ADVENTURE

Port Isabel: April 28, 2006 Texas’ Premier Outdoor Newspaper Volume 2, Issue 17 angler’s paradise

www.lonestaroutdoornews.com See Page 19

INSIDE HUNTING Check grandpa’s attic Trophy found in field or even on a saloon wall could make record books

By Wes Smalling The record books of the Boone and the hunter, said Jack Reneau, Crockett Club have categories that go Boone and Crockett’s director of big beyond your typical category of trophies game records. Texas state That giant whitetail mount you spotted bagged during hunting season. The club “Rather than recording egos and record at a neighborhood garage sale or gathering also lists records for “picked up” trophies stuff like that, what we’re recording is non-typical dust in an attic could turn out to be more and for mounts of unknown origin. the success of conservation efforts,” whitetail taken than just treasure. The reason for the categories is because Reneau said. in 1892, by an It might just win you a world record. the club’s emphasis is on the animal not See PICKUPS, Page 11 unknown hunter. Game management and selective breeding isn’t new for deer, but now one Texas rancher is doing Changes the same for hogs as a way for landowners to improve their stock of trophy wild hogs. in weather Fly See Page 6

Wildfires in the Panhandle killed suit bass 12 people and destroyed almost a million acres, but wildlife the specialists say there may be a just fine silver lining for game animals. By Mary See Page 6 Helen Aguirre FISHING wind Spoiling for a fight? This is the time of the year along Texas’ Blame the near-shore Gulf waters to find big bass in Don’t let coastal the rambunctious jack crevalle Texas on El Niño. and their tasty cousin, the fronts blow you away The global amberjack. These fighters can weather pat- By Brian Holden test even the most experienced tern that is angler’s skill. responsible for periodic erratic rainfall might also be behind the number of f today is the kind of day See Page 8 trophy bass being caught this year. anglers dream of — warm, “Two years ago, I predicted that this windless with tailing reds — A successful release of flounder year and last year would be a record Ithen tomorrow could just as fingerlings has Texas Parks and year for hooking trophy bass,” said easily be a nightmare of wind and Wildlife officials confident they Gene Wilde, an associate professor of dropping temperatures. fisheries ecology with the Wildlife Such is spring in Texas. can raise the fish in captivity if Fisheries Manage-ment Institute at Three seasons of the year can see necessary. Texas Tech University in Lubbock. fronts blow through that instantly The Texas Parks and Wildlife˙s drop the temperature 20 degrees See Page 9 Budweiser ShareLunker Program and increase wind speed 20 knots. recorded 24 largemouth bass weigh- To the recreational fisherman, get- NATIONAL ing 13 pounds or more in the 2004- ting “blown out” by one of these Pennsylvania officials believe 2005 season. It was the highest total fronts has always been a risk you teens are behind a killing spree since 1996. take when you head to the coast. that left as many as 50 deer So far this year, the program has Anglers, even fly fishermen, can dead. The animals were shot recorded 32 ShareLunkers (through use these fronts, and the changes April 24), with five of the last six tro- they cause, to their advantage if over a six-township area — their phy bass being caught at Lake Alan they keep a few things in mind. carcasses left to rot in the fields. Henry near Lubbock. Cold fronts on the middle coast Wilde said when El Niño hit in generally blow in from the north, See Page 4 1997-’98, it brought abundant rains to forcing the water off of the flats Texas. into the Gulf. CONSERVATION “What we think happens is we get “The combination of north A slew of grants by the Migratory rain and water levels stay up in lakes. winds and high pressure squeeze Bird Conservation Commission When water levels are high, it pro- the water out of the bays like push- will restore thousands of acres of duces more largemouth bass,” he ing down on a sponge” says wetlands as well as acquiring said. Rockport guide Paul Brown. “No Allen Forsage, director Texas other time is the falling tide more needed acres to provide habitat Freshwater Fisheries Center, agreed forceful or more predictable than for migratory birds. FISHING THE FRONTS: When a spring cold front rolls in, you need to know how that the increased number of bass is to best the changes in conditions. Photo by David J. Sams. See FRONTS, Page 12 See WEATHER, Page 11 See Page 5 PRSRT STD DEPARTMENTS California’s big bass US POSTAGE PAID Across the Nation Page 5 PLANO, TX Product Picks Page 13 landings are no fish tale PERMIT 210 Heroes Page 14 By Wes Smalling bass anglers have poured onto the 76- acre lake outside San Diego in droves Outdoor Puzzler Page 15 in the hopes of landing a largemouth California, here they come. in the class of Weakley’s 25-pound, 1- Wild in the Kitchen Page 15 It’s been over a month since Mac ounce monster. Weather Page 15 Weakley reeled in his shockingly “Dixon is a really small lake and huge largemouth bass from southern with this last fish it’s getting ham- Game Warden Blotter Page 16 California’s Dixon Lake that unoffi- mered,” said Mike Giusti, fisheries cially broke the world record. biologist for the California Outdoor Datebook Page 17 Since that day, March 20, pie-eyed See CALIFORNIA, Page 10 Page 2 April 28, 2006 SHAKE UP THE SCALES IN A MAJOR WEIGH

Thrilling tournament competition…exciting weigh-ins… ESPN Outdoors Expo…2006 Bassmaster Memorial. Come See All the Action! 2006 BASSMASTER MEMORIAL | MAY 18-21 EAGLE MOUNTAIN LAKE & LAKE WORTH | FT. WORTH, TX

JOIN US FOR THE FIRST ANNUAL BASSMASTER MEMORIAL. The first of three Bassmaster Majors features the top 50 anglers of the 2006 CITGO Bassmaster® ELITE SERIES competing for big money, a big title and the Don Butler Memorial trophy. The Bassmaster Memorial is named in honor of Don Butler, the first member of BASS and the second winner of the Bassmaster Classic. More than $600,000 in cash and merchandise prizes will be paid out in this four-day event, with the champion taking home $250,000. Check out the ESPN Outdoors Expo where you can browse products from local vendors and official BASS sponsors. Stop by the BASS Booth to learn more about various Bassmaster tournament series and membership programs. Other expo activities to enjoy include interactive games and the Georgia Southern University Wildlife Experience. Saturday features a double weigh-in as the second event of the Women’s Bassmaster Tour takes center-stage, prior to the weigh-in for the third competition day of the Memorial.

BASSMASTER MEMORIAL SCHEDULE OF EVENTS* * All times Central. All events are free admission.

Thursday, May 18 & Friday, May 19 Saturday, May 20 Sunday, May 21 • Launch – 7:30 am, West Bay Marina & RV Park • Launch – 7:30 am, Lake Worth Boating & Ski Club • Launch – 7:30 am, Lake Worth Boating & Ski Club at Lake Worth at Eagle Mountain Lake at Lake Worth • Expo – 10:00 am-4:00 pm, Amon G. Carter Jr. Exhibits Hall • Weigh-in – 4:30 pm, Will Rogers Coliseum • Expo – 10:00 am-4:00 pm, Amon G. Carter Jr. Exhibits Hall • Weigh-in for Women’s Bassmaster Tour • Weigh-in – 4:30 pm, Will Rogers Coliseum. & 3rd day of Memorial – 4:30 pm, Will Rogers Coliseum.

Visit www.Bassmaster.com for more details. Can’t make it to the event? Catch Sunday’s weigh-in on ESPN2 at 7pm ET. Check your local listings. 06BS® l ihsreserved. rights All BASS®. 2006 © IT TAKES ON KIDS. IT TAKES ON CARGO. IT EVEN TAKES ON THE COMPETITION.

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Cargo and load capacity limited by weight and distribution. *Call 1-888-4ONSTAR (1-888-466-7827) or visit onstar.com for system limitations and details. **Available in the 48 contiguous states. Basic service fees apply. Visit gm.xmradio.com for details. ©2005 OnStar Corp. All rights reserved. OnStar and the OnStar emblem are registered trademarks of OnStar Corporation. ©2005 XM Satellite Radio Inc. All rights reserved. The XM name and related logos are registered trademarks of XM Satellite Radio Inc. ©2005 General Motors Corp. All rights reserved. Yukon, GMC and the GMC logo are registered trademarks of General Motors Corporation. Page 4 April 28, 2006 NATIONAL Wal-Mart to Duck hunters have stop selling voice at high levels firearms at 1,000 stores Tomke chosen for Sporting Conservation Council Wal-Mart, the world’s largest retail- er, announced in April it would no Ducks Unlimited Chairman of the Board “This appointment gives waterfowl longer sell firearms in about 1,000 John Tomke was recently chosen to serve on hunters a voice at the highest level of deci- locations — about a quarter of its U.S. the newly formed Sporting Conservation sion making regarding the use of federal pub- stores. Council. Tomke will serve a one-year term. lic lands,” said Tomke. “I’m honored that DU Wal-Mart released a statement say- Development of the council was one of the was chosen to bring that message to this ing the decision was based on rele- last actions taken by recently retired Interior group of advisors on behalf of wetland con- vance to the communities. But the retail giant said it will continue to sell Secretary Gail Norton. In a letter to Tomke, servationists and those who love our water- firearms in stores where there was suf- Norton said the council was necessary to fowling heritage.” hear sportsmen’s views “ . . . on important ficient demand. Also appointed to the council were: Robert Over the past two years, gun sales issues involving the conservation of wildlife Model and Steve Mealey, Boone & Crockett and other natural resources when making had become a hot-button issue inside Club; Rob Keck, National Wild Turkey land management decisions.” Wal-Mart. First blasted for gun sales Federation; John Baughman, Association of The Department of the Interior oversees ‘This appointment gives by filmmaker Michael Moore in his millions of acres of federal lands, including Fish & Wildlife Agencies; Jeff Crane, waterfowl hunters a voice at documentary “Bowling for the nation’s national wildlife refuge system. Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation; Columbine,” the company agreed in January 2005 to pay $14.5 million to The Interior Department manages 544 Merle Shepard, Safari Club International; the highest level of settle a lawsuit filed by California’s national wildlife refuges totaling more than Jim Mosher, North American Grouse decision making regarding attorney general that accused it of 100,000 million acres. Since 1934, more than Partnership; Peter Dart, Rocky Mountain Elk violating state gun laws. $670 million of Federal Duck Stamp money, Foundation; Susan Recce, National Rifle the use of federal public Association; Christine Thomas, University of Wal-Mart has had tight restrictions primarily coming from the nation’s water- on firearm sales for some time. In Wisconsin-Stevens Point; and Daniel lands.’ fowl hunters, has purchased more than 5 some areas, guns have been removed million acres of refuge land, including more Dessecker, Ruffed Grouse Society. — JOHN TOMKE from displays and placed in vaults. than 3,000 waterfowl production areas. —A Ducks Unlimited report Firearms shoppers make their selec- tions via catalog from the sporting goods sections. In most stores, cus- tomers purchasing a firearm are pro- Maryland offers $1 million fishing challenge hibited from purchasing ammuni- tion at the same time. The Maryland Department of the next level by adding more prizes, Maryland, and Bass Pro Shops will also feature “The Return of NSSF spokesman Steve Wagner said Natural Resources announced the 2nd extending the tournament statewide Outdoor World who have donated Diamond Jim.” Each week through- it could be a boom for mom-and-pop Annual Maryland $1 Million Fishing and creating guaranteed winners,” the five grand prizes which include a out the 13-week tournament, a striped hunting stores that lost business Challenge. said DNR Secretary C. Ronald Franks. chance at $1 million cash, a 20-foot bass marked with a special yellow tag when Wal-Mart moved in. The competition will run from “We hope to once again create enthu- center console Sailfish 206CC motor- will be released. The lucky angler who Firearms opponents applauded the Saturday, June 3 through Monday, siasm for fishing in Maryland that will boat and trailer, a 18-foot 7-inch catches that week’s Diamond Jim will decision. A statement from Josh September 4 (Labor Day). This year, unite anglers and their children in Tracker Nitro 591 motorboat and trail- win an instant $25,000. Sugarman, executive director for the the tournament will be expanded to this recreational pastime.” er, and two 2006 Toyota Tacoma 4-by- Information about the Fishing gun control group, the Violence include the state’s non-tidal lakes and In addition to DNR, the official 4 pickup trucks. Furthermore, many Challenge is available online at Policy Center, said the decision streams in addition to the Chesapeake 2006 sponsors are the Maryland of those catching the tagged fish will http://www.dnr.maryland.gov/ showed “the marketplace has spoken Bay and its tributaries. Department of Business and be instant winners of prize packages. fish4cash/. and the losers are America’s gun “Given the success of last year’s Economic Development, Boater’s In a nostalgic flashback to the —A Maryland Department of Natural industry and gun lobby.” tournament, we decided to take it to World Marine Centers, Toyota of 1950s, this year’s Fishing Challenge Resources report —Compiled from news reports Teens accused of deer-poaching spree New & Used

Pennsylvania Game Commission shot at — in these areas during a peri- convicted. investigators have arrested three teens od that covered several weeks,” said “Every one of the deer killed illegal- STORAGE CONTAINERS in connection with the shooting or Perry County wildlife conservation ly in this incomprehensible spree is a attempted shooting of between 40 officer Steve Hower. “I’ve never seen lost opportunity for law-abiding and and 50 deer. anything like this before, and I hope I ethical hunters,” said Donald Garner, The case started when a few Juniata never do again.” Game Commission Southcentral LARRY SINGLEY Township residents independently Zachary E. Harris, 18, of Gough Region Information and Education reported to the Pennsylvania Game Lane, Juniata Township, and two 17- Supervisor. “The excitement they 817-992-9122 Commission incidents of deer poach- year-old juveniles from Newport were might have generated, the memories ing in their areas. Wildlife conserva- charged with the unlawful use of they may have provided hunters, the 866-992-9122 tion officers investigating the inci- lights while hunting and killing or venison they could have provided, dents determined they happened in attempting to kill eight deer between rotted away in the fields in which they TOLL FREE at least six Perry County townships: March 1-23. If convicted of all were shot. What a terrible misuse of a Juniata, Tuscarora, Greenwood, charges, the three face up to $5,600 in natural resource.” Howe, Liverpool and Buffalo. fines. In addition to the monetary “We have concluded that between penalties, each will face revocation of —A Pennsylvania Game Commission OCEAN FREIGHT CONTAINERS, INC. ARLINGTON, TX 40 and 50 deer had been shot — or their hunting/trapping privileges if report

EDITORIAL OFFICES: 9304 Forest Lane, Suite 114 South, Dallas, TX 75243 Phone: (214) 361-2276 Fax: (214) 368-0344 Publisher: CRAIG NYHUS Editor: DARLENE MCCORMICK SANCHEZ Design Editor: DUDLEY GREEN Associate Editor: MARK ENGLAND Associate Editor: DAV I D RENFROW Subscription Services: DEBORAH COMER Founder & CEO: DAV I D J. SAMS

SUBSCRIPTION SERVICES: Order online via secure Web site at www.lonestaroutdoornews.com or call toll-free (866) 361-2276 ADVERTISING SERVICES: Call (214) 361-2276 or e-mail [email protected] to request a media kit. Lone Star Outdoor News, a publication of Lone Star Outdoor News, LLC, publishes twice a month. A subscription is $25 for 24 issues. Copyright 2006 with all rights reserved. Reproduction and/or use of any photographic or written material without written permission by the publisher is prohibited. Printed in Dallas, TX, by Midway Press. Subscribers may send address changes to: Lone Star Outdoor News, 9304 Forest Lane, Suite 114 South, Dallas, TX 75243 or e-mail them to [email protected]. April 28, 2006 Page 5 CONSERVATION National wildlife refuge funding includes Texas EVERYBODY’S The Migratory Bird Conservation than $3.8 million to conserve nearly program. Commission recently approved 36,000 acres of habitat in that coun- New National Wildlife Refuge COMFORTABLE. additions to the National Wildlife try. The Commission also approved System acquisitions, all previously Refuge System as well as 35 conserva- spending nearly $370,000 to com- approved by the respective states, tion projects under the North plete two previously approved proj- include: American Wetlands Conservation ects that suffered hurricane damage. Texas: Acquisition of 1,802 acres to Fund. The action will help conserve “This is a great example of how the provide habitat for waterfowl at the habitat for migratory birds. public and private sectors can work San Bernard National Wildlife EXCEPT THE At a meeting last month, the together to maintain and expand Refuge. Commission approved spending opportunities for Americans out- California: Purchase of easements more than $3 million to acquire doors,” said former Interior Secretary on of 316 acres in the North Central 2,169 acres of wetlands and associat- Gale Norton. “Acre by acre, public Valley Wildlife Management Area ed upland habitats for the National and private partners are joining across 11 counties to protect, restore COMPETITION. Wildlife Refuge System in Vermont, together to restore wetlands across and maintain wetlands for waterfowl New Jersey, Louisiana, Texas and the nation. Wetlands provide excel- and other migratory bird popula- California. Funding for these acqui- lent habitat for wildlife and offer mil- tions. sitions comes primarily from the lions of Americans a broad range of New Jersey: Acquisition of 31 acres purchase of Federal Duck Stamps by outdoor recreational opportunities.” at the Cape May National Wildlife GMC Sierra 1500 Crew Cab SLT hunters and other conservationists. More than 2,400 partners have Refuge for migratory bird resting The Commission also approved been involved in nearly 1,500 wet- habitat. Also, acquisition of 19.69 spending more than $18.5 million lands conservation projects acres to protect wintering and nest- from the North American Wetlands throughout the United States, ing waterfowl habitat at Edwin B. Conservation Fund for 35 conserva- Canada and Mexico since 1990. To Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge. tion projects in 18 U.S. states and date, more than $700 million in Act Vermont: Acquisition of 10.1 acres Mexico. U.S. partners in 19 of the grants have been invested in the for the Missisquoi National Wildlife projects will match that amount three countries, and partner contri- refuge to provide resting and feeding with nearly $65 million, enabling butions have topped $2 billion. habitat for several waterfowl species partners to restore more than Nearly 23 million acres of wetlands as well as marsh birds. 105,000 acres of wetlands, while and associated uplands have in some —A U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service partners in Mexico will add more way been enhanced through this report

THE GMC SIERRA TOYOTA TUNDRA FORD F-150 DODGE RAM Children benefit from TPW grants SIERRA 1500 CREW DOUBLE CAB SUPERCREW 1500 QUAD ADVANTAGE CAB SLT 4x4 LIMITED 4x4 XLT 4x4 CAB SLT 4x4 While many people were racing to • Brownsville: Texas Southmost Youth Program for 800 “at-risk” and meet the IRS tax deadline, eight College Foundation. ($30,000) minority low-income students. ENGINE 5.3 L V8 4.7 L V8 4.6 L V8 4.7 L V8 Texas organizations that help kids •Dallas: Turning P.O.I.N.T. ($30,000) CAPACITY learn more about conservation and (Paraplegics on Independent Nature •Laredo: Webb County Police outdoor recreation got some good Trips). Allows children and adults Activities League. ($30,000) STANDARD 295 HP 282 HP 231 HP 235 HP news about grant awards. with disabilities to experience out- •Lubbock: Village of Buffalo HORSEPOWER Texas Parks and Wildlife door recreational activities first- Springs will allow grade-schoolers to Department’s Community Outdoor hand. ($29,000) test water, learn orienteering, cast STANDARD 335 LB-FT 325 LB-FT 293 LB-FT 300 LB-FT Outreach Program awarded a total of •Goliad: Goliad Heritage Council. animal tracks, fish and cook. TORQUE $215,072 in grants to groups in Twelve Wild About Our River work- ($24,732) Brownsville, Dallas, Goliad, Houston shops. ($22,436) •Sinton: Rob & Bessie Welder MAXIMUM 1701 LBS 1580 LBS 1340 LBS 1530 LBS (two grants), Laredo, Lubbock and •Houston: City of Houston Parks Wildlife Foundation . Funds will be PAYLOAD† Sinton. and Recreation Dept. Houston used for education in archery, kayak- Funding for COOP grants comes PARKS Adventure allows hiking, fish- ing, bird watching, fishing, wildlife STANDARD from state sporting tax dollars. ing, wildlife viewing and camping. habitat management and wetland TOWING 7400 LBS 6500 LBS 6500 LBS 7150 LBS Here is the list of grants awarded ($30,000) ecology. ($18,904) CAPACITY†† this funding cycle: • Houston: East Harris County —A Texas Parks and Wildlife report GROSS VEHICLE 7000 LBS 6600 LBS 6900 LBS 6650 LBS WEIGHT RATING†††

ACROSS THE NATION AUTOMATIC NOT NOT NOT REAR LOCKING AVAILABLE AVAILABLE AVAILABLE AVAILABLE DIFFERENTIAL Arizona and two does to be taken by modern ounce, 24-inch monster March 31 at A fine fishing forecast gun or muzzleloader in zones 12, 13, Ute Lake. NOT NOT NOT ® Spring is here and fishing is already 14, 15 and 17. Up to four does may be Sanders, 26, a teacher and coach at ONSTAR * AVAILABLE AVAILABLE AVAILABLE AVAILABLE busting loose in Arizona’s desert taken by archery or crossbow in those Goddard High School, caught the zones. For more information visit lakes, and the recent flurry of snow- record fish on a white crank bait in XM NOT NOT NOT storms in the high country has made www.agfc.state.ar.us. about 11 feet of water. The fish meas- SATELLITE AVAILABLE AVAILABLE AVAILABLE AVAILABLE the outlook even more promising for ured 16 1⁄2 inches in girth. It was ini- RADIO®** mountain trout waters. In mid-April Colorado tially weighed and measured at Ruf- NOT NOT NOT bass and crappie were spawning at Mountain lion attacks Nec Tackle in Logan, then taken to BOSE® LUXURY AVAILABLE AVAILABLE AVAILABLE AVAILABLE places like Roosevelt Lake, Alamo boy walking with dad the Logan Food Mart, where it was AUDIO SYSTEM Lake, Bartlett Lake and Lake Pleasant. A 7-year-old boy was attacked April weighed again on USDA certified Alamo Lake west of Wickenburg has 15 by a mountain lion at around 6 scales. The bass was kept in an aerated also been a routine hot spot for bass p.m. at Artist’s Point on Flagstaff live well during the process and was ® and crappie. Bass anglers are routine- WE ARE PROFESSIONAL GRADE. Mountain, just west of the Boulder reported in good shape when it was ly having 50- to 80-fish days (catch- city limits. The boy was walking released back into Ute Lake. New and-release) and crappie anglers are hand-in-hand with his father at the Mexico’s previous record small- typically pulling in 20 or 30 slab- end of a group of six other family SEE THE PROS AT YOUR LOCAL GMC DEALER sided beauties (catch-and-eat) in a members and friends. The attack mouth was a 22-inch, 6-pound, 14- day. took place on a trail 30 yards away ounce fish caught in Navajo Lake by Another fishery providing lots of from the parking lot to the popular David Young in 1999. angling action is Lake Pleasant on the scenic overlook. The lion bit the boy northern edge of Phoenix. Pleasant is in the head and jaw area and also Oklahoma †Maximum payload capacity includes weight of vehicle, passengers, cargo and the only fishery in the state to have injured the boy’s legs, most likely Fishing across the white bass. It also has a growing pop- equipment. with its hind paws. The family took †† ulation of striped bass, and is a state heats up Trailer ratings are calculated assuming a properly equipped base vehicle the correct action by aggressively plus driver. See the GMC Trailering Guide for details. renowned largemouth bass fishery. A fighting the lion with sticks and Crappie are moving into shallow water and are rated as excellent at †††When properly equipped, includes weight of vehicle, passengers, cargo and sleeper this year for trout is Marshall rocks in an effort to get the lion to equipment. Lake Keystone, on the southeast edge Lake on Anderson Mesa. release the boy. The boy was trans- *Call 1-888-4ONSTAR (1-888-466-7827) or visit onstar.com for system ferred to Denver Children’s hospital. of the Tulsa metro area. At Robert S. limitations and details. Arkansas His injuries were not considered life Kerr Lake, in east central Oklahoma, **Available in the 48 contiguous states. Basic service fees apply. Visit Commission ups bag limit on threatening. fishermen are catching white bass as gm.xmradio.com for details. they move up the Illinois River. In © 2005 OnStar Corp. All rights reserved. OnStar and the OnStar emblem deer for some zones are registered trademarks of OnStar Corporation. Modern gun deer season will open New Mexico southeast Oklahoma, anglers are catching largemouth using spinner- © 2005 XM Satellite Radio Inc. All rights reserved. The XM name and Nov. 11 across Arkansas this fall. State smallmouth related logos are registered trademarks of XM Satellite Radio Inc. baits in creek mouths at Broken Bow Commissioners of the Arkansas record broken ©2005 Bose Corp. All rights reserved. Lake. At Canton Lake, near Watonga, Game and Fish Commission raised The New Mexico record for the ©2005 General Motors Corp. All rights reserved. Sierra, GMC and the the statewide bag limit from three to largest smallmouth bass now belongs channel cat fishing is reported as GMC logo are registered trademarks of General Motors Corporation. four deer (lower in certain zones). to Cale Sanders of Roswell, who good in the upper end of the lake The increase allows two legal bucks caught and released a 7-pound, 3- using cut bait and minnows. Page 6 April 28, 2006 HUNTING Hogs ham it up at Texas ranch Breeder sets sights on trophy-sized boars

By Bob Hood “I really focused breeding for dif- ferent trophy characteristics,” Weiser said. “I took the manage- If bigger is better, Cody Weiser is ment perspective, breeding for size on track to help landowners pro- and height and got away from breed- duce larger numbers of huge, wild ing them to keep the line pure hogs on their ranches. because they have crossed so many Weiser is breeding genetically times.” superior wild hogs in captivity at his Although there are various breeds Halletsville, Texas, facility and sell- of hogs found throughout the ing their offspring to landowners world, Weiser is particilarly inspired who want to improve the body con- by one breed from Germany and formation and weights of hogs on another from the Appalachians. their properties — similar to what “We have a pair of Bzidot boars that deer breeders do. originally were from Germany that “Our biggest hog so far was one we think are really going to work out that weighed 462 pounds at 24 good,” Weiser said. “The pair is just months old,” Weiser said. “He had fixing to be 2 years old and the good tusks that were only 2 1/2 inches thing about Bzidot is that they are long, but it takes a lot longer to grow tall and long with big front shoul- tusks.” ders. Weiser said he started the wild- “The Appalachian has shorter hog breeding program five years ago legs but has real large, thick front with just three hogs — two females shoulders. We have crossed those and one male — and just worked up two lines to keep the tall, long frame from there. and to keep the girth on them.” Weiser said his first three breeder Weiser said the cross produced by hogs were purchased from “private mating the two breeds will be a hog collectors,” and he knew they all that stands about 3 1/2 feet at the HOG WILD: Cody Weiser breeds genetically superior hogs, such as this 275-pound boar, at his facility in Halletsville. He says many had exceptionally good genetics. See HOGS, Page 11 people are getting into this “because hunting hogs is becoming more popular.” Photo by Leah Trahan. WILDLIFE AND WILDFIRES Scorched land means future good greens for turkeys, deer By Mark England

Wildlife specialist Ken Cearley expected the worst when he viewed the effects of the Panhandle wildfires that killed 12 people and burned more than a million acres in March. What was tragic for humans wasn’t as bad for wildlife. “What surprised me was how few dead animals I saw,” said Cearley, who works for the Texas Cooperative Extension. “You expect animals to move out ahead of a fire. Fire is no strange occurrence to them. They’ve adapted to it. But this one moved so fast, I thought the impact would be greater.” Turkeys cope well with fire, said Danny Swepston, TPW wildlife district leader for the Panhandle. Mobile, they’re able to move to find food and cover. “I know in the creek bottoms that the fire BLAZING ACRES: When the black land begins showing signs of green, the wildlife returns to search out a nutritious meal. killed some big roost trees, habitat that turkeys really like,” Swepston said. “Right “They’re still exploring it,” Swepston said. blue quail already returning to the scorched more nutritious, more palatable and more now, there’s just not much cover or food. “They’ll move back once we get some rain areas, Cearley said. easily digested. This will be good for For the first part of the spring hunting sea- and it greens up.” “Even now, the grasses are coming back wildlife.” son, it’s going to be slim pickings.” County agricultural agents in the area and some of the shrubs,” he said. “What’s Texas Parks and Wildlife biologist Dana A few turkeys, however, have been spotted. report seeing pronghorns, mule deer and growing — leaves and tender stems — is See WILDFIRES, Page 11 Birdshot study: Get the lead out Texas biologists say Missouri’s findings are off target By David Sikes Texas Parks and Wildlife’s dove pro- half these doves died within 21 days. gram leader, Jay Roberson, led commit- Based on this, some scientists have tee members through a complex set of concluded that millions of doves are Texas game bird biologists are look- data from experiments involving har- dying annually from lead poisoning. ing into the faraway possibility of vested wild birds and captive birds. Texas biologists are not convinced. restricting the use of lead birdshot in Missouri scientists tested blood sam- And that’s why TPW biologists are per- dove hunting. ples from doves, X-rayed them, haps years away from taking any Member’s of the Texas Game Bird inspected their gizzards and tested action, according to Vernon Bevill, the Advisory Committee, a panel of their livers and kidneys. department’s small game program landowners, scientists and conserva- They also fed caged doves lead and director. tionists, heard about a Missouri study steel pellets mixed with birdseed. In Roberson said it would be difficult to aimed at measuring the toxic effects part, they wanted to measure the birds’ make real-world conclusions or policy lead might have on doves at heavily readiness to consume toxic shot and to decisions based solely on the Missouri hunted public fields near that state’s see how many pellets they might eat. study. One reason for doubt involves LEAD ALTERNATIVE: Bismuth Cartridge Company manufactures no-tox shotshells for metropolitan areas and on the North About 3 percent of these captive doves the annual natural and hunting mor- dove hunting with paper wads, which is much friendlier to the environment. American population as a whole. ate at least one lead pellet. And about See LEAD, Page 11 April 28, 2006 Page 7 Hunters’ yelps starting to stir turkeys

Hunters’ calls fell on deaf adding he’s seen that happen they had been doing all year, ing heard no gobbles, not even ears in the first couple of weeks several times this season. Rambo said. a shock gobble. of turkey season, but some out- Shackleford County hunters Chatter on the Texas Hunting But Monday opened a differ- fitters report activity started are reporting a bit brighter pic- Forum reports that eastern ent way. “The birds came run- picking up in the third week. ture. toms are hard to come by on ning to the call,” Prince said. “They’re just now starting to “The birds are breaking up public land. “Most of the people killing come to calling,” said outfitter from the groups of hens,” "It's the strangest season I birds are finding their paths Bryan Moore. “They had too hunter Derek Rambo said. have ever seen," said James and cutting them off,” Prince many hens to breed, and it’s Last weekend the toms were Prince of the Bass Pro Shops added. taking the toms quite a while responding to aggressive call- RedHead Field Staff. The scene The land in George West is so to come around.” ing, Rambo said. in Cuero and George West in dry the birds are in survival Later in the day after the “Saturday morning one flew south Texas doesn’t vary too mode. Prince thinks the turkey toms tire of chasing the hens is off the roost at 6:10 and by 6:50, much from other Texas areas. rut is still to come in south when they leave the roost we had him 35 yards in front of “One day they come to a call Texas. area, Moore said. us and got him,” Rambo said. and react like they should this “Sit next to a water hole and If the toms get far enough That morning, the gobbling time of year and the next day wait, it might be your best bet," away from the hens, that’s was good, he added. you call and they won't Prince said. when the calls are answered. “They were going nuts on the respond or even come to a ANSWERING THE CALL: In areas of “If there’s a hen close by, it roost.” But they “shut up” when call,” Prince said. — From Lone Star Outdoor News Texas, toms are starting to respond to will cut you off,” Moore said, they hit the ground, just like The third weekend of hunt- staff reports hunters’ calls. A camp to Teach Young Texans Hunting, Fishing and Outdoor

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Fierce fighters gaining popularity

By Danno Wise “Basically, throw everything including the kitchen sink at them and hold on,” said Shuler, who As the ranks of fishermen look- operates out of Port Mansfield’s ing to tangle with brutish fighters Get-A-Way Adventures Lodge. on increasingly light tackle swell, “Hooking a jack is like standing on more and more people are realizing I-10 and throwing a fly into the the value of the once lowly jack grill of an 18 wheeler.” crevalle. “My approach to both is very dif- During late spring and early ferent, but the fighting techniques summer, not only are these blunt- are the same,” Shuler continued. headed fighters available in the “Typically for AJs, I only have one near-shore waters of the Gulf, but fly — a large streamer. I like to go to they also are joined by their hard- the rigs and try to chum them to fighting (and great tasting) cousin the surface using a variety of by- — the amberjack. Both make for catch and a little bacon grease to great light-tackle sport. form a good slick. When fishing “I like hard-fighting fish, and for AJs, I use a 12-to 14-weight rod jacks certainly fight hard,” said with the biggest grain fast sinker I JACKS ARE WILD: Jack Crevalle are showing up early in the bays this year. Larry Haines, wildlife artist and can get, 800 to higher. I like large the initial run, I crank down the Sommerlatte. Amberjack are struc- advised. “Crevalle will hit just proprietor of the Fly Shop in Port 8- to 14-inch streamers in green drag and just try to keep them up ture-oriented fish, whereas crevalle about anything, but I notice they Isabel. “And, they’re not too partic- and white and blue, chartreuse and and away from sharks.” are intelligent enough to use struc- rarely hit dead bait. Both will hit ular about what they hit. They are white on 4/0 to 6/0 hooks. Basic “The biggest difference between ture to their advantage, but are not lures, but you have to be moving it to a degree, but you’ll usually find technique is to cast out as much the two is crevalle are constantly structure-oriented. And, amber- really fast to get them interested.” them ready to play.” line as possible and dredge it.” moving, and amberjacks will sit jack stay deep, while crevalle will Danno Wise is an outdoor writer, artist South Texas fly fishing guide “For jacks (crevalle), simply look and wait until what they want move shallow, he said. and fishing guide who lives in Port Capt. Brandon Shuler agrees jacks for them busting bait in the surf or comes along,” said Port O’Connor- “For AJs, live pinfish are the best Isabel with his wife and two children. are fairly indiscriminate. on the surface,” said Shuler. “After based guide Capt. Scott bait, hands down,” Sommerlatte Pro Jimmy Houston talks spring crappie at ‘Ray Bob’

By Lynn Burkhead from April to June on Ray narrow vertical bands in the water Roberts,” Hysmith said. “The next column — laymen’s translation, two months should be good.” you’ve got to put your lure or min- ou know the catch-and- Where should an angler begin now right in front of their nose. release mantra: Catch a their search? And if you’re going to err, do so largemouth bass and let it Hysmith said one way to find above a school of crappie. Y go to fight another day. where the Ray Bob crappie are bit- “Crappie will rarely go down to But when it comes to crappie, ing is to simply look for the crowds get a bait,” Houston said. “But the rules change to catch-and-fry! — there are usually plenty of crappie will go up for a bait. If “It’ll make you slap your parked vehicles in the Isle du Bois, you’re fishing below them, you momma away from the table,” Indian and Wolf Creek areas. can be over huge schools of fish laughs Jimmy Houston, host of the “All of the roadside access points and never get a bite.” popular ESPN Outdoors show along FM 922 are crowded right While small jigs and live min- bearing his name. now,” Hysmith said. nows are favored by many North When it comes to crappie fish- According to Houston, creeks are Texas anglers, Houston relies on ing in North Texas, Lake Ray always good places to start. Roadrunner baits in fluorescent Roberts, the 29,350-acre bass fish- “I would try to look for creek red and black, and Christmas tree ing jewel north of Denton, is a channels close to where you feel color patterns. tough place to beat. fish are going to move into The Oklahoma BASS pro will “It is an outstanding crappie spawn,” he said. “Flat areas with start his spring crappie campaign lake,” Houston said. hard type banks are good places for by using marabou Roadrunners in Texas Parks and Wildlife inland them to spawn. Remember where 1/16 to 1/32-ounce sizes when the fisheries biologist Bruce Hysmith you caught spawning crappie last water is chillier, moving to bigger nods in agreement, noting that year, find a nearby creek channel plastic Roadrunners as conditions Ray Bob’s slabs are currently prep- and that’s where they’ll tend to warm up. ping to spawn. be.” And as conditions continue to “The crappie came in shallow Keep in mind that if you find warm up this month and next, all (for the spawn), but that last hor- one crappie, you’re liable to find that should be left to do for Ray rendous rain drove them back out another. Bob crappie anglers is to heat up into deeper water,” Hysmith said. “If you find them, you can catch the peanut oil. Even so, Ray Roberts’ Sacalaits quite a bit of them,” TPWD inland should go shallow again shortly — fisheries biologist Rafe Brock once Lynn Burkhead is a frequent and they’re likely to stay that way told me. contributor to Lone Star Outdoor for a while. Don’t forget that crappies typi- News and an associate editor for A CRAPPIE HAVEN: Lake Ray Roberts, located north of Denton, has been tagged an “The crappie spawn could go on cally stack themselves within very ESPNOutdoors.com. “outstanding crappie lake.” April 28, 2006 Page 9 TPW releases first flounder fingerlings

When two years of careful work went down achieve that objective.” the drain in April, Texas Parks and Wildlife “It was a really neat trial run with not very coastal fisheries workers quietly cheered. many animals,” said Holt, who is widely The drain was connected to a hose, and the acknowledged as a leading expert on aqua- hose led to Little Bay, a shallow estuary in culture. “Next year we have a lot of plans Rockport. Through that hose, nearly 1,500 about how we’re going to work on it.” fingerling flounder swam to freedom. Holt said scientists are continuing to learn “This is the first time we’ve gotten to this about how to handle flounder. point,” said Robert Vega, TPW’s enhance- Aquaculturists can induce many fish to ment director. begin spawning by manipulating environ- Southern flounder, and many other mental factors such as water temperature and species of flatfish around the world, have the duration of “daylight” the fish are proven difficult to exposed to. Some spawn and raise in cap- species, such as red tivity. drum, respond readily Building on successes ‘I think we’re to well-understood in Japan, North environmental cues and Carolina and else- continuing to learn a can be made to spawn where, G. Joan Holt, a almost on command. University of Texas lot about how to Flounder, though, are aquaculture researcher, a little tougher. For and the TPW hatchery spawn them. We’re instance, after inducing team at the CCA/CPL the big females to begin Marine Development continuing to do the spawning in December, Center in Corpus Holt and her researchers Christi were able to suc- temperature tolerances “turned-off” the fish — cessfully induce wild- stopped the spawning caught flounder to so we can figure out process — when the spawn. They successful- Port Aransas laboratory ly raised the larvae was emptied of staff over through their meta- when to put them into the holidays. Problem NEW HORIZONS: The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department recently released 1,500 flounder fingerlings morphosis into flatfish was, they couldn’t turn into the bay. Photo by TPW. and to fingerlings as the ponds.’ them back on when long as 6 inches. they returned. mentation on top is not complete. Shrimp bycatch — the inadvertent capture Fisheries biologists — G. JOAN HOLT, A UNIVERSITY “I think we’re contin- Holt said that there is some concern that and killing of juvenile flounder — has the said 1,500 fish — the uing to learn a lot about fish that exhibit light coloration on the biggest impact on the fish’s success in Texas majority of which will OF TEXAS AQUACULTURE how to spawn them. “wrong” side are more vulnerable to preda- waters. not survive to maturity RESEARCHER We’re continuing to do tors. Elsewhere, where flounder also are an According to TPW Coastal Fisheries — is a drop in the bay’s the temperature toler- important commercial species, unusually Director Larry McKinney, flounder stocks in vast bucket, and is not ances so we can figure pigmented individuals could be perceived as Texas waters appear to be on the rebound the kind of large-scale enhancement effort out when to put them into the ponds,” said less palatable by consumers. and that is good news for coastal anglers and that is likely to make any difference that Holt. “We’re also looking at pigmentation Holt said she and TPWD hatchery staff seafood lovers alike. anglers can see. Instead, they said, it was problems. Everyone who works with floun- hoped to address pigmentation problems by “It has taken the combined effects of regu- important to demonstrate that it could be der around the world has problems with pig- varying the diet of the larval fish. lation and license buyback to get us to this done at all. mentation.” Many anglers have expressed concern point in recovering flounder stocks,” said “We’re very excited about the progress Flounder typically exhibit a light-colored about the state of flounder stocks in Texas — McKinney, “but that is not good enough, and we’ve been able to achieve working in collab- “bottom,” or right side, and a darker top, or the species is fished commercially and recre- we are looking at a range of strategies, includ- oration with Dr. Holt,” said Vega. “I think left side, which more closely matches the ationally here — but Mark Fisher, TPW ing hatcheries, to move us further and faster that within a few years, if our coastal man- sandy or muddy bay bottoms they prefer. In coastal fisheries science director, said floun- to where we do want to be.” agers decide we need to develop a large-scale some hatchery fish — including the finger- der are doing better, especially since the late flounder program, we should be able to lings released this month — the dark pig- 1990s. —A Texas Parks and Wildlife report Page 10 April 28, 2006

and wait for a school of fish to come Fork has a shot at the record, despite by and eat what they want.” the heavy fishing pressure it receives. California Other factors affecting growth rates “Lakes go in cycles. Someday it Continued from Page 1 in California bass are catch-and- probably will,” he said. “I mean, it Department of Fish and Game. release fishing, California’s famous seems like every so often in the Over the last few years, Dixon Lake mild weather and a steady water sup- ShareLunker Program there’s another has produced a few near-record large- ply from the California Aqueduct, he big fish coming out of Lake Fork.” mouth, putting it on the world map of said. The state’s ShareLunker Program great bass lakes, many of which are in And you may have thought every- encourages anglers to lend or donate Southern California. thing grew bigger in Texas. Well, Texas largemouth catches of over 13 pounds So why are The Golden State’s large- largemouth are nothing to sneeze at. for spawning and research purposes. mouth bass growing so mind-bog- Despite Texas’ crazy weather, fluc- Although Lake Fork’s bass do not glingly huge? tuating precipitation levels and a food have a steady supply of beefy trout to One big reason is what they’re eat- base for bass of mostly shad, the state feed on, the lake is a national model as ing, Giusti said. record largemouth taken from Lake a big bass producer. Catch-and-release In most Texas lakes, for example, Fork Reservoir in 1992, is only a few fishing is a major factor in the lake’s largemouth bass feed primarily on pounds shy of the world record (at success, said Kevin Storey, district biol- shad. Dixon and many other 18.18 pounds). ogist for the Texas Parks and Wildlife. California lakes are stocked regularly More than 65 percent of the large- “We get calls from other state agen- with 7- to 9-inch rainbow trout. mouth bass listed in the top 50 catch- cies about what was done in Lake Fork Warm winter sets The trout provide easy-to-catch es in Texas are from Lake Fork. and can it be replicated,” Storey said. snacks for the lake’s bass, and they’re While most of the bass-fishing “It’s been managed under restricted higher in muscle mass and oil than world is assuming the next record will regulations since Day One. That’s 21 shad, which, Giusti believes, means come from sunny Southern years. The catch-and-release mindset stage for ticks, they’re higher in protein. California, does Texas’ Lake Fork stand has taken hold there.” Also, the lunker largemouth in a chance at eclipsing George W. So, Texas bass anglers, you may Dixon Lake, for example, aren’t only Perry’s 22-pound, 4-ounce bass he want to reconsider packing your bags eating recently stocked trout. They’re caught in Georgia in 1932? for San Diego. The next world record mosquitoes gulping down older, much bigger The odds aren’t bad. Like Lake could be lurking in the waters 70 miles rainbows — fish any trout angler Dixon, Lake Fork’s largemouth are east of Dallas. By Mary Helen Aguirre however, mean exposure to ticks would consider fine catches. Florida-strain bass, the lake is super- is year-round. The adult black- “The bigger bass are eating fish in rich in nutrients and has excellent Wes Smalling is the former outdoors legged tick that transmits Lyme the 2- to 4-pound range and they bass habitat. editor for the Santa Fe New Mexican Break out the DEET if you value disease, for example, is most don’t have to put forth too much Charles Harkless, president of the and has more than a decade of experi- your hide this spring while fish- active in winter months. effort,” Giusti said. “They just sit there Texas BASS Federation, thinks Lake ence as a writer and reporter. ing or hunting. The good news for sportsmen Mosquitoes and ticks will be or sportswomen bitten by mos- out in force thanks to a warm quitoes during the day is that Enough to ruin winter, experts say. they are probably safe from dis- a baggage This year is expected to pro- ease. That’s because the southern duce a bumper crop of the south- house mosquito feeds from sun- handler’s day. ern house mosquito, one of two set to about 11 p.m. and before Most gun cases come home types of mosquitoes that spread dawn. from a trip with souvenirs. Like West Nile Virus in Texas. Ticks, though, will feed when- torn-off handles, missing feet “This is the best year for him ever they happen to grab onto a and mangled latches. Not the that we’ve ever had,” said Jim blood host. Tuffpak. It’s as close to inde- Olson, a professor and medical “Most of our ticks are three- structible as a man- entomologist at Texas A&M. host ticks,” explains Teel. made object can be. So In 2005, there were 125 cases They feed during three stages indestructible, in fact, (with 11 deaths) of West Nile of their lives: as larva (sometimes it’s guaranteed for Virus reported to the Texas called seed ticks); as nymphs; and life. It takes all the Department of State Health as adults, when they will attach fun out of being a or rifle (or bow, most versatile The world’s shotgun, or boot, sleeping bag, or…) case. Services. to their last blood host. baggage handler. State epidemiologist Jim In the spring, ticks will mostly Schuermann said the depart- be in their nymph and adult ment expects to start seeing cases stages. Most tick-infested regions around June and July, with are in the eastern areas of Texas. August being the most active “If you drew a line from Del Rio month. to Wichita Falls,” said Teel, “the Olson said an early southern more heavily tick-infested areas house mosquito population is will fall east of that line.” already building up, and unless Tips for protection against Texas receives flooding rains that ticks: can flush out the stagnant and • Use DEET, according to label polluted water those mosquitoes directions. www.hunters-hq.com call home, the population will • Apply masking tape to the continue to grow this summer. bottom of pant legs and top of Hunters Headquarters But don’t forget the ticks. boots. Turn the sticky side out on 1725 Woodhill Lane Bedford, TX 76021 Some of these bloodsuckers the last rotation so the ticks will 817.267.3700 carry Lyme disease, Rocky get stuck on the tape. [email protected] Mountain spotted fever and ehrli- • Take a shower at the end of chiosis. the day and do a thorough In 2005, the state health inspection for attached ticks. department reported 69 cases of • Check children thoroughly, Lyme disease, 30 cases of Rocky especially along the hairline. Mountain spotted fever and 8 • If you spot ticks on your cloth- cases of ehrlichiosis. ing, place the items in a black THE OFFICIAL TRUCK Pete Teel, professor of entomol- trash bag and place the bag in OF THE ogy at Texas A&M University, pre- direct sunlight so the heat will kill dicts it will be a moderate spring the ticks. If a tick bites you, for ticks. remove it and refrigerate it. If you “We’ve had some timely spring begin to show symptoms of ill- rains that will help the tick popu- ness, have the tick inspected by Academy Sports & Outdoors presents the 2006 lation,” he said. the Texas Department of State Moderate Texas temperatures, Health Services for disease.

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with prized genetics, Weiser said them to achieve hogs with superior The transition for other game ani- landowners can help improve the genetic characteristics. He has mals, however, may not be as Hogs size and quality of hogs by trapping devised a world-record scoring sys- Wildfires smooth. them and castrating all of the small tem called the Weiser Weight and Quail face the most problems in Continued from Page 6 boars and culling out some of the Tusk Record Book that ranks hogs Continued from Page 6 the aftermath of the Panhandle shoulders with really long legs and females. under a scoring system. Wright flew over a fire site from fires. thick shoulders. “When you can get “A castrated hog is really good to Weiser began accepting scores April — the so-called Buckle L fire “It will be hard for a quail to make that length on them, even one foot eat and in a couple of years a 300- from hunters in January 2005 and south of Childress. It only torched a living in that part of the country adds a lot of weight,” he said. pound hog will have good tusks and lists their harvested hogs on his Web 14,000 acres. right now,” Cearley said. “I got a good litter from them two you end up with good meat and a site. The records can be found by Wright said she saw no signs the Wright noted that quail prefer to months ago,” Weiser said. “They hog you can shoulder mount.” going to www.brutalboarcreations. fire killed any wildlife or even live- nest in the previous year’s growth. had six pigs, which is a good number At the Halletsville facility, the com and clicking onto a link in the stock. “When I flew over, there were for pure stock. They are real tall and hogs are kept in one pen that is 200 top right-hand corner for Weiser “I saw lots of deer on the edge of islands in there that didn’t burn,” real long.” feet by 300 feet and another that is Weight and Tusk Records Book. the land that burned,” she said. she said. “But that just makes it easi- The six young pigs are too young about 100 feet by 100 feet with trees All hogs entered for record book “Since then, we’ve had 2 inches of er for predators to go in there and to show their potential. “They will planted in them. consideration must be wild hogs, rain on the burn. It’s really greened find them.” really start filling out when they are “All of the feed we use is grain not domestic hogs, and there are up. Deer are very selective in what Quail will need rain to create about 2 years old,” Weiser said. feed,” Weiser said. “We don’t use any two divisions, one for free-ranging they eat. They prefer to eat new cover and food to have a successful “They will be long and lanky at processed feed, just 100 percent nat- hogs and one for high-fenced hogs. growth, whether it’s weeds or grass, nesting season. ural feed, and we feed them once a first and then between 2 and 3 years All hogs entered must be scored by and after a fire it really sticks out. —Mark England is associate editor of old, they will start filling out. After day.” an official scorer of the Weiser They love it, and it’s good for them.” Lone Star Outdoor News. they are about 3 years old, they will Disease problems associated with Weight and Tusk Record Book. There raising and breeding hogs in captivi- currently are about 100 official scor- start showing good trophy charac- of the bass have the genetic potential ty are few, unlike those that deer ers located in 27 states, Weiser said. teristics.” to become trophy size, said Wilde, breeders often face, Weiser said. The Weiser Weight and Tusk Just how old do hogs get? Weather the more bass that survive overall, “We worm them four times a year Record Book scoring system awards “I have seen some in captivity that the more trophy bass there are. and spray them with a type of tick or points for the hog’s on-hoof body have lived more than 12 years and Continued from Page 1 “It’s like playing the lottery: The insect spray twice a year,” Weiser weight to the nearest pound and for have read about some that have connected with higher lake levels. more tickets you buy, the better lived 20 to 30 years, but I really can’t said. “They are kept in isolation and the length of each bottom tusk But the higher water levels could just chance you have of winning,” he say one way or the other,” Weiser are pretty much disease-tolerant. I down to 1/8 of an inch. Each inch of as easily be from a hurricane as El said. said. “If a boar makes it 10 years, he is have never had one get sick on me or tusk is worth 50 points. The current Niño — such as was the case with Wilde says the phenomenon was going to be a big boar.” one go down. They are real hardy world record for hogs entered into Lake Amistad. first noticed in Texas in 1990-’91 Most of the hogs with high genet- animals. If they can make it a couple the high fence category is a boar He also added that after reservoirs when an unusual number of big fish ics that Weiser sells to landowners of days after being born they are free shot in Tennessee that weighed 763 are very young. to go.” pounds and had lower tusks measur- fill back up (especially when they've- were being hooked. This was eight “About 90 percent of those that I “A lot of people really are getting ing 4 7/8 inches long and 4 6/8 inch- been at low levels for a while), they years after the 1982-’83 El Niño sell are 8 to 12 weeks old,” Weiser into this because hunting hogs is es, Weiser said. do go out and restock the bass. brought heavy rains to certain said. “A lot of ranchers who buy becoming more popular every day,” “We accept only wild hogs,” Those deep-water conditions are regions. from us will ear-tag them with big Weiser said. “Most places can get Weiser said. “We don’t want any conducive to the early survival of cattle ear tags — red, orange or pink $50 to $100 for letting someone domestically raised hogs and we are bass. —Mary Helen Aguirre is a native Texan — and turn them loose under their shoot a hog but other places may get very diligent in confirming that Because only a certain percentage and frequent contributor. high fences to improve their genet- $1,000 for a really big hog. The hogs entered for the records book are ics. A large number of hogs we raise money profit is a lot higher when wild hogs.” On top of this, game bird committee are never shot. The are put there to you have more to offer.” Lead member Larry Butler, a state conserva- improve the genetics.” Weiser’s interest in trophy-sized Bob Hood is an outdoor writer for tionist with the U.S. Department of Agriculture office in Temple, suggested In addition to introducing hogs hogs goes further than breeding the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. Continued from Page 6 that survival instincts might prevent tality of doves. Roberson said it’s a many doves from consuming lethal given that about half the North amounts of lead. If one pellet makes a Rekindle Your Sense of Wonder Fly Fish the River Region American fall population annually dove sick, this bird might learn to elim- does not survive each migration. inate birdshot from its diet, Butler said. Experience the natural world of Another real-world circumstance Despite the possible mitigating fac- Bud Priddy Memorial that would dilute the findings of a con- the Texas Hill Country River Region tors, Roberson said Missouri has pro- One Fly Contest trolled experiment is that lead shot is posed a policy that would ban the use this spring. Discover why we’re one of available to doves at only a fraction of of lead within its public hunting areas. the best fly fishing destinations in Texas! Nueces River the places they feed. Roberson suggest- Of Missouri’s 40,000 dove hunters, 75 May19-21 ed this fraction could be as low as or to 81 percent oppose the measure. Enjoy the crystal waters of lower than 1 percent for Texas. And Roberson said Texas has about the Nueces, Leona, Dry Frio, only a fraction of the total dove popu- 350,000 dove hunters. Frio, and Sabinal Rivers. lation might be exposed to hunted David Sikes writes about the outdoors for fields. the Corpus Christi Caller-Times. Relax at a river cabin, rustic legally, Reneau said. retreat, guest home, motel, Picking up a road-killed animal is or B&B. Pickups legal in some states but not in Texas. Continued from Page 1 While it is against the law to pick up roadkill, it is OK to take a dead ani- Back in the early days of the Boone mal you find in the field, said Buddy and Crockett Club, which was found- Turner, assistant chief of wildlife ed by Theodore Roosevelt in 1887, the enforcement for the Texas Parks and group began keeping track of the Wildlife Department. vanishing big game species of the Lawson Walden, a former hunting world. lodge owner who now lives in San Photos by David J. Sams Then after the outlawing of market Antonio, has two picked-up trophies hunting and the start of conserva- in the Boone and Crockett record Visit our website today at www.thcrr.com or call (800) 210-0380 tion efforts in earnest, the club began books. tracking the successes of wildlife He entered a whitetail measuring management. It still does so today. 191 4/8 Boone and Crockett points in Trophies of unknown origin could 1991. While its huge double-drop be from just about anywhere — up in tines make it a rare and impressive grandpa’s attic, at a rummage sale or find, its story is even better. even hanging on the wall of your It was found by two kids who were local tavern. fishing a stock tank a few miles out- The state of Texas has a former side Fort Worth, Walden said. One of B&C world record whitetail of the kids got his hook snagged on unknown origin that’s hanging in what he thought was a limb. When the Buckhorn Saloon and Museum he started reeling it in, the limb in San Antonio. turned out to be a rack with a carcass The story of who shot it is lost in attached. time. But folks say it was killed in The kids sold the dead buck to a McCulloch County in 1892. The passerby for $50. Walden later pur- saloon’s nontypical whitetail scores chased the mount for his trophy col- an amazing 284 3/8 Boone and lection at his hunting lodge. Crockett points. Walden also has a nontypical “It ranks No. 7 in the world and it is whitetail with a score of 222 in the the largest nontypical from Texas,” record books that was picked up by a Reneau said. game warden on the King Ranch in The incredible buck, which has 47 measurable points, was listed as the Kenedy County in the early 1970s. world record until 1982 when it was “It had ended up in a flea market surpassed by an even bigger mount of after it had passed through the hands unknown origin from Missouri. of several others,” Walden said. Boone and Crockett lists eight The Boone and Crockett Club is more interested in recording picked- nontypical whitetails and six typicals up mounts than ones of unknown from Texas in its “picked up” catego- origin, Reneau said. But they’ll take ry. either. “I’m surprised by how few pickups Antlers that are picked up must be we have from Texas,” Reneau said. attached to an intact skull to make A pickup could be a winterkill or the record books. even two animals found dead with “We don’t accept sheds because locked antlers — as long as the the inside spread is a critical measure- mount was picked up from the field ment,” Reneau said. Page 12 April 28, 2006

ly colored fly with marabou to get it near the bottom, and casting across Fronts the current, letting the fly sweep Continued from Page 1 down, and stripping it against the current. when a cold front hits.” Jim Dailey, a retired Texas Parks The tide in the lake that previous- and Wildlife biologist, acknowledges ly held all those reds will come pour- ing out of the slough that feeds it the effects of a coastal cold front. with the force of a small but mighty “There is a great deal of tidal and river, pushing out every resident of fish movement when there’s a sig- the lake beginning with the preda- nificant cold front,” said Dailey. “I tors and ending with the shrimp don’t think the fish move so much and crabs.” in search of food, but rather to get Many experienced fishermen do out of shallow water because of the not believe the game fish run to conditions. But, fish are opportunis- deeper water and wait out the storm tic, and I don’t doubt that on occa- with lockjaw, but rather turn and sion fish feed as a result of these face the falling tide and pick off one conditions.” easy meal after another for several hours before retreating to deep Fishing a front, while it can be water to digest. very productive, does come with a “The first few hours after the price. The water will be rough, the front, the tide falling out of the lakes ride will be cold and bumpy and the is good green water,” observes guide lack of other boats on the water Mark Williams. “This green water makes help harder to find if some- meeting the churned brown water thing goes wrong. Choose a spot of the bay provides an ideal feeding close to the ramp, have a route that spot for reds, trout, flounder and utilizes protected water and dress for drum,” he adds. “The finfish and the weather. Be safe, be careful and crustaceans are powerless to fight be surprised by how good fishing the wind and current, and become an easy meal.” can be in “unfishable” conditions. Guides recommend fly-casting into these sloughs like streamer fish- Brian Holden is a fishing guide and FLY SWEEP: Guides recommend casting across the current, letting the fly sweep down and stripping it against the ing a river, using a weighted, bright- general manager of Redfish Lodge. current. Tidal guts are also good for catching speckled trout as well as flounder. Records set at Choke Canyon

TOURNEY CHAMPS STEED, HARALSON Jimmy Steed and Charlie Haralson reeled in first place at the record set- nothing gets away ting Bass Champs Tournament Trail 2006 held April 22 at Choke Canyon Reservoir. Steed and Haralson beat in texas! 178 other teams with their impres- sive catch of 38.7 pounds in the one- day event. Of the 179 teams entered, 160 brought in 5-fish limits. Eight teams weighed in sacks over 30 pounds, ® and a Bass Champs record setting 66 TEFLON-TREATED teams had sacks exceeding 20 ® ™ pounds. Four teams weighed in bass SPIDERWIRE STEALTH over 11 pounds. “We were fishing a hump about LASTS LONGER. 13-15 feet deep,” Steed said, “There wasn’t any grass around it, just old PowerPro® flooded trees.” Steed and Haralson has a thin wax used shad pattern DD-22’s and Carolina rigged green pumpkin coating that can brush hogs. flake off quickly, Allan Shelton and John leaving you with McCalmont captured second place just an ordinary with a total weight of 38.3 pounds. “We were throwing shad pattern braided line. crank baits near hydrilla in water 4-8 feet deep,” said Shelton. “As the day Spiderwire® progressed, we backed off and fished deeper.” Stealth™ Bass Champs Tournament Trail 2006 is pressure treated Choke Canyon — April 22 ® RESULTS with Teflon for Team Weight 1. JIMMY STEED/ smooth, long-lasting CHARLIE HARALSON 38.70 lbs. manageability and 2. ALLEN SHELTON/ JOHN MCCALMONT 38.30 lbs. performance. 3.TIM BLACHETTE/ TED SPRENCEL 37.68 lbs. 4. TOMMY DURHAM/ SPEEDY COLLET 35.08 lbs. 5. MATT RIGBY/ ARMANDO FLORES 31.36 lbs. 6.RICK RICKMAN/ ELROY KRUEGER 31.32 lbs. 7.SCOTT SMOOT/ DAVID MEYER 30.84 lbs. 8.KELLEY MAULDIN/ TOM CANTWELL 30.72 lbs. PowerPro is a registered trademark of Innovative Textiles, Inc. • Teflon is a registered trademark of E.I. DuPont de Nemours & Co. April 28, 2006 Page 13 PRODUCT PICKS

ANGLING SKIFF: Ranger Boats has introduced its 183 Ghost, designed for the increased demands of shallow, saltwater angling. Featuring the company’s “One-Piece-Feel Interloc Construction” standards, the 183 is responsive, stable and noticeably dry, says the company. Its hull design makes it ideally suited for gliding across choppy water as well as stalking fish in flats as shallow as 9 1/2 inches. The 183 Ghost is 18-feet, 3-inches long with an 85 1/2- inch beam and has a maximum 150 horsepower rating. Some of its features include an aerated livewell/baitwell, retractable push pole holders, a self-bailing cockpit and flush- mounted navigation lights. It offers additional storage in the gunnels and under the deck. It sells for about $39,100. To find a dealer or more information, visit www.rangerboats.com. Call (800) 373-2628 for a catalog.

TOUGH LINE: Sufix Performance Braid has all the characteristics that serious tournament anglers demand, promises Sufix, which describes the fishing line as the next generation of TWO-FER-ONE: microfilament PortaQuip’s new BigFoot camo bag technology. A features a cleverly designed closure digital Y6 system that allows the bag to open flat for use as a tarp or braiding ground cloth. When users are ready to pack up, they can gather their equipment and machine makes supplies, close the bag and go. This versatile bag is made from denier polyester. It has padded this line with a carrying handles, FootZipTabs for fast closing, heavy-duty cinch straps and a water-repelling zipper small diameter for seal. Available in a Realtree Hardwoods HD camo pattern, the bag is available in small (57-inches long casting. The braided line can be long) for about $60, medium (86-inches long) for about $100, and large (118-inches long) for used in saltwater of freshwater for all species and with any tackle. It comes in about $150. For retailers or to order, visit www.bigfootbag.com or call (877) 883-0200. 150-yard spools in 6-,10-, 20- and 30-pound (about $15), 50- and 65- pound (about $19) and 80- pound (about $22). For retailers, visit www.sufix.com or call (800) 554-1423. CALL ’EM: Cutt Down PEDAL POWER: The Hobie Mirage Game Calls’ newest Outfitter Fish is a tandem kayak duck call is the that boasts Hobie’s patented “World’s Easiest MirageDrive pedal mechanism Duck that connects to underwater Call” flippers. The pedals allow anglers a.k.a “The to propel themselves faster and Little with less effort than with a Easy,” according traditional paddle, says the to the company. company. Steering is achieved via Even a novice a fingertip-controlled rudder can sound like system. The 12-foot, 8-inch long a duck with kayak has a capacity of 450 pounds. this call. The Among its features are two hatches that company says open and close with a twist of the handle; a the call has rudder that can lie flat on the deck; forward and been put rear cargo areas; four molded-in rod holders; and a swivel- through mounted rod holder. The Outfitter Fish costs about $2,270. For dealers or more rigorous information, visit www.hobiefishing.com or call (800) 462-4349. testing under actual hunting BLAST OFF: Spin Master Ltd.’s Rocket Fishing Rod condition. Its was designed with children in mind. The Rocket simple design features a hook-hiding LIGHTEN UP: makes it easy to bobber that allows for Minn Kota’s disassemble, clean and reassemble. It precise casting. new Riptide costs about $20. For retailers, call The hook motor with (877) 288-3966 or visit remains compact www.cuttdowncalls.com. concealed latch and until the door mount bobber allows for makes contact easy with the removal and water. To cast, storage. The just pump Riptide’s lightweight rugged design and launch and smaller footprint make it ideal for HOOK ’EM: The the hook- trolling saltwater flats, according to the company. KoneZone/USA hiding bobber Available in 55 (12-volt system) and 70 (24-volt Hook Sharpener up to 30 feet system) pounds of thrust, the motors come with a helps anglers at the push of a 52-inch shaft. The Riptide 55 sells for about keep their treble, button. The $560 and the Riptide 70 for about $700. For siwash and jig fishing rod, a 2005 more information, call (800) 227-6433 or visit hooks “sticky ICAST winner in the kids’ tackle www.minnkotamotors.com. sharp.” The category, sells for about $30. For sharpener, more information, visit constructed from www.spinmaster.com. high-impact plastic, features diamond-hone technology. To sharpen, place the hook’s point into JUST RIGHT: Browning the cap and twist. It sells has introduced its Gold for about $10. To order, visit Superlite Micro shotgun for smaller www.konezone.com or call shooters. Weighing in at 6 pounds, 6 ounces, the 20- (503) 348-9442. gauge shotgun features a back-bored barrel, speed loading and a soft-shooting gas-operated system. Available in a 26-inch barrel length, the gun costs about $1,083. For retailers or to request a catalog, visit www.browning.com. Page 14 April 28, 2006 HEROES

LILI SAMS, 12, and WILL BLOUNT, 11, caught these 5- and 8-pound channel cats at a farm pond on the Gentry Ranch in Jack County. Share an adventure Want to share your great hunting or fishing adventure with the Lone Star Outdoor News family? E-mail your photo, phone and caption infor- mation to editor@lonestaroutdoornews. com, or mail to: Heroes, Lone Star Outdoor News, 9304 Forest Lane, Suite 114 South, Dallas, TX, BOB LOWRY shows two turkeys he shot at the Fish Hook Ranch in 75243. KEVIN COBB shows the 3.2-pound spotted bass he caught fishing Still Blanco County. He shot them one hour apart. House Hollow Lake. The fish is a water body record for the lake.

RICK SHELTON holds a blue catfish he caught at Cedar Creek Reservoir. BIG WEEK: Turkey hunters landed success the second week of the season in Crockett County. The temperatures CORY ZUERKER, a resident of Murphy, shows a 6.5-pound bass he The fish weighed 52.5 pounds with were in the low- to mid-50s with light northerly winds. The moon was at 77 percent illumination. They were caught at Lake Fork. a 31.5 girth and was 42.5” long. hunting with B&B Outfitters. SUBSCRIBE TODAY! We Want to Welcome to Deliver Our Lone Star Outdoor News Texas’ Premier Outdoor Newspaper Newspaper We’re publishing twice a month, so we can bring you the very best of the to You! Texas outdoors from the Big Thicket to the Big Bend and from the Red River to the Rio Grande. And hunters and anglers by the scores are sending us their thank-yous, comments and subscriptions. Every issue, we’ll bring you some of the state’s best outdoor photography and stories. You’ll read about big game hunting, waterfowling, upland bird 24 hunting, freshwater fishing across the state and saltwater fishing all up and down the glorious Texas Coast. Plus, you’ll get national news… conservation updates… weather report… wild game and fish recipes… and the latest break- ISSUES ing news from state and federal wildlife agencies.

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MOON PHASES SOLUNAR TABLE Major/Minor periods: For up-to-the-minute weather forecasts, please visit www.accuweather.com New First Full Last Houston Dallas San Antonio Amarillo Apr 27 May 5 May 13 May 20 4/26 10:50a/4:37a 7:54p/1:44p 10:56a/4:43a 8:00p/1:50p Forecasts and graphics provided by AccuWeather, Inc. ©2006 4/27 11:15p/5:03p 8:11a/2:01a 11:21p/5:09p 8:17a/2:07a 4/28 11:39a/5:26a 8:31p/2:21p 11:45a/5:32a 8:37p/2:27p TIDES 4/29 ——/5:52p 8:46a/2:37a ——/5:58p 8:52a/2:43a High Low High Low High Low High Low High Low High Low 4/30 12:06a/6:20a 9:06p/2:56p 12:12a/6:26a 9:12p/3:02p Sabine Pass Freeport Corpus Christi 5/1 12:34p/6:48p 9:20a/3:10a 12:40p/6:54p 9:26a/3:16a 4/26 3:13 a.m. 9:56 a.m. 1:54 p.m. 9:24 p.m. 4/26 3:14 a.m. 9:26 a.m. 1:55 p.m. 8:54 p.m. 4/26 3:22 a.m. 9:04 a.m. 2:03 p.m. 8:32 p.m. 5/2 1:05a/7:19a 9:40p/3:30p 1:11a/7:25a 9:46p/3:36p 4/27 4:24 a.m. 11:03 a.m. 2:02 p.m. 10:05 p.m. 4/27 4:25 a.m. 10:33 a.m. 2:03 p.m. 9:35 p.m. 4/27 4:33 a.m. 10:11 a.m. 2:11 p.m. 9:13 p.m. 5/3 1:33p/7:48p 9:55a/3:45a 1:39p/7:54p 10:01a/3:51a 4/28 5:29 a.m. 12:17 p.m. 2:03 p.m. 10:47 p.m. 4/28 5:30 a.m. 11:47 a.m. 2:04 p.m. 10:17 p.m. 4/28 5:38 a.m. 11:25 a.m. 2:12 p.m. 9:55 p.m. 5/4 2:07a/8:22a 10:16p/4:06p 2:13a/8:28a 10:22p/4:12p 4/29 6:31 a.m. 11:31 p.m. —- —- 4/29 6:32 a.m. 11:01 p.m. —- —- 4/29 6:40 a.m. 10:39 p.m. —- —- 5/5 2:36p/8:51p 10:34a/4:23a 2:42p/8:57p —-/4:29a 4/30 7:34 a.m. —- —- —- 4/30 7:35 a.m. 11:48 p.m. —- —- 4/30 7:43 a.m. 11:26 p.m. —- —- 5/6 3:11a/9:25a 10:56p/4:45p 3:17a/9:31a 3:11a/4:51p 5/1 8:41 a.m. 12:18 a.m. —- —- 5/1 8:42 a.m. —- —- —- 5/1 8:50 a.m. —- —- —- 5/7 3:39p/9:54p 11:17a/5:05a 3:45p/10:00p 3:39p/5:11a 5/2 10:01 a.m. 1:08 a.m. —- —- 5/2 10:02 a.m. 12:38 a.m. —- —- 5/2 10:10 a.m. 12:16 a.m. —- —- 5/8 4:13a/10:27a 11:41p/5:29p 4:19a/10:33a 4:13a/5:35p 5/3 11:32 a.m. 2:05 a.m. —- —- 5/3 11:33 a.m. 1:35 a.m. —- —- 5/3 11:41 a.m. 1:13 a.m. —- —- 5/9 4:40p/10:54p 12:06p/5:53a 4:46p/11:00p 4:40p/5:59a 5/4 12:35 p.m. 3:11 a.m. —- —- 5/4 12:36 p.m. 2:41 a.m. —- —- 5/4 12:44 p.m. 2:19 a.m. —- —- 5/10 5:11a/11:24a ——/6:19p 5:17a/11:30a 5:11a/6:25p 5/5 12:55 p.m. 4:25 a.m. —- —- 5/5 12:56 p.m. 3:55 a.m. —- —- 5/5 1:04 p.m. 3:33 a.m. —- —- 5/11 5:37p/11:50p 12:33a/6:47a 5:43p/11:56p 5:37p/6:53a 5/6 12:58 p.m. 5:41 a.m. 11:09 p.m. 8:28 p.m. 5/6 12:59 p.m. 5:11 a.m. 11:10 p.m. 7:58 p.m. 5/6 1:07 p.m. 5:10 a.m. 10:57 p.m. 7:36 p.m. 5/12 6:04a/12:16p 1:01p/7:15p 6:10a/12:22p 6:04a/7:21p 5/7 12:59 p.m. 6:47 a.m. —- 8:20 p.m. 5/7 1:00 p.m. 6:17 a.m. —- 7:50 p.m. 5/7 1:08 p.m. 5:55 a.m. —- 7:28 p.m. 5/13 6:28p/—— 1:33a/7:47a 6:34p/—— 6:28p/7:53a 5/8 12:52 a.m. 7:44 a.m. 1:00 p.m. 8:24 p.m. 5/8 12:53 a.m. 7:14 a.m. 1:01 p.m. 7:54 p.m. 5/8 1:01 a.m. 6:52 a.m. 1:09 p.m. 7:32 p.m. 5/14 6:51a/12:40a 2:02p/8:16p 6:57a/12:46a 6:51a/8:22p 5/9 2:08 a.m. 8:36 a.m. 1:02 p.m. 8:35 p.m. 5/9 2:09 a.m. 8:06 a.m. 1:03 p.m. 8:05 p.m. 5/9 2:17 a.m. 7:44 a.m. 1:11 p.m. 7:43 p.m. 5/15 7:14p/1:03p 2:36a/8:51a 7:20p/1:09p 7:14p/8:57a 5/10 3:09 a.m. 9:27 a.m. 1:01 p.m. 8:53 p.m. 5/10 3:10 a.m. 8:57 a.m. 1:02 p.m. 8:23 p.m. 5/10 3:18 a.m. 8:35 a.m. 1:10 p.m. 8:01 p.m. 5/16 7:34a/1:23a 3:06p/9:20p 7:40a/1:29a 7:34a/9:26p 5/11 4:00 a.m. 10:21 a.m. 12:55 p.m. 9:16 p.m. 5/11 4:01 a.m. 9:51 a.m. 12:56 p.m. 8:46 p.m. 5/11 4:09 a.m. 9:29 a.m. 1:04 p.m. 8:24 p.m. 5/12 4:46 a.m. 9:44 p.m. —- —- 5/12 4:47 a.m. 9:14 p.m. —- —- 5/12 4:55 a.m. 8:52 p.m. —- —- SUN AND MOON 5/13 5:30 a.m. 10:16 p.m. —- —- 5/13 5:31 a.m. 9:46 p.m. —- —- 5/13 5:39 a.m. 9:24 p.m. —- —- 5/14 6:17 a.m. 10:54 p.m. —- —- 5/14 6:18 a.m. 10:24 p.m. —- —- 5/14 6:26 a.m. 10:02 p.m. —- —- Sunrise/set 5/15 7:10 a.m. 11:37 p.m. —- —- 5/15 7:11 a.m. 11:07 p.m. —- —- 5/15 7:19 a.m. 10:45 p.m. —- —- Houston Dallas San Antonio Amarillo 5/16 8:10 a.m. —- —- —- 5/16 8:11 a.m. 11:56 p.m. —- —- 5/16 8:19 a.m. 11:34 p.m. —- —- 4/26 6:43a/7:55p 6:46a/8:06p 6:57a/8:07p 7:01a/8:28p Port Bolivar Pass Cavallo South Padre Island 4/27 6:43a/7:56p 6:45a/8:07p 6:56a/8:08p 7:00a/8:29p 4/26 5:28 a.m. 10:43 a.m. 4:09 p.m. 10:11 p.m. 4/26 4:31 a.m. 9:14 a.m. 3:12 p.m. 8:42 p.m. 4/26 3:33 a.m. 9:48 a.m. 12:40 p.m. 8:30 p.m. 4/28 6:42a/7:57p 6:44a/8:08p 6:55a/8:08p 6:59a/8:30p 4/27 6:39 a.m. 11:50 a.m. 4:17 p.m. 10:52 p.m. 4/27 5:42 a.m. 10:21 a.m. 3:20 p.m. 9:23 p.m. 4/27 4:56 a.m. 9:10 p.m. —- —- 4/29 6:41a/7:57p 6:43a/8:08p 6:54a/8:09p 6:58a/8:31p 4/28 7:44 a.m. 1:04 p.m. 4:18 p.m. 11:34 p.m. 4/28 6:47 a.m. 11:35 a.m. 3:21 p.m. 10:05 p.m. 4/28 6:12 a.m. 9:54 p.m. —- —- 4/30 6:40a/7:58p 6:42a/8:09p 6:53a/8:10p 6:57a/8:32p 4/29 8:46 a.m. —- —- —- 4/29 7:49 a.m. 10:49 p.m. —- —- 4/29 7:26 a.m. 10:40 p.m. —- —- 5/1 6:39a/7:59p 6:41a/8:10p 6:52a/8:10p 6:56a/8:32p 4/30 9:49 a.m. 12:18 a.m. —- —- 4/30 8:52 a.m. 11:36 p.m. —- —- 4/30 8:42 a.m. 11:30 p.m. —- —- 5/2 6:38a/7:59p 6:40a/8:11p 6:51a/8:11p 6:55a/8:33p 5/1 10:56 a.m. 1:05 a.m. —- —- 5/1 9:59 a.m. —- —- —- 5/1 10:00 a.m. —- —- —- 5/3 6:37a/8:00p 6:39a/8:11p 6:50a/8:12p 6:54a/8:34p 5/2 12:16 p.m. 1:55 a.m. —- —- 5/2 11:19 a.m. 12:26 a.m. —- —- 5/2 11:13 a.m. 12:25 a.m. —- —- 5/4 6:36a/8:00p 6:38a/8:12p 6:49a/8:12p 6:53a/8:35p 5/3 1:47 p.m. 2:52 a.m. —- —- 5/3 12:50 p.m. 1:23 a.m. —- —- 5/3 12:11 p.m. 1:23 a.m. —- —- 5/5 6:35a/8:01p 6:37a/8:13p 6:49a/8:13p 6:52a/8:36p 5/4 2:50 p.m. 3:58 a.m. —- —- 5/4 1:53 p.m. 2:29 a.m. —- —- 5/4 12:48 p.m. 2:25 a.m. —- —- 5/6 6:35a/8:02p 6:36a/8:14p 6:48a/8:14p 6:51a/8:37p 5/5 3:10 p.m. 5:12 a.m. —- —- 5/5 2:13 p.m. 3:43 a.m. —- —- 5/5 1:05 p.m. 3:29 a.m. —- —- 5/7 6:34a/8:02p 6:35a/8:14p 6:47a/8:14p 6:50a/8:37p 5/6 3:13 p.m. 6:28 a.m. —- 9:15 p.m. 5/6 2:16 p.m. 4:59 a.m. —- 7:46 p.m. 5/6 1:08 p.m. 4:34 a.m. 10:14 p.m. 7:57 p.m. 5/8 6:33a/8:03p 6:35a/8:15p 6:46a/8:15p 6:49a/8:38p 5/7 1:24 a.m. 7:34 a.m. 3:14 p.m. 9:07 p.m. 5/7 12:27 a.m. 6:05 a.m. 2:17 p.m. 7:38 p.m. 5/7 1:00 p.m. 5:38 a.m. —- 7:21 p.m. 5/9 6:32a/8:04p 6:34a/8:16p 6:46a/8:15p 6:48a/8:39p 5/8 3:07 a.m. 8:31 a.m. 3:15 p.m. 9:11 p.m. 5/8 2:10 a.m. 7:02 a.m. 2:18 p.m. 7:42 p.m. 5/8 12:50 a.m. 6:43 a.m. 12:42 p.m. 7:25 p.m. 5/10 6:32a/8:04p 6:33a/8:16p 6:45a/8:16p 6:47a/8:40p 5/9 4:23 a.m. 9:23 a.m. 3:17 p.m. 9:22 p.m. 5/9 3:26 a.m. 7:54 a.m. 2:20 p.m. 7:53 p.m. 5/9 2:23 a.m. 7:55 a.m. 12:16 p.m. 7:39 p.m. 5/11 6:31a/8:05p 6:32a/8:17p 6:44a/8:17p 6:46a/8:41p 5/10 5:24 a.m. 10:14 a.m. 3:16 p.m. 9:40 p.m. 5/10 4:27 a.m. 8:45 a.m. 2:19 p.m. 8:11 p.m. 5/10 3:32 a.m. 7:58 p.m. —- —- 5/12 6:30a/8:06p 6:31a/8:18p 6:43a/8:17p 6:45a/8:41p 5/11 6:15 a.m. 11:08 a.m. 3:10 p.m. 10:03 p.m. 5/11 5:18 a.m. 9:39 a.m. 2:13 p.m. 8:34 p.m. 5/11 4:29 a.m. 8:22 p.m. —- —- 5/13 6:29a/8:06p 6:31a/8:19p 6:43a/8:18p 6:44a/8:42p 5/12 7:01 a.m. 10:31 p.m. —- —- 5/12 6:04 a.m. 9:02 p.m. —- —- 5/12 5:21 a.m. 8:50 p.m. —- —- 5/14 6:29a/8:07p 6:30a/8:19p 6:42a/8:19p 6:44a/8:43p 5/13 7:45 a.m. 11:03 p.m. —- —- 5/13 6:48 a.m. 9:34 p.m. —- —- 5/13 6:13 a.m. 9:24 p.m. —- —- 5/15 6:28a/8:08p 6:29a/8:20p 6:42a/8:19p 6:43a/8:44p 5/14 8:32 a.m. 11:41 p.m. —- —- 5/14 7:35 a.m. 10:12 p.m. —- —- 5/14 7:11 a.m. 10:04 p.m. —- —- 5/16 6:28a/8:08p 6:28a/8:21p 6:41a/8:20p 6:42a/8:45p 5/15 9:25 a.m. —- —- —- 5/15 8:28 a.m. 10:55 p.m. —- —- 5/15 8:14 a.m. 10:50 p.m. —- —- 5/16 10:25 a.m. 12:24 a.m. —- —- 5/16 9:28 a.m. 11:44 p.m. —- —- 5/16 9:21 a.m. 11:41 p.m. —- —- Moonrise/set San Luis Pass Port O’Connor Port Isabel Houston Dallas San Antonio Amarillo 4/26 4:22 a.m. 10:25 a.m. 3:03 p.m. 9:53 p.m. 4/26 7:43 a.m. 11:37 p.m. —- —- 4/26 4:21 a.m. 9:35 a.m. 3:02 p.m. 9:03 p.m. 4/26 5:49a/7:01p 5:54a/7:12p 6:02a/7:14p 6:11a/7:34p 4/27 5:33 a.m. 11:32 a.m. 3:11 p.m. 10:34 p.m. 4/27 9:43 a.m. —- —- —- 4/27 5:32 a.m. 10:42 a.m. 3:10 p.m. 9:44 p.m. 4/27 6:24a/8:10p 6:27a/8:23p 6:38a/8:23p 6:42a/8:47p 4/28 6:38 a.m. 12:46 p.m. 3:12 p.m. 11:16 p.m. 4/28 11:40 a.m. 12:21 a.m. —- —- 4/28 6:37 a.m. 11:56 a.m. 3:11 p.m. 10:26 p.m. 4/28 7:02a/9:20p 7:03a/9:34p 7:16a/9:32p 7:17a/10:00p 4/29 7:40 a.m. —- —- —- 4/29 1:22 p.m. 1:06 a.m. —- —- 4/29 7:39 a.m. 11:10 p.m. —- —- 4/29 7:46a/10:28p 7:45a/10:44p 8:00a/10:40p 7:57a/11:11p 4/30 8:43 a.m. 12:00 a.m. —- —- 4/30 2:38 p.m. 1:54 a.m. —- —- 4/30 8:42 a.m. 11:57 p.m. —- —- 4/30 8:35a/11:32p 8:33a/11:49p 8:50a/11:44p 8:45a/none 5/1 9:50 a.m. 12:47 a.m. —- —- 5/1 3:41 p.m. 2:44 a.m. —- —- 5/1 9:49 a.m. —- —- —- 5/1 9:30a/none 9:28a/none 9:45a/none 9:39a/12:16a 5/2 11:10 a.m. 1:37 a.m. —- —- 5/2 4:36 p.m. 3:38 a.m. —- —- 5/2 11:09 a.m. 12:47 a.m. —- —- 5/2 10:29a/12:29a 10:27a/12:46a 10:43a/12:41a 10:38a/1:13a 5/3 12:41 p.m. 2:34 a.m. —- —- 5/3 5:22 p.m. 4:38 a.m. —- —- 5/3 12:40 p.m. 1:44 a.m. —- —- 5/3 11:29a/1:18a 11:27a/1:34a 11:43a/1:30a 11:40a/2:01a 5/4 1:44 p.m. 3:40 a.m. —- —- 5/4 5:58 p.m. 5:45 a.m. —- —- 5/4 1:43 p.m. 2:50 a.m. —- —- 5/4 12:28p/2:00a 12:28p/2:14a 12:42p/2:11a 12:41p/2:40a 5/5 2:04 p.m. 4:54 a.m. —- —- 5/5 6:22 p.m. 6:57 a.m. —- —- 5/5 2:03 p.m. 4:04 a.m. —- —- 5/5 1:25p/2:35a 1:26p/2:48a 1:39p/2:47a 1:41p/3:12a 5/6 2:07 p.m. 6:10 a.m. —- 8:57 p.m. 5/6 6:26 p.m. 8:11 a.m. —- —- 5/6 2:06 p.m. 5:20 a.m. —- 8:07 p.m. 5/6 2:20p/3:06a 2:23p/3:17a 2:33p/3:18a 2:39p/3:40a 5/7 12:18 a.m. 7:16 a.m. 2:08 p.m. 8:49 p.m. 5/7 6:01 p.m. 9:28 a.m. —- 11:47 p.m. 5/7 12:17 a.m. 6:26 a.m. 2:07 p.m. 7:59 p.m. 5/7 3:13p/3:33a 3:18p/3:43a 3:27p/3:45a 3:36p/4:04a 5/8 2:01 a.m. 8:13 a.m. 2:09 p.m. 8:53 p.m. 5/8 3:34 a.m. 10:51 a.m. 5:05 p.m. 10:53 p.m. 5/8 2:00 a.m. 7:23 a.m. 2:08 p.m. 8:03 p.m. 5/8 4:07p/3:59a 4:13p/4:07a 4:20p/4:11a 4:32p/4:27a 5/9 3:17 a.m. 9:05 a.m. 2:11 p.m. 9:04 p.m. 5/9 6:07 a.m. 12:54 p.m. 3:15 p.m. 10:55 p.m. 5/9 3:16 a.m. 8:15 a.m. 2:10 p.m. 8:14 p.m. 5/9 5:00p/4:24a 5:09p/4:31a 5:13p/4:37a 5:29p/4:49a 5/10 4:18 a.m. 9:56 a.m. 2:10 p.m. 9:22 p.m. 5/10 7:41 a.m. 11:12 p.m. —- —- 5/10 4:17 a.m. 9:06 a.m. 2:09 p.m. 8:32 p.m. 5/10 5:56p/4:50a 6:06p/4:55a 6:08p/5:03a 6:28p/5:12a 5/11 5:09 a.m. 10:50 a.m. 2:04 p.m. 9:45 p.m. 5/11 8:57 a.m. 11:38 p.m. —- —- 5/11 5:08 a.m. 10:00 a.m. 2:03 p.m. 8:55 p.m. 5/11 6:53p/5:18a 7:05p/5:21a 7:06p/5:32a 7:29p/5:37a 5/12 5:55 a.m. 10:13 p.m. —- —- 5/12 10:07 a.m. —- —- —- 5/12 5:54 a.m. 9:23 p.m. —- —- 5/12 7:54p/5:50a 8:08p/5:51a 8:06p/6:04a 8:33p/6:06a 5/13 6:39 a.m. 10:45 p.m. —- —- 5/13 11:21 a.m. 12:09 a.m. —- —- 5/13 6:38 a.m. 9:55 p.m. —- —- 5/13 8:58p/6:27a 9:13p/6:26a 9:09p/6:41a 9:40p/6:39a 5/14 7:26 a.m. 11:23 p.m. —- —- 5/14 12:40 p.m. 12:45 a.m. —- —- 5/14 7:25 a.m. 10:33 p.m. —- —- 5/14 10:02p/7:10a 10:18p/7:08a 10:14p/7:24a 10:46p/7:20a 5/15 8:19 a.m. —- —- —- 5/15 1:59 p.m. 1:27 a.m. —- —- 5/15 8:18 a.m. 11:16 p.m. —- —- 5/15 1:25p/2:35a 1:26p/2:48a 1:39p/2:47a 1:41p/3:12a 5/16 9:19 a.m. 12:06 a.m. —- —- 5/16 3:10 p.m. 2:14 a.m. —- —- 5/16 9:18 a.m. —- —- —- 5/16 none/9:01a none/8:58a none/9:15a none/9:09a TEXAS TIDBITS OUTDOOR PUZZLER WILD IN THE KITCHEN ACROSS For crossword puzzle solution, see Page 17 Grilled catfish and pat dry. Brush each fillet with 1⁄2 teaspoon olive oil. Combine sea- 1. Term for the sport of hunting with mango salsa 5. Also called a bowfin sonings and sprinkle 1⁄2 teaspoon of 8. An antelope species mixture on the rounded side of each 9. Said to be best color lure to fillet. Grill fillets over high heat, attract fish Ingredients: 10. Whitetails are most active 4 catfish fillets rounded side down, for three to four ____ morning 2 teaspoons olive oil minutes. Turn fillets over and grill 12. A predator of the wild turkey 1 teaspoon garlic salt for three to four minutes or until fish 13. A wood used in arrow shafts 14. A young boar 1⁄2 teaspoon cracked black pepper flakes easily when tested with a fork. 15. This will spook game very easily 1⁄4 teaspoon ground red pepper Serve with mango salsa. Serves 4. 17. An item in an outdoor kit 19. A brand of ice shelter, snow____ Salsa ingredients: For salsa: Combine all ingredients in 20. A ____ light is used to hunt 1 cup mango, peeled and diced a bowl. Mix well. Let stand at room illegally 1 cup papaya, peeled and diced temperature for 20 minutes. Use a 21. A popular icefishing bait slotted spoon to serve. Yields about 2 23. A game bird 1 tablespoon minced green onion 26. Ruffed, sage,blue, spruce 1 tablespoon minced red jalapeño cups. 28. Bowhunter’s ammo 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice 29. A rabbit-like mammal This recipe is courtesy of www.cat- 30. A time when bucks usually 1 tablespoon honey feed fishinstitute.com, which offers other 32. A deer resting area For fillets: Preheat grill. Rinse fillets quick-and-easy recipe ideas. 33. Term for the Arizona whitetail 34. A boat that can be folded up to carry Realtree.com has everything that 37. Colored band on an arrow hunters are hunting for. We’ve 41. A type of fly lure got new featuresd like Guides 42. A quick-to-erect type tent and Outfitters, Hunting Maps, 43. A name for a type camp fire Photopost Picture Hosting, place and Real2Reel, plus a host of favorites. From our world-famous DOWN Trophy Den and informative Forums and Chat to the 1. Hunter’s name for a predator 16. This State has most elk 31. The area for hunting 2. A grouping of pheasants population 34. A sea duck, _____ eider expanded Games & Arcade. 3. The ______pheasant 18. The trapper’s main gear 35. A wild turkey call Realtree.com – Always On 4. A fish habitat weed growth 19. A game bird 36. Large on the muley Stand. 5. The elk is of this family 21. The deer’s is called venison 37. A bow scope protector 6. This will remove gamey flavor 22. Method of telling how old a 38. To construct a fly lure from meat game is 39. A large member of the deer family 7. A certain area favorite to 24. A type of sight wildlife 25. The basket for carrying the 40. A female elk 8. A coloration of a trout species fish catch Outdoor Puzzler, 11. A species of perch 27. A deer species Wilbur "Wib" Lundeen Page 16 April 28, 2006 GAME WARDEN BLOTTER

NUMBERS DIDN’T ADD UP USFWS agents handled the filing •Hill County Game Warden Mark of cases over the three-day inspec- Hammonds seized an 18-foot tion process. Alumacraft bass boat at the Tail feathers gave him away Kimball Bend boat ramp in Bosque GUESS THAT PHONE CALL County. Upon contact with the •Pecos County Game Warden Chris Amthor was front of the hunter. When asked to see the bird WILL BE FROM JAIL NOW vessel, the operator provided a cur- patrolling the Deer Canyon Subdivision in the man was sitting on, the hunter ducked his •Nueces County Game Wardens rent registration card matching the Crockett County for spring turkey violations. At head and pulled out another untagged turkey Cris Caro and Gilbert Martinez Texas numbers displayed on the one particular camp Amthor walked up and and sat down hurriedly again. However, the were leaving an area of the Nueces vessel; however, those Texas num- noticed that there were about six hunters gath- hunter was still sitting off-center, and Amthor River and were stopped at a red bers were assigned to a 20-foot ered around a camper. When the hunters could still see feathers and a leg of a turkey light behind another vehicle wait- Monark. Although the brand stick- looked up and saw Amthor approaching, two of underneath the hunter. Amthor again asked the ing for the light to change to get ers had been removed from the the men hurriedly walked into the camper, and hunter to stand up and show him what else he onto a major FM road. When the boat, the steering wheel and dri- one sat down in a chair rather quickly. Amthor had underneath him. The hunter ducked his light turned green, the vehicle in ver’s console still displayed the noticed that the man was sitting off-center in head, stood up and revealed a Rio Grande hen front of the wardens’ vehicle pro- Alumacraft name, and a false HIN the chair and could see tail feathers protruding that he was hiding that was taken in closed sea- ceeded into the intersection and had been crudely etched into the from underneath the hunter. There was also son. Citations were issued. Cases pending. was hit by a vehicle in the inter- hull. The operator admitted to one untagged turkey lying on the ground in section. After colliding, the vehi- recently purchasing the vessel and cle running the red light contin- using the numbers from an old ued along the FM road and failed boat of his to get registration num- the border. The initial phase of DIESEL THIEVES ON THE LOOSE MOM TAKES CARE OF EGG-THROWER to stop at the scene of the acci- bers on this boat. The operator was Operation Pescador required 6,042 •Red River County Warden Benny •Van Zandt County Game Warden dent. Martinez and Caro activated issued a citation for using the unau- warden hours and resulted in 28 Richards was on patrol at midnight Steve Stapleton was returning their emergency lights and pur- thorized Texas numbers, and his arrests and the seizure of 20 boats, when he encountered a suspicious home from Lake Tawakoni around sued the suspect vehicle for about boat was seized. Further prosecu- 20 motors and 96,850 feet of gill truck on a dirt road in his county. midnight on an isolated FM road. 2 miles before the vehicle stopped. tion pending investigation. net. Other operations on a smaller The two men in the truck could The warden met a truck traveling As they pursued the vehicle, both scale will continue. not provide an explanation of why the opposite way. Someone threw wardens saw the driver making PRETENDER ARRESTED they were in the area at such a late something out of the truck’s driv- movements to his ear with his BY THE REAL THING DEER TAG LEADS hour. At one point, they stated er-side window, which hit the war- hand as if talking on a phone. •Victoria County Game Wardens WARDENS TO SUSPECTS they were hanging sheetrock at den’s truck. Stapleton stopped the When the suspect was stopped, he Travis Haug and Jon Kocian were •Red River County Warden Benny their deer cabin. While talking to vehicle, which had nine high immediately exited his vehicle patrolling Coleto Creek Reservoir Richards and Titus County Warden the two men, Richards noticed a school students aboard who were and walked to the rear of his vehi- for water safety enforcement. They Quint Balkcom were on river patrol 55-gallon barrel in the back of the having fun throwing apples and cle toward the warden’s truck with stopped a boat that was operated when they decided to check out a men’s truck. When asked what was eggs at passing vehicles. After his hand behind his back. The by a female who was wearing a secluded fish camp on the bank of in the barrel, the men became very pleasantries were exchanged and wardens initiated a felony stop, police shirt and police cap. She the river. Richards found a flat-bot- nervous. Richards determined the fingers were pointed, the mother and the driver was placed under identified herself as a police officer tom boat with the HIN plate barrel contained diesel fuel. The of the egg-thrower arrived on arrest and turned over to the from the Valley, but she had no removed. But he was able to locate men were identified and released. scene. Before Stapleton could get Corpus Christi Police identification on her. A further the hidden confidential number The next morning, Richards and back to his truck, mom solved the Department. The man explained investigation revealed that she was under a brace near the transom. Balkcom returned to the area and problem. the movement with his hand to not a police officer at all. A warrant Balkcom contacted the boat manu- were able to locate two large bulk his ear was because he was trying was issued for False Identification facturer by phone, which provided fuel tanks owned by a local logging AGENTS FIND DEAD BIRDS IN PITS to get to a phone to call for help. as a Peace Officer, and she was the owner information. Balkcom company. The tanks were empty •District 2 Wardens Joann Garza- But he passed 10 to 12 different arrested two days later. Charges are was able to contact the owner, who and appeared to have been tam- Mayberry, Jason Davis, Mike public places where phones were pending in Victoria. confirmed the boat had recently pered with. The wardens turned Hoffmann, Kerry Peterson, Roger located. He is facing several felony been stolen from his boathouse. An the investigation over to the Red Steward, and Victor Gonzales charges of leaving the scene of an PESCADOR CLEANING UP BORDER old deer tag at the camp led the River County Sheriff’s Office. assisted U.S. Fish and Wildlife accident because injuries resulted •Operation Pescador is being wardens to several people suspect- Deputies advised there had been a Service agents with pit inspections and failure to stop and render aid. hailed as a success in clamping ed of being involved in the theft of rash of burglaries and fuel thefts in in the Caldwell Oil Field. Several He could also be charged with down on illegal gill-netters along the boat. Investigation is ongoing. the area. open pits contained dead birds. evading arrest. ON THE MOVE The hot Honda upgrade

By Peter B. Mathiesen

The new 680 Rincon, with its added horse- power and torque, offers superb handling, a quiet ride and plenty of power to grab air. Several new motor changes, plus fuel injec- tion with a sophisticated 12-hole injector sys- tem, means more power. The fuel pump is on the engine, not taking up valuable space in the gas tank and sports a handy drain to remove contaminates. This ATV is liquid-cooled with a single cylin- der overhead valve rated at 675cc. The new Rincon got enough of an engine makeover for a 7-percent increase in horsepower and an 8-per- cent improvement in torque. The end result is a RINCON RIDE: The 680 comes with new motor changes and is among the best handling ATVs on the market. near “hot” ATV, with no problem behaving I found the system surprisingly effective, Base Price is $8,000, add $200 for in-dash plow a sizeable food plot. Its fully independent more like a sport machine that’s completely however, there is no locker for those who really GPS, and $300 for Natural Gear camo aluminum A-arm suspension is nearly flawless. capable of grabbing air. want to test the climbing limits. Overall, the www.honda. com The bike is smooth, brawny and is proving to be This year the belt-less transmission modified ATV will tackle anything but extreme trail rid- The Bad News: Although it’s vastly bulletproof under some very challenging test- the way oil is distributed through the torque ing. improved, in extreme conditions the downhill ing. converter and the ATV shifts flawlessly. A new The new 4–wheel disc brakes are not only braking is still a little light. I would like to have What Others Say: low gear has improved downhill braking and larger than any other manufacturer to date, but seen an even lower first gear for super steep “The 680 rips. Increasing the bore and most steep hill handling. However, it is still no they share technology with Honda cars and climbs and descents. adding EFI cured the Rincon’s past lackluster boulder crawler. Rocks and logs are fine, but resist trapping debris. The Good News: This is the quietest gas ATV low-end performance.” Bryan Nylander/ Editor the extreme is still out. As for starting the ATV in gear, just engage I have ridden to date. As far as I’m concerned, ATV Rider. The drive system is simple, 2-wheel drive and the front brake and the ATV will go no matter the Rincon ranks as one of the best handling “Honda has stepped up to the plate and hit a torque-sensitive, all-wheel drive. Their “auto” what position it’s in. ATVs on the market. It’s much less fatiguing on grand slam with this machine.” Lance 4-wheel drive is one of the reasons the ATV Honda is offering an in-dash GPS, but the long trips than any of its competitors. Schwartz/ Contributor ATV Scene.com. steers so well. The front wheels are only system is not very intuitive and you’ll gain Bottom Line: The new Rincon has a first Peter B Matheson has written about automobiles engaged as needed, but they engage instantly if more flexibility with a $150 handheld unit class ride with all the power and torque you will and ATVs for eight years for Field & Stream maga- one of the wheels slips. clamped to your handlebars. need to get your deer out of the woods or to zine. April 28, 2006 Page 17 OUTDOOR DATEBOOK

research to explore and interactions with Family Pavilion in Jasper. Registration May 20: Houston program “Managing other landowners. The workshop will be will be May 16 from 4-7 p.m. at the Your Land for Wildlife Part I: Practical HAVE AN EVENT TO PUBLICIZE? held at the Texas Agricultural Experiment Jasper Middle School Gym. First place First Steps” is designed to help Station at the Sonora Research Station. purse for the co-angler is $35,000 and landowners learning about private lands E-mail it to The cost for the 3-day workshop is $395 $60,000 for the pro. For more and habitat management. Presentations per person. Lodging and meals are information, contact the Jasper Lake include the following: Evaluating Your [email protected] provided during the workshop (space is Sam Rayburn Area Chamber of Property for Its Potential for Wildlife and limited and available on a first-come, Commerce at (409) 384-2762. Habitat Quality; Writing Your Habitat first-served basis). There are separate Management Plan: Steps and Potential April 29-30: Academy Sports’ Highport Marina. Registration will be May 18: Boater’s World in Dallas will sleeping arrangements for men and Practices; Keeping Family Land in the Troutmasters Tournament at Galveston. from 4 to 7 p.m. at B. McDaniel Middle hold a free seminar on sonar operation women and limited space available for Family and Field Practice: Putting What Series offers pro and amateur divisions School in Denison. Prizes for the first from 6-7 p.m. For more information, couples. For reservations and more You Learn into Context on the Land. with $12,500 paid for first place pro place pro is up to $70,000 in cash and contact Mike Wray at (214) 704-2920. information, contact Ray Hinnant at the After the workshop classes, join staff division. For more information call Gulf merchandise and up to $44,000 for the Academy for Ranch Management, May 18: San Marcos, seminar — from Katy Prairie Conservancy, Texas Coast Troutmasters Association at (713) co-angler. For more information, contact Department of Rangeland Ecology and “Overabundant White-tailed Deer In 466-7849. the Denison Area Chamber of Commerce Cooperative Extension and Texas Parks Texas: Impacts on People, Communities at (903) 465-1551. Management at Texas A&M University in and Wildlife on a field trip to practice May 4: FLW Redfish Series tournament College Station via e-mail at and the Land.” White-tailed deer are a what you learned. Workshop held 9 a.m. at Port Aransas. The event will be held May 11–13: Restore and Manage Deer [email protected] or call valuable natural resource providing to 4 p.m. at the Texas Cooperative at the Port Aransas City Marina. Habitat Workshop in Sonora. Deer (979) 845-5580. enjoyment for thousands across Texas Extension Office Auditorium, 3033 Bear Registration is May 3, 4-6 p.m. at the management is an integral component of and are very adaptable to life near Creek Drive. The fee of $20 includes May 13: The Rise (formerly Blue Drake Port Aransas Civic Center. First place most ranches. This course will provide people. However, when deer numbers workshop materials and a catered lunch; Outfitters) is having a grand opening at pays $50,000 in cash and prizes. For techniques and methods to inventory and escalate and they become overabundant, preregistration required; for more their newly remodeled store at 5370 more information, contact the chamber manage your rangeland for producing deer can threaten wildlife and plant information, contact Katy Prairie Lovers Lane, Dallas, (214) 350-4665. of commerce at (800) 452-6278. quality deer herds. Topics will include diversity as well as cause economic, Conservancy at (713) 523-6123 or TPW restoring pastures to high-quality deer The retail store carries the latest fly- health and safety concerns. Some Texas May 6: The North Texas Chapter of at (281) 456-7029. habitat, pros and cons of mechanical, fishing equipment and fine clothing. communities are currently confronting Safari Club International is hosting its chemical treatments and prescribed these issues and others soon will be. MAY 20: The city of Texarkana, Ark., 12th Annual Texas Safari Party at the May 17: The Dallas Safari Club is burning to alter the landscape into prime Topics covered include: How did we get Housing and Community Development is Westin/Harvey Hotel DFW. The event hosting its monthly meeting at the Bent habitat. Important deer plants for food this many deer in Texas and what does gearing up for this summer's 6th annual includes dinner, gun raffles, live and Tree Country Club. Rich Roberson will and cover will be identified. Ranchers the future hold; impact of overabundant “Swinging into Summer with Music & Art silent auctions. Cocktails start at 5:30 discuss Whitetail hunting in Mexico, $35 will be shown tools and methods to deer populations; current management in the Park.” The Youth Fishing Derby is p.m., dinner at 7 p.m. The cost is $65 per person. Call (972) 980-9800 to evaluate pastures and measure the use of tools and more. Workshop geared to Saturday, May 20, at Bramble Park in per person. Please RSVP (972) 563- register. important deer food. Other class benefits landowners and held at Texas State Texarkana, Ark. You must bring your own 8383. include: small class size, experienced May 17: FLW Stren Series will hold a University, 7:45 a.m.-5 p.m. For more fishing pole. The event is open to 7-17 May 6-7: FLW Texas Tournament Trail instructors, instruction in an outdoor Central division tournament at Sam information, visit http www.texas- year olds. For more information, contact will make a stop at Lake Texoma at the laboratory with more than 80 years of Rayburn Reservoir at the Umphrey wildlife.org or call 800-TEX-WILD. Tendra Jones at (870) 779-4918. WHAT READERS ARE SAYING

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For Sale — 960 Ac., Fisher Co., For Sale — Kansas hunting tracts. Port O’Connor bayfront rental — 4/3, PROPERTIES mule/WT deer, blue/bob quail, Brown Realty Co. 318-728-9544. sleeps 8. Great views. Fish out front. FISHING hogs, nice home, barn, pens, bor- www.brownrealtyco.com $300 per night weekly. Available dering the Double Mountain Fork of South Padre Island Waterfront prop- now.www.kanepochome. com or Private 16-acre lake — Awesome South Texas — Brooks, Duval, Jim fishing, Florida cross largemouth the Brazos River, income-produc- erties on the Laguna Madre and Gulf (361) 655-7695. Hogg County Ranches. Call: David bass, redear, catfish, B&B and boat A. Lohse Real Estate, Inc. (956) ing ranch. $785.00 Ac. www. fick- of Mexico. Call: David A. Lohse Real for rent, call (512) 237-4792. Classifieds sell! 761-6699. esdorety.com, (817) 925-0483. Estate, Inc. (956) 761-6699. Great fly-fishing. Page 18 April 28, 2006 FISHING REPORT CENTRAL slow. Crappie are slow. Channel and blue catfish are open flats. White bass are excellent (starting to show live minnows near the cove west of the marina. Bream nows. White and striped bass are good on live bait. good on corn and nightcrawlers. Yellow catfish are up on main lake) on chartreuse Bomber slabs fished are good on live worms near the islands Channel cat- Catfish are fair on minnows and chicken liver. slow. deep and Torpedoes or chrome Super Spots under fish are good on stinkbait off piers. BASTROP: Water stained. Black bass are good on birds. Crappie are in back of creeks to spawn. Catfish SWEETWATER: Water lightly stained; 67 degrees; chrome/blue and chrome/black spinnerbaits and are fair. crankbaits in 10 – 20 feet. Crappie are good on min- TRAVIS: Water clear; 74 degrees; 19.00’ low. Black LIVINGSTON: Water fairly clear; 68 degrees; 3.78’ 31.72’ low. Black bass are fair on live bait and dark nows and blue tube jigs. Channel and blue catfish are bass to 4 pounds are good on red shad worms, chrome low. Black bass are good on spinnerbaits, crankbaits, jigs. Crappie are fair on minnows and jigs. White bass fair on cutbait, shrimp, and live bait. Yellow catfish are PJ pops, and smoke grubs in 5 – 15 feet. Striped bass RICHLAND CHAMBERS: Water fairly clear; 67-71 and soft plastics. Striped bass are slow. White bass are are fair on minnows. Catfish are fair on minnows and slow. are slow. White bass are slow. Crappie to 1 pound are degrees; 4.95’ low. Black bass are fair to good on red fair on slabs, pet spoons, and hellbenders. Crappie are cut shad. fair on minnows and white tube jigs in 10 – 20 feet. shad Texas-rigged lizards, Senkos and white jigs with a very good on minnows. Channel and blue catfish are Channel and blue catfish to 6 pounds are fair on matching trailer. White bass and hybrid striper are fair excellent on cutbait and shad. Yellow catfish are slow. WHITE RIVER: Water lightly stained; 68 degrees; BELTON: Water stained; 71 degrees; 2.75’ low. Black nightcrawlers and fresh cutbait in 15 – 30 feet. Yellow on slabs and Humdingers. Crappie are fair on minnows 22.85’ low. Black bass are fair on live bait and pump- bass are fair on chartreuse/blue and chartreuse/green catfish are slow. and jigs. Catfish are fair on juglines set with live SAM RAYBURN: Water clear; 73 degrees; 1.51’ low. kin soft plastics around timber and grass lines. Crappie spinnerbaits, crankbaits, and Rat-L-Traps. Hybrid perch. striper are fair on silver slabs and striper jigs. White Black bass are good on white and shad small spinner- are fair on jigs and minnows. Walleye are fair on live bass are fair on watermelon spinnerbaits and WALTER E. LONG: Water clear. Black bass are fair on baits and Chatterbaits near shoreline vegetation. bait. Channel catfish are good on live bait and cut crankbaits. Crappie are fair on minnows. Channel and Black Saltys and small crankbaits. Hybrid striper are TAWAKONI: Water stained; 67-70 degrees; 4.18’ low. Biggest bass are good on jerkbaits over grass. Crappie shad. blue catfish are good on live bait and nightcrawlers. good on Rat-L-Traps, crankbaits, and live minnows. Black bass are fair on flukes, Carolina rigged Brush are good on chartreuse/white and pink/white jigs. Yellow catfish are slow. White bass are good on slabs and pet spoons. Crappie Hogs (short leader with a light weight) and jigs in 2-8 WICHITA: Water lightly stained; 74 degrees; 1.15’ low. are good on minnows. Channel and blue catfish are feet. Crappie are good on minnows and jigs – moving TOLEDO BEND: Water stained; 3.90’ low. Very little Crappie are good on 1/8 oz. chartreuse jigs or small fair on stinkbait, frozen shrimp, and liver. Yellow cat- shallow. White bass are fair on chartreuse slabs and BROWNWOOD: Water stained; 69 degrees; 2.88’ low. fishing activity due to low water level. Navigation is minnows along dam riprap and near old pavilion pier fish are slow. live minnows. Striped bass and hybrid striper are fair Black bass to 6 pounds are excellent on crappie col- dangerous due to numerous stumps and stickups. poles American Legion point and old yacht club areas. on Sassy Shad, slabs and Rat-L-Traps. Catfish are fair ored Texas perch crankbaits, watermelon/red Grande Tournaments have been moved to Lake Sam Rayburn. White bass and hybrid striped bass are fair on min- on prepared baits and nightcrawlers. Bass Baits 4” Cannibals, and white tube jigs. Hybrid WHITNEY: Water murky; 4.08’ low. Black bass are nows and white twister-tails along dam and trolling. striper to 3 pounds are fair on deep diving Alabama good on watermelon red and firetiger spinnerbaits and PANHANDLE Channel catfish are fair on bait shrimp, punchbait or Shad crankbaits. White bass to 2 pounds are excellent crankbaits, and on chartreuse soft plastic worms and TEXOMA: Water clear; 67-71 degrees; 0.06’ low. trotlines baited with shad. The north side (yacht club) on slabs and spoons. Crappie to 1.5 pounds are excel- lizards. Striped bass are slow. White bass are slow. Black bass are fair to good on 4” green pumpkin and east side boat ramps have are open but difficult to lent on small tube jigs and minnows in 1 – 10 feet. Crappie are fair on minnows and pink tube jigs. Mutants, jigs and crankbaits in 2-8 feet. Smallmouth BAYLOR: Water lightly stained; 62 degrees. Black bass use due to low water level. Catfish are fair on live bait. Yellow catfish are fair on Catfish are slow. bass are fair on jigs, crankbaits and live shad. Crappie are slow. Crappie are slow. Catfish are fair on live bait. live bait. are fair on minnows and jigs. Striped bass are fair on live shad, chrome Rat-L-Traps and Sassy Shad. Catfish COASTAL GREENBELT: Water lightly stained; 63 degrees; 25’ NORTHEAST are fair to good on cut shad. BUCHANAN: Water clear; 70 degrees; 9.70’ low. low. Black bass are good on small shad-colored NORTH SABINE: Flounder are good on red shad plas- Black bass are good on Blue Shad Terminator spinner- crankbaits near riprap, and white/chartreuse spinner- ATHENS: Water clear, 66-69 degrees; 1.22’ low. Black tics on the Louisiana shoreline. Redfish are good in baits, watermelon JDC Skip-N-Pop topwaters, and WEATHERFORD: Water stained; 68-72 degrees; 7.04’ baits around moss beds and timber. Crappie are good bass are good on weightless flukes, Senkos and shal- the marsh on topwaters and spoons near Black’s pumpkin/chartreuse Whacky Sticks early and late in 5 low. Black bass to 8 pounds are excellent on on jigs and minnows. White bass are good on live bait low diving crankbaits. Crappie are fair on minnows and Bayou. - 10 feet. Striped bass are fair drifting live bait, and crankbaits and lizards. Crappie to 2 pounds are good and jigs tipped with minnows. Smallmouth bass are jigs in the shallows around brush. Catfish are slow on trolling and casting or jigging Spoiler Shads from in the fishing barge and marina boat slips on jigs and fair on jerkbaits along riprap. Walleye are good on live prepared baits and nightcrawlers. Bream are slow on Shaw Island to the dam. White bass are fair trolling minnows. Catfish are good on nightcrawlers. White bait. Catfish are good on live bait and chicken liver. nightcrawlers. SOUTH SABINE: Trout and redfish are fair to good on Shad Raps, 1?” Spoiler Shads, and Terminator inline bass are fair. Bream are good on worms. The boat the Reef on live shrimp and red shad and pumpkin- spinnerbaits along main lake points. Crappie are fair ramp is open. seed Bass Assassins and Norton Sand Eels. Redfish MACKENZIE: Water lightly stained; 59 degrees; 69’ on minnows over brushpiles. Channel catfish are good BOB SANDLIN: Water clear; 66-70 degrees; 4.84’ are good on cracked crabs at the jetty. low. Black bass are fair on live bait and shad-colored on trotlines. Yellow and blue catfish are fair on juglines low. Black bass are fair on 1/4oz. Rat-L-Traps and crankbaits or jerkbaits. Crappie are good on minnows baited with live perch. Texas-rigged Mutants with a light weight. White bass SOUTH and jigs. White bass and striped bass are good on cut are fair on Humdingers and minnows. Crappie are fair BOLIVAR: Trout and redfish are fair to good on the shad and minnows. Smallmouth bass are fair on live on minnows and jigs. Catfish are fair on punchbait and AMISTAD: Water clear; 72 degrees. Black bass are fair Bolivar shoreline on topwaters and red shad and CANYON LAKE: Water gin clear; 72 degrees; 3.45’ bait and crankbaits. Walleye are good on slabs and nightcrawlers. on watermelon red and watermelon seed jerkbaits, glow/chartreuse Bass Assassins, Trout Killers and Sand low. Black bass are good on watermelon/chartreuse Big minnows. Catfish are good on cut shad and worms. Eels. Bull redfish are good on the beachfront. Redfish Pig creature baits, green/pumpkin Whacky Sticks, and crankbaits, soft plastics, and topwaters. Striped bass are good on large jerkbaits and topwaters near the and black drum are good at Rollover Pass on crabs Smokin’ Green Devil’s Tongues on drop shots along ini- CADDO: Water fairly clear; 67-73 degrees; 0.49’ high. dam. White bass are fair on Rat-L-Traps and silver MEREDITH: Water lightly stained; 58 degrees; 27.55’ and squid. tial break lines and brushpiles on secondary points Black bass are excellent on watermelon flukes and slabs. Crappie are slow. Channel and blue catfish are low. Black bass are fair on live bait, white/chartreuse early. Striped bass are slow. White bass are fair verti- Senkos around cypress trees and new pads in the shal- fair on stinkbait, shrimp, and liver. Yellow catfish are spinnerbaits and green crawfish-colored crankbaits. cally jigging Pirk Minnows and Spoiler Shads. lows. Crappie are good on shiners in the shallows TRINITY BAY: Trout are fair to good at Hodges Reef on good on trotlines baited with live perch. Crappie are fair on minnows and jigs suspended 12-14 Smallmouth bass are fair on root beer/green JDC around on cypress trees. Catfish are good on limb lines live shrimp under a popping cork and black Bass feet. White bass are good on minnows and jigs near grubs, smoke/red tubes, and 4” worms along bluff with cutbait. Redear bream are starting to bunch up in Assassins, Stanley Wedgetails, Trout Killers and Sand humps. Smallmouth bass are good on crankbaits. ledges in 8 - 20 feet. Crappie are good on minnows at shallows. BRAUNIG: Water stained; 92 degrees. Black bass to 5 Eels. Trout are fair while drifting shell in 6-8 feet of Walleye to 4 pounds are fair on bottom bouncers and the fishing pier at night. Channel catfish are fair on pounds are good on dark soft plastic worms near the water on live shrimp under a popping cork. live bait near northern points and riprap. Channel cat- minnows and Black Saltys. Yellow and blue catfish are jetty and in reed beds. Striped bass to 4 pounds are CEDAR CREEK: Water clear; 66-71 degrees; 1.99’ fish are good on cut shad and minnows. Note: Fritch fair on juglines. very good on perch, shad, and chicken livers. Redfish low. Black Bass are good on soft plastics over beds. Fortress ramp is closed for upgrades. EAST GALVESTON BAY: Trout are fair on the south to 18 pounds are good on crawfish and perch near White bass are excellent on T.N.T. Limit Gitters over shoreline on Corkies, topwaters and red shad Bass Dead Tree Point. Channel and blue catfish to 4 pounds COLEMAN: Water clear; 70 degrees; 2.66’ low. Black humps in 22-26 feet in the mid-lake area. Hybrid Assassins and Norton Sand Eels. Trout are fair to good are good on liver, shrimp, and shad. Yellow catfish are PALO DURO: Water lightly stained; 55 degrees; 47.59’ bass are fair on watermelon/red and yellow/black soft striper are very good on Sassy Shad drifted over humps on free-lined live shrimp on Hannas Reef and Deep slow. low. Black bass are fair on live bait, black/chartreuse plastic worms and lizards. Hybrid striper are fair on 19-22 feet. Crappie are good on tube jigs around Reef. jigs and white spinnerbaits. Crappie are fair on jigs white/silver spinnerbaits and crankbaits. Crappie are shaded docks and bridges. Catfish are good on cut bait and minnows. Smallmouth bass are fair on small fair on live minnows and blue tube jigs. Channel and drifted over humps. CALAVERAS: Water stained; 93 degrees. Black bass to crankbaits and live bait. Walleye are fair on live bait. WEST GALVESTON BAY: Trout and redfish are fair to blue catfish are slow. Yellow catfish are slow. 4.5 pounds are good on dark soft plastic worms Channel catfish are fair on minnows and cut shad. good on the south shoreline on topwaters and red shad around structure and reed beds. Striped bass are fair COOPER: Water stained; 66-70 degrees; 7.51’ low. No Bass Assassins, Trout Killers, Stanley Wedgetails and on chicken livers at the pier and near the dam, and COLORADO RIVER: (At Colorado Bend State Park) report available. Due to the low level of the lake, Sand Eels. Bull redfish are good on the North Jetty on down rigging yellow and red tailed spoons. Redfish to Water clear. Black bass are slow. Striped bass are slow. boaters are advised to use extreme caution. WEST crabs and cut-bait. White bass are slow. Crappie are slow. Catfish are good 22 pounds are very good on crawfish, perch, and Rat- L-Traps. Crappie are slow. Channel catfish are good on on trotlines and juglines baited with perch. ALAN HENRY: Water lightly stained; 72 degrees; 1.45’ FAIRFIELD: Water clear; 70 (main lake) - 82 (outlet) liver, shrimp, and nightcrawlers. Blue catfish are good TEXAS CITY: Trout are fair to good at night under the low. Black bass to 10 pounds are good on live bait, degrees; 3.5’ low. Black bass are good on Senkos and on liver and nightcrawlers. Yellow catfish are slow. lights from the dike on live shrimp and glow/chartreuse black/blue jigs in timber, and deep diving chartreuse DUNLAP/MCQUEENY: Water fairly clear; 69 degrees. Creature Baits in the shallows. Redfish are fair on live plastics. Sand trout, whiting and redfish are fair to crankbaits in stained waters in Gobbler Creek - Spawn Black bass are good on watermelon and bait. Tilapia are picking up. good on fresh dead shrimp. watermelon/red soft plastics, and on spinnerbaits and CHOKE CANYON: Water stained; 73 degrees; 4.12’ is ongoing. Crappie are good on minnows and jigs. crankbaits. White bass are slow. Crappie are good on low. Black bass are very good on chartreuse shad FORK: Water stained in the pockets; 66-72 degrees; 1?oz. Revenge spinnerbaits along grass edges in 2 - FREEPORT: Trout are fair to good on live shrimp from live minnows and pink/white crappie jigs. Channel cat- ARROWHEAD: Water lightly stained; 73 degrees; 26’ 2.4’ low. Black bass are fair on watermelon seed 8 feet early, and later on watermelon seed YUM the Old River. Redfish and sheepshead are fair to good fish are very good on shad, chicken livers, and low. Black bass are fair and improving on crankbaits Carolina-rigged super flukes fished along main lake Sooies, watermelon seed Norman DD12’s, and char- in Oyster Creek on fresh dead shrimp. Redfish are fair stinkbait. Blue catfish are excellent on large cut giz- and soft plastics in back of creeks and coves. Crappie grass and pockets in 5-8 feet, and on watermelon red treuse/black Lucky Craft CB-D20’s tight to timber in to good at San Luis Pass on shrimp and crabs. zard shad, dead shad, and nightcrawlers in swift water are fair on minnows and jigs in the reeds at State wacky rigged worms in the back 1/3 of pockets. 10 - 15 feet. White bass are fair on live minnows and upriver near the powerhouse. Yellow catfish are slow. Park, and Henrietta, Deer Creek and Post Oak bridges. Crappie are good on small jigs - starting to show up in vertically jigging C.C. spoons. Crappie are good on White bass are good on shad-imitation baits on shallow EAST MATAGORDA: Trout are fair to good on the 10 feet in the creeks. Catfish are good on prepared pink Fle-Fly jigs tipped with live minnows over brush- points and schooling on flats. Blue catfish are good on shorelines on red shad and pepper/chartreuse Bass FAYETTE: Water murky; 81 degrees. Black bass to 5 baits in 15 feet. piles and standing timber in 4 - 12 feet. Channel and shad, punch bait and juglines suspended 2 feet off Assassins, Trout Killers and Norton Sand Eels. Redfish pounds are good on chrome/blue and chrome/black blue catfish are very good on Lewis King punchbait, bottom in upper part of lake. are good along protected shorelines on live shrimp. spinnerbaits, Rat-L-Traps, Pop-R’s, and Zara Spooks in perch, cut shad, and shad gizzards in 8 - 15 feet. GRAPEVINE: Water lightly stained; 68-74 degrees; Trout are good while drifting shell on live shrimp. 2 – 6 feet, and on Carolina rigs and watermelon/red Yellow catfish are good on trotlines and juglines bait- 5.9’ low. Black bass are fair to good on Texas- or and watermelon/black Senkos in 16 – 20 feet on ed with hybrid bluegills and jumbo minnows in 15 - COLORADO CITY: Water clear; 70 degrees; 2.45’ low. Carolina-rigged soft plastics, Rat-L-Traps and humps and ridges. Channel and blue catfish are slow. 25 feet. Black bass are slow. Crappie are fair on minnows and MATAGORDA: Trout and redfish are fair to good on the crankbaits in 2 – 6 feet (also on a Dan Beard drop jigs. White bass are fair on live bait and jerkbaits. south shoreline of West Bay on pepper/chartreuse, shot). Crappie are fair to good on minnows and jigs pumpkinseed/chartreuse and red shad Bass Assassins, GRANBURY: Water murky; 0.35’ low. Black bass are Catfish are fair on live baits. over brushpiles. White bass are fair on slabs and COLETO CREEK: Water clear; 80 degrees (86 degrees Trout Killers and Norton Sand Eels. Redfish are good fair on chrome/black and chartreuse spinnerbaits, Humdingers. Catfish are fair on nightcrawlers. at hot water discharge); 3.31’ low. Black bass to 5 crankbaits, and Rat-L-Traps. Striped bass are fair on on topwaters and live shrimp under a popping cork in pounds are good on white soft plastics and plum grubs FT. PHANTOM HILL: Water clear; 69 degrees; 6.72’ Oyster Lake. Best bite has been in the afternoon on silver spoons and striper jigs. White bass are good on in weed beds in 6 – 8 feet. Striped bass are slow. low. Black bass are slow. Crappie are fair on minnows JOE POOL: Water fairly clear; 68-72 degrees; 0.2’ the incoming tide. yellow/white spinnerbaits and shallow diving White bass to 1 pound are fair on jigs in 10 – 12 feet. and jigs. White bass are fair on live bait. Catfish are high. Black bass are fair on crankbaits, chartreuse crankbaits. Crappie are fair on minnows. Catfish are Crappie to 1 pound are fair on minnows in 10 – 12 fair on prepared baits. spinnerbaits and junebug Texas rigged lizards in 4–8 fair on stinkbait, shrimp, and liver. feet. Channel and blue catfish to 2 pounds are fair on PORT O’CONNOR: Trout and redfish are fair to good feet. Crappie are fair on minnows and jigs. White bass perch, liver, and nightcrawlers in 6 – 10 feet. Yellow around the Grass Island on live shrimp under a pop- are fair on minnows and Humdingers. Catfish are fair HUBBARD CREEK: Water lightly stained; 67 degrees; GRANGER: Water clear; 74 degrees; 0.22’ low. Black catfish to 4 pounds are fair on perch in 6 – 12 feet. ping cork. Trout are good around South Pass on elec- on prepared baits. 10.54’ low. Black bass are fair on live bait and water- tric blue/chartreuse and roach/chartreuse Hogies, Bass bass are slow. White bass are slow. Crappie are good FALCON: Water stained; 78 degrees. Black bass are melon red or green pumpkin tubes fished tight to Assassins, Trout Killers and Sand Eels. on jigs in 3 - 15 feet. Blue catfish are good on shad very good on watermelon and white buzzbaits and mid cover. Crappie are fair on jigs and minnows. White LAKE O’ THE PINES: Water stained; 67-72 degrees; and prepared baits. Yellow catfish are very good on to deep running crankbaits, and on yellow/white soft bass and hybrid striper are good on live bait . Catfish 1.57’ low. Black bass are fair on Senkos, Texas rigged trotlines baited with live perch. plastics. Striped bass are slow. Crappie are slow. are fair on minnows and cut shad. ROCKPORT: Trout and redfish are fair to good on live soft plastics and crankbaits. Crappie are fair to good Channel and blue catfish are good on stinkbait, cut- shrimp in the holes on the Estes Flats. Trout and red- on minnows and jigs. Catfish are good on cut shad and bait, and frozen shrimp. Yellow catfish are slow. LBJ: Water clear; 72 degrees; 0.10’ low. Black bass fish are fair to good on the protected shorelines of nightcrawlers. Mexican fishing licenses and boat permits are required NASWORTHY: Water lightly stained; 68 degrees. Black are good on watermelon red twitch baits, wacky rigged Aransas Bay and St. Charles Bay on Corkies and soft to fish in Mexican waters. Everyone in the boat must bass are fair on live bait. Crappie are fair on minnows plastics. green pumpkin Whacky Sticks, and chartreuse/purple and jigs. Redfish are fair. White bass and striped bass LAVON: Water stained; 68-71 degrees; 7.74’ low. have a Mexico Fishing License whether fishing or not. back crankbaits early and all day under cloud cover in are good on cut shad and minnows. Catfish are fair on Black bass are fair on red shad lizards, green pump- MEDINA: Water stained; 72 degrees; 16.41’ low. 6 - 12 feet. Striped bass are good on Spoiler Shads minnows. PORT ARANSAS: Redfish are fair at Shamrock Cove Black bass to 4 pounds are good on shad 3/8oz. and inline spinnerbaits at night. White bass are very kin/red Sweet Beavers and crankbaits in 2-6 feet. on live shrimp. Large gafftop and black drum are fair Revenge spinnerbaits and red ear Norman Little N’s good on 1?” natural Spoiler Shads and crappie jigs at Crappie are fair to good on minnows and Crappie to good from the piers at night on fresh dead shrimp. night. Crappie are good on minnows and crappie jigs Thunder jigs. Catfish are fair on prepared bait and cut across main lake points and coves in 2 - 15 feet early, OAK CREEK: Water lightly stained; 69 degrees; 19.4’ at night under lights. Channel catfish are good on trot- shad. and later on Shakyheads rigged with watermelon seed low. Black bass are fair. Crappie are fair on minnows lines baited with minnows and crawfish. Yellow and YUM Houdini Worms and black neon/silver YUM and jigs. Catfish are good on minnows and chicken CORPUS CHRISTI: Sand trout, whiting and black blue catfish to 16 pounds are good on live bait. Dingers in 4 - 10 feet. Striped bass are fair vertical- liver. No boat ramps open. 4x4 vehicles can unload on drum are fair to good off the piers and around the LEWISVILLE: Water stained; 68-73 degrees; 6.49’ ly jigging chrome/blue Fle-Fly slabs in 15 - 30 feet. dirt road near the dam. rocks on live shrimp. Redfish are fair to good in low. Black bass are good on Carolina-rigged soft plas- White bass are slow. Crappie are good on live min- Emmords Hole on live shrimp. tics, crawfish pattern shallow diving crankbaits and NAVARRO MILLS: Water murky; 4.37’ low. Black bass nows and chartreuse 1/32oz. Road Runners around orange/orange spinnerbaits in 2–6 feet. Hybrid striper OH. IVIE: Water lightly stained; 70 degrees; 17.5’ low. are slow. White bass are slow. Crappie are excellent on brushpiles and standing timber at night under lights and white bass are good on Humdingers and slabs on Black bass are good on live bait, and white spinner- BAFFIN BAY: Trout and black drum are fair to good in minnows and jigs. Channel and blue catfish are slow. in 10 - 25 feet. Channel and blue catfish to 6 the main lake and around the old Lake Dallas dam. baits and crankbaits. Crappie are good on minnows the Land Cut on live shrimp under a popping cork. Yellow catfish are slow. pounds are very good on Lewis King punchbait, Crappie are good on minnows and jigs in 6 feet. and jigs. White bass are fair on slabs tipped with min- Trout and redfish are fair to good for waders on the hybrid bluegills, and cut shad. Yellow catfish to 20 nows. Smallmouth bass are good on small white/black King Ranch shoreline on live shrimp. Trout are good at pounds are good on juglines baited with perch and PROCTOR: Water fairly clear; 65 degrees; 4.83’ low. crankbaits. Channel catfish are good on live baits. Rocky Slough on topwaters. Black bass are excellent on chartreuse, yellow, white, PALESTINE: Water fairly clear; 68-72 degrees; 1.57’ goldfish. and pink spinnerbaits, crankbaits, soft plastics, and low. Black bass are fair to good on lizards, Senkos and Rat-L-Traps. Striped bass are excellent on striper jigs, jigs in the shallows. Crappie are fair on minnows and SOUTHEAST POSSUM KINGDOM: Water clear; 75 degrees; 4.6’ PORT MANSFIELD: Trout and flounder are fair to good slabs, spoons, and live bait. White bass are excellent jigs in 4 – 10 feet. Catfish are fair on trotlines with cut low. Black bass are fair on Senkos, spinnerbaits and on the grass near the Intracoastal on live shrimp and on minnows, crankbaits, spinnerbaits, and Rat-L-Traps. shad. Hybrid striper and white bass are fair on chrome crankbaits in the shallows lake wide. White bass are black plastics. Sheepshead, whiting and sand trout are Crappie are excellent on minnows and tube jigs. Rat-L-Traps, shad and slabs. CONROE: Water fairly clear; 3.47’ low. Black bass are good in and around river. Striped bass are fair at night good at the jetty on shrimp. Wahoo, dolphin, kingfish Channel and blue catfish are excellent on frozen fair on watermelon/white spinnerbaits and crankbaits, near lighted piers. Blue and channel catfish are fair on and snapper are good offshore. shrimp, shad, liver, nightcrawlers, and minnows. Yellow and on chartreuse soft plastics. Striped bass are slow. set lines baited with shad in the upper part of reser- RAY HUBBARD: Water fairly clear; 67-71 degrees; catfish are good on live bait. Crappie are fair on minnows and pink/blue tube jigs. voir. 0.04’ low. Black bass are fair on flukes, jigs and spin- SOUTH PADRE: Trout and redfish are fair to good in Catfish are fair on stinkbait, liver, and frozen shrimp. nerbaits in 2-6 feet. Crappie are slow to fair on min- South Bay and the Ship Channel on live shrimp and SOMERVILLE: Water lightly stained; 2.19’ low. Black nows and jigs in the marinas and around bridge SPENCE: Water lightly stained; 68 degrees; 50.55’ red shad Trout Killers, Sand Eels, Stanley Wedgetails bass are slow. Hybrid striper are slow. White bass are columns. White bass are good on slabs and GIBBONS CREEK: Water fairly clear. Black bass are low. Black bass are fair on live baits. Crappie are fair and Bass Assassins. Trout are good on topwaters at good on shad. Crappie are good on minnows. Channel Humdingers. Catfish are fair on prepared baits. good on watermelon and white spinnerbaits, on jigs and minnows. White bass are fair on minnows. Holly Beach. Mangrove snapper and black drum are and blue catfish are good on minnows. Yellow catfish crankbaits, and Rat-L-Traps. Crappie are fair on min- Striped bass and hybrid striper are fair on minnows good in the Ship Channel on shrimp. are slow. nows. Catfish are good on stinkbait, shrimp, and live and chrome/black crankbaits. Catfish are fair on cut RAY ROBERTS: Water clear; 67-71 degrees; 3.22’ low. perch. shad. Black bass are good on a variety of baits - warm nights PORT ISABEL: Trout are good at Un-Necessary Island STILLHOUSE: Water clear; 76 degrees; 0.56’ high. have triggered a new wave of spawners. Black YUM on live bait. Redfish are good on live shrimp at Airport Black bass are good on medium minnows. White bass lizards and green Houdini shad are producing around HOUSTON COUNTY: Water stained; 72 degrees; 0.52’ STAMFORD: Water lightly stained; 69 degrees; Black Cove. Trout, redfish and black drum are fair to good at are excellent on slabs, spoons, spinnerbaits, beds, white Booyah spinnerbaits are good for active high. Black bass are excellent on June bug Bass bass are fair on live bait and small shad-colored the Gas-Well Flats on live shrimp and black Trout crankbaits, and soft plastics. Smallmouth bass are fish and red Xcalibur rattle baits are picking up fish on Assassins near the marina. Crappie are excellent on crankbaits. Crappie are fair on red/white jigs and min- Killers, Sand Eels and Bass Assassins. April 28, 2006 Page 19 ADVENTURE Port Isabel: An angler’s paradise By Ray Hoese If You Go:

The wind was blowing a springtime gale, but Getting there: Accessible by U.S. Highways my cousins and I would brave whatever Mother 77 and 281, the Lower Rio Grande Valley is a Nature wanted to throw at us for a quick fishing tropical paradise. From Dallas it’s 530 miles, adventure at Port Isabel. 365 from Austin and 340 from Houston. We left on a Tuesday morning from Rockport Southwest and Continental Airlines serve and were in Port Isabel by noon. First stop was to Valley International Airport and Continental, The Fly Shop for a visit with local angler Larry Northwest and Delta fly into Haines. Haines is a wonderful artist and his Brownsville/South Padre International. favorite subjects are our favorite subjects — Lodging: Midweek rates for hotels on South specks, reds, snook and tarpon. Besides offering Padre Island are very reasonable in the off- beautiful wildlife paintings and hand-tied flies, season. Try $44 at La Quinta for a large room Haines is generous with his knowledge of the with two double beds in a name-brand hotel. area and the latest fishing info. Guides: For guides in the area, visit the Port Haines confirmed what my cousins already Isabel/South Padre Island Fishing Guides knew first hand — the ship channel was full of Association at http://www.fishspi. com/. snook (our main quarry) as well as most of the CHANNEL CAST: A variety of saltwater fish can be fill the ship channel at Port Isabel. Although not the other saltwater game fish you can name. prettiest place, the ship channel is one the best places to fish. But incredible fishing isn’t the only thing that trophy-sized skipjack. Delicious gray snapper Port Isabel offers. If your wife and kids decide to round. The catch includes jacks, snapper, drum, short and back he went. took our live shrimp and soft plastics with equal come along, they can check out the beaches, redfish, speckled trout and, of course, the elu- The quest for snook took us over to the dock enthusiasm. South Padre’s Schlitterbahn water park or the sive snook. Only accessible by boat, security at area — the jackpot of snook fishing where the As the sun went down on us, we just kept reel- world-class Gladys Porter Zoo in Brownsville. the port has remained on high since 9-11. A beasts range up to 40 inches. Sure enough, the ing them in — for hours. They can also have fun shopping for handicrafts guard walked over when we got too close to the big ones were there and easy to spot, but impos- Exhaustion set in by 10 p.m. Weary, but in “south Brownsville,” otherwise known as dock. He politely cautioned that we could fish sible to catch. We could only stare like kids with happy, we decided to save some energy for the Matamoras, Mexico. here, but tying up was not allowed. our noses pressed up to the fish tank. Try as we next day. It proved a repeat of the day before — a Birders can visit the World Birding Center to We were on the water by 2:30 p.m. and fish- might, these giants weren’t coming out for us. nice snook, then a 23-inch speckled trout, then see neo-tropical varieties like the green jay. Keep ing the south shore of the port. Within min- Luckily, everything else was. some skipjack … and then it was time to go an eye out in for the indigenous red-crowned utes, I got a hookup that felt like a redfish, but a The action just a few feet off the pilings was home. parrots and green parakeets. lot feistier. My cousin Aaron Reed, of Austin, world class. It was a lot like being out in the Gulf For us, there wasn’t anything more com- immediately pronounced it a snook. I was skep- — with crystal clear water and an abundance of Ray Hoese, besides being an avid angler, equestrian, pelling than the ship channel. Few other areas tical, but he was right and a few minutes later, I gray snapper and jack crevalle — right next to and certified SCUBA diver, has written for network boast such diversity. The channel really is a cor- boated the first snook of my career. It really was the specks, reds and snook. Jacks in the 20- to television and penned a children’s book. Contact nucopia of saltwater species that’s available year an impressive fight. The fish was a few inches 25-inch class would interrupt the bite from the Ray at [email protected].

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