Randy Seidel of Aransas Pass wears polarized sun it or the school. Then, ease the for use of fish breaking the surface, baitfish, birds Once your targeted specie is identified make a presentation as soon as it is within a comfortable glasses to cut the glare while searching for redfish on boat slowly in front of the target underwater. hovering overhead, differences in water range. The first cast is always the most important. shallow flats. and maintain the direction that color, floating weeds, and so forth. Most anglers would never see it happen. the school is traveling. Finally, slow down Set up a pattern that starts at the boat Hunters learn early in the game that identify redfish, he would whisper that Again, it necks down to knowing and rec- just enough so your baits move right in and scans outward until you reach the they do not always see the entire animal there were fish ahead. ognizing the telltale signs of your target. front of your quarry. It has to look as if the limit of your vision. Then, begin again standing out clearly in the open. A deer How did he do it? Experience taught Flats fishermen look for life in the predator suddenly located food directly near the boat and continue the process. If hunter, for example, may only see a patch him that as redfish move and feed or even shallows. Seeing sharks cruising about in front of it. That’s a natural occurrence. you are trolling, at least one person must of white on the tail or the tines of the hold in one place, their bodies periodically is a good sign of activity. Rays feeding It goes without saying that polarized focus on the baits continuously while antlers. Captain Rob Gorta was a master give off a subtle flash. There could be a and mudding also tell you that the flat is sunglasses are essential on the water to a second angler scans the water off the at spotting redfish in the shallows at dis- school of reds, but you may only see a active. Even when you don’t spot your spot fish and any of the signs of fish. beams and the bow. Beginners have the tances that defy description. Rob always single flash at a time. To the trained eye target species immediately, spotting other Whenever possible, you also want the habit of allowing their gaze to rest in one worked a flat slowly and as quietly as pos- looking for it, this signal broadcasts the forms of life should build confidence that sun at your back or at least off to the side. spot too long or they search at random sible. As he scanned at maximum distance presence of fish much farther than one you are about to find the fish you seek. Looking into a glare is counter productive. without establishing a meaningful pattern. where few other people could spot and would even hope to identify something. When you do identify your target On the flats when your focus is looking species, you want to make a presentation through the surface and studying the as soon as it is within a comfortable range. bottom, you periodically want to lift your The first cast is always the most important. eyes and scout the top of the water as far However, just before you make it, take a as you can see. You’re looking for a telltale quick scouting look around that fish. If fin or tail, a wake, or even some type of there are others with it and your cast lands commotion. too close to one of them, you will spook Maintaining total concentration and the entire school. You don’t want to lose eternal vigilance is a demanding task. sight of the fish you can see, but it’s worth It automatically removes the concept of Available a quick glance to make sure there aren’t spending a relaxing day on the water. in Green or others a short distance from the target. At the same time, only practice and ex- White Light Approaching a school of baitfish or perience will give you the edge and the Also great for gamefish in deeper water or offshore must only way to gain it is to spend time on crabbing at be done carefully. If you run the boat hard the water. When you become proficient night! and charge into the school, you may put at focusing all your efforts on the water it down or scatter it. The two preferred around you, your catch rate will rise dra- Stiffy Hotline locations are on the seaward side off the matically and the rewards far outweigh forward corner of the school or behind it the challenge. (888) 273-7077 www.stiffypushpoles.com 12 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal june 2013 june 2013 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal 13 oday the practice of open bay Nature of Spoils Visible Spoils dredge dumping is a thing Because spoils are made of sediment As mentioned above, a number of of the past. But, for decades, Story and photography by Danno Wise sucked from deep beneath the bay floor, these spoil dump sites protrude above dredgersT working to deepen channels it is usually not pure sand. Rather, it is the bay’s surface. These sites, usually along the Texas coast routinely depos- a combination of mud, clay, sand, shell, referred to as spoil islands, are the easiest ited the sediment sucked from the chan- decaying matter and more. As a result the to locate as they are plainly visible. Al- nels in nearby shallows. The practice was bottom near spoils is usually mucky and though each spoil island has “dry” land, eventually stopped because there are muddy. Water clarity varies near spoils de- they vary in consistency. some ecological drawbacks associated pending largely on how much vegetation Some have never quite solidified, with open bay spoil dumping — ie al- has taken root. staying in a permanent “mucky” state. tered tide movement, reduced visibility Spoiled Fishing Near spoils without vegetation, the These are the most difficult to fish. An- due to suspended particulate until the water often stirs with any slight breeze. glers need to stay in a boat or kayak or be The arrival of spoils islands and material settles, etc. Around spoils that have a good deal of ready for some difficult wading. Other However, there was also a big benefit grass growing on the nearby flats, the spoil islands have become hardened humps decades ago irreversibly — the creation of fish attracting islands water holds much cleaner. Some spoils and stable. These islands may still be and humps in otherwise featureless flats. changed the fishing patterns in also have vegetation such as salt grass or, surrounded by mucky bottom, but the In short, the arrival of spoils islands and in Deep South Texas, mangroves lining islands themselves are hard enough to Texas’ bays. humps irreversibly changed the fishing the edges. offer a stable platform to fish from. patterns in bays up and down the Texas Spoils also tend to appear in “chains,” In either instance, anglers should coast. Anglers who know when and how with small cuts separating different dump pay particular attention to the ends of to take advantage of these unnatural sites. These cuts often concentrate tidal the islands. At times, there are small islands can certainly increase their odds flow. cuts or channels separating islands. At for success, especially during the All spoils are located near channels — other times, the point at the end of the upcoming summer months. after all, they are the result of digging and island extends into relatively deeper What Are Spoils? dredging these channels. Spoils often offer water in the open bay. Regardless, the a variety of structure, from visible islands islands ends are always a good spot Spoil islands are the remnants of and/or vegetation, to submerged points for beginning a search for fish as they gunk that has been sucked from the bay and humps, shallow flats, deep drops, are natural areas of concentration and floor in shipping channels and placed channels, channel edges, and in some ambush points for predator species in the shallows alongside the channel. areas, posts and pilings. such as speckled trout and redfish. This Often times, these spoils dumps formed Due to such a diverse habitat located is particularly true when tidal flow is fairly solid islands. Other times, the in spoil areas, they can be productive year rolling around the points. mound of spoil material never reached around. However, late spring through the surface (or initially poked about Submerged Spoils summer is ideal time for fishing spoils the waterline but eroded and flattened because they are great transition areas. Not every spoil dump site has re- beneath the surface). In both instances, Again, they offer everything from shal- sulted in a permanent island. In some the spoils provided new fish-attracting low to deep water, good tidal flow, and instances, the dredge material was never structure while also altering the flow of plentiful prey items such as , crab piled high enough to break the water’s tides moving in and out of the bay and, and finfish. surface. In other cases, what was once a thus, fishing patterns.

Spoils are especially productive for tailing redfish, flounder, and speckled trout.

Courtesy Bill L. Olson varies (ICW, major shipping channels, old oil and gas well channels, etc.), therefore the depth of these channels vary. However, all are sufficient enough to attract fish during heat of summer. Anglers should fish edges of channels during transitional times and fish within the channels during heat of day. One of the best things about spoils is every bay system in Texas has them. And, as summer fishing gets underway, anglers wishing to avoid having the brutal Texas heat spoil their day on the water should locate the nearest spoil system and brace Anglers should pay particular attention to the ends of the islands where channels or cuts may for some exciting angling action. Some dredge spoils created humps that never hold fish. broke the surface of the water while other When the tide is flowing through cuts drop heading away from the structure islands have simply eroded back into the and channels between spoils, fish will is relatively constant. So, once the right Some spoil islands may still be surrounded by mucky bottom, but the islands themselves are water. However humps can be productive hard enough to offer a stable platform from which to fish. when fished on appropriate tides. stack up on either side waiting for an easy depth is found, a cast parallel to the meal to wash down. To take advantage of structure will keep the lure or bait work- when fish are able to feed directly on top cooler water temperatures, the insulation this concentration of feeding fish, anglers ing through the productive zone during visible island has eroded to the point it is of the structure. of the mucky bay floor near spoils offer can wade, stake out or anchor outside of the entire retrieve as opposed to simply now submerged. Species Found Around Spoils fish security. During times of extreme cuts and work them thoroughly with a crossing that zone with angular retrieves. Anglers should pay particular atten- Pretty much every bay species will be heat or cold, the nearby location of deep variety of natural and live baits. Drops & Channels tion to tides when fishing humps. In short, found around spoils at some point in time. water in combination with shallow flats on During slack tide periods, fish will Within a short distance of all spoils some humps fish better on low tide, while However, spoils are especially productive which to feed prove alluring to predator often sulk on bottom inside the cut itself. will lay a deeper channel. Again, spoils others fish better on high tides. As a rule, for the “Big 3” of speckled trout, redfish, species. At times like these, anglers should drag owe their existence to these channels, When fish are sulking low in the water deeper humps fish better on low tides and and flounder. Black drum are the next baits through and across the channels so they are usually close by. The type of column, dragging lures or baits slowly across Techniques for Fishing Spoils shallow humps fish better on high tides, most common visitor. During times of and cuts, using multiple casts in order to channel used to create a spoil system the bottom results in some good hook ups. Frontal Flats work all depths. Fishing inland or along the coast, Between spoils and channels they were Dredging the Bottom When fish are sulking low in the water you will get better results with an created from is usually a gently sloping flat. Even during the heat of summer, column, dragging lures and baits slowly authentic Toby Hogan , the predator species will spend at least a por- across the bottom is often the best bet. best artificial bait on the market today. tion of the day prowling these shallows. This is true whether fish are in the depths Typically, on hot days, fish will spend the of the channel or hugging the bottom on low light hours — early and late in the the flats. day — on the flat looking for food. This When working the bottom around IntroducIng: the BaBy croaker Lure is when anglers are able to experience spoils, using heavy Carolina rigs for nat- some exciting topwater action. Spoons ural baits or over weighted jig heads for Fish with Jighead or and lightly weighted soft-plastics are also soft-plastics will kick up a stream of silt Rattle Spinnerblade good. off the bay floor, helping nearby fish locate Freelining Edges the bait. The key is using a slow, steady When fish are transitioning between retrieve in order to allow the bait to stay the shallows and the depth of the channel in contact with the bottom. and just sort of “hanging there” suspended Running the Length and not aggressively feeding, freelining More often than not, when fishing live baits along the edges can be extremely spoils fishermen will cast to spoil islands effective. Live shrimp, finger mullet and and retrieve back at a 90-degree or near silver dollar size crabs are among the best 90-degree angle. Ditto for anglers working baits in this situation, although a variety humps, who are in a habit of casting over Cast Toby Hogan Fishing Lures of suspending plugs and lightly weighted and retrieving across submerged humps. are available exclusively from soft-plastics will also work. While fishing these structures at sharp through the Toby Hogan If there is current moving, simply let angles can be productive, it is often more live croaker Fishing Lures website. the current pull the bait along the edge. If productive to cast parallel or alongside Most affordable rigs on the market. not, allow the bait to slowly sink over the the structure. edge before retrieving. The key is locating at what depth the www.tobyhoganfishinglures.com Channels & Cuts Between Islands fish are working. Usually, the degree of Authentic site of the originAl toby hogAn fishing lures

16 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal june 2013 june 2013 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal 17 n the 1970s and 80s some of the and former Galveston Bay guide Captain plex for over twenty years, Young has hottest speckled trout fishing spots Charlie Paradoski, who now fishes out of seen countless wellheads removed. “I in Galveston Bay were the scat- Matagorda, both attest to the removal of consistently catch fish from many mid bay teredI wellheads and their shell pad bases structure over the past thirty plus years. humps, that once served as the pad for a below located off the Bolivar Peninsula. “I can recall as many as twenty oper- well. The removal of the well doesn’t au- The shell pads were the actual attractant ating wellheads at a time,” says Paradoski. tomatically discount the location’s ability Rediscover for trout as they rose off of an otherwise “Many had moving parts that made noise to produce fish—it just makes it harder to featureless bay floor creating structure for and radiated heat on the water’s surface find.” he says. fish to relate. attracting fish.” Other than old, faded charts, which the Finding these highly visible fish mag- Cacciotti’s accounts of the former, are now outdated and no longer publicly nets was just a matter of opening your eyes much larger Bolivar lease are similar. sold, there is little available documenta- Bolivar and looking for the “Christmas trees” sur- “Some years there would be as many as tion on the former Bolivar well locations. rounded by their protective steel barriers. maybe twenty five wellheads present, all Of those that still possess charts marking Then using old fashion sounders, paper holding tons of fish,” he says. the now removed wells, few were able to graph recorders or just trial and error Although the current Bolivar gas lease keep GPS coordinates of their locations. anglers would probe the edges and corners is but a blemish on the water’s surface Most of the outdated charts were created Wells of the shell bases looking for their quarry. compared to what it used to be, the oyster in Loran-C units, instead of today’s stan- That was the way most anglers fished shell foot prints from past well locations dard GPS coordinates. A mathematical the Bolivar wells. However there were a still dot the bottom of Galveston Bay. equation would have to be used to convert few “lazy” anglers that would simply run There is no telling how many shell pads the locations recorded on the chart from the wells looking for bent rods held by are left behind, uncharted on the bay Loran-C into GPS coordinates. anglers already on fish and then squeeze floor, as the visual references once used Many fishermen used a triangulation in to try to claim their share of the bounty. to locate them from above have long since method for positioning themselves on Over the years the area located north- been removed. the “sweet spot” of a shell pad near a well, west of Port Bolivar and lining the north- When asked about the idea of there using land marks from Port Bolivar, the ern edge of the Houston Ship Channel being dozens of uncharted shell pads Texas City Dike, channel markers, and near the mouth of the Galveston Bay northwest of Port Bolivar, Captain Tim the well head itself. Paradoski says this Complex has change tremendously. What Young concurred. “There’s definitely a is how he would find his favorite holes was once a gas field composed of twenty ton of humps still down below where within the Bolivar Lease before modern to possibly thirty operating wellheads, there once was many well heads,” he says. GPS units and depth recorders became now holds a mere six smaller wells and “There’s also no telling how many fish a staple onboard. “When I would really one larger platform. Long time Galves- they’re holding!” start slamming fish on a well, I would try ton Bay guides Captain Mike Cacciotti Guiding in the Galveston Bay Com- to line up three different landmarks with

Locate uncharted fish attracting shell pads by combining modern day tools and technology.

Courtesy Shoreline Publishing Story and photography The Bolivar Wells were scattered over an area to the north of Bolivar Peninsula, and to the east of the Houston Ship Channel. by Nate Skinner

18 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal june 2013 june 2013 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal 19 Anchoring at the Wells 101

Veteran Galveston guides recommend fishing Off the Bolivar Peninsula there was once twenty to possibly thirty operating wellheads anglers would target and find fish. Today only six smaller the down current side of the wells for the best wells and one larger platform remains visible, but there are still numerous shell pads below the surface holding fish. chance for success. the well head, noting a compass bearing removed, there is little above the surface In addition to Google Earth, the Texas during this discovery process. to each one. I could then return to that to gain information from. The seven General Land Office has GIS maps avail- The Bolivar Wells are unique to every same spot time and time again.” remaining structures continue to give able on their website, showing locations other lease in the Galveston Bay system. Even with the lack of concrete docu- anglers a reference point to take in the of both present and former well locations. They have much deeper water, and are mentation for the locations of past wells, right direction as they still produce fish. Once again, zoom into these locations and located right at the mouth of the bay sys- One might think, “I know how to there are a few tools and methods that, The location of these structures can be move the pointer over the well and the tem. These two components make this drop anchor—no brainer!” This may combined with today’s marine navigation found on the internet through the use longitude and latitude will be displayed location the perfect summer time hotspot. be true most of the time in shallow technology, allow a new generation of of Google Earth. Zoom in and put the on the screen. The Bolivar Wells hold fresh, cool water water, but there’s more to it than simply anglers to unlock these best kept secrets pointer on a well, and the latitude and These GPS coordinates acquired from from the Gulf, offering fish depths near heaving the object overboard mind- of the past. longitude needed for a GPS is noted there the computer will put anglers relatively the Houston Ship Channel to take refuge lessly. When anchoring at the wells a Since many of the wells have been on the screen. close, possibly within a few yards. All from summer’s heat. common “danforth” style anchor works that’s left is a little idling and paying atten- During times of weak tidal movement, best. Make sure there is an adequate tion to the depth recorder and bingo, the these wells and shell pads can be targeted amount of rope (150 plus feet) and a creation of an underwater map charting with deep sinking artificial lures; however, large eight foot chain attached to it. the Bolivar well pads is underway! The a Carolina rigged live shrimp has been the Wait until the boat is moving down triangulation method, similar to that of proven method throughout the years. The current and ease the anchor into the Paradoski’s mentioned above, can help stronger the current the heavier the weight water with the spikes facing towards needs to be. the boat, down current. This will allow “Anchoring on the down current side for the spikes to dig into the bottom What’s Significant about he of a pad or well is the best option,” explains from tension in the rope, holding the Shell Pads Left Behind? Cacciotti. “This allows you to cast up boat in place. Let plenty of rope out, current and let the bait drift back down letting it slide through your fingers alongside the well and off the shell pad.” while keeping it tight enough to feel if Oyster reefs are enhanced and/or If the tide is incoming, Cacciotti pre- the anchor is dragging on the bottom. created by man all the time when the fers to anchor on the Bolivar side of the Keep the motor running until the an- remaining shells from shucked oysters pad or well he is targeting. If it is outgoing, chor is set, the anchor rope is tied off, and clams are returned to the bay floor. he will target the same structure from the and the boat is in a safe position. Keep “Nothing offers a better surface to live Texas City Dike side. in mind the deeper and rougher it is, from for a live oyster than another Paradoski also affirms that fishing the the more anchor rope will be needed oyster shell,” claims Charlie Coleman, down current side of the well and shell pad to hold the boat in place. a marine scientist and lecturer at produces a better bite. “I liked to work Texas A&M University at Galveston. the entire shell pad, but my best success “Returning shells to the bay floor is there. Technology has paved the way to was always on the down current side.” he like cultivating and growing your own rediscover the shell footprints and create admitted. oyster reef.” This process is what makes modern day memories similar to the Once a stretch of water containing the shell pads stabilizing well heads tales from the past. Get out on the water many wellheads that attracted a parking in the bay ideal fish attracting humps to unlock the mystery and rediscover the lot of boats, the Bolivar Wells may now along the bottom. When the pads were Bolivar Wells. be just a good memory to some who had created for a given well, they became Editor’s Note: A link to the Texas Gen- the pleasure of fishing the area years ago. a large evolving and forever growing eral Land Office GIS Map can be found However, the underwater structure that reef. on TOJ’s website. Please visit www.texa- made this location a gold mine is still soutdoorsjournal.com for more info.

