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For Hunters . . . For Anglers . . . Freshwater Saltwater 16 Just Shooting 14 Just Fishing 10 Shallow to Deep- Upper coast an- —Kerry O’Day —MattWilliams glers start their day early in the Good Bullets for Long Range Maintaining Hook Condition for shallows and then follow the fish Shooting Fishing Success out to deeper waters as conditions 32 Micromanagement: Whitetail 20 From the Back Deck- Fishing as and fishing heats up. Habitat- Small targeted areas must a co-angler a good way to reel in —Nate Skinner be carefully selected based on tournament experience. the deer’s use of the land. —Matt Williams —Bob Zaiglin

18 Saltwater Journal —Mark Sosin 46 Swine-Tingling Close Encoun- Pulling Plugs ters- With stick and string, or a CoastWatch – Danno Wise pistol, hunters can experience thrill- 24 Upper Forecast ing, intimate hunts for wild hogs. 30 Just Fishing 26 Louisiana Forecast —Nate Skinner —Brian Hughes Water, Water Everywhere 50 Lower Forecast 52 Middle Forecast Lake Roundups — Pros Forecasts 36 East – Matt Williams 40 Bonus Month of Summer- 38 North – Brian Hughes A special occurrence when anglers 44 Central – John Jefferson seemingly get an additional month 62 South - Danno Wise of summer-like fishing conditions. 54 Guns N Stuff 64 West – TOJ Staff —Danno Wise —Harold Gunn 64 High Plains – TOJ Staff 56 Fishing Live Bait- Feisty bait op- Brushytails Forever! 68 Tackle Tips & Techniques tions and rigs for catching reds, —Danno Wise trout and flounder. —Robert Sloan

NMLS493828 70 Field Tips & Techniques— Fishing for Summertime Catfish Bill L. Olson & Danno Wise Three Rifles for Summertime Capital Farm Credit borrowers are more than just customers. They are also Practice WE RETURN members and part owners who share in our lending cooperative’s success. This year we are returning $56.7 million of our 2015 earnings to members in For Everyone . . . On the Cover . . . PROFITS TO YOU. cash, significantly reducing the average customer’s borrowing costs. Join a lender who pays you back. 4 Editor’s Insight – Bill L. Olson CapitalFarmCredit.com | 877.944.5500 “ ” 6 TOJ Notebook – TOJ Staff Frenzy 66 Tackle Tips & Techniques 60 TPWD Update – TOJ Staff For more information on “Frenzy” and 67, 69, 71 Guides, Gear & Getaways other available art by Randy McGov- —Danno Wise Bait & Lure Suggestions for Coastal 72 Outdoors Calendar ern please visit www.mcgovernwildlife. com, call (770)-424-0450 or email Gamefish 74 Fishing & Hunting Times [email protected]. 75 Subscription Information

may 2016 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal 3 Editor’s Insight Bill L. Olson

TRANSITION, TRADITION & TRANQUILITY “Texas’ Most Comprehensive In the outdoor world there are plenty of times of the year when sharing places and Outdoors Publication” spaces with others is in order. Passing on these traditions with young and old family Publisher/Editor members, as well as friends is certainly encouraged. Bill L. Olson However, the sharing with others that sometimes adds a bit of stress to our time afield or afloat is when other like-minded hunters and anglers are trying to do the same thing. Administrative Assistant Texas population is doubling about every 30 years so yes there are more and more that Adala Ruhge want to enjoy what we partake. Contributing Outdoors Editors Texans being the friendly type sometimes share with a smile on our face that hides Harold Gunn the potentially frustrating thought, “if I share my spot how many others are going to find Brian Hughes Mike Holmes out about it?” Or having to give of one’s self, when what we really want is to be a little John Jefferson selfish and either just have some me time, or me time with someone special. Kerry O’Day We all know what is about to happen again. Next month schools will be out, vacations Bill L. Olson, Jr. planned and taken. Plus there will be those from distant places that have heard how great Nate Skinner Texas is and want to see for themselves. Our elbow room is going to become a little less. Robert Sloan Mark Sosin However, let’s not cross bridges until we reach them. There is May. Matt Williams Situated after the youthful mayhem of Spring Break, and right before summertime Danno Wise there is a month that is called a period of transition. Many believe the transition during Whitetail Deer Editor the month of May simply relates to changes in game movement — terrestrial as well as Bob Zaiglin aquatic going through a seasonal change. The weather is transitioning toward those warmer months that build into the sweltering dog days of summer, right before another Art/Production Editor Sunni Gonzales transition occurs. While numbers of anglers heading to area lakes or coastal haunts increase with each day, they have not reached summer proportions. There are weekday mornings and even Advertising Sales weekend afternoons when special waters are all our own. 713/957-3997, 713/957-3996 (fax) Then there is a tradition in May that is almost overlooked by the “hurry up to harvest Subscription Information the big one” ranks of hunters. That is the spring squirrel season in East Texas. It is how Call 1-800-222-4TOJ (4865); In Houston, many, that have accumulated a few years, started hunting. It is the perfect way to spend 713/957-3997 to charge your subscription by time with like-minded friends or introduce another generation to woodsmanship and phone. Subscription prices: one year $18.95, skills many never learned. two years $29.95, three years $39.95. Mail It’s a time to slow down and be enveloped by the sights and sounds of some hardwood inquiries/changes of address to: creek bottom. It’s hunting for game for the table, while seeing, smelling, and feeling what TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal is going on as a hunter stealthly slips through the woods and periodically takes a stand 1706 West Sam Houston Parkway North from where to just watch and observe. When we are the most quiet, in that tranquil state Houston, Texas 77043 of not having to be any place on any time schedule, is when a bushytail might scurry from one tree to another, or forage amongst last year’s leaves on the ground. TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal (ISSN 1082-5940) is a pub- There are not many that still hunt small game so the woods, for the most part, belong lication of Texas Outdoors Journal, Inc. Editorial and advertising offices are located at 1706 West Sam Houston to those that do. The reward may be a mess of squirrel to clean and cook. There could Parkway North, Houston TX 77043. Phone (713) 957-3997. be a bonus of observing a coyote or fox making a living from those same grounds. It Fax (713) 957-3996. E-MAIL ADDRESS: [email protected] could be spotting a number of four-legged interlopers as a sounder of wild hogs seek a TOJ Online: www.texasoutdoorsjournal.com cooler place or root and disturb these ground. TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal is published monthly. Photo- graphs and manuscripts for publication consideration are All of this awaits anyone that takes advantage of the transition, tradition and welcomed, but the publisher assumes no responsibility tranquility of May. for such material while in transit or in the office of the Until next month: Pursue all of your outdoor activities in a safe and ethical manner. publication. Copyright 2016 with all rights reserved. Reproduction or use of editorial or graphic content in any manner without permission is prohibited. Views expressed by TEXAS OUT- DOORS Journal contributors do not necessarily express the views of Texas Outdoors Journal, Inc. Publication of CAUTION: All technical data in this publication, especially for handloading, reflect the limited experience of individuals using specific advertising in TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal does not con- tools, products, equipment and components under specific conditions and circumstances not necessarily reported in the article and over which Texas Outdoors Journal has no control. The data have not otherwise been tested or verified by Texas Outdoors Journal. Texas stitute endorsement of products or services advertised. Outdoors Journal, its agents, officers and employees accept no responsibility for the results obtained by persons using such data and Volume 25, Number 5 disclaim all liability for any consequential injuries or damages.