20 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal june 2013 june 2013 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal 21 For information on guides mentioned, see Guides, Gear & Getaways on pages 60-63

schools of kingfish and tarpon will be frolicking in the Brazos Santiago Pass CoastWatch Danno Wise between the jetties, as well as along the beachfront – particularly the stretch of sand known as Boca Chica Beach, which runs from the pass south to the mouth of The traditional “beginning of sum- shore waters off the Texas coast from the Rio Grande River. mer” — Memorial Day — is now in the the Rio Grande to the Sabine. Kingfish, LOWER COAST Offshore, South Padre anglers have rearview mirror. Although the summer bonito and ling will also provide close- been catching kingfish, snapper, dorado solstice — the actual beginning of sum- to-shore action. A little further offshore, and amberjack for weeks now. As June mer — won’t occur until near the end of wahoo, tuna, sailfish and marlin will be wears on, each of these species will still June, most folks won’t be waiting until primary target species throughout the be plentiful and will be joined by sailfish, then to take advantage of summer. With summer. marlin, wahoo and an occasional tuna. nice weather, no school for the kids, and Of course, June 1 is also the long- In Port Mansfield, guide Capt. Bruce longer daylight hours, hordes of people awaited opening of the federal red Shuler of Get-A-Way Adventures Lodge will be heading to the coast during June. snapper season. Although the season is says June is the beginning of some ex- So, anglers can expect the coastal waters always controversial, this year is much cellent offshore fishing, although the bay of Texas to be a bit more crowded begin- more so, as the feds are attempting to Port Isabel guide Capt. Gencho Bui- fishing will still be hot as well. ning this month. severely reduce the length of what would tureira Jr says June is a time when fish- “In June, we do an awful lot of snapper However, despite an increasing have already been the shortest federal ermen can be successful with a relatively Red snapper season opens on June 1. fishing,” said Shuler. “We also have a lot number of anglers on the water in season to date for Texas and other states simple game plan. of kingfish around the beachfront and June, there will still be plenty of action that have a year around state water har- “June is a pretty easy month,” said June. For me, it’s all about fishing deep piggy perch, or cut skipjack.” jetties. We’ll do some trolling for sailfish both inshore and offshore. And, since vest. A lawsuit has been filed to prevent Buitureira. “Probably 75 to 80 percent of drops and structure - shaded structure Besides bay fishing, anglers at the tip and marlin as well. summer weather allows for a greater the reduced season. time I will start on the ICW up north. I’ll especially. I’ll be free-lining with live of Texas will have plenty of beachfront “When we’re fishing in the bay, we’re variety of areas to fish, there should be As of this writing, it is unclear be doing pretty much the same thing as last shrimp or mullet. Then, when I move on and offshore options to choose from. usually targeting trout in June. We usually plenty of room for anglers to spread whether Texans will have 12 days or month - fishing deep drops and structure. the flats, I’ll be fishing in two feet of water, June usually sees plenty of speckled trout, start shallow and follow the fish out to out. The relatively calm winds of June 28 days for federal red snapper season. I like fishing the ICW, the causeways, the drifting potholes. On the flats, I’ll be bot- mangrove snapper, Spanish mackerel deeper water as the day wears on. In the will allow access to all corners of most However, it’s a safe bet there will be South Bay Channels - places like that. That’s tom drifting cut ballyhoo, mullet heads, and snook along the jetties. Additionally, morning we’ll fish knee-deep water and bays. Additionally, consistently flat seas plenty of Texas anglers running offshore where I’ll be catching most of my trout. will allow more anglers offshore and, of to get their red snapper fix for however And, I’ll also start picking up some good course, the slick surface and “green to long the season lasts. mangrove snapper in those areas in June. the beach” tides of the surf will encour- Finally, CCA’s annual STAR tour- “If we’re looking for redfish, I’ll get on 2013 STATE OF TEXAS ANGLER’S RODEO age more fishermen to hit the beachfront nament takes place during the summer flats. If it’s windy, I’ll fish the color lines MAY 25 – SEPT 2 · 12 DIVISIONS · 20 BOATS · 5 TRUCKS and jetties. months, giving anglers yet another rea- on Gas Well Flats. If we have an outgoing June also marks the start of ‘big game’ son to head to the coast. This popular tide, I’ll fish South Bay and Mexiquita season for coastal fishermen. Sharks will event, runs between Memorial Day and Flats. We’ll also have snook coming in be everywhere — from the guts just off Labor Day and awards prizes in a variety those areas in June. dry sand to offshore oil rigs. of inshore and offshore categories for “For the most part, I live on the deep Tarpon will be found in the near- both children and adults. drops and around the Old Causeway in $1,000,000 A full service world class facility CCA In Prizes & considered the safest harbor in the area. Members Ages 6-17 Scholarships Fish STAR Yacht Club and Marina FREE! 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22 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal june 2013 june 2013 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal 23 throw small topwater plugs like Skitter- redfish if we run across them. water over sand and grass. This month an- walkers and Super Spook Jrs. During the “We have a lot of options in June. If we glers can also expect a good topwater bite middle of the day, the fish will be hanging have light wind, we can fish the shell reefs in early. Later in the morning, anglers will on the outside edge of the grass flats in Nueces or the rocks in Baffin. If the wind’s need to switch to soft-plastics or live bait. three and a half to four feet of water. blowing, we can fish up here in the Upper Starting in June, the go-to bait for most “Redfish will be working the flats as Laguna. If it’s really laid down calm, we can trout fishermen in the Aransas area will be well. We’ll chase them with gold spoons fish the surf for specks and reds or run out live croaker. There will also be good red- and soft-plastics. The other thing we’ll do to the rigs for kingfish and ling. That’s what fish action during June. Reds can be found in June is some nighttime wading around I like about June, there’s so much that you on the flats throughout the day, but are the full moon. We have a lot of clients who can do that a lot of time you never do the usually caught a little more consistently like wadefishing for trout at night. But, if same thing two days in a row.” from midday on, after the boat traffic has Photo by Billy Olson you want to go with us, you had better call died down. Soft-plastics and spoons will All of the Texas jetties will attract fish and crowds of anglers this month. quick because we’ve about got the whole produce plenty of reds, as will cut shad full moon period booked.” MIDDLE COAST and mullet. dead shrimp will draw plenty of strikes. redfish. The “other” flats fish — black “In June we’ll start hitting the sand Corpus Christi guide Capt. Allen Sif- One super hot bait through early Rockport anglers will have plenty of drum — will also be readily available. and grass,” said Smith. “We’ll be throwing ford of Fish On Guide Service says June is spring has been Egret Bait’s Vudu shrimp. options in June, with several bays in the As June gets underway, anglers can soft-plastics and topwaters and wading a prime trout month in the Upper Laguna. Rigged under a popping cork, mauler or area turning on with good trout fishing expect to see huge herds of black drum anywhere from knee-deep to waist-deep, “In June, I will be fishing in Baffin Alameda Rattling float and its tail and in June. Aransas and Redfish Bays will be working across area flats. Shrimp produce depending on the time of day and water and the Upper Laguna, looking for trout,” action come to life. The new shrimp im- loaded with fish. Croaker or pinfish will the best bets for black drum. Starting in temperature. But, by June, the water has said Sifford. “Most of the time we’ll be itation is extremely lifelike and durable. be the top baits for most trout fishermen. June, anglers should also keep an eye on definitely warmed up, so the fish will be throwing croaker. By then, there will be Some of the best colors have been pearl/ Although it requires a little longer the beachfront, as trout action in the surf off the mud and will be on the sand and plenty of bait-size croaker around and chartreuse, and natural or brown. The boat ride, the Laguna Madre will also be can be outstanding when the conditions grass flats. that’s usually what we throw. But, you demand by anglers that have fished these producing some good catches of specks. get right. “We’ll be targeting mullet and glass can also do pretty good with Top Dogs shrimp have been so high that the best way While trout will be the focus for most Port O’Connor guide Capt. Lynn minnows. We’ve had a lot of glass min- and Bass Assassins. My main focus will to find these baits is not at your local tackle fishermen, anglers can also expect to find Smith of Back Bay Guide Service said nows and have been finding a lot of trout be on trout, but usually we run across a Aransas area anglers can expect ex- dealer but online at www.egretbaits.com. a decent amount of redfish on the flats June is typically a time anglers can locate feeding on them. Those glass minnows school of reds during the day. So, even if cellent speckled trout fishing during the Anglers should also keep an eye out from mid-morning on. Shrimp, spoons good numbers of speckled trout by finding should be around through the end of we’re fishing croaker for trout, we always spring/summer transition during June. for large schools of black drum on the flats and soft-plastics will be the best bets for schools of glass minnows. summer. I like throwing small soft-plas- keep a rod rigged with a lure to throw at Trout will be found in two to five feet of this month. When black drum are found,

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24 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal june 2013 june 2013 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal 25 so you need to key in on any structure fish within sight of land that time of year. UPPER COAST you come upon. You’ll usually find them “We’ll also be seeing some ling around around buoys and marker posts. One of the close in structure. You always want to the best ways to catch them is to throw a check around the buoys and any floating live shrimp under a popping cork right stuff you find on the way in or out. And, up against a marker post. Let the current just because you’re not seeing ling doesn’t push the cork right against the post and mean they’re not around. If I’m not seeing let it stay there. When it goes down, you’d them around the buoys, I’ll drop a grub better hang on. or a down deep. A lot of times, “Most of our best tripletail fishing is we’ll hook up by down deep even in West Matagorda Bay. In June, I’ll be if we don’t see any on the surface.” spending most of my time in West Bay. Be- “But, I don’t go offshore every day sides tripletail, that is also where we have in June. We’ll still be catching a lot of Matagorda guide Capt. Tommy Countz some of our best trout fishing during June. bull reds and sharks in close. And, like I says that although early summer action for “I’ll be wadefishing over grass flats, said, we’ll have kings moving in close as The hottest bait this spring has been the speckled trout and redfish should be out- concentrating on the outer bars. We’ll start well. So, right off the jetties, you’ll be able Vudu shrimp rigged under a popping cork, standing, it is a lesser known species that off shallow, then move deep later in the to catch kings, bull reds and big shark mauler, or rattling float. will have his attention in June. day. Then, I’ll go back inside and re-work starting in June and going throughout tics - clear/glitter usually. I’ll also throw “June is usually when we start our trip- those grass beds in shallow. Usually, later the summer.” small Super Spooks. I usually like chrome/ letail fishing,” said Countz. “The exact time in the day, the trout will go hide in the Galveston guide Capt. Tag Anderson blue back in that small Spook, especially when the tripletail show up varies a little grass beds. Those grass beds have literally Photo by John Frankson of Oak Island Fishing Adventures says he around the glass minnows. Pretty much, from year to year, but usually they come thousands of tiny minnows and the trout Bigger tugs offshore will be felt all along the Texas coast. expects to have an excellent summer — if you concentrate on bait, sand and grass, in around mid-June and stay through will lay up in there and feed on ‘em. So, starting in June. you’ll find fish. August. Although you don’t hear a lot when we go back in later in the day, we with a big topwater, the switch to a Corky “In June, we’ll be fishing for red snap- “We’ve had some really good fishing “There will also be redfish on the about it, I think Matagorda is the premier selectively cast at the grass beds and try or a Sand Eel.” per, as well as all of the pelagics. We’ll be and it’s only getting better,” said Anderson. shorelines. The reds will be following tripletail on the Gulf Coast. The to pull the fish out of them. Freeport guide Capt. Mike Segall of looking around weedlines for dorado and “Our bay system is set up for us to have an mullet for the most part. You can usually average fish we catch is 10 to 15 pounds, “In June we also start looking real Reel Threel Charters says June is the start wahoo and kingfish. The kingfish will be excellent summer. catch them on soft-plastics or spoons – or but we catch a lot of them over 20. heavy at the surf, too. That can be really of the wide-open summer angling season. moving in really close — we’ll have king- “In June, I’ll be keying on slicks, work- even on topwaters.” “Tripletail are structure-oriented fish, good action if it’s flat. I normally start out

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26 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal june 2013 june 2013 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal 27 on gas platforms and throwing plastics. If you find pods of mullet, you will find “Most of the time during the summer, big trout. It seems like big trout like to feed I’ll be fishing Trinity and East Bay. In fact, on big mullet right before they get ready to I’ll be fishing Trinity Bay 90 percent of the spawn. So if you are throwing lures, throw time. The only thing that will change that something that imitates baitfish. Early in is if we get too much fresh water coming the morning, I like to throw topwaters. into the bay. But, this year has been so Then, after a couple hours, I move out dry and the water is so salty, a little rain and throw soft-plastics. Just look at water would actually help. It would put some clarity to choose your lure colors. But, in more oxygen in the water. It might cloud June, I always like something with a little the water for a day or two, but it would chartreuse mixed in. clear up real quick. “For the most part, I’ll be fishing for “Again, our bay is in real good shape trout during June. But, we’re always going heading into summer. I can’t even de- to have redfish around. A lot of times in scribe how good fishing has been. We are June, there will be redfish mixed in with catching a bunch of fish and some really trout. The reds like to hang around the big - like 9 pound fish. And, we’ve been deeper reefs like Hannah’s and Windmill catching a lot of solid fish in the 5-6 pound and Frenchy’s. And, they will hit croaker range. If everything holds like this, it’s just like trout will. going to be wide open in June.” “If the wind lays down or if it is blow- Anglers will hook up with redfish on grass flats all along the Texas coast this month. Guide Capt. Mike Cacciotti of Mike’s ing out of the southwest, you can do real Fishing Service also believes June will be good on the beachfront. You want green ing deep water structure, fishing over lots some mid-bay mud boils. You’ll see a lot an outstanding month in the Galveston water to the beach. If you don’t have green of shell, and even doing some wading in of those mud boils in the upper end of Bay Complex. water to the beach, don’t even think about the morning with topwaters. But, again, Trinity Bay during June. “May and June are when our trout are fishing the beachfront. But when the green we’ll be fishing more structure in June. For “I will be doing a little bit of croaker spawning,” said Cacciotti. “Our big fish are water comes in, it is a great place to fish. the most part, we’ll be fishing gas and oil fishing in June. I use mostly artificial, but Photo by John Frankson spawning in May and into June, so right Along the beachfront, you want throw wells with plastics like Tidal Surge Lures I will use some croaker out on the ship On light wind days anglers will be drawn to the surf to fish from a boat, now is a good time to catch big fish. Dur- as well as the beachfront. MirrOlures and spoons, but you can also and Norton Sand Eels. I’ll also be working channel at times. But mostly I’ll be keying ing the spawn, fishing time is always best for big trout five days before full moon. Let me help you find your place “Early in the month it will still be windy. During the first week or two of on the Coastal Bend... June, the fish in the Galveston Complex will be on the spoils along the ship chan- buyer representation nels and all the deep reefs. The key starting in June really is deep structure. In East Bay, areas like Deep Reef and Hannah’s Reef — all those reefs in 6 to 9 feet of wa- ter — are good. I’ll also drift around spoil banks along the Houston Ship Channel. “We’ll also be switching over to croaker in June. I will be using croaker probably 90 percent of the time in June. When I’m throwing croaker, I don’t like the bait to sit still. I like to shake ‘em to keep him • Coastal Residential & Investment Real Estate moving. If it sits still, you’ll end up with • Hunting Properties - Texas & Mountain States gafftop or something like that. You need • Commercial Investments to keep it moving to catch trout. I also like • More than 30 Years of Real Estate Experience drifting with croaker, which is a good way to keep them moving, too. “You do pretty good on lures, too, in June. But, the keys to locating fish will be Bill L. Olson, Broker a little different. In June, you don’t have shrimp in water like you normally do, so Olson you have to key in on baitfish. Instead, you 713.957.3997 office Interests have to key on pods of shad for medium 713.201.6970 cellular size trout and pods of mullet for bigger 1706 W. sam Houston parkWay n. • Houston tX 77043 trout.

28 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal june 2013 june 2013 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal 29 TACKLE TIPS & TECHNIQUES | Danno Wise catch fish live croaker and shrimp. This chartreuse will be the go-to color. It’s a will clean up and we’ll have plenty of trout beachfront action starts in June and con- real shrimpy looking color. and reds along the jetties and in the surf. tinues into July.” Once the shrimp move back into “You can start out in the surf throwing Walking The Dog Sabine Lake guide Capt. Randy Fore- the lake, I almost always throw glow/ a topwater. Then, later in the morning, man said June is a good time for fishermen chartreuse. switch to a soft-plastic. Again, glow/chart looking for specks in both the lake and “I’ll be using Down South Southern is the color. If you’re looking for redfish along the beachfront. Shad. At times, I’ll also put some Pro- along the jetties, use the same baits, just “In June, we should have birds all over Cure Gel on them. That scent can make a let ‘em drop down deep.” the lake,” said Foreman. “We’ll also have big difference, especially if the fish aren’t some good fishing in the channel. There feeding aggressively. LOUISIANA COAST will be trout all along the Sabine Channel. “June is also when our jetties and surf You want to concentrate on the points get going good. Starting around mid-June and drops and use soft-plastics. Glow/ the wind will start laying down, the water

June is historically the month Lake Calcasieu produces a disproportionate amount of trophy trout. As a result, as June gets underway, most Big Lake anglers will be turning their attention to sow specks. Most fishermen seeking super-size specks on Calcasieu will be throwing topwater plugs, such as Top Dogs, She Dogs and Super Spooks, although some decent fish will be taken on soft-plastics such as Bass Assassins. June is also a good time for fishermen looking to box a number of eating-size trout. Good numbers of keeper specks can be taken on live shrimp or soft-plas- tics around the reefs. Redfish will also be available for Big Lake fishermen in June. Anglers seeking spot tails should concen- trate on the shorelines, throwing spoons, RattleTraps, and soft-plastics. Venice fishermen will have a mix of inshore and offshore fishing available in June. Red snapper, kingfish, dorado, wahoo and ling should all be within a rela- tively short run. A little further off, marlin action should be heating up and there will still be some tuna to be had. Later in the month tarpon should begin showing in catchable numbers around the passes. Inshore, fishermen will find plenty of sight-casting opportunities for redfish in the marshes this month. Trout fishermen can chase the birds looking for boxes of keeper fish. When the birds aren’t work- ing, trout will most often be found around deeper structure this month and are best targeted with live shrimp or soft- plastics.

30 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal june 2013 june 2013 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal 31 A multi-part discussion Photo Right: Incidental sightings collected throughout that first hunting season of whitetail deer and can give you an idea of fawn survival, which is important when making harvest game management on a recommendations. Evaluation, hypothetical 2,000 acre Decisions, South Texas ranch. Part I I & Implementation Story and photography by Bob Zaiglin

The number and quality of mature bucks observed over that first season can be used to determine the number of trophy bucks available for the upcoming season.

hat first hunting season one ex- no other management strategy yields an periences on a newly acquired increase in antler size as swiftly as allowing piece of deer real estate is im- deer to enter the older age classes. In other portantT for several reasons. First there is words, the fact that bucks are allowed to no other time of the year that sportsmen get one year older means larger-racked spend more time in the field, enabling bucks will show up the following year. them to become more familiar with the One’s knowledge as to where those habitat, its inhabitants, and more impor- bucks prefer to spend much of their tantly where those desirable mature bucks time in the winter plays a vital role in spend their time when it counts most. the decision making process as to where Once that first hunting season comes to those permanent deer blinds should be an end, it’s time to go to work. positioned. Some blinds may be erected By reviewing incidental sighting data in areas providing panoramic views, while collected throughout the hunting season, others may be located in areas inundated the sex ratio, fawn survival, and even by brush, but with a little cosmetic brush the male age class structure of the deer work, the area around these blinds can be herd can be determined. Such informa- modified to make them more effective. tion dictates herd status, which can be Something as inexpensive as a chain employed to adjust the harvest for the saw can be used to clear narrow travel upcoming season. lanes through the maze of vegetation, For example, if two does were recorded luring bucks into the small openings, and for each buck observed, the doe harvest if designed right, some of those elusive would have to be increased in order to bucks may be drawn toward instead of balance the deer herd. If few mature bucks away from the blind. were observed, a conservative male har- If fortunate enough to see a substan- vest becomes important, simply because tial number of bucks during the hunting

TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal 33 season, one should have an idea of antler plantings composed of oats and wheat deer and most all wildlife are edge-ori- space within the confined area must be quality. However, seldom is one lucky are effective in facilitating harvest while ented species, such disturbed areas be- large enough to provide deer ample room enough to see a large number of excep- providing some nutritional benefit to deer come extremely attractive to all wildlife, to move freely about in order to avoid tional-racked bucks early on in a man- during a nutritionally deprived time pe- particularly when adequate moisture is re- confrontations between aggressive deer. agement program, but the application of riod, but can they be depended upon as a alized. They are particularly attractive to I recommend a 40” x 40” 38-inch tall bull several proven techniques can improve productive annual practice? Based on my does, and as a result, they are frequented panel fence with 60” x 60” even better. overall antler quality. 35+ years in South Texas, ‘oat patches’ are by bucks during the breeding season, The pellet should be freely available Food plots are a ubiquitous part of productive only three to four times over a decorating the entire perimeter of the field from January through August in order to modern deer management, but before 10-year period—so why would they still with scrapes, an activity they will repeat nutritionally assist bucks following the rut you go through the laborious, not to play a role in management? annually whether the oats develop or not. and throughout the antler growing period. mention expensive task of developing a First of all, once an area is cleared The most important aspect of a man- It also provides doe with a consistently planting scheme, one must consider their of brush and plowed up, a substantial made food plot is its productivity in the nutritional diet during their most stressful effectiveness. In South Texas, cool season amount of edge is established, and since spring when rainfall is most dependable time of the year when they represent the and a plethora of native weeds, grasses, support system for fawns. Matter of fact, and more importantly forbs, representing based on my research on supplemental a valuable source of palatable and highly feeding back in 1975, one of the benefits digestible forage, inundate the prepared of a supplemental feeding program is an natural seedbed. increase in fawn survival. In other words, a South Texas food Providing deer a pelleted feed over plot will only develop an adequate stand part of a year is supplemental feeding, of planted cereal grain three or four times but providing it year around is plain and out of 10 years, but one can count on simple feeding. Obviously, there are ad- those fields being nutritionally beneficial vantages to feeding year around, but on virtually every spring when deer require open range, the cost can be prohibitive, it most. I refer to this activity as natural particularly since deer will gravitate onto land enhancement (NLE) and consider the ranch from contiguous properties. it an extremely important tool in deer Following the first season, one can determine just what caliber of bucks should be harvested to An alternative method of enhancing a management. It can be employed in a improve overall antler size. wild deer’s diet is with whole cottonseed. variety of ways that are not only produc- tive, but more importantly cost effective. NLE can be employed by simply mowing, shredding, or disking narrow strips along Proven Choice Quality Products roadways followed by fertilizing. But the of the Successful and major advantage of NLE is that there are Trophy HUNTER Competitive no limits to size or location of area upon which it can be employed. for over 35 years. Prices! Although NLE is an ideal method of augmenting a deer’s nutritional regime, it does take some time, and if there is one thing most individuals in today’s world lacks, it is surplus time! One alternative method of nutrition- ally benefiting a whitetail population is to supplement their diet with a high protein pellet. Depending on the size of area, this practice can be costly. Research on the subject indicates that one feed station per 400 acres is effective, thus on a 2,000-acre area, that would equate to five feeding sites. This is a handleable number, but before it is implemented, the feed stations must be constructed. Each station should Best tripod for deer Hunting free CHoiCe protein pellet & Corn feeders pot Belly Blinds contain one or two bulk feeders that allow Holds hunters 300 + lbs. deer will develope body mass and larger antlers from eating protein. deer blinds that will last. deer to feed freely and in a stressless envi- www.southtexastripodsandfeeders.com ronment. With cattle, javelina, and feral hogs present, the area should be fenced off Hog traps extra heavy duty angle iron door frame with We have the parts to replace in order to prevent use of the expensive swing up door allows multiple capture, pellet by non-targeted species. And the starting at 3X3X7 and larger traps. or build it yourself.

34 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal june 2013 june 2013 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal 35 The feed source can be distributed in a doses over several weeks. However, with trough or contained in a basket created a diversified food source on open range by double-wrapping fine chicken mesh land, this is not apt to occur. It remains fencing around two or three t-posts that prudent, however, to curtail feeding cot- are driven solidly into the ground. A bas- tonseed minimally five weeks before the ket-shaped fence three to four feet tall and breeding season. 30 to 40 inches in diameter would suffice. Minerals are an important element in Initially, I would establish one or two on the development of antlers, thus a source an experimental basis, and if deer use of minerals for deer is worth investigat- becomes evident, additional cottonseed ing. This can be accomplished by simply dispensers can be established. digging a shallow hole approximately The principal advantage to feeding 12 inches deep and three to four feet in deer cottonseed is that hogs will not use diameter, pouring a quarter to half a sack it excessively, eliminating the requirement of mineral into the cavity, then covering of additional fencing. Thus, a large num- it lightly with soil. It’s an inexpensive ber of feed stations can be economically method of establishing a natural mineral and rapidly developed for distribution, lick. Before doing so, however, it would complementing the benefit derived from be wise to collect several soil samples the pelleted feed stations. throughout the ranch and have them Whole cottonseed contains high analyzed in order to determine what lacks amounts of digestible energy, protein, most, phosphorus or calcium. Once this and moderate amounts of fiber. More is determined, get a local feed dealer to importantly, it does not degrade in moist create a mix. conditions and is not readily sought Before distributing mineral licks after by non-target animals unless range throughout the ranch, I suggest establish- conditions are poor. These traits are ing several around high deer use areas in Habitat manipulation practices are generally expensive, but can be conducted to a degree with beneficial where protection of feed from order to investigate its acceptance by deer. less expensive equipment like a chain saw, ax, or shredder. raccoons, feral pigs, and the elements may The production of trophy caliber deer be difficult. takes time, thus it’s important that manag- One concern of feeding whole cotton- ers and sportsmen remain patient. In the seed is the presence of gossypol, a natural next article, I will address the advanced chemical that has been shown to decrease strategy of augmenting the genetic integ- reproductive capability in livestock, espe- rity of the deer herd as well as keeping cially in males, and a reduction in body them on the ranch. weight and condition if consumed at high

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36 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal june 2013 june 2013 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal 37 JUST HUNTING | Bill L. Olson single stage trigger found on most hunting hell of a gun. In fact it is being carried rifles. However, I found the two stage de- over into phase two of my shooting exper- DPMS Panther – NOT an Assault Rifle sign actually made me focus more on the iment, and that is to take a quality produc- distant targets when making final adjust- tion rifle and tweak it to further improve ments before firing and improved results. on its already impressive performance. Plus the Bushnell Elite 6500 scope Just as firearms our Dads, Granddads When a conversation is engaged about series is a great value with features that and even our forefathers use as service AR platform rifles it doesn’t take long to will rival the more expensive names. It is weapons became the cornerstone of ad- figure out the ones that are clueless about available in duplex and mil-dot versions. vancements in sporting rifles for hunters the subject. If someone thinks AR stands So is there a final decision in this com- and recreational shooters, the AR today for “Assault Rifle,” then they are sadly A Bushnell Elite 6500 2.5 x 16 scope is an parison? Reality says no. A custom firearm joins that prestigious rank. The AR mistaken and have been misinformed by excellent choice to top off the DPMS rifle. has subtle features that reflect the substan- platform has come a long way, and it has the unknowing media. The original and custom firearm. tial time invested as each gun is built. certainly entrenched itself as the hunting accepted explanation is that AR stands A 20” bull barrel DPMS Panther model However, the DPMS Panther is one platform for generations to come. for Aramalite, the original manufacturer was selected. Weighing in at nine and a of this type of firearm. half pounds before a scope, bases, and I’ll admit I was late to the “apprecia- rings were mounted, this is no lightweight. tion party” of these efficient and effective That was the idea. semi-automatic firearms. I grew up in a It’s overall length is 38.5 inches and comes with a 41 stainless steel bull barrel. time when the “only” accurate rifle was The DPMS Panther 20” Bull Barrel .223 AR Rifle a single shot or bolt action model. The This isn’t a short barreled rifle designed majority of the semi-automatic rifles built had already taken out many of the dogs few reasons I became an AR fan. My next to be kept in a hunting vehicle available in the 60s, 70s, and even into the 80s could in the prairie towns. However, there were question was how would a “production for quick action. Instead this baby is for not deliver the same accuracy as the bolt still enough targets to test M-G Arm’s gun” compare with a custom built firearm? setting up and reaching out to touch tar- Made to go action version. Coyote in .223 and .204 Ruger. Each of O’Day continued to be my mentor as gets at distance. The added barrel length Fast forward to May 2010 — TOJ’s the rifles were topped off with Swarovski’s I queried which manufacturer should be would help generate more velocity for wherever your Shooting Editor Kerry O’Day, his wife top of the line varmint scopes. selected for my first AR, along with barrel long range shooting while the 1 x 9 twist quest takes you . . . Carol, my son Billy, and veteran hunters While most of the group concentrated length, caliber, twist, and other factors. would stabilize popular .223 ammunition and friends Buck and Billy Payne and I on the available dogs to shoot, I did some As we discussed this little comparison loaded with 45-55 grain bullets. headed to West Texas to field test some of cholla trimming. At distance either side O’Day kept mentioning he bought a lot Affixed to the flattop of the upper M-G Arm’s Coyote rifles, its custom line of 300 yards I took aim and neatly clipped of component parts from one particular receiver was a Bushnell Elite 6500 scope. of ARs. We would shoot prairie dogs, call the lower branch of a fork of new growth company for his custom ARs. The name The 2.5 x 16 is just as the manufacturer coyotes, and other varmints. After that off of this variety of cacti. Trimmed and that kept coming up was Minnesota based claims, “the ultimate all-round scope for long weekend I can attest there is no better cleanly cut off with one shoot, the upper gun manufacturer DPMS. jump shooting to long range precision.” I way to spend a few late spring days than branch was targeted and dispatched. It My son had just finished building love the 2.5 lower power that really allows surrounded by such expansive big Texas may not sound exciting, but the long range his first AR, a lightweight, 16” barrel in for a wide field of view. On the top side country with friends. accuracy of the rifled and my shooting had .223 that has made him a nice “brush the 16 power is actually more than my We experienced strong persistent my chest swell with pride. gun.” However, what I wanted was eyes need. Most of my distance shooting winds so the coyote calling was not very Extremely accurate, light recoil, and something for long distance shooting to has been from 12-14 power, but it’s nice productive and it seemed like the plague field friendly for easy cleaning were just a compare the “out of the box” variety to the to know there’s more if needed. With the scope weighing 17.3 ounce, plus bases and rings added to the nine and a half pound Panther means the entire The most accurate ultra-light weighs just a couple of ounces under 11 rifle without compromise pounds. That is not something you want to lug around in the field, and could hardly A precision firearm designed for ultra-minimum weight, be called an “assault rifle.” ultra-minimum recoil, and ultimate accuracy. What had been put together was a 3 modern hunting rifle designed for var- • Custom Built as Light as 4 /4 lbs. mint hunting and long range shooting • Customer’s Choice of Caliber built upon an AR platform. 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The two stage trigger didn’t take long incorporated to adjust as the slack is taken up, then the w w w . m g a r m s i n c . c o m target reacquired before touching the gun t : 281.821.8282 | m g a r m s @ s w b e l l . n e t off. This is different than a traditional MG Arms recommends Swarovski Optik for precision long-range optics and is an Authorized Swarovski Dealer.

38 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal june 2013 june 2013 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal 39 Just Shooting | Kerry O’Day change, check it I Shoot Too Fast! every 50 to 100 rounds t o m a k e sure all Once a shooter starts reloading their month and using that Mec loader. your set- own ammo, they will find they can shoot My first progressive pistol loader was tings and their custom loads much faster than they bought in 1980 when I started my busi- tolerances can make them. This is where a progres- ness. It was a Dillon RL450. This loader have not sive loader comes in handy. could load about 300 rounds of good changed in A progressive loader is a reloading ammo in an hour. With this reloader any way. machine which will make a round of you do have to remember to put a shell in Com- ammunition for every time the handle is the plate, rotate the plate, pull the primer piling this pulled. A normal single stage loader like a arm and push the powder drop. It sounds article Rock Chucker will take four or five differ- complicated, but after a little time you b r o u g h t ent steps to make a round of ammunition would get into a rhythm and load quality This loader does every thing with one pull of the handle. back some where a progressive loader will do all the pistol ammo at a good rate. good old operations with one pull of the handle. As I added more employees, I wanted powder. At worst, you will skip a powder memories, so I sat down to see how fast It resizes the case and pushes out the a faster and easier machine to use. I also charge or even double charge a case and end I could load a fifty round box of 45 ACP old primer, installs a new primer, drops wanted a loader that would put the primer up hurting your gun or even yourself. So, ammo on the old Star loader. I used a fresh powder charge, seats a bullet, and in place and drop the powder without if you are a little absent minded or would some Unique powder, Winchester large crimps the bullet and brass all at the same worrying whether I had forgotten a step. rather be watching NCIS on TV, then you pistol primers and a 200 grain SWC hard time. All the reloading operator has to I bought a Star loading machine. should be using a single stage loader. cast bullet. After six minutes and thirty do is keep up with feeding bullets and This became my favorite pistol loading Lastly, these machines need to be kept seconds, I had fifty rounds of ammo ready moving the shell plate. Some progressive machine and it still is today. I could load clean and lubed at all times to work prop- to go into the cleaner and shoot this week- loaders will even rotate the ammo and 500 rounds of 45 or 357 Mag. in an hour erly, so regular maintenance is necessary. end. Not bad for a 50 year old machine feed the bullets. and they would all be right. I still have Also don’t expect the powder to never and a 50+ year old guy! Progressive loading machines will a Star loading machine which I use to make from about 200 rounds an hour to load .45 ACP ammo. The old 1976 built more than 5000 rounds an hour. Also, machine still works and still makes great This Star loader was made in the 70’s and is the faster it operates the more expensive shooting ammunition. We have estimated still one of the best. HOUSTON CHAPTER the machine is. A good 300 round Dillon that for almost 4 decades, this old Star loader will cost about $400, where an loader has made more than two million have a bad piece of brass, it will let you ROCKY MOUNTAIN Ammo Load machine, which will make rounds of 45 ACP and is still making know that too. These machines can load ELK FOUNDATION 5000 rounds an hour, will cost upwards quality ammo today. a hundred rounds of pistol ammunition of $15,000. One of the best machines for progres- faster than you can put a hundred primers 26ND ANNUAL I bought my first progressive loading sive loading of rifle ammunition was the in a tube. It is amazing to just watch these machine in the late 70’s. It was a Mec and Dillon RL1000 which has been upgraded machines spit out quality ammo at the rate BIG GAME BANQUET was used so I could keep shooting skeet to a RL1050. These loaders can load both that it does. every week. At the time I was shooting in pistol and rifle ammo at a very fast pace. There are several problems with pro- competition skeet tournaments almost ev- If you have a strong right arm, you can gressive loaders that should be pointed Saturday, June 1, 2013 ery week plus my practice, so I was shoot- load seven or eight hundred rounds of out before you buy one. First, they will ing about 500+ shotgun shells a week. I pistol ammo or five hundred rounds of not meter all types of powder. Powder like could not afford factory Winchester AA 223 rifle ammo in an hour. The other nice IMR4831 will not give you very accurate TEXAS BIGGEST & MOST shells, so I made my own using the old thing about this loader is it will swage out charges. Also very small ball powders SUCCESSFUL RMEF CHAPTER HAS fired hulls which I kept after shooting. the primer crimp on military rifle and like AA#9 or Winchester 296 will stop The Mec loader could make about 200 pistol brass. the primer arm from moving back and ALREADY RAISED $2.0 MILLION FOR quality shells in an hour so for about 3 The automated loaders like the Am- forth correctly. So it is best to stick to ELK AND OTHER WILDLIFE hours work I had enough loaded shotgun mo-Load are more for the commercial flake powder like Unique or Winchester shells to shoot the next week. In those loader who is going to load tens of thou- 231, or larger ball powder like Accurate days, I could load a box of shells for a little sands of rounds of ammunition at a time. 2230 or Winchester 748. These powders www.rmefhouston.com less than $1.00 per 25 shells. Today, the These machines are fully automated, so will work just fine. cost is around $2.00 for 25 rounds. I still there is no handle to pull. Second, if you get distracted or don’t For Information or To Donate items for the live or have that Mec loader and continue to use Your main job is to inspect the brass have your mind on what you are doing, silent auctions, call Kirk Waldron, (713) 688- it from time to time. Though I no longer and put it in a brass feeder, load primer then you can really mess up. At best, you 2627 or (281) 831-5980 and Bill L. Olson (713) shoot competitively I still enjoy shooting tubes and watch it run. If you run low will miss a primer or a case will miss pow- 957-3997or (713) 201-6970. a round of skeet or sporting clays every on powder, it will let you know or if you der and you will have to clean up the spilt

40 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal june 2013 june 2013 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal 41 GUNS ‘N STUFF | Harold Gunn and constrictions and how the gauge of a shotgun is determined. There is extensive The Shooter’s Library coverage of guns, manufacturers and in- ventors. John has devoted his Army pen- sion to shooting, hunting, duck calling, and writing for practically every shooting Some folks just love to shoot, and I have been the guardians of our rights Keith was an advocate of big bullets for and hunting magazine in the nation. fall into that category. I hunt to be able to guaranteed by the Second Amendment. both rifle and pistol and was instrumental As the pressure is on and the avail- shoot. I am fond of many disciplines and From the NRA’s founding in 1871 with in the development of the .357 Magnum, ability of ammunition is tight many are am ok at most of them, but I do not rabidly the goal of improving marksmanship .44 Magnum, .41 Magnum and .338 Mag- starting or returning to reloading. Your follow one of them enough to be consid- training after the Civil War, setting the num cartridges. He was a prolific writer library must contain the Speer Reloading ered world class. I thoroughly enjoy skeet, standards for military training, expanding of ten books and a regular contributor to Manual for Rifle and Pistol. The informa- sporting clays, long range, short range, safety and educational programs, to the Guns & Ammo from 1961 till the early tion is here for hundreds of cartridges with cowboy and combat shooting. I am most commitment to keep America safe and 1980’s. Keith’s “Gun Notes: Volume 1” case sizes, powder choices and amounts, happy when I am at a wide-open space free it takes us to the publication year of covers his columns and features in Guns bullet sizes and weights, and much more. with a trusted .22 firearm with a large 2002. As author Tom Clancy says in the & Ammo from 1961 to 1970. Here we find Speer covers step by step from the reload- supply of .22 Long Rifle ammunition and foreword, “The Constitution, remember, his highly regarded opinions on pistols, ing bench to the range and equipment several empty drink cans. To those who tells the government what it may not do. revolvers, bolt-action and double rifles, needed to troubleshooting techniques. also love to shoot I offer my suggestions So, the preexisting right of the people to shotguns, ammunition, loads, bullets and The 14th Edition Speer Reloading Man- for some books that should be included keep and bear arms (we are not peasants accessories. These opinions stand the test ual is available from www.speer-bullets. in your shooter’s library. under the rule of the nearest earl) shall of time. While searching for “Gun Notes: The author’s suggested books that should be in every shooter or hunter’s library. com. Also, the internet has an amazing First, you should dig deep into the not be infringed.” Volume 1” look for his highly prized life reloading resource covering just about history of the association that stands Some believe the only thing bigger story, “Hell, I Was There.” and the Science.” Bob clears up virtually You’ll find it here. every cartridge on the planet. Visit www. firmly between us and the gun grabbers. than Elmer Keith’s ego was his cowboy More exciting reading and valuable in- every shooting problem you are likely In greater detail on a more specific loaddata.com. “NRA: An American Legend” is a fas- hat. There is no argument that this man formation comes from the writings of Jeff to face. With photos taken over the gun subject is “The Shotgun Encyclopedia” by Search for the books above and others cinating and most interesting history of of slight stature was a giant of a gun writer Cooper. Col. Cooper is hailed as the father barrel he teaches how to mount, point, John Taylor. Here you can not only find to add to your library at Amazon, Ebay, the National Rifle Association. This big whose exploits and opinions had great of modern pistolcraft and devoted his life and swing through with the proper lead. the definition of “chopper lumps” and Safari Press or Google. book is filled with rare photos of events, effect on the American firearms industry to historical study, military service and He covers selection of guns, chokes and details about “nontoxic shot,” but gain Remember: Breath, Relax, Aim, take firearms, and the men and women who and the habits of shooters worldwide. teaching his pistol and rifle technique the loads for completion and hunting. During in depth information about choke sizes up the Slack, then Squeeze. world over. He was founder of the still fa- his illustrious career Bob was outdoors 30 Years experience in TrophY Deer ManagMenT mous American Pistol Institute at Gunsite editor of the Houston Chronicle, shooting Ranch in Arizona and the International editor of Field and Stream and winner of Practical Shooting Confederation. Coop- championships around the world in trap, er’s first anthology, “Fireworks,” is filled skeet, and his real love, box and thrown with tales of history, travel, adventure, bird shoots. He has been called the father firearms, shooting advice and war stories. of sporting clays in the and You will find yourself quoting Cooper as was inducted into the National Sporting in his open letter to legislators where he Clays Hall of Fame in 1999. Bob was writes, “An individual man is individually always tinkering and experimenting and responsible for his own transgressions, so we are the beneficiary. Once I was at a live let us by all means punish the transgressor, bird shoot standing behind the line with not someone whom you feel, in your total Bob’s wife Sandy. Over the course of the lack of understanding, may conceivably shoot Bob changed guns, stocks, loads become a transgressor. Get after the and even shirts. Sandy turned to me and Whether you enjoy an criminal, sir, but get off my back!” Coop- said, “He’d change his arms if he could.” established program or er’s second anthology, “To Ride, Shoot Brister’s “Shotgunning: The Art and the are just starting out, Straight, and Speak the Truth,” focuses on Science” is a must have. contact Bob Zaiglin, shooting…technically, socially, sportively Good reference books are always and historically “insisting that ‘the Age of “must haves” and here are two of my one of the most the Wimp’ is not our proper destiny, and most used. “Firearms Encyclopedia” by repected names in the that knowledge of personal weapons and Major George Nonte, Jr. explains a great wildlife industry at skill in their use are necessary attributes deal alphabetically. This is an easy way to Zaiglin’s Wildlife & of any man who calls himself free. Buy answer a firearms question or win a bet. Resource Managment. this one, read it, then loan it to your kids. What is the difference between a bullet No one before or after has so fully that is “boxer” primed and one that is researched or clearly explained how to “berdan” primed? What is the proper Bob Zaiglin, Certified Wildlife Biologist shoot a shotgun as the late Bob Brister definition of a “clip” and a “magazine?” 830.278.8815 did with his book, “Shotgunning: The Art Need an explanation of Minute of Angle?

42 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal june 2013 june 2013 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal 43 hatchery raceways, while hybrids (Florida/ ol’ fashioned Florida bass, since those fish ShareLunkers caught from dozens public Story by Matt Williams | Photographs by Larry Hodge native crosses also called intergrades) are are the foundation of Texas bass fishing as reservoirs over the lengthy history, its data immediately returned to the lake from we know it today. Others are beginning to base provides a reliable road map to steer which they were caught, regardless of wonder if the 27-year-old experiment has anglers in the direction of the state’s hottest size. The theory behind TPWD’s current run its course, and if the returns are worth trophy lakes. It also sheds some light on TEST TUBE BABY protocol is cut and dry: Crossing two bass the time and money that is being spent on best months to target big fish on the top with pure Florida genes provides the best it by the state as well as program sponsors. lakes, and which baits and water depths formula for produc- might be the most ing fish with the su- productive. perior genetics. More recently, Little Lake Naconiche giant is Not all of the the program has Florida females re- made some really the first ShareLunker offspring tained for use in the cool strides in ge- program are able to netic fingerprinting documented at whopper size spawn. But those that allows scientists that do are highly to identify Share- successful in terms Lunker offspring of survival, largely years down the because of the con- road, and even the trolled environment parents and grand- in which the process parents that pro- takes place. duced them. Once hatched, A Naconiche a percentage of the ShareLunker off- Record spring are stocked The 12.54 into Texas lakes at pounder caught fingerling size. Oth- from 690-acre Lake ers are nurtured to Naconiche by Lane advanced growth Kruse of Garrison (6-8 inches) before is a glowing exam- stocking, and a few ple of how TPWD grown into adult- geneticists are able hood for use in the to trace a Share- selective breeding Lunker’s family program. tree. Amazingly, While Share- this one’s pedigree Lunker began as a has genetic ties to public relations tool huge bass caught to promote catch from three differ- and release and pop- ent Texas lakes, in- ularize Texas bass Courtesy TPWD, Larry Hodge cluding Lake Fork, fishing, it has since Gibbons Creek and On April 13, Lane Kruse of Garrison boated a 12.54 pound bass at Lake Naconiche in eastern Texas that TPWD geneticists have tied to a shifted a lot of its Photo by Matt Williams Lake Falcon way host of ShareLunker descendants dating all the way back to a 16.13 pounder caught in 1988 from Gibbons Creek Reservoir near Bryan. emphasis to spawn- TPWD biologists have stocked Lake Naconiche with Florida bass from the very start, down on the Texas/ ing and genetics including hundreds of adult offspring from super-size Toyota ShareLunkers. Mexico border. he big bass drums are thumping and bit an angler’s hook. Needless to say, program run by the Texas Parks and Wild- research aimed at Just for the to a rhythmic beat these days at the ShareLunker brass is stoked about it. life Department since 1986. The program unraveling the mysteries of big bass DNA By no means is this to say ShareLunker record, Kruse, 46, was sight fishing on the Texas Freshwater Fisheries “This is the perfect example of why the solicits anglers to donate Texas-caught and, ultimately, producing bigger and hasn’t accomplished some good things. Naconiche that sunny Saturday afternoon CenterT in Athens. That’s because fisher- ShareLunker program was established,” bass weighing 13 pounds or more to the better bass for Texas anglers to catch. If Emmy awards were given for PR with his wife, Tracie, when he spotted the ies biologists there have confirmed that said Allen Forshage, director of TFFC. “It’s state. In exchange for their fish, anglers Nearly three decades down the road, stunts, this program would be a legitimate big bass along with much smaller male a 12.54 pound whopper caught earlier called ShareLunker because the program are given a free replica of their catch and the verdict is still out as to whether or not candidate to grab one for the amount on a spawning bed in about three feet this year from Lake Naconiche in eastern gives anglers the opportunity to share their other goodies. the ShareLunker program and selective positive publicity it has generated for of water. Texas has genetic ties to nearly a half catch with others. Fingerlings from Share- Each ShareLunker entry is DNA tested breeding are truly making a significant dif- Texas bass fishing and its five-star trophy The angler said he pitched a Texas dozen former Toyota ShareLunkers. Lunkers that spawned have been stocked to determine its genetics and the results are ference in the quality of Texas bass fisheries. potential. With every ShareLunker that is rigged Zoom Baby Brush Hog onto the It marks the first time in the program’s into more than 60 reservoirs across Texas.” filed in a data base for future reference. Fe- A common thread among naysayers caught, press releases go out to hundreds bed and caught the male bass in short history that one of its test tube babies has For those who might not be familiar male fish with pure Florida genes are paired is the state might be better off channeling of news outlets nationwide. order. The female stayed put and he caught come full circle and grown to lunker size with ShareLunker, it is a highly-publicized with pure Florida males for spawning in its efforts towards producing more good Furthermore, with more than 500 her four casts later.

44 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal june 2013 june 2013 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal 45 Campos. That fish was originally believed to be a pure Florida, but upgraded testing TOP TEN REASONS TO SUBSCRIBE methods have since identified it as an intergrade. The pure Florida daddy of the Na- TO TEXAS OUTDOORS JOURNAL coniche bass was little guy weighing only 2.25 pounds, but its descendants included 1. In February 2013, named #1 in major outdoor publication category. a long line of fat girls. Among them were its 14.67 pound For 15 consecutive years named one of the top fishing, hunting & mother caught from Lake Fork in 2000, outdoors magazines in Texas. its 14.25 pound grandmother caught at Fork in 1994 and its 16.13 pound great- 2. A year’s subscription has 12 issues, not something less. grandmother caught from Gibbons Creek in 1988. Interestingly, former ShareLunker 3. Both fishing and hunting coverage in every issue. Coordinator David Campbell said the Gibbons Creek bass was aged at only 4. Covers Texas like it should be covered with timely reports from seven-years old. the field and on the water. Just the Beginning? So what might be expected down the 5. Proven solunar table of major and minor feeding periods of the day.. road from from brand new bass lake that TPWD’s Tony Owens releases a ShareLunker Fisheries biologist Tony Owens harvests a has been open to fishing for only seven 6. Tide table with adjustments for the entire Texas coast. in the lunker tank. batch of ShareLunker fingerlings. months and is already kicking out lunkers pushing 13 pounds? 7. Written by top writers that have etched their names in the record books. Kruse said he knew the fish was big, has submitted applications to have his I posed that question to TPWD fish- but he didn’t know how heavy until he ran catch certified as a water body and catch eries biologist Todd Driscoll of Jasper, but 8. TOJ tells you where to go, what to expect when you get there and into a friend who had a scale. The bass and release record for the new impound- first I asked if he was surprised to see a how to do it a little bit better. weighed 14 pounds on the uncertified ment northeast of Nacogdoches. bass stack on nine-plus pounds as quickly scales, so Kruse made the call to Share- as the Kruse fish did. A Fish with a Family History Lunker Coordinator, Juan Martinez. “I’m not surprised by it at all, not at 9. Covers the Texas outdoors and outdoors interests of Texans. When Martinez arrived a few hours While the tank on Martinez’ transport Naconiche,” Driscoll said. “The watershed later he scanned the fish using a electronic truck was empty when he drove away from up there is extremely fertile and the for- 10. Every cover is a work of art. device that detected a passive integrated Lake Naconiche, he left with a 10 digit PIT age base - particularly the threadfin shad transponder (PIT tag) inside its body tag number and a fin clip from the Kruse population - is unlike anything I have ever cavity. PIT tags are implanted in every bass in his pocket. Together those two seen. Plus, it has all the right habitat to go $ ONLINE ONLY SUBSCRIPTION SPECIAL $ fish entered in the ShareLunker program things combined to tell a very compelling along with it. 12 12 MONTHS OF 24-HOUR ACCESS TO TOJ ONLINE 12 for future identification purposes. The story in the days that followed. “The perfect storm is brewing in that tags also are placed inside many adult For starters, the PIT tag identified little lake,” Driscoll added. “Give it another size ShareLunker offspring before they the fish as one of 173 adult ShareLunker 3-5 years and there is no telling what NEW are stocked in public reservoirs. offspring released into the new East Texas might come out of there. I wouldn’t be Yes, I want to receive TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal. Sign me up for: RENEWAL The mere fact the Kruse bass was lake in 2009. The stocking included fish surprised to see somebody break the state $ $ 95 $ 95 $ 95 wearing a PIT tag told Martinez he was from three different year classes - 2005, record (18.18 pounds) up there. It defi- one year 12 one year 18 two years 29 three years 39 GIFT nitely has what it takes to grow one.” Online Only 12 issues 24 issues 36 issues From onto something special. That’s because 2006 and 2008. ($47.88 on newsstands) ($95.76 on newsstands) ($143.64 on newsstands) Lake Naconiche, which opened for fishing Martinez said he is certain Kruse’s fish print version not included. both print and online versions are included with these subscriptions just seven months ago, has been the recip- was one of the 24 adult females from the ient several hundred adult ShareLunker 2005 year class. He said those four-year- NAME offspring since 2009. old fish - all intergrades - ranged in size ADDRESS “We felt like if we got a ShareLunker from 2.46 to 3.38 pounds. out of Naconiche that there was a good TPWD geneticist Dijar Lutz-Carillo of CITY STATE ZIP chance it would have a PIT tag indicating San Marcos performed DNA analysis on PHONE EMAIL ADDRESS it is one of our ShareLunker offspring,” the fin clip to learn more about the fish’s texas outdoors journal does not rent or sell its mailing list, nor release any information about subscribers. Martinez said. “It turned out that this one pedigree. Not surprisingly, the analysis in- did (have a tag).” dicates the Kruse fish comes from a family Payment: Check/MO Enclosed Visa MasterCard American Express Discover When Martinez weighed the bass with a rich history of weight problems. Account # Exp. Date on certified scales, it fell just shy of the To wit: 13-pound mark necessary to be officially Lutz-Carillo’s findings identified CW2 (3-digit code on back of MC, Visa & Discover; 4-digit code on front of AmEx) entered in the ShareLunker program. In the bass’ mother as a Lake Falcon 14.28 Signature ShareLunker coordinator Juan Martinez the meantime, Kruse released the fish and pounder that was caught in 2004 by Jerry Mail this completed form to: TExAS OuTDOORS JOuRNAL, 1706 W. Sam Houston Parkway North, Houston TX 77043 takes a fin clip sample for DNA testing. Or call 1-800-222-4TOJ (4865) In Houston call 713-957-3997 to charge your subscription by phone. 46 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal june 2013 Or order SECURELY on-line at www.texasoutdoorsjournal.com. Please allow 6-8 weeks for your subscription to begin. Just FISHING | Matt Williams TACKLE TIPS & TECHNIQUES | Danno Wise

Trailers need some love, too — or else Rigging Flukes & Jerkbaits

If you own a full-size boat of any kind, chances are good you rely on a trailer of some sort to get it to the lake or bay and then back home again. Just call it the cra- dle that totes the chariot. Some anglers tow their rigs thousands of miles in a year’s time, while others dump their boats in the water no more than a half dozen times per year. Regard- less of how often you use your boat, it is always a good idea to develop some sort of maintenance schedule for the trailer. It is even more important that you follow it. True. Performing maintenance on a boat trailer is about as eventful as watch- ing grass grow. But it needs to be done. Take it from someone who knows. Neglect your trailer long enough and sooner or later you will find yourself in a A little preventative maintenance to your trailer will keep you rolling, problem free, bind, possibly miles from home with no to your favorite fishing destination. cell phone service and no one except the checks on wheel bearings by raising the a level ride with a tall-riding 4X4. The coyotes to keep you company. tires off the ground. Spin each wheel. If distance between the road surface the Here is user’s guide on some good you hear a roaring or grinding noise, nut on your trailer ball should be about ways to give your boat trailer some love: trouble is brewing. Another sign of a 16-18 inches. bad bearing is when you feel slack when 10. Wash It: Ice typically isn’t a problem 1. Tire Inflation: Check the inflation pres- you grab the tire firmly on each side and this far south, but up north it is a given sure of every tire, including the spare, at work it back and forth. during the winter months. Road crews the beginning of each trip. Tires should 5. Lug Nuts: Check them regularly for rely heavily on salt to melt the ice, and be inflated (cold) to the recommended tightness using the proper size of lug salt can cause serious corrosion to a pounds per square inch (PSI) number wrench. trailer frame if left intact. Case in point: for the tire. This is listed on the sidewall. 6. Winch Stand: Periodically inspect the If you tow your boat down a icy road Maintaining proper inflation will help winch stand (this supports the roller that has been salted, wash it clean with extend the life of the tire. Plus, it will at the nose of the boat) for slack. If it is fresh, soapy water as soon as possible. help prevent blow-outs and optimize loose, tighten it. 11. Grease Shot: Use a high quality the fuel mileage of your tow vehicle. 7. Brakes: If your trailer has hydraulic marine-grade grease keep the coupler While you are at it, check for excessive brakes, keep check on the fluid level to bushings and railer jack operating or irregular tire wear. If you notice ensure the reservoir is filled to manu- smoothly. It doesn’t take much to do the either, it would be wise to replace the facturer specs. It is also a good idea to job. A couple shots in each zerk fitting tire before making a long trip. check brake pads and rotors periodi- twice a year should be plenty. 2. Proper Wheel Alignment: Trailer cally for wear. 12. Trailer Ball Size: Always make sure the axles and spindles that aren’t running 8. Runners: Check runners and trailer trailer ball attached to your tow vehicle true can cause a tire to wobble, wear bunks to make sure they stay snug. If is same size as the coupler on the trailer. unevenly, or, in severe cases, cause the you notice worn spots on the runner Check the ball periodically for snugness. trailer not to follow straight behind carpet it would be a good idea to replace 13. Safety Pin: Periodically check the the tow vehicle. If an axle or spindle is it before it wears all the way through. safety pin on the coupler to make sure bent, replace it. The carpet is there to protect your boat’s it maintains snug fit. A worn safety 3. Excess Grease: Watch for excessive gel coat from contact with the bare pin can work itself loose, creating a grease or oil on the wheels or the inside wood beneath it. potential hard should the coupler’s of the tires. This could be a sign of a 9. A Level Ride: The boat and trailer lock-down mechanism fail. worn out wheel bearing seal that needs should sit fairly level when hooked to 14. Light It Up: Check all trailer lights to be replaced. the tow vehicle, not nose up or nose and turn indicators to make sure they 4. Wheel Bearings: Perform routine down. A drop hitch will help achieve are working correctly.

48 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal june 2013 june 2013 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal 49 For information on guides mentioned, see Guides, Gear & Getaways on pages 60-63 Lake Roundup

around shallow vegetation. The topwater bite can be good EAST TEXAS for extended times in overcast conditions. SHORT Crappie? For starters it e LONG and of Outdoor News from across the state might not be a bad idea to and nation. Including timely interviews with expert hunters, probe or stroll along deeper anglers, industry and political leaders, plus weekly Best Bets outside grass lines using Stan- ley Mini Wedge Runner or a for fishing, hunting, and a whole lot more. 1/8 ounce jig. Brush piles in 18-25 feet of water also should be holding some fish over the next 60 days. The night fishing bite can be real good at times. By Matt Williams TOLEDO BEND — T-Bend was in great shape as April NACOGDOCHES — June is when the gave way to May. The water bass begin settling into their summer pat- level was only about 1 1/2 feet terns across eastern Texas, and that should low and the grass (hydrilla) mean some outstanding flipping action on was coming on strong at the Lake Nacogdoches this year. The hydrilla south end of the lake. was in excellent shape as April gave way to Fishing guide Tommy May. If the grass is not topped out on the Martin says there should be a surface just yet, it should be real close to it. number of good bass fishing For those who have not visited the lake patterns at work this month. before, the majority of the better grass is Anglers can fish shallow and located at the lake’s upper reaches north pick up fish on topwaters, flip of the powerlines along the Big Loco creek grass or probe deep structure channel. The key here is to keep your boat in search of the motherlode. positioned in the channel so you can fish From a guide standpoint, the edges effectively using a heavy jig or Martin likes his chances out a beaver-style bait. Texas rigged deep best because it offers the best opportunity for clients to Photo courtesy Richard Jue equipped with a tungsten sinker weighing There are other good fish to catch this month beside black 3/4 ounce or more will provide the best catch numbers of quality fish. bass, crappie, and catfish. penetration. “There should be a lot of When fishing the grass, pay close fish beginning to group up feet of water. Jigs, punch jigs,and Texas rigs attention to little indentions, points or on some of the old structure spots in matched with a tungsten sinker weighing visible guts you can see with the aid of June, and there will be some good ones 3/4 ounce or more will all work here. polarized sunglasses. Often times these out there, too,” he said. “I’ll spend a lot In shallower water, Martin says frogs, oddities are indicative of a change in water of my time on underwater points, ridges buzz baits and topwaters will produce depth, which at times will attract fish like a and other structure spots in 20-30 feet of some vicious strikes but it will pretty magnet. Well defined channel swings also water this month.” much be an early and late deal unless skies are worth a look. Martin says some of his favorite sweet become overcast. In addition to the grass bite, there spots are located within six to eight miles Crappie fishing prospects always begin should be some fish setting up on deeper north and two miles south of the Pendle- heating up in June. Two patterns should be main lake structure like channel bends, ton bridge. He’ll probe them with assorted working. Try strolling or casting around points, humps and drop offs. Deep cranks, bottom bumpers including a Texas rig outside grass edges using jigs and Road- Carolina rigs, Texas rigs and jigs will pay Zoom Trick Worm, football jig, spoon runners. There also should be quite a few off in these areas. and . fish grouped up around deep brush piles. Anglers who like to fish shallow should The guide says flippers can find plenty These fish can be caught on jigs or shiners. be able to pick up some fish early in the of green stuff south of the bridge. The best SAM RAYBURN — June fishing day using cranks, topwaters and frogs grass will form a distinctive edge in 12-15 patterns on Sam Rayburn should be re-

50 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal june 2013 rigs will work in 10-20 feet deep. Dearman says the white bass action these areas, too.” “There are several ways to catch them, will be heating up daily throughout the Vandergriff but I tend to go with a Carolina rig most month as the main lake schoolers become also pointed to of the time,” he said. “Deep cranks also increasingly active with the passing of boat docks as good can be effective.” each day. Anglers should watch for surface holding spots in Terpe added that there will be some feeding activity over humps, points, road early summer. The fish hanging around rocks and some in beds, and old trams. best docks will deeper marina breakwaters. He’ll target “They’ll school a lot early and late, but be doctored with these areas with the same baits. it can be good all day at times,” Dearman brush. He’ll probe Catfish: “June is always one of the best said. You catch them on ‘Traps and top- them using a 1/4 months of the year for catfish, if not the waters when they are up, or you can reel ounce jig or a Texas best,” he said. “The spawn will be over the a spoon right though the middle of them. rig baby brush hog fish will be in a feeding mode.” Once the fish go down to bottom you’ll or worm. Terpe will go after channel cat using have to throw the slab.” Crappie: Brush a prepared cheese bait on a sponge hook. Dearman says channel cat will be piles will be the He likes to fish around baited areas at the in feeding mode this month as well. He ticket. Vandergriff Highway 1097 bridge crossing and along suggests targeting shallow flats adjacent to suggests targeting the San Jacinto River channel. He attracts any creek using night crawlers or prepared brush that is situ- fish using range cubes, but you can also bait on a tight line. ated in water rang- do the job with soured maize. ing 14-16 feet deep. Hybrids: Terpe will use his electronics He suggests using to detect schools of fish on main lake jigs and minnows. points and humps in water ranging 18-30 NORTH TEXAS

Photo by Ricky Vandergriff Minnows are typ- feet deep and he will troll over those types Lake Palestine fishing guide Ricky Vandergriff says crappie will be hanging tight to brush piles throughout the summer. ically available in of places using deep crank trailed by a pet three sizes at most spoon. Once he pinpoints the fish he will markably similar to those playing out on Magic tossed around the outer edges of bait shops. Vandergriff says small shiners switch to a 3/4 ounce slab. Live shad also Toledo Bend, with the exception that there vegetation will be a good bet at first light. are the order of the day for Palestine slabs. can be super effective, but the fragile bait won’t be much of a flipping bite. Mainly Once the sun gets up, is when frogs should White Bass: This will be an early and fish can be hard to keep alive in the hot because there is not much deep grass to come into play, mainly around hydrilla late bite. Vandergriff suggests being on water conditions. flip, according to fishing guide Tommy clumps, pads, and hay grass from the bank the water at first light and watching main LIVINGSTON — Lake Livingston is in Martin of Hemphill. out to four feet. lake points for signs of surface feeding great shape with summer fast approach- What there are plenty of, however, are June’s crappie fishing typically revolves activity. Rat-L-Traps, spoons and topwa- ing. The water level as of this writing was brush piles that have been planted on the around two things — outside grass lines ters will get you bit when the fish are in a only two inches below normal and the lake’s bottom. Many have been strategi- and brush piles. The key to finding fish feeding mode. water clarity was good. By Brian Hughes cally placed by crappie fishermen, but around the grass is covering lots of water Catfish: Vandergriff will spend most Fishing guide Randy Dearman of bass anglers have sank their share, as well. and fishing the deeper outside edges with of his time targeting main lake humps in Onalaska says anglers can expect to find June is a month of transition. Usually “Fishing along main lake points, drop jigs, Roadrunners and Stanley Wedgetail about 15 feet of water using punch bait, assorted takers in skinny water through- North Texas will see a shift from mild offs and other structure will produce lots Runners. chicken livers, and night crawlers. You can out the month. Black bass are the No. 1 temperatures to warmer days and nights. of fish,” Martin said. “These types of places Good electronics are essential for get- boost the odds by dumping a little soured entree on Dearman’s menu. And the fishing will reflect this change. Of are usually all the more productive if they ting positioned around brush piles. The grain down each side of the boat. Just “It’ll be pretty good in June,” Dearman course I say usually because as I write this have brush. Brush piles are a big deal on best stuff will be planted vertical in water make sure not to put out too much. The said. “These fish are going to be setting nothing has really gone according to plan Sam Rayburn during the summer months. ranging 18-30 feet deep. It is worth noting idea is to attract the fish, not feed them. up on the creek channels and the river weatherwise this year. There are hundreds of them out there.” that crappie like to suspend around brush. A small coffee can or two is usually all it channel and they’ll be pretty aggressive, Parts of North Texas have seen record To find the brush, anglers will need to Experiment at different depths until you takes to do the trick. feeding up after spawn.” low temps in late April, and the drought is spend some time idling and using their find the most productive zone. CONROE — June is a great multi-spe- Dearman says anglers should key on still a concern. If, however, the usual pat- electronics to scan the bottom. Those PALESTINE — Fishing guide Ricky cies month on Lake Conroe. Fishing guide stumps and lay down logs located right tern prevails, June will mark a change in the with side and down imaging units are at Vandergriff says June is always a good Butch Terpe didn’t mince words when along the edges of the channel where it way you need to approach your fishing day. a huge advantage here. Used properly, one month for a mix bag fishing opportunities asked to provide viable plans of attack for breaks from 3-6 feet. Wood located in dis- For bass, the early morning hours will of these units will not only draw a clear aimed at black bass, crappie, catfish and black bass, hybrid stripers and channel tinctive channel swings will be especially yield a few topwater fish until the sun hits picture of what is beneath the boat. It also white bass. Here’s how the guide said he cat. Here’s what the personable guide had attractive for bass. the water. Then you’ll need to shift to a will show you the bottom for a significant will play the various games: to say about each one: The guide will probe sweet spots using subsurface bait such as a spinnerbait or, distance on either side of the boat. Bass: “ Crankbaits — medium and Black Bass: Terpe says bass will be a Strike King crank bait. If the fish aren’t in my favorite, a Senko for the next couple Anglers who prefers to fish shal- deep — will be the main deal,” Vandergriff settled into their summertime patterns the mood to chase he will switch to a Texas of hours. low should be able to find some takers said. “I’ll be concentrating mostly on main by now. In his book that means probing rigged Rage Craw. He pointed out that it As the day warms, a Texas-rig will come throughout the day around flooded hay lake points at the south end of the lake. around main lake structure spots such as is important to work lures as tight to the into play. Sand bass, and stripers, will begin grass, pepper grass and hydrilla beds. The best ones will have timber, brush, rock humps, roadbeds, the old tram, points, available cover as possible, regardless of to hang out in deeper water and begin push- Topwater baits like a Pop R or Yellow or a combination of those things. Carolina pond dams and ridges in water ranging which one is tied to the end of your line. ing baitfish together in big schools, which

52 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal june 2013 june 2013 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal 53 they will then attack from below. This lake humps in eight to eighteen feet of shot fishermen, as will the many creek causes great disturbances on the surface water and look around with the graph,” mouths on the far south side of the lake. and great opportunities for the he explained. “If I like what I see I’ll start Recent development has added a substan- SOUTH TEXAS in the right place at the right time. throwing a Sassy Shad in 4” sticking with tial number of boat docks for the jig and The biggest fish will stay below the fray the shad colors. It’s pretty simple throw Texas-rig enthusiast as well. But the real and are prone to hit tailspinners dropped and wind fishing. story is the sand bass in June. or ripped through their midst, but the real Sometimes, especially as I move “White bass will transition from the fun will be on top. deeper or the school gets larger, I’ll use slab and trap bite to a great topwater bite Some people will resort to fishing late the flutter spoon. I use the Moes tackle 6” sometime in June” says Simmons. “We in the evening and at night to beat the heat spoon and work it off the bottom pretty don’t know exactly when this will happen and while night-fishing can be fun it brings quick this time of year.” but you can’t miss it, and it will last the rest with it a whole new set of challenges. That’s the way Parker chases hybrids of the summer once it gets going.” There is another way to beat the heat but,” sandies are different. “If I want to He suggests looking in the area from but I’ll get to that later. All in all June can catch white bass I do everything the same the South Shore marina to Fergusons be either the last nice-weather month or but I’ll downsize the baits. I use bigger Point. “You’ll see literally acres of school- By Danno Wise the first of the truly hot summer months. stuff specifically to target the hybrids. ing fish. Get on ‘em with a Tiny Torpedo Either way, fishing will be different! Smaller baits in the same locations will or tailspinner-type bait and get ready for June is the first month of summer CADDO — Guide Paul Kieth likes fill a cooler with the sand bass.” some hot action.” There will be some really good vacation, meaning a lot more people will Caddo in the summer for one simple No longer a bass fisherman, when Remember to check all your fish to fish caught from South Texas lakes like be heading to lakes across South Texas be- reason, “Fishing is dependable and pre- pressed for an answer Parker offered , “I make sure you’re keeping sand bass and Falcon and Choke Canyon with the fish in ginning this month. Although increased dictable” he says. “Most days we know really don’t fish for bass anymore but yeah, not an under-sized hybrid. “Every year a post-spawn pattern. crowds will be somewhat of a bother, we’ll be fishing certain baits and certain I guess the bass guys would do pretty good anglers will get cited for under-sized fish one coming and I’m looking forward to dedicated anglers will still find plenty of cover or structure, and we know the fish at night, maybe around the timber”. I’d by a TPWD Game Warden. It’s the anglers using it because it’ll keep the sand bass good angling action on South Texas lakes will be there.” That’s a valuable quality, venture to say that a magnum worm or responsibility to know what he’s catching off my rig. over the next few weeks. The key on the indeed, for a guide. Some of the authors favorite night fishing spinnerbait , both in black, would do very and putting in the livewell!” There are times when you can’t get area’s most popular water bodies will be “We’ll start the day shallow around baits include, top to bottom: well indeed around the timber. Crappie at R-C will be moving to the through the sandies to catch a bass with an early start, as there will be more active lilly pads and hydrilla grass with buzzbaits Bass Pro Shops Lazer Eye Buzzmaster RICHLAND CHAMBERS — Richland- timber, bridges and brush. Minnows this bait.” fish and fewer active people during the and frogs,” he said. “Working over the Bass Pro Shops Lazer Eye Pro Series Chambers shares a couple of traits with and small jigs will be the bait for paper- One trick for “clean-up” fishing under early morning hours this month. spinnerbait top and openings will get a few bass and Cooper Lake. First, they both need rain. mouths there. Finally, Royce offers the the sandies or after the Carolina rig/jig COLETO CREEK — Most South Texas Fliptail 9” Big Daddy Worm get the day started. I like darker colors on During the last drought many marina following, “June can be tough for hybrids. fished areas is the jumbo spinnerbait. fishermen believe June will be a true sum- the cloudy days and lighter colors on the won’t believe this but you can smell ‘em. owners dredged and improved their ramp For whatever reason, they seem to take a “I’ll throw a 1 oz. Johnsons Pescado with mer month this year, as a warm winter and sunny days.” When you move around the lake and sud- facilities and hopefully that will hold them little vacation about that time. Give it a double willow leaf blades and count it spring have led to somewhat of an early As the day wears on he’ll let condi- denly get that real fishy smell in your nose, through the current situation. The other couple of weeks and they come back with down to the fish by looking at the graph summer pattern on most lakes. Victoria tions dictate the approach. “If we get that’s a whole bunch of brim up shallow. common denominator is that both lakes a vengeance.” to see how deep they are. Once it gets pro Dennis Lala is no different, saying cloud cover the topwater bite can go on You want to fish there!” were seen to be the next big thing in bass LAKE FORK — If there is a bad month down past the fish I can retrieve it back June will find Coleto’s bass acting as if through the day,” he explained. “Most COOPER — Down eight feet at this fishing when they were impounded, but for fishing Lake Fork, I don’t know what it up through the school and catch the better summer is in full swing. likely though, the sun will pop out and writing, Cooper is one of those lakes that both have sort of fallen off the bass map is. June will see the beginning of the sum- fish.” Be sure and use a good stout 7 ½ foot “As hot as it’s been already, I really we’ll switch to a Senko around the grass could be effected by the drought. “If we so to speak. mer pattern, starting with the topwater medium-heavy rod for this bait. think our fish will be in a summer pattern and pads first, later moving on to the creek don’t get some rain between now and June “We still get a few bass fishermen and bite. Bass will slowly come together in June will also mark the beginning of by the beginning of June,” said Lala. “We channels with a Texas-rigged worm or we could lose another ramp on this lake” some smaller tournaments on the lake, schools and run baitfish toward the points. really good night fishing on the lake. Even will have a pretty good topwater bite, but lizard.” June bug, black/blue, and water- says Tony Parker, veteran guide on Cooper. but hybrids and sand bass are really the Use your topwaters on these points and though night fishing is good early in the it’s early, early, early. You can usually catch melon/red are some of the recommended Fishing however has a bright future game here now,” said Royce Simmons of around the bridges to start the day. month, “That’ll really pick up on the full pretty good numbers of fish up shallow colors. “I’ll stay with the basics on color according to Tony, “June is my favorite Gone Fishin’ Guide Service. “We used to Buzzbaits and Yellow Magics will do moon”, says Stevenson, “I’ll stay between first thing in the morning throwing top- and I use a ¼ oz. weight”. month for consistency. The weather is see a ton of tournaments on every level the trick according to Mark Stevenson, 3-15 feet, focusing on the five to ten foot waters or even spinnerbaits. However, Bream fishing is also good in June on usually stable and the fishing is very including the Bassmasters, but that has “We’ll try these first just to see what hap- range with buzzbaits and big Colorado after that, the fish will move deep. Once Caddo. “The bream spawn should still dependable.” changed over the years.” pens. If they produce, we’ll stick with them bladed spinnerbaits in black if there is any the sun gets up good, you can forget about be going or just wrapping up and that is Right on schedule for the year Parker R-C is still a good bass fishery, with until the bite plays out. “ grass around. the shorelines and move out to the outer a fantastic way to have some fun,” Kieth sees a bite that will follow the Cooper June fish holding around the docks and At some point he’ll move into deeper Without the grass I use soft plastics edge of the grass beds. said. “It’s also one of the best ways to get a pattern of past years, “Cooper is very deep structure. North of the 287 Bridge water around the points and bridges as like a Texas-rigged creature bait or 8” “For the most part, I’ll be focusing on kid into fishing. The gear is simple and the much an afternoon lake,” he stated. “I you’ll find Cedar and Little Cedar creeks, well as creekbends, “Jigs in ¾ and ½ ounce Zoom lizard or 10”Power Worm in green the outside edge of grass beds in 12 to 14 technique couldn’t be any easier. Just get don’t mean that you won’t catch fish in where you can fish the mouths of the around the creeks will work and recently pumpkin or black with red flake. Another feet of water. Usually I’ll be throwing a a pole and put a cricket on a small hook. the morning, certainly you will, but by creeks with spinnerbaits and topwaters I’ve become a big fan of the white jig from good bait is the big LFT ringworm, they Texas-rig or Carolina-rig right up against Redworms will work if you prefer them. afternoon they’ll really start to school and early. Later move out into the oil field Johnsons. We’ll also use shaky heads and really hold on to that one.” the grass. Those bass will be lying under Drop this in any opening in the shallow attack the baitfish.” area and try Carolina-rigged frys in char- Carolina rigs on the deeper fish.” Crappie will be on deeper trees and the grass beds, so you want to get right grass and pads, or around the Cypress Looking for birds or watching your treuse/pepper and red shad. When the schooling fish show up the bridges. They’ll also become very up in there. In fact, if you see any holes islands and you’re in business!” electronics will clue you in to the location The main lake points between the Stevenson likes to target them with the consistent in June with the minnow and or trails without grass, throw right up He also mentioned an old-timey way of the bait and both hybrids and sandies two arms of the lake will also have some Boot Tail Magic Shad from LFT in 41/2 crappie jigs both producing limits rather in them. of finding fish—smell. “I know people will be close by them. “I’ll start on main deep fish for the Carolina-rig and drop inch size, “ There’s supposed to be a bigger quickly. “I like using either a Power Jerk Shad

54 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal june 2013 june 2013 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal 55 bluegill, readears, warmouths – you name it, we got ‘em,” Gallagher said. “There will also be some crappie action if you can find some submerged trees. Catfish are always good. And, whites and hybrids will still be around. If you find ‘em schooled up you can have some really good action.” CHOKE CANYON — June is the start of the summer fishing pattern on Choke Canyon, which means one thing for most fishermen — grass. From now through fall, the majority of the bass will be hold- ing on the outside edges of the grass beds. The few bass that aren’t on grass beds dur- ing summer will be on offshore structure Tournament pro Dennis Lala shows off a Choke Canyon bass he in the main lake or in the river channel. caught from the edge of the hydrilla. Texas-rigged lizards are the traditional fa- vorites for targeting bass around the grass or Gulp! Worm on my Carolina rigs. I here during the summer and we’ll have beds on Choke. However, heavy jigs and known a lot of guys who will be catching a lot of other water activities going on, deep diving crankbaits will also be plenty Photo by John Jefferson Fourteen year-old Jonathan Gray proudly displays a meager catch compared to his personal best eight-pounder taken on Lake Pflugerville. Brushy fish on jigs, too, but I think the soft-plas- too. On weekends there will be all kinds productive during the summer months. Creek Lake in Leander, though, holds a promise of some unforgettable fish beneath its dark waters. After fishing it with TOJ’s Central Texas editor, tics give you the best chance to catch a lot of people out here swimming, jet skiing, Although most of the bass fishing ac- he asked his daddy if he would take him back over there the next weekend! of fish and some good fish as well. water skiing – you name it. But, then tion during June will involve probing the “Our water is usually pretty clear in again, most of the good fishing will be depths, there will be some decent shallow Texas-rigged plastics, swim baits, creature pattern. Some are slipping into the sum- 38-acre scenic lake in Leander near the June. So I usually prefer throwing a wa- early, before the lake gets too crowded, so water activity during the lowlight periods. baits and jigs will also produce plenty of mer pattern. As cool as our spring was, intersection of Brushy Creek and Parmer termelon color. However, if we get a lot of you can still do pretty good on weekends During the predawn and early morning bass around deep structure this month. they may still be in somewhat shallow Lane, sits alongside Brushy Creek Lake rain and they hold the gates open a long if you get out early and beat the crowds.” hours, fish can still be found holding Anglers hoping for a different type of water, especially in early morning and Park, which offers all the usual park fa- time, the water will muddy up a bit. Then MEDINA — On Lake Medina, fish will shallow in the grass beds and along shore- bass should focus their efforts on the lower early evening. They’ll be feeding then, so cilities for families and kids, including a I’ll go with something darker. also be settling into a summer pattern as lines. Noisy offerings such as Ribbit Frogs, end of the lake. Hyrbrids will be schooling try topwater lures to start with. water playscape. “Also, I really like using a pretty light June gets underway, says Jim Gallagher of buzzbaits and Pop Rs are among the best sporadically throughout the month in the During the day, go deeper for them The winding track around it gives bank weight on my Carolina rig during the Jim’s Rebait Tackle. bets for surface striking fish. deeper water near the dam. around points and drop-offs, using plas- fishermen entrée to most of the north side summer. I’ll use an 1/8 or 1/16-ounce, “In June, we’ll be starting our summer One added bonus for bass fishermen On the opposite side of the lake, the tics. Fish early in the month for the best of the lake, and provides an unending or even a split shot. Then, I’ll use about pattern,” Gallagher said. “Main lake and headed to Choke Canyon is the relatively river and upper end of the lake will be chance of catching the fish before the cadre of joggers to study in case the fishing 12-inches of leader. Sometimes, I’ll even secondary points will be the key. Early in light summer crowds. While there is teeming with catfish. Prepared baits weather gets hot and they go deeper … is slow. The south side is Avery Ranch Golf rig my worms wacky style as well. That the morning – and by that I mean before definitely an increase in traffic on Choke will produce plenty of channel catfish, and more lethargic. Course, and has bluffs that tell you that’s can really work good when it’s hot and the the sun gets up – you can get a topwater from June through August, it pales in while live bait will be a better choice for At last count on April 30, Lake Austin the deep side. fish are on the outside of those grass beds. bite. Otherwise, the fish will be deep. comparison to what fishermen on other anyone hoping for a shot at a blue or had produced two of the 12 entries this There is a kayak/canoe launch area on Lala says that June also offers some “Our fish are usually deep, especially in South Texas lakes have to tolerate. yellow cat. ShareLunker season. Lake Fork, unsur- the east end of the north shore near the good catfish action on Coleto, but anglers summer, but sunny days and clear water FALCON — Of course, considering it is prisingly, marked four. The other six entries dam, and they have rented kayaks in the looking for Mr. Whiskers need to pay drives them off the points and even deeper. the southern most major impoundment in were distributed among six lakes. Lake past. Don’t overlook the dam area, since attention to water quality as the summer It’s not unusual to find fish as much as Texas, it only stands to reason Falcon will CENTRAL TEXAS Dunlap, on the Guadalupe River, just that is known fish habitat. A fisherman heat rises. 300 yards off the points and suspended in experience a summer pattern earlier than east of New Braunfels was one of those six. walking it the last time I was there caught “Most of the catfish are deep this time 50 feet of water. So, practice your jigging other South Texas lakes. Given this year’s The big lakes produce big bass, to be as many fish as did two of us in kayaks. of year,” said Lala. “You can catch them spoon skills – or fish early or late. warm winter and spring, anglers should sure. And they provide countless hours of If you walk it late in the day, beware of on rod and reel with nightcrawlers and There is not a lot of visible structure – expect the summer pattern to be in full recreation, both fishing and other water snakes. It’s their habitat, too. stink bait, but most of them are caught on stuff people can see and cast to. But, there swing before June even begins. sports. But this column, and most other Like most of these small lakes, it hasn’t jug lines. When that water gets really hot, is some structure down deep. Falcon will still have some shallow fishing reports have made the big lakes yielded any bass over eight pounds, but you’ll find some areas of the lake where the “Fishing in the creek channel can be real water bass activity during the early morn- famous, and will continue to. But there are that’s still a trophy. TPWD has stocked oxygen level is kind of low. Those areas good – so long as you fish in the channel, ing periods during the first few weeks of other fish in the ponds, and other ponds it with bass, catfish and sunfish, and will won’t be holding near as many fish. If you not on either side of it. Fish will come up as June. Anglers working the flooded brush in which to catch them. continue to. It also has a fair population can find an area with a little cooler water, much as 25 feet to hit a bait in the channel, along the shorelines can do well with Zara The Lesser Lakes — Every year, of white crappie, too. you’ll do much better. but they won’t move five feet outside the Spooks, buzzbaits and spinnerbaits until about this time, we get calls wanting to Like the other lakes in this column, “The other thing you need to be aware of channel to strike. So, you have to find that the sun gets bright overhead. know where to take kids fishing. These no gasoline motors are permitted, and it’s starting in June is the amount of boat traffic channel and stay in it – even if it winds. By mid-morning, look for bass to be By John Jefferson smaller water bodies provide just that, and a little bit of a hike to tote a kayak to the on the lake. This is also getting to be the As summer gets started, Gallagher says concentrated on main lake and secondary more. Some allow swimming, and some water. You won’t want to lug a jon boat. time of year when you might want to time the number of potential target species will points, as well as offshore structure. Deep Spring has sprung, and summer is have produced some big fish. All are fun. Trolling motors are permitted. It looks your trips during the middle of the week. rise along with the heat. diving crankbaits are the top choice for among us. The bass – all species – have Check ‘em out! like it should provide better fishing than We’ll have a lot more fishermen out “We have perch all over the lake – deep water bass on Falcon. But, jumbo spawned and gone into their post spawn Brushy Creek Lake — This it does.

56 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal june 2013 june 2013 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal 57 The upper end under the bridge and Mexican government has not released are This region needs some drenching rains visible from the Parmer Lane has a lot of all contributing factors. and so far what has fallen has gone into the stick-ups that are reminiscent of Lake This continued decline could well be HIGH PLAINS parched ground as opposed to draining Bastrop and others, but it disappointingly the reason this lake was a no-show in this into area reservoirs. proved to be a very shallow mud bottom year’s ShareLunker program that ended Options remain limited with Lake area. I hoped it might be a likely spot for the end of April. Alan Henry the best. Post spawn bass will a spring spawn, but the deep mud might Factor in crazy weather patterns and be cruising shorelines, deeper points, and prohibit that. Parks and Wildlife, however, it seems the fish are as confused as some rocky slide areas. says their surveys show decent bass pop- anglers. Crankbaits are good choices as are ulations, so there must be a fair spawn. At the start of summer look for bass Rat-L-Traps. Lake Pflugerville — 180-acre to be solidly in post spawn patterns. The Early in the day topwater lures will reservoir is seven years old and coming biggest challenge is for anglers that don’t continue to be a proven tactic. Fish Zara of age as a new lake begging to be fished. regularly fish Amistad to make adjust- Spooks or slightly larger baits to see if you Although it is popular with tri-athletes in ments and learn a “new” lake. can tie into a good bass. training, there’s still room for everybody. Topwater lures will work around any By TOJ Staff For the rest of the region, it all comes Families and kids love it. There’s a nice vegetation early and late. Once the sun down to where boats can still launch. fishing pier and bank fishing is possible breaks the horizon and starts to heat HIGH PLAINS — More of less is what Check the TOJ website for a link to cur- almost all the way around it. things up, anglers should switch to Caro- anglers in the Panhandle are experiencing. rent lake levels. It’s a former corn field, so the trees Even though Amistad Reservoir is over 60 feet low, there are still plenty of lina rigs. Rat-L-Traps, spinnerbaits, and places to catch some great fish. aren’t very tall, and sunscreen is a must. crankbaits will also find and catch fish. Toyota ShareLunker Season Ends with Mixed Results Fishermen are beginning to talk about it, Stripers will continue to be working but it’s still under-fished. most fish from the bank. There’s good ing large bass, and both lakes are catch the deeper water in front of the dam. The 2012-2013 Toyota ShareLunker of the season, a 16.04-pounder caught by Jonathan Gray, in the photo taken on access. and release. The park sometimes closes for With the sea gulls now on the coast, look program received a below-average Richard Scibek of Granbury on February Brushy Creek Lake, swears by Pflugerville, Lake Kyle Preserve — Located events, but otherwise it is open. for surface commotion, or mark fish on number of entries during the season that 2, 2013. Scibek’s catch earn him Angler and has caught an eight-pounder and about a mile east of I-35 on County Road Blue Hole — This lagoon on the graphs. ended April 30, however the number of the Year honors. several other respectable bass out of it. 150, this small lake has potential. Parks San Gabriel River in Georgetown proved Catfish will still be shallow as their of lakes producing 13-pound or bigger An analysis of ShareLunker entries There is a launch area for small boats, but and Wildlife is managing it with a 14-21 to be disappointment when I looked into spawn continues. Look for catfish moving largemouth bass continued to increase, since the program’s inception in 1986 gasoline motors are not permitted, nor are inch slot limit, which should encourage it. It’s a very scenic stream with an enticing to and from water 10 feet deep to the bank. and investments in DNA testing showed shows a slight decline in the number of gas cans aboard boats. growth of some large bass. Bass under waterfall, but just a little stream fishing to O.H. IVIE — As of early May Ivie was promising results. entries per season, from an average of It also has catfish, crappie and sun- 14-inches may be kept, up to the statewide interest anglers. almost 38 feet low. In June this popular Nine fish were intergrades and two 19.6 the first five seasons to 18.8 the past fish. For fish habitat, it has water willows limit of five bass. According to de Jesus, And it gets crowded with recreational bass fishing destination will see the onset were pure Florida largemouth bass. The five. There has also been a slight decline in and hydrilla. It’s at the intersection of it has nice bass and sunfish, a fishing pier users and smokers. It might possibly pro- of schooling fish across the lake. Black, two pure Florida entries spawned, pro- average weight from 14.1 pounds the first Weiss Lane and Pflugerville Pkwy. In and a fish feeder. vide a little early morning fishing before white, and smallmouth bass will all be ducing a total of 58,550 eggs. In addition, five seasons to 13.8 pounds the last five. Pflugerville. Bull Frog Pond — The name the crowd gets there. schooling together and actively feeding. a ShareLunker offspring from a research Driving these declines were the fish Meadow Lake — This may be the has fascinated me since I noticed on the So that’s the lineup. Go try ‘em. And My Ivie regulars call this “run and gun” lake produced 36,957 eggs. Each lake from Lake Fork. It has contributed 253 best kept fishing secret on my beat. I hear rainbow stocking list that it receives trout take a kid! time as once the early topwater bite has producing an entry this past season will of the 548 ShareLunker entries, and its the fisheries biologists call it “Thirteen- during the winter stocking. But don’t look ended they will spend the rest of their time receive a share of the fingerlings result- decline from extraordinary to merely pound Lake,” since they feel it will produce for any rainbows this late into the year. looking for these feeding schools. Rat-L- ing from those spawns. great has obscured the patterns observed a lunker someday soon. It’s north of dell They’re long gone. WEST TEXAS Traps or Cordell Spots will be good for fish Twelve entries were received from among other reservoirs. “There’s nothing Diamond and even north of Bright Lake It is, however, stocked with catfish marked below the surface. eight lakes. Two of those lakes, Dunlap wrong with Lake Fork, it’s just getting in Old Settlers Park in Round Rock. every two weeks, making it a popular Fish on the surface will attack Pop-Rs, and Palestine, produced their first Share- older, and largemouth bass productivity Marcos de Jesus, TPWD district bi- pond and a good place to get kids started and Zara Spooks. Lunkers ever. The Lake Palestine fish, a typically declines as reservoirs age,” said ologist in San Marcos tells me their elec- in fishing. Its size and habitat limit its Early in the month of June, look for the 13.13-pounder caught by Lindell Booth, TPWD geneticist Dijar Lutz-Carrillo. tro-fishing surveys turned up a number of potential. You’ll find it near Manor. remaining bass that have not spawned to Jr., of Chandler, is a new lake record. Lake Fork’s average weight of this season’s four to six pound bass. Marcos also says Twin Lakes — This is that invit- do so in deep water. With cooler weather Eleven of the 12 fish were returned four entries was 14.55 pounds, well above it has been stocked with Florida bass. He ing-looking water body located on the that persisted later than normal in the alive to the lakes from which they were the program’s historical average of 13.8 points out that the area around the park is tract that the YMCA occupies on Hwy. year, there is still an opportunity to pick caught. One, Toyota ShareLunker 545, pounds. shallow, restricting bank fishing. 183 in Cedar Park. It has been stocked up some good fish. the new Lake Palestine record, was do- “If we take Lake Fork out of the A canoe or kayak is needed to get to with catfish but I’m told they stay on the BROWNWOOD — It looks like this nated to the Texas Freshwater Fisheries analysis, a different picture of trophy the other side and the better fishing. No bottom in the deeper holes away from popular lake level is stabilizing at about Center for display. largemouth bass in Texas emerges,” gas motors allowed. the bank. By TOJ Staff 11.5 feet low as May began. Look for bass Lake Fork rebounded from low pro- Lutz-Carrillo said. “The average num- Bright Lake — This is the shallow Anecdotally, I’ve heard that there are to be relating to grassy edges, boat docks, duction the past few seasons to produce ber of ShareLunker entries has actually lake to the north of Dell Diamond in Old some large bass in it on the side with the AMISTAD — Since last month’s re- and any other structure early in the day. four entries, the most of any lake. Lake increased from 6.2 the first five seasons Settlers Park. It’s a shallow but popular high bluffs, but getting to them is a prob- port “Big Friendly” has dropped another A good topwater bite should be available. Austin produced two entries, and Lakes to 16 over the last five seasons, and the 18-acres pond but will probably never be lem. No motorized crafts are permitted, five feet. As of early May this popular Boat docks will become more promi- Dunlap, Falcon, Toledo Bend, Palestine, average weight of these fish has been a trophy bass lake. Its record bass weighed and it’s a good hike from the parking area big bass producer stands at over 60 feet nent targets for fish to seek cover, as well Amon G. Carter and Lake O’ the Pines remarkably consistent, 13.9 pounds over 4.63 pounds. There are plenty of sunfish, to carry a canoe or kayak. low. Agricultural needs, downstream as anglers to fish. Small crankbaits will produced one each. the first five seasons and 13.8 over the however. Canoes and kayaks help, but Its size restricts the possibility of grow- commitments, lack of rain, and water the attract plenty of attention. Lake Fork also produced the big bass last five.”

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• Guided FishinG Trips The anti-wear, extreme pressure and • Cabin rust/corrosion inhibitor additives make renTals Custom built boats and professional guides will ensure that My Gun Oil an excellent choice for all firearms. your guided fishing trip is filled with fun, excitement and Full, semi, pump, wheel, break-open, black powder • salTwaTer lots of fish catching! rifles, pistols and shotguns. FishinG 415 SE County Road 3100 Call about our inshore and offshore Order Online www.mygunoil.com Corsicana, TX 75109 saltwater trips out of Venice, LA! Dealer Inquiries Welcomed Deadline for the June calendar is May 24, 2013 variety of camping, cooking, fire building, and children. Registration and start time is 9:00 a.m. Summer Adventure at Balmorhea and Davis other outdoor skills. Participants will need to Call (512) 581-0377. Mountains State Parks, Balmorhea and Al- bring their own food, plates, sleeping bags June 15, pine. Learn a variety of camping, cooking, fire Outdoor Calendar and personal items. For more information and Go Fish! Learn-to-Fish Event, Eisenhower State building, and other outdoor skills. Participants reservations call (512) 389 8903. Park, Denison. Families can learn the basics will need to bring their own food, plates, June 8 - 9, of fishing through fun, hands-on activities. sleeping bags and personal items. For more Texas Water Safari, Palmetto State Park, Gonzales. Equipment and bait provided or bring your own. information and reservations call (512) 389 8903. Through September 2, fishing through fun, hands-on activities. Equip- Park, Weslaco. A great introduction to Estero Texas Water safari is a canoe race that starts in No license necessary. Adults must accompany June 21 - 23, 28-30 Coastal Conservation Associations Annual ment and bait provided or bring your own. Llano Grande and to the south Texas ecosystems San Marcos on the San Marcos river and finishes children. Registration and start time is 9:00 a.m. Texas Outdoor Family, Inks Lake State Park, Spe- S.T.A.R. , Statewide. Call No license necessary. Adults must accompany on a two hour guided tour. For more informa- in Sea Drift TX. Palmetto is the first check point Call (903) 744-3324 cial Two Night Event, Burnet. Learn a variety of (800) 626-4222. children. Registration and start time is 9:00 a.m. tion and reservations call (956) 565-3919. of the race. The race is 250 miles long and is June 15, camping, cooking, fire building, and other out- Through December 29, Call (972) 900-1296 June 7, usually over in three day’s. The race has grown Go Fish! Learn-to-Fish Event, Cedar Hill State door skills. Participants will need to bring their Ranger Programs, Goliad State Park and June 1, Hill Country Chapter Friends of NRA fundraiser, through years, and is expected to have about 150 Park, Cedar Hill. Families can learn the basics own food, plates, sleeping bags and personal Historic Site — Every Saturday and Sunday National Trails Day Hike, Palo Duro Canyon Kerrville. Call (830) 257-0092. participants plus support crews and spectators. of fishing through fun, hands-on activities. items. For more information and reservations free programs and tours at 10:00 a.m. experience State Park, Canyon. Meet the Park Interpreter June 7, Palmetto’s part in the race usually starts around Equipment and bait provided or bring your own. call (512) 389 8903. a special nature program at Goliad State Park at Overlook parking lot to hike the historic CCC Wildlife Habitat Management Workshop, Gus 4:00 pm and is over about 11-12:00pm Saturday No license necessary. Adults must accompany June 22, on topics that vary from a nature walks, to bird Trail. Wear hiking shoes/boots, bring water and Engeling Wildlife Management Area, Ten- night. For more information about the race visit children. Registration and start time is 9:00 a.m. Coastal Bend Chapter National Wild Turkey Fed- watching 101, to discovering the plants of the a hiking stick if preferred. The trail is steep in nessee Colony. Monthly, first Friday of each www.texaswatersafari.org, or call (830) 672-3266 Call (972) 900-1296 eration fundraiser, Goliad. Call (361) 573-2298 mission, to backyard wildlife. At 2:00 p.m. enjoy a places and we will walk from the rim to the floor. month thru August. The workshop begins with June 9, 23 June 15, June 22, historic journey of Mission Espiritu Santo with a No pets. Call (806) 488-2227, ext. 226 a brief overview and history of the Gus Engeling Geocaching 101, Sheldon Lake State Park & Go Fish! Learn-to-Fish at Texas State Parks, Lake Go Fish! Learn-to-Fish Event, Galveston Island park ranger. For more details call (361)645-3405. June 1, Wildlife Management Area. Participants will Environmental Learning Center, Houston. Tawakoni State Park, Wills Park. Families can State Park, Galveston. Families can learn the ba- June 1, Go Fish! Learn-to-Fish Event, Eisenhower State then be taken on a guided tour of the WMA Learn the basics of this fast growing sport learn the basics of fishing through fun, hands-on sics of fishing through fun, hands-on activities. 26th Annual Houston Chapter Rocky Mountain Park, Denison. Families can learn the basics of by a wildlife biologist who will explain proper that merges the digital age with a love of the activities. Equipment and bait provided or bring Equipment and bait provided or bring your own. Elk Foundation Big Game Banquet, Houston, fishing through fun, hands-on activities. Equip- habitat management practices for the Post outdoors. Geocaching uses GPS technology your own. No license necessary. Adults must No license necessary. Adults must accompany held at the Houston Marriott Westchase. The ment and bait provided or bring your own. Oak Savannah Ecoregion. Topics will include to take you on a scavenger hunt finding items accompany children. Registration and start time children. Registration and start time is 9:00 a.m. oldest, largest, and most successful RMEF No license necessary. Adults must accompany prescribed fire, hardwood timber management, hidden throughout the park. No equipment or is 9:00 a.m. Call (903) 560 -7123 Call (713) 376-9873. Chapter in Texas, and one of RMEF’s Top Ten children. Registration and start time is 9:00 a.m. strip disking and other mechanical treatments, experience necessary. Advanced reservation is June 15, June 27, Chapters. For tickets and reservations call Kirk Call (903) 744-3324 harvest management, grazing management recommended as spaces are limited; call (281) Fishing with a Ranger, Blanco State Park, Blanco. Northwest Houston Chapter Friends of NRA Waldron (713) 688-2627 or Tom Grahmann June 1 - 2, and herbicide application. Call (903) 928-2251. 456-2800 x230. Open to all ages. Whether you are experienced, fundraiser, Cypress. Call (281) 948-8758. (281) 389-0488. Texas Outdoor Family, Ray Roberts Lake State June 7, 14, 21, 28 June 10 - 14, 17-21, 24-28 or a first-time angler, come on out and catch June 28, June 1, Park Isle du Bois Unit (north of Dallas-Ft. Fishing with the Ranger, Inks Lake State Park, Jr. Ranger Summer Camp, McKinney Falls State some fish with us! We have the poles and the Collin County Chapter National Wild Turkey Hopkins County Chapter National Wild Turkey Worth), Learn a variety of camping, cooking, Burnet, Every Friday of the month through Park, Austin. Junior Ranger Basics Each camp worms, and a fishing license is not required. Federation, Plano. Call (972) 496-1471. Federation fundraiser, Sulphur Springs. Call fire building, and other outdoor skills. Partici- October- 5:00-6:00 p.m. Up to 30 participants week session runs Monday through Friday. Regular entrance fees apply. Call (830) 833-4333 June 29, (903) 885-6237. pants will need to bring their own food, plates, for free instructional program. Campers will learn from outdoor professionals June 15 - 16, Top of Texas Longbeards Chapter National Wild sleeping bags and personal items. For more No fishing license required while on state park and are led by staff of qualified counselors. June, 1, Texas Outdoor Family, Pedernales Falls State Turkey Federation fundraiser, Pampa. Call information and reservations call (512) 389-8903 property. We have the poles and the worms. This is an outdoor-dominate camp experience. Lone Star Oil Shale Chapter Friends of NRA Park, Johnson City. Learn a variety of camping, (806) 669-7032. fundraiser, Grandview. Call (972) 435-1170 June 1, Free with park entrance fee. Call (512) 793-2223 Activities include flint knapping, swimming, cooking, fire building, and other outdoor skills. June 29, 21st Annual Mark Howell Kid Fish Rodeo, Lake June 7 - 9, geocaching, fishing, guided hikes, camp games June 1, Participants will need to bring their own food, Central Texas Big Game Chapter Rocky Moun- Arrowhead State Park, Wichita Falls. Come join Texas Outdoor Family, South Llano River State and more. Ages 8-12. For more information, National Fishing Day Youth Fishing Event, Sea plates, sleeping bags and personal items. For tain Elk Foundation banquet, Waco. (254) us for this exciting fishing event. Tackle and bait Park — Special Two Night Event, Junction. reservations, and fees call (512) 415-8793/ Center Texas, Lake Jackson. Catch-and-release more information and reservations call (512) 717-7137. fishing at marine fish hatchery and visitor cen- will be provided while supplies last. Parents and Learn a variety of camping, cooking, fire build- June 11, 389 8903. June 29, ter. Open to guests 16 years old and younger guardians may assist. Prizes will be awarded in ing, and other outdoor skills. Participants will Pattison Chapter Ducks Unlimited fundraiser, June 19 – 23 Taylor County Chapter Friends of NRA fundraiser, accompanied by an adult. Bring your own gear each age group. For kids 3 to 16 years of age. need to bring their own food, plates, sleeping Brookshire. Call (281) 259-9638 Houston Summer Boat Show, Reliant Center, Abilene. Call (325) 428-8160. and bait with barbless hooks. No corks, artificial Call (940) 528-2215 bags and personal items. For more information June 13, Houston. Come by the Texas Outdoors Jour- June 29 - 30, bait, metal leaders or treble hooks. Volunteers June 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 and reservations call (512) 389 8903. Hood County Chapter Friends of NRA fundraiser, nal booth, #420 and let’s talk fishing, boating, Texas Outdoor Family, Eisenhower State Park, and staff on hand to assist first-time anglers. Wild Cavern Tour, Kickapoo Cavern State Park, June 8, Grandbury. Call (817) 578-1932. hunting, or anything outdoors. For more show Denison. Learn a variety of camping, cooking, 8:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. Call (979) 292-0100, ext 23 Brackettville. Participants should be able to Pease River Chapter National Wild Turkey Fed- June 14, information call (713) 526-6361. fire building, and other outdoor skills. Partici- June 1, hike, clamber, and climb over loose material to eration fundraiser, Crowell. Call 940) 684-1372. Fort Bend County Chapter Friends of NRA fund- June 19, 26 pants will need to bring their own food, plates, Nature Programs and Hikes, Brazos Bend State traverse the cavern. Helmets are provided but June 8, raiser, Rosenberg. Call (281) 543-1667. Leave No Kid Inside Day Camp, San Angelo State sleeping bags and personal items. For more Park, Needville. At least 3 free programs and participants must bring two light sources per Go Fish! Learn-to-Fish Event, Bastrop State Park, June 14 - 16, Park, San Angelo. Explore the great outdoors. information and reservations call (512) 389 8903. hikes every weekend, year-round. Call (979) person, drinking water, and sturdy footwear Bastrop. Families can learn the basics of fishing Texas Outdoor Family, Caprock Canyons State Enjoy fishing, canoeing, flint knapping, learning 553-5101 for hiking. Signing a liability release is required. through fun, hands-on activities. Equipment Park 2-night special event Quitique. Learn a to identify animal calls and tracks, leather work June 1, Reservations are required. For information and and bait provided or bring your own. No license variety of camping, cooking, fire building, and and more. Ages 9-12. Deadline to register is Adult Rough Fish Contest, Lake Arrowhead State reservations please call (830) 563-2342. necessary. Adults must accompany children. other outdoor skills. Participants will need to June 12, 2013. Call (325) 947-2687. HAVE YOUR OUTDOOR Park, Wichita Falls. Fishing event for anglers17 June 1, Registration and start time is 9:00 a.m. Call (512) bring their own food, plates, sleeping bags June 20, EVENT INCLUDED IN TOJ’s years and older. Prizes will be awarded. There is a Driving Tour, Palo Duro Canyon State Park, Can- 581-0377 and personal items. For more information and Hays County Chapter Ducks Unlimited fund- OUTDOOR CALENDAR. $2.00 registration fee for the Rough Fish Contest. yon. Meet in the parking lot by the Entrance June 8, reservations call (512) 389 8903. raiser, Buda. Call (512) 289-4025 Office for a tour through the canyon with the Fish must be caught within park boundaries. Beginner’s Class, Texas Freshwater June 15, June 20, Mail your outdoor calendar items to: Park Interpreter. A 13 passenger park van is Angler must be registered prior to the event. Fisheries Center, Athens. 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Go Fish! Learn-to-Fish Event, Buescher State Guadalupe River Chapter National Wild Turkey provided for your drive. No pets, please. Call Call (940) 528-2215 Call (903) 670-2222 Park, Smithville. Families can learn the basics Federation fundraiser, New Braunfels. Call 1706 W. Sam Houston Pkwy North (806) 488 2227, x226 June 1, June 8 - 9, of fishing through fun, hands-on activities. (210) 861-0405. Houston TX 77043 or June 2, 5, 9, 12, 16, 19, 23 26, 30 Go Fish! Learn-to-Fish Event, Lake Whitney State Texas Outdoor Family, Lake Somerville State Equipment and bait provided or bring your own. June 20 - 23, fax to: 713.957.3996 or Nature Tram Tour, Estero Llano Grande State Park, Whitney. Families can learn the basics of Park, Birch Creek Unit, Somerville. Learn a No license necessary. Adults must accompany Texas Outdoor Family, 3-night Super Awesome email to: [email protected]

64 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal june 2013 june 2013 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal 65 Tide Tables Fishing & Hunting Times

JUNE 2013 US TIME ZONES SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT PACIFIC MOUNTAIN CENTRAL EASTERN < (+) (-) > < (+) (-) > < (+) (-) > < (+) (-) > L4:40A 0.7 L 5:13 A 0.6 H10:43A 1.1 H 11:51 A 1.3 L6:28P 0.1 L 7:08 P 0.4 30 1 H 1:24 A 1.1 H :00 A 1.2 H 4:08 A 1.4 H 4:59 A 1.4 H 5:39 A 1.5 H 6:12 A 1.5 H 6:42 A 1.5 L 6:50 A 0.8 L 8:21 A 1.0 L 9:37 A 1.1 L 10:40 A 1.1 L 9:53 P -0.2 L 10:21 P -0.3 L 10:49 P -0.3 H 12:19 P 1.2 H 12:42 P 1.2 H 1:01 P 1.2 H 1:17 P 1.2 L 7:48 P 0.2 L 8:24 P 0.0 L 8:56 P -0.1 L 9:25 P -0.2 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 H7:12 A 1.5 H 7:44 A 1.4 H 8:19 A 1.4 L 12:25 A -0.1 L 12:59 A 0.0 L1:34 A 0.2 L2:13 A 0.3 L12:21 P 1.2 L12:37 P 1.1 H 8:54 A 1.4 H 9:29 A 1.3 H10:01 A 1.3 H10:27 A 1.2 H 2:27 P 1.3 H 2:47 P 1.2 L6:08 P 0.7 L11:20 P -0.2 L11:52 P -0.2 H10:04 P 0.8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 L2:58A 0.5 H12:23A 0.8 H2:01A 1.0 H3:10A 1.2 H4:03A 1.4 H4:52A 1.5 H5:38A 1.6 H10:47A 1.2 L3:57A 0.7 L5:23A 0.9 L7:08A 1.1 L8:38A 1.2 L9:38A 1.2 L10:23A 1.3 L6:05P 0.5 H11:02A 1.2 H11:15A 1.2 H11:30A 1.2 H11:57A 1.3 H12:40P 1.3 H1:35P 1.4 L6:29P 0.2 L7:03P 0.0 L7:43P -0.3 L8:28P -0.5 L9:15P -0.7 L10:04P -0.7 16 17 18 19 20 21 H6:23A 221.6 L11:04A 1.3 H7:08A 1.5 H7:50A 1.5 L12:36A -0.4 L1:28A -0.1 L2:22A 0.2 L3:21A 0.5 H2:35P 1.4 L11:52A 1.2 L12:48P 1.1 H8:31A 1.4 H9:08A 1.3 H9:43A 1.2 H10:15A 1.2 L10:54P -0.7 H3:38P 1.4 H4:48P 1.3 L1:58P 1.0 L3:17P 0.8 L4:33P 0.5 L5:36P 0.3 FEEDING TIMES L11:45P -0.6 H6:08P 1.1 H7:47P 1.0 H9:45P 0.9 H11:54P 0.9 120° 115° 110° 105° by Dan100° Barnett95° 90° 85° 80° 75° 23 24 25 26 27 28 29

JULY 2013 JUNE 2013 JUNE FISHING 2013 AND HUNTING TIMES SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT H2:02A 1.0 H3:35A 1.2 H4:32A 1.3 H5:13A 1.3 H5:42A 1.3 H6:05A 1.3 L6:38A 0.9 L8:28A 1.0 L8:29P -0.3 L9:02P -0.3 L9:32P -0.4 L10:02P -0.4 30 1 H11:08A 1.1 H11:29A 1.1 LQ L7:13P -0.1 L7:53P -0.2 1 2 3 4 5 6 5:35A - 10:35A 6:10A -11:10A GALVESTON YACHT BASIN H6:26A 1.3 H6:48A 1.3 H7:13A 1.3 H7:39A 1.3 H8:05A 1.2 L12:30A 0.0 L1:03A 0.2 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 L11:17A 1.1 L11:22A 1.1 L11:52A 1.0 L12:36P 0.9 L1:28P 0.8 H8:30A 1.2 H8:51A 1.2 NEW H1:55P 1.2 H2:36P 1.2 H3:14P 1.1 H3:54P 1.0 H4:47P 0.9 L2:23P 0.7 L3:14P 0.6 L10:31P -0.3 L11:00P -0.3 L11:29P -0.2 L11:59P -0.1 H6:14P 0.8 H8:20P 0.7 7:00A - 12:00P 7:50A - 12:50P 8:40A - 1:40P 9:30A - 2:30P 10:20A - 3:20P 11:05A - 4:05P 11:50A - 4:50P 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 9 10 11 12 13 14 15

12:35P - 5:35P 1:20P - 6:20P 2:05P - 7:05P 2:50P - 7:50P 3:30P - 8:30P 3:55A - 8:55A 4:40A - 9:40A NEW Expanded Dry Stack Storage Times are for Galveston, Galveston Channel 16 17 18 19 20 21 2 FQ

TIME DIFFERENCES High Low 5:25A - 10:25A 6:10A -11:10A 7:00A - 12:000P 7:50A - 12:50P 8:40A - 1:40P 9:30A - 2:30P 10:20A - 3:20P Calcasieu Pass, Louisiana -2:14 -1:24 23 24 FEEDING25 26 TIMES27 28 29 • Yacht Club • Bait Camp • Swimming Pool • Laundry Facility Lighthouse -1:46 -1:31 FULL by Dan Barnett Sabine Pass Jetty -1:26 -1:31 11:15A - 4:15P 12:15P - 5:15P 1:15P - 6:15P 2:15P - 7:15P 3:15P - 8:15P 4:15P - 9:15P 4:40A - 9:40A • Banquet Facilities • On-Site Yacht Service • Sanitary Pump-Out • Clean Restrooms Sabine Pass -1:00 -1:15 JULYFISHING 2013 AND HUNTING TIMES • Fuel Dock • Public Boat Launch • Private Showers Mesquite Point, Sabine Pass -0:04 -0:25 JULY BEST 2013 GOOD FAIR POOR • 24-hr Security Galveston Bay ent. south jetty -0:39 -1:05 Fish and game move in search of food in cycles relative to the moon's location to the earth. The timeSUN spans listedMON above, whichTUE have been WEDvalidated by THUan analysis ofFRI 124 three-daySAT fishing Port Bolivar +0:14 -0:06 tournaments in a 17-year period, indicate the prime feeding time each day that starts at and along each time zone1 meridian of 2longitude 75 3degrees (Eastern),4 90 degrees5 (Central), 6105 degrees Galveston Bay (Mountain), and 120 degrees (Pacific) during Standard Time and listed as Daylight Saving Time Texas City, Turning Basin +0:33 +0:41 during the time is in effect. To determine the feeding cycle time for the best fishing and hunting in the location you6:25A plan -to 11:25A fish or7:15A hunt, - 12:15Padvance8:00A 4 minutes - 1:00P for each8:45A degree- 1:45P West9:30A and - 2:30P back up10:10A 4 minutes - 3:10P Eagle Point (1) +3:54 +4:15 for each degree East. The next prime feeding cycle (not listed on the calendar) will be approximately 127 1/2 hours later8 . The moon's9 phases are10 shown as NEW,11 First Quarter12 (FQ), FULL,13 and Last Clear Lake(1) +6:05 +6:40 Quarter (LQ). TheNEW markings in the circles indicate the relative intensity of that day's feeding cycle. Remember local weather extremes can affect wildlife feeding activity. For questions or comments, Morgan Point (1) +10:21 +5:19 you10:50A can - call3:50P 40411:35A-373-7151 - 4:35P. 12:20P - 5:20P 1:05P - 6:05P 1:50P - 6:50P 2:40P - 7:40P 3:30P - 8:30P Round Pt.,Trinity Bay (1) +10:39 +5:15 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 Point Barrow, Trinity Bay +5:48 +4:43 FQ Over 60 Years in Print Feeding Times by Dan Barnett 17 Years Test Proven Fish, game and all wildlife move in search of food in cycles relative to the moon’s location to the Gilchrist, East Bay +3:16 +4:18 4:00A - 9:00A 4:45A - 9:45A 5:35A - 10:35A 6:25A - 11:25A 7:15A - 12:15P 8:05A - 1:05P 9:00A - 2:00P earth. The time spans listed above are the prime times to start each day at and along each time Jamaica Beach, West Bay +2:38 +3:31 Copyright 2012 by Feeding Times, Inc. 21zone meridian22 of longitude23 75 degrees 24(Eastern) 90 degrees25 (Central)26 105 degrees27 (Mountain) Alligator Point, West Bay +2:39 +2:33 and 120 degreesFULL (Pacific) during Standard time and Daylight Saving during the time it is in effect. Christmas Point, Christmas Bay +2:32 +2:31 To determine the feeding cycle time for best fishing and hunting in the area you plan to fish or hunt9:55A -advance 2:55P 10:50A the sum - 3:50P of 4 11:50Aminutes - 4:50P for each12:50P degree - 5:50P west1:45P and - 6:45Pback up2:40P 4 minutes - 7:40P for3:35P each - 8:35P degree Galveston Pleasure Pier -1:06 -1:06 east. The next prime feeding cycle (not listed on the calendar) will be approximately twelve and 28one-half hours29 later. There 30are minor periods31 that occur between the prime or major periods. San Luis Pass -0:09 -0:09 LQ The minor periods are typically fair periods and last only about half as long as the prime periods. Freeport Harbor -0:44 -1:02 4:05A - 9:05A 4:55A - 9:55A 5:45A - 10:45A 6:30A - 11:30A Pass Cavallo 0:00 -1:20 Feeding Times by Dan Barnett have been proven by analysis of 124 – 3 day bass tournaments between 1967 through 1983 to be reliable and accurate in predicting wildlife feeding activity. The Aransas Pass -0:03 -1:31 Feeding BEST Times are not a cure-all. WeatherGOOD and other environmental FAIR conditions affect wildlifePOOR feeding Padre Island (South End) -0:24 -1:45 activity. Annual vest pocket books, which show all the major and minor periods, can be ordered by Fishsending and gamea check move or moneyin search order of foodfor $15.00 in cycles per relativebook. For to theS&H, moon's please location add $4.00 to theto anearth order. The of 1 Port Isabel +1:02 -0:42 time spans listed above, which have been validated by an analysis of 124 three-day fishing tournamentsto 4 books. inMake a 17 check-year period,or money indicate order the payable prime to:feeding Feeding time Times. each daySend that to: startsFeeding at andTimes, along P.O. Tidal adjustments are not predictable for Port O’Connor, Matagorda Bay; Port eachBox 2240,time zoneCovington, meridian GA of30015. longitude After Oct.75 degrees1, please (Eastern), indicate book 90 degrees year. For (Central), questions 105 or comments,degrees Lavaca, Matagorda Bay; and Riviera Beach, Baffin Bay since they are driven by wind (Mountain),you can call and 404-373-7151. 120 degrees (Pacific) during Standard Time and listed as Daylight Saving Time and weather. — NOAA during the time is in effect. To determine the feeding cycle time for the best fishing and hunting in theOver location 60 Years you in planPrint to fish or hunt, advance Feeding 4 Times minutes by Dan for eachBarnett degree West and back17 Years up 4 Test minutes Proven for each degree East. The next prime feeding cycle (not listed on the calendar) will be approximately 12 1/2 hours later. The moon's phases are shown as NEW, First Quarter (FQ), FULL, and Last 66 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal Quarter (LQ). The markings in the circles indicate the relative intensity of that day's feedingjune cycle2013. Remember local weather extremes can affect wildlife feeding activity. For questions or comments, you can call 404-373-7151.

Over 60 Years in Print Feeding Times by Dan Barnett 17 Years Test Proven

Copyright 2012 by Feeding Times, Inc. IslandIsland Attitude...PortAttitude...Port AransasAransas LatitudeLatitude

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