4 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal may 2016

TOJ Notebook

27th Annual CCA State of Texas Anglers’ Rodeo Texas coastal anglers know that Me- into the ice chest. Nick and his buddy up a loaded Ford F-150 “Texas Edition” morial Day is almost here and also know fished a little longer, then decided they XLT SuperCab, pulling a brand new it will soon be time for 27th Annual better count to make sure they weren’t 23’ Haynie Big Foot boat rigged with a CCA Texas State of Texas Anglers’ Rodeo over their limit. As soon as Nick picked Mercury 150L Pro XS OptiMax motor sponsored by the Texas Ford Dealers, up the last fish, he saw it… 2015 CCA and Coastline trailer prize package at Tilson Home Corporation and Capital Texas S.T.A.R. TAG #TA69. Then Farm Credit! This year’s event begins at the weirdest feeling of extreme sunrise on Saturday, May 28 and ends on joy, on top of deep sorrow came Labor Day, September 5 at 5 p.m. Oer over him as he knew he was not $1,000,000 in prizes and scholarships signed up for the tournament. are available. However, before you go The bait shop where Nick fishing, be sure and register first. Don’t usually launches offered instant even think about wetting a line without S.T.A.R. registration, but since your S.T.A.R. Fishing Insurance. they didn’t have live shrimp that For those anglers who forget or morning, Nick went to another procrastinate and think “it will never one down the road that had live happen to them or their kids”, here’s a shrimp. story from Elgin resident, Nick Elliott That was probably the big- that should convince you to get your gest mistake of the weekend and 2016 CCA Texas STAR fishing insurance everyone at the cleaning table let before wetting a line. Nick know it. Even the game war- On the morning of June 13, 2015, den felt bad for him. Nick plans Elgin resident, Nick Elliott last year caught a Nick Elliott decided to run out and fish to mount his tagged red fish as a redfish with 2015 CCA Texas S.T.A.R. TAG #TA69. the Port O’Connor jetty wall. The last reminder to sign up every year Unfortunately Elliott was not entered in the S.T.A.R. red Elliott caught to meet his limit was a before going fishing. Tournament and not eligible to claim a package healthy 23 inches that immediately went Sadly, Nick did not get to pick including a new Ford F-150, boat, motor and trailer.

Cover Art

Some consider May to be a month in transitional along the Texas coast. Others simply believe it is a time when fishing gets good and the prospects of success only increases as the month heads toward summer. Popular wildlife and sporting artist Randy McGovern’s “Frenzy” captures a scene countless numbers of coastal anglers anticipate each year — birds working over feeding speckled trout. An abundance of rain in 2015 and even more this spring should result in a good shrimp hatch. The number one forage bait for speckled trout in spring is shrimp. Feeding specks push shrimp to the surface and sea gulls or other birds give away the presence of this activity. Armed with live bait or lures it is time for anglers to chase birds and catch fish. For more information on “Frenzy” and other available art by Randy McGovern please visit www.mcgovernwildlife. com, call (770)-424-0450 or email randy@mcgovernwildlife.com. “Frenzy”

6 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal may 2016 October 2015 CCA Texas STAR Award blue water anglers who land the heavi- catch the largest flounder, sheepshead Ceremony. CCA Texas extends their est kingfish, dorado and ling (cobia) in or gafftop, as well as, the largest speckled sincere condolences to Nick. Better luck the Offshore Division will each win the trout in each of the three Texas Coast in 2016. awesome Polaris Ranger Crew 570 EPS regions (north, central and south) Keeper-sized prizes can be claimed UVs in Polaris Pursuit Camo each with will each be awarded a $25,000 college by STAR anglers who bring in the first a Big Tex 35sa Trailer. In the Inshore scholarship. 10 tagged redfish. The first five winners Division, the Shoalwater 19’ Cat boat In addition to these nine scholarship will drive home in a 2016 loaded Ford with a Mercury 115 ELPT 4S motor and offerings, participants ages 6-17 years F-150 “Texas Edition” XLT SuperCab, McClain trailer will also be given to the old in 2016, are eligible for a bonus pulling a brand new 23’ Haynie BigFoot anglers for netting the biggest flounder, drawing that has also been increased. boat rigged with a Mercury 150L Pro XS gafftop and sheepshead. This special drawing will now net one OptiMax motor and Coastline trailer. The S.T.A.R. Scholarship Divisions lucky youth a $25,000 college scholar- The next five tagged redfish winners will were implemented 21 years ago in the ship even if the participant never wets each claim a 23’ Haynie BigFoot boat hopes of luring more youth to the sport a line or enters a single fish during the with a Mercury 150L Pro XS OptiMax of fishing by offering a total of 10 college entire tournament. motor and Coastline trailers. scholarships in $20,000 and $50,000 Anglers under 18 years are not just Last year 10 tagged redfish were increments. To date, a total of 175 re- limited to participate and win in the caught, but only five anglers claimed cipients have been awarded a grand total scholarship divisions. They are eligible prizes. The others, unfortunately, of $5,525,000 in college scholarships. to participate in the other divisions and were not registered for the CCA Texas This year S.T.A.R. participants, ages win great prizes offered by CCA Texas S.T.A.R. 6-10, who catch the largest flounder, STAR tournament, as well. Other fish can net big rewards in the sheepshead or gafftop will again each be Visit www.ccamembership.org to tournament. S.T.A.R. contestants who awarded a $50,000 college scholarship. sign up today. For more information, catch the largest speckled trout in the For participants 11-17 years of age, including a list of weigh-in stations, north, central and southern regions of some very exciting news this year. The instant-entry registration locations the Texas Coast will each take home the scholarships in these divisions have been in your area and weekly leader board Mowdy 22’ V boat with a Suzuki DF150 increased from $20,000 to $25,000. The updates, go to www.startournament. motor and Coastline trailer. S.T.A.R. participants 11-17 years of age, who org.

may 2016 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal 7 Texas Volunteer Earns “He exemplifies the NWTF’s mission of Partners Continue Mule Deer Conservation Award conservation and the preservation of Restoration Effort in the Big Bend Robert Linder of Marble Falls, Texas, our hunting heritage.” In a continued effort to boost a has been an ambassador for the Na- Currently, Linder is serving as the struggling mule deer population in tional Wild Turkey Federation for more political liaison for the Texas state parts of the Big Bend region of far West than 25 years. His dedication to con- chapter’s board of directors. He also Texas, 75 female mule deer were recently servation and preserving our hunting is the chairman of the Texas Outdoor relocated from Elephant Mountain heritage earned him a national award. Partners, a coalition of fish and wildlife Wildlife Management Area and two Linder accepted one of the five Roger organizations dedicated to conserve private ranches in Brewster County to M. Latham Sportsman Wild Turkey Ser- and enhance habitat and preserve our the Black Gap Wildlife WMA and adja- vice Awards at the 40th annual NWTF outdoor way a life. cent El Carmen Land & Conservation Convention and Sport Show held in The NWTF Save the Habitat. Save Company (ECLCC) – CEMEX USA and mid-February in Nashville Tennessee. the Hunt. initiative is a charge that mo- Cuenca Los Ojos property. “I am humbled by this award and bilizes science, fundraising and devoted Partners involved in this important still in disbelief. I volunteer for the volunteers to give the NWTF more project include the Texas Parks and NWTF because I believe in the mission energy and purpose than ever. Wildlife Department ECLCC, Border- – creating and restoring habitat for Through this national initiative, lands Research Institute at Sul Ross the wild turkey and recruiting more NWTF has committed to raising $1.2 State University, U.S. Department of hunters,” Linder said. “I also believe that billion to conserve or enhance more Agriculture-Wildlife Services, Mule through teaching young people how to than 4 million acres of essential upland Deer Foundation, Houston Safari Club, turkey call, we are making better turkey wildlife habitat, create at least 1.5 mil- and private landowners. hunters and also making the world a lion hunters and open access to 500,000 The mule deer population within better place.” acres for hunting, shooting and outdoor Black Gap WMA and the surrounding Roger M. Latham Sportsman Wild enjoyment. area has struggled to rebound from the Turkey Service Awards are given to Without hunters, there will be no drought of the late 1990s and other NWTF members who are not employed wildlife or habitat. The NWTF is de- probable factors. as professional wildlife managers, but termined to Save the Habitat. Save the Objectives of the project are to have made significant contributions Hunt. increase the mule deer population to wild turkey conser- within the BGWMA and ECLCC vation. property long-term, evaluate success The NWTF deter- of restoration effort, monitor mortal- mined this year’s award ity and causes that affect survivability winners based on how and population growth, and document their work strengthens movements and home ranges in relation the Save the Habitat - to release sites and habitat components. Save the Hunt initiative. The ECLCC property joins TPWD’s Linder was instrumen- Black Gap WMA to comprise 135,000 tal in the creation and contiguous acres dedicated to wildlife success of the Houston and habitat conservation. This diverse NWTF chapter, where site of Chihuahuan desert scrub and he served for 17 years desert grasslands climbs from the Rio as president. Grande River to the Sierra del Carmen Linder’s work with Mountain Range. the NWTF led to a pas- Surplus mule deer availability was sion for the sport of identified at Elephant Mountain WMA turkey calling. He or- and two private ranches in Brewster ganized the first Texas County when population surveys were State Turkey Calling conducted last fall. The landowners’ Championship and also participation and cooperation were es- has worked for the past sential in translocating mule deer from six years as a judge and the private ranches to the project area. emcee for the NWTF Source properties will also benefit from Grand National Calling the removal of deer. Championships. TPWD and its partners plan to “Robert has made Robert Linder of Marble Falls was presented one of the five Roger translocate an additional 100 mule deer a tremendous impact M. Latham Sportsman Wild Turkey Service Awards at the 40th to the Black Gap WMA/ECLCC area in in his community and annual National Wild Turkey Federation Convention and Sport 2017, and will continue to monitor their state,” said George Show held in mid-February in Nashville Tennessee. The Award movements, habitat utilization, survival, Thornton, NWTF CEO. recognized Linder’s 25 years of service to NWTF. and causes of mortality.

8 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal may 2016 CONSERVATION. EDUCATION. HUNTERS’ ADVOCACY. JOIN TODAY

Upper coast anglers start their day early in the shallows and then follow the fish out to deeper waters as conditions and fishing heats up.

Story and photography by Nate Skinner

10 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal may 2016 t felt good to get wet. My waders were hung up for the year and the Ipredawn plunge into the salt was a refreshing dip amidst the warm southerly breeze. Mullet and glass minnows darted in every direction as I launched a floating plug downwind. The plastic offering walked back and forth across the wavelets, maybe making it about 10 yards or so before being crushed in a fury of teeth, scales, and fins. There was no mistaking the sound. I couldn’t help but replay the noise of the trout slurping the bait in my head as I brought the fish to hand. With the first rays of sunlight piercing the horizon and the brine lapping at my kneecaps, I was soaking in the shallow scene. This moment was truly fleeting as the rising sun brought increasing temperatures that would soon drive these fish to deeper water. My approach would have to change in a matter hours. A short boat ride out to the middle of the bay would then be the answer. It seems this spring will transition into summer more quickly than normal. After a mild winter and strong warming trends during the last few weeks of spring, it won’t be long before anglers will find fish along the upper coast slipping into Anglers wading the shallows early and right at sunrise can have great results. their summer pattern. In the wide open bay waters from Matagorda to Sabine can plan a trip that will combine several cooler deeper waters as temperatures rise this usually means one thing — it’s time tactics and a variety of bait presentations, with the sun. With recent spring rains to go deep. as they follow the fish from shallow to optimum shallow areas will be located Fortunately, the fifth month of the year deep water. at the lower end of upper coast bays and will offer those desiring a little variety in The concept is fairly simple — fish furthest from freshwater run off sources. their angling life the chance to make a will be found aggressively feeding and As fish move towards deeper waters day on the water an exciting chase. With cruising flats, shorelines and shallow areas they will likely be found holding near a summer transition taking place, anglers early in the morning before retreating to structure on the bottom, especially in areas that have received ample amounts of freshwater runoff. Saltwater is more dense than freshwater and this difference will create a layering within the water column of open bays. The fish will be found in the lower third of the water column where the saltiest water is located. In West Matagorda Bay, anglers should focus their early morning efforts on the grass beds located around Cotton’s Bayou, the Middle Grounds, and Green’s Bayou. I’ve wade fished this area with veteran Matagorda guide, Captain Tommy Countz, and experienced some of the best topwater action in my life. These grass beds are holding a ton of fish right now, plus they make for an easy wade as the grass feels like a spongy carpet The Unfair Lures selection of hard baits work great in shallow water applications. underneath a pair of wading boots and may 2016 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal 11 to Hanna’s Reef and all the secondary mid bay reefs to the east of Hanna’s where tons of fish will move to as water temperatures begin to warm. I’ve caught many trout focusing on the southeastern end of Hanna Reef out in front of Pepper Grove Cove with Captain Billy Penick of Gypsy Guide Service after spending the first few hours of the day fishing the shoreline. The lower end of West Galveston Bay has been less affected by spring rains and freshwater run off and this is where Captain Ryan Battistoni says he will be focusing his efforts this month. “I’ll catch a lot of fish in the coves and along the south shoreline from Maggie’s all the way to the pass early in the mornings. Later in the day I like to move out to deeper water and drift around Shell Island and out in front of Bird Island Brad Olinick with a heavy trout caught right on the bottom over shell in East Galveston Bay. Cove. A lot of times birds will be working over shrimp in this open water by mid day the surrounding bars and guts offer a firm “Most of Trinity is not fishable due during the month of May,” Battistoni said. platform for anglers to walk on. to spring rains and this means the south The southern end of the Lousiana Once the action lulls on the grass shoreline and the middle of East Bay are Shoreline is the best location for anglers beds, anglers can jump in their boat and the places to be,” he explains. fishing Sabine Lake to find concentrations shoot straight across West Matagorda The stretch of shoreline from Siever’s of fish, as the northern half of the lake Bay to the north and drift Half Moon Cove and on back towards the Pig Pen has been plagued with freshwater runoff. Reef. A 52 acre artificial expansion of will be holding a lot of fish early in the The clamshell beds from Blue Buck Point Half Moon has been developed in recent mornings for both drifters and waders this on up to Johnson Bayou are holding years and is located southwest of Palacios month. From here it’s a simple run out redfish up shallow against the bank at Point. According to Countz this recent enhancement of Half Moon Reef has A Transition in Presentations made the fishing outstanding, offering more warm water structure for anglers During the first few hours of the day, through the water. to target. anglers should plan on keeping hard Once the sun rises higher into the The western portion of East Matagorda plastic tied to their lines. Before sunrise sky and fish move out into deeper water, Bay’s south shoreline from Kain Cove to until mid morning fish can be found anglers should make the switch to a soft Burkhart Cove is an excellent shallow feeding in shallow water and the Unfair plastic rigged on a 3/8th ounce jig head. option for anglers fishing this area right at Lures lineup offers anglers a variety of lip This heavy jig allows the bait to be fished daylight. Captain Trey Prye experienced ripping hard baits. on the bottom in depths of six feet or more one of his best springs for catching trophy The Dawg Walker is a perfect sized and is easy to cast long distances. trout along this shoreline and says the topwater plug that will produce vicious It’s best to have a variety of soft plastics fish are still stacked up there early in the blow-ups when twitched across the water’s in different color patterns while fishing mornings and can be easily fooled into surface. This floating fake has a tight, nar- deep. If the fish aren’t hitting a certain smacking topwater presentations. row walk that keeps the bait in the strike color anglers should make a drastic Oyster reefs on the western end of zone, resulting in more hook-ups. change to a something on the opposite East Matagorda are the prime hot spots to When shad are present it’s hard to beat end of the spectrum. Switching from follow the fish to as they move to deeper the Rip-n-Slash 70mm model. Give this light colors to dark colors and vise versa water later in the day. Areas like Cleveland bite-sized bait a few twitches and then typically works well. Reef, Long Reef, and Raymond Reefs allow it to tantalizingly suspend. Hold on The shape of a soft plastic effects how present great deeper water options when tight because the fish often strike this bait the bait moves through the water. Straight water temperatures heat up. on the pause. tail baits will sink quicker than paddle Strong freshwater influences within If shrimp are up shallow then the Fast tail baits, and have a much better vertical the Galveston Bay Complex are stacking Suspend Shrimp will produce. This hard presentation. up fish in a number of areas. Veteran bodied shrimp looks and moves just like When fish are holding tight to the Galveston guide, Captain Tim Young, says the real thing, as each jerk of the rod sends bottom, straight tail soft plastics are the a lot of fish have pushed out of Trinity Bay it darting in reverse like a live shrimp ticket. and on around Smith Point into East Bay.

12 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal may 2016 sunrise to a couple of hours after. The year offers some exceptional fishing trends combined with spring rains are best way to fish here is to use a trolling opportunities along the upper coast. creating emerging fishing patterns that motor to move up and down this area, Anglers can productively target a variety are easy to recognize. keeping the boat about 20 yards or so off of locations as they follow the fish from The chase for fish is on — don’t miss the shoreline while casting topwater and shallow to deep water. Warming weather it! mullet imitation plugs towards the grass. Later in the day these reds will move out towards the open lake and can be found schooling. I’ve fished these giant schools of redfish with Captain Randy Foreman and it can be some of the best redfish action found along the entire Texas Coast. From early in the morning until late in the afternoon, the fifth month of the

Bay System Charts Hook-N-Line Charts reveal all of the areas mentioned in this article. Here are the charts needed for each bay system mentioned: •West Matagorda and East Matago- rda Bays - Chart F108 •The Galveston Bay Complex - Chart F102 •Sabine Lake - Chart F118 Trout will engulf soft plastic jigs in deep water when they have moved out off the shorelines.

may 2016 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal 13 Just FISHING | Matt Williams

Maintaining Hook Condition for Fishing Success

When it comes to pulling maintenance it’s going to cost you. It could cost you the The easiest way to remedy a dull hook on fishing tackle, it is always a good idea to bass of a lifetime. is to replace it with a new one. The least pay close attention to your hooks to make There several are several disadvantages expensive cure is to sharpen it. Performed sure they are in tip-top shape. to using a dull hook. Perhaps the most correctly, the process takes seconds to The hook is the critical link between obvious is the lack of penetration. complete using a flint stone, fine file or a you and the fish. The last thing you want Hooks that are dull won’t poke through manufactured hook sharpener. to depend on in that position is a hook a bass’ mouth near as easily as one that is Some anglers are more mindful about that is dull, bent or rusty. needle sharp. Even if you get a solid hook keeping their hooks sharp than others. Hooks that are rusty are likely to be set the chances of “sticking” a fish good Longview bass pro Jim Tutt isn’t as big a weak and should be discarded altogether. enough to hold it will seriously diminish fanatic about keeping check on his hooks Those that are bent can sometimes be when a hook is dull. as a lot of anglers are, but he still thinks it reshaped without worry and those that In other words, the sharper the hook, is a good idea to check them for sharpness are dull can typically be honed back to a the better the penetration. The better the periodically. needle point in short order using a flint penetration, the better the hook-up. “It critical,” Tutt said. “I check them stone or manufactured hook sharpener. True, modern hooks are sharper, to make sure the points aren’t rolled over, Serious bass fishermen are especially stronger and more efficient at catching that the gap isn’t bending open and that quirky when it comes to keeping their fish than ever before. But even premium- the point is sharp. It’s also important to hooks good and sharp. grade hooks can go dull from time to time. make sure your crankbait hooks are riding Ask one and they’ll tell you: Going The odds of dulling are particularly good properly in their O-rings. Sometimes after America’s fish with a dull hook can while fishing in lakes or bays riddled with the hook will wedge just right and start be risky business. Do it and sooner or later rock, shell, wood and other solid objects. working its way out of the O-ring. The last thing you want is for the hook to come off if a big fish grabs your bait.” Tutt thinks the best insurance for keeping hooks sharp is to use the best hooks you can afford. “I use Gamakatsu hooks on all of my baits, mainly because I think they are the sharpest and best quality hooks around,” he said. “I’ve caught as many as 150 fish in one day on the same hook and that hook was just as sharp as the end of the day as it was at the start. I always keep a sharpening stone handy just in case, though. Especially if I’m fishing around a lot of rock.” Hook sharpness is equally important with other styles of fishing like trotlining, jug lining, noodles and stump hook sets. These passive catfishing tactics involve baiting a line and leaving it behind. When a fish eats the bait it pulls against the line or staging and subsequently hooks itself. Using sharp hooks will naturally increase the number of fish that get hooked and stay hooked, according to veteran Toledo Bend linesman, Charlie Shivley of Strong. “Dull hooks are no good,” Shivley said. “If I find a dull hook on one of my lines I’ll either replace it or sharpen it.

14 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal may 2016 You aren’t there to set the hook on a trotline, so it is extremely important use the sharpest hooks possible for the best and easiest penetration. Using sharp hooks will increase the number of fish that will be on your lines when you go to run them, there’s no doubt about it.” So, how is the best way to tell if a hook is needle sharp or dulling? Most anglers will agree that the thumbnail test is among the most reliable. To do the test, place the point of the hook on top of your thumbnail, press down lightly and attempt to slide the hook to either side. A sharp hook will stick in place. A dull one will slide to the side. Maintaining close check to make sure fishing hooks are sharp won’t guarantee you Passive cat fishing tactics like trot lining, jug lining, noodles and stump hook sets involve baiting a line and will catch more fish, but it leaving it behind. When a fish eats the bait it pulls against the line or staging and subsequently hooks itself. will certainly increase your Using sharp hooks will naturally increase the number of fish that get hooked and stay hooked, according to chances. veteran Toledo Bend linesman, Charlie Shivley of Strong.

may 2016 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal 15 Just Shooting | Kerry O’Day

Good Bullets for Long Range Shooting

With all the new rifle bullets being only been a handful made for long range shooting it might be of times that I have time to think about what it takes to make had to shoot a trophy that long range shot. It requires more than animal beyond 200 just a new bullet with a higher ballistic yards. I shot a bue coefficient. It will take a good rifle, a great sheep in China at over scope, as well as, good ammunition, and 550 yards, pronghorn a solid rest. Most of all it will take a good in Montana at 575 shooter who will practice and learn how yards, elk in Colorado to judge the wind. at just over 400 yards I’ve been lucky enough to have made and several other long some long range shots and I’ve also been shots that had perfect lucky enough that I’ve not had to shoot weather conditions very much at long ranges. Back in my for the shot to be younger days, I was able to shoot at the made. A shot like that 50 Caliber Shooters Association-1000 yard takes practice and a Benchrest Competition, as well as, Long great deal of luck. Custom turrets are easy to use. This Swarovski Z6 scope is simple just turn the turret to 4 for a 400 yard shot 6 for a 600 yard shot Range Handgun Silhouette competitions There is a huge with reasonable success. difference between shooting at a known makes in the drop of a flat shooting rifle is As a hunter, I have tried to shoot game distance from a solid bench and shooting incredible. A 7mm STW drops 30 inches at a distance that I felt comfortable with. off a bipod or rock at a range that you at 500 yards and at just 50 yards more you In all of my hunting years, there have are guessing at. The difference 50 yards need to add 11 more inches or 41 inches. Now let’s say you see the biggest bull elk at what you think is 850 yards, he is still and there in only a light wind blowing from your right. You set your scope to the highest power, hold steady, you have the cross-hairs about 3 feet above his back and you squeeze the trigger and missed him by a mile. Your bullet hit 11 feet low and a foot and a half to the right. The total drop at that range is 170 inches and that’s only if you guessed the correct range. That little wind pushed the bullet off 19 inches as long as it stayed constant and didn’t change direction like it usually does. The good news is that there are some products out there that will help when you have to make that long shot. The new long range bullets with a higher B.C. will make a difference in how flat your rifle will shoot. Now you will need to be a handloader or have a good friend who will do custom ammunition for you. Berger, Nosler, and Hornady all build great hunting bullets with a higher B.C. The better bullet can make your rifle shoot ten inches flatter at 500 yards. The next thing is to be able to range the distance of your shot. A good range finder is worth its weight in gold. Most of the major optic companies like Bushnell,

16 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal may 2016 lines to use at any LIGHT custom rifle chambered in .300 given range. Ultra Mag. shooting a 180 grain Barnes A ballistic turret Triple Shock bullet at 14,000 feet elevation scope is better. You with a temperature of 10 degrees below 0. can have a custom My customer had practiced so much with turret built for his rifle that he shot out the first barrel and most scopes that had to have it re-barreled just before his will take all the hunt. Most shooters will find shooting a guess work out 300 yard course is too far, but when you of shooting long try shooting a 600 yard course, it will make range. You have a believer out of you. If you can’t shoot an a custom dial on 8 inch group at 300 yards off a bench then top of your scope you better re-think shooting at game at that has yardage that distance. Just because you can shoot lines engraved into a good group off a bench doesn’t mean Quality bullets will show their ballistic coefficient on the box a ring that tell you you can do it in the field. how many lines are All good hunters and shooters practice Leica and Swarovski, to name a few, required to hit at different ranges. many different scenarios. You should make laser range finders. Range finding If the game animal is at 400 yards, just practice shooting from a bipod or binoculars are the latest new technology dial the turret to 4 and put the cross-hairs shooting prone or even off-hand. I like and to find a pair that really works can on the game and pull the trigger. It’s that sitting using a bipod and standing using be pricey. simple, but you do have to have time to shooting sticks with 3 legs. The more A few manufacturers are making use the turret. support you can have the better. scopes with built in range finders, but I One more thing about scopes, I know Don’t even think about an off-hand have never liked having too many gadgets that if you are going to shoot far, you will shot for long ranges, it doesn’t work. Just in my scopes. It seems like the more you need a PA (parallax adjustment) or an try making an off hand shot at 100 yards build in something, the more there is to AO (adjustable objective) scope. These at the range next time. Don’t blame the break. If you are on a hunt and don’t have features help true up the cross-hairs rifle; it is you that just shot that bad group. a range finder, try to figure the yardage by for long range shooting. If you can not Like I have always said, “Nothing beats thinking about the length of a football remove the parallax and clear up the practice and for long range shooting it is field or the 100 yard range you shoot on. cross-hairs, you will miss by 4 or 5 inches especially true.” If it is too far to decide how many 100 and it won’t be from anything that you If you know you have a hunt for Big yard ranges it is, then it is too far for you or the gun did. It was the parallax in the Horn Sheep, Coues deer or Antelope to shoot. scope that made you miss. Many higher with the possibility of shooting from 600 Next, you have to be able to figure power scopes have front or side focusing to over 1000 yards, go and take a long the drop and hold over on your target. rings made specifically for adjusting the range shooting class. I think that FTW’s Ballistic reticle and ballistic turret scopes parallax. SAAM course is one of the best long range are a big help. Scope companies have taken Finally, practice at long range is a shooting courses in the nation and best of some of the guess work out of adjusting must. A good customer just sent a photo all, it is right here in Texas. for hold over. Leupold, Swarovski, Nikon, of a Marco Polo Sheep which he shot at Practice, Practice, Practice, in the end and many other scope manufacturers have 988 yards. He was using a MGA ULTRA- it will be worth it. bullet drop compensating lines built into the reticle of the scope for estimating hold over on an animal. The way this works is to sight in your rifle at 200 yards using the normal cross- hair, and then uses the drop compensating cross-hairs or dots for longer ranges. If you know that your target is at 300 yards you just hold the next line down from the cross-hairs and squeeze the trigger. There is a little guess work using the lines or dots because they are not perfect. If you have a flat shooting rifle like a 300 Ultra Mag. as compared to a 458 Win which drops like a rock, then your lines will not be perfect for either caliber. They will be close enough though and with a little practice you can figure out the right Three different bullets with high B. C. (ballistic coefficient). may 2016 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal 17 SALTWATER JOURNAL | Mark Sosin

Pulling Plugs

Let’s get right down to hard facts. Pulling lipped plugs behind a boat produces fish whether you drag these lures in open ocean, inshore waters, estuaries, or tidal creeks. Rigging them is quick and easy and you can carry an impressive supply in a couple of plastic boxes. Plus, they don’t have to be frozen, packed in ice, or sewn with the delicate skill of a brain surgeon. Too many anglers believe that plugs are only for casting and ignore the benefits of trolling them. By the way, it’s worth adding that surface plugs such as Pencil Poppers, Jumpin’ Minnows, and countless others can also be trolled with exciting results. Even though this bait has a split ring, the author prefers to use a loop knot to impart more lure And, keep in mind that several of the action. latest plugs being marketed are perfect imitations of common baitfish. three sets of treble hooks. If a lure has and your quarry is easier to release. If you A few basic factors are important in three sets of trebles, I immediately remove inadvertently get one of the mashed barb selecting the plug or plugs to troll. You the center set. You don’t need it and hooks in your hand or arm, it is much want a lure that will work well at the speed will hook just as many fish without it. I easier to remove. Some skippers cut off you intend to use and the depth you want treat each point of a treble as a separate one hook from each set of trebles which the plug to reach. Of course, you can toss hook and sharpen every one of them helps when releasing your catch. in color preference as a third option. individually. In many cases, it pays to Loop knots make more sense for Most plugs are armed with two or mash the barbs. You will still hook fish attaching the leader to the plug. They allow the lure to swim more freely. Some anglers draw a knot down tightly if the plug has a split ring, but my recommendation is a loop knot even when there is a split ring. The best way to check a plug’s action and make sure it is swimming effectively is to simply hold it close to the boat and watch it perform. If it looks enticing and realistic to you, then it is probably doing its job. At the same time, take a look at the rod tip and mentally file its cadence or movement in memory for future reference. When the plug is performing There are a number of baits that most anglers cast that can also be trolled. properly, the rod tip

18 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal may 2016 develops a regular bouncing rhythm. If astern. It pays to stagger the offerings, down-current side. the tip stops bouncing, check the plug for changing their positions until you find Plugs make a lot of sense in tidal weeds or fouling. the combination that produces results. creeks, canals, and back channels. In a When you test a plug, make sure With lipped plugs, the finer the diameter winding creek or estuary, the fish will it tracks straight and performs just as of the fishing line and the farther back probably favor the deeper zones along effectively as it would if you were to cast they are (up to a point), the deeper they the outside bends. Trolling well behind and retrieve it. If the plug tracks to one will dive. If you go too far, and you’ll have the boat allows you to fish these narrow side or the other, you can remedy the to experiment to find out what is too far, waterways and cover the maximum situation with a pair of needle-nose pliers. the drag of the line causes the plug to rise amount of water. Bend the ring in the nose of the plug until in the water column. In heavily populated areas, certain it swims properly. Usually, it only takes a Depending on whether you are channels have been designated as no wake very minor adjustment. trolling with the current, against it, or zones. Most of us putt putt along oozing Plugs provide a versatile approach to across it, plugs perform differently. To frustration over the mandated speed. trolling. An assortment can be fished in monitor the variations, hold the lure Why not toss a couple of swimming plugs a spread tailored to probe different levels near the surface and watch it for a few behind the boat as you travel through a no in the water column. You can add one moments. It’s critical that your offering wake zone? It makes you feel as if you are or two to an array of live or dead baits or works effectively every minute it is in the doing something productive and you very combine them with other types of trolling water. well may catch a fish in the process. lures. Skilled skippers make their lures Once you gain confidence in trolling Not long ago, we were fishing four dance in front of gamefish by using the plugs and convince yourself that they frisky live baits over a reef line. Just to current to their advantage. They will catch a lot of fish, you’ll tie them on see what would happen, I put a plug short approach structure from one direction and whenever possible. Most fish species that and down the middle on a fifth rod. For then another. With a bit of forethought, you target will charge a plug as readily as some reason, which I can’t explain, the you can hold the boat away from the a natural bait. next four strikes came on the plug and structure and let the current sweep the No matter where you fish, if your not the live baits. plugs past the obstruction. Remember quarry will eat a live bait, it will eat a plug In any trolling spread, you should be that fish can be in front of the structure and that should bring a smile to your concerned with both depth and distance (on the up-current side) as well as on the face.

may 2016 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal 19 From the BACK DECK

Fishing as a co-angler is a good way to reel in tournament experience. Story by Matt Williams

hether you are a seasoned Numerous tournament organizations little as $115. The potential earnings are weekend angler with a have “pro” and “co-angler” divisions. much richer in higher level events like Wcompetitive spirit or a Co-anglers are assigned pro partners the FLW Tour, Costa FLW Series and novice fisherman with a budding passion before the tournament gets underway, Bassmaster Opens, so you’ll naturally have for the sport, one of the best routes to usually by computer draw, during a to ante up more. take for getting your feet wet in the world pre-tournament registration meeting. Co-angler entry fees on the FLW Tour of tournament fishing is competing as a In multi-day tournaments, co-anglers cost $800 per tournament, Costa FLW co-angler. are paired with a different pro partner Series, $550; and Bassmaster Opens, $425 Although fishing “Co” does have each day. per event. These are all multi-day events some built-in handicaps, it’s a great The two anglers fish from the pro’s where anglers are generally guaranteed way to learn the ropes of the sport, gain boat, but are not in competition against at least two days to fish before the field is valuable experience, make new friends one another. Pros typically pay higher trimmed for the championship around. and cultivate some lasting relationships entry fees to compete against other pros. Rules of the Road with folks who have the same interests. The co-angler competes strictly against Fishing as a co-angler isn’t an exercise Stay with it, work hard and make other co-anglers. in babysitting. Co-anglers are required to a few lucky casts and you might even What It Costs bring their own gear, including rods, reels, pad your bank account a little along the The amount of money it costs to baits, rain gear, food, drinks, etc…. way. Though co-anglers don’t have the compete as a co-angler varies with the Co-anglers also are required to fish same earning potential as their “pro” tournament organization and level of exclusively from the back deck of the counterparts, the prizes awarded to back the tournament. In weekend level, single boat and they have zero control over seaters aren’t too shabby. day events like the Wal-Mart Bass Fishing where their pro takes them. There is What is a Co-Angler? League, co-anglers may compete for as nothing to stop a co-angler from offering

20 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal may 2016 Though not mandatory, co-anglers also numbers fall short, the pay backs using are expected to help out with at least half drop down the line. If the number of of the boat fuel/oil expenses for the day. entries exceed the minimum, pay backs Built In Handicaps increase, or at least they should. As earlier mentioned, fishing from the Co-angler pay backs can range from a back deck does have its disadvantages. For few hundred to several thousand dollars. starters, the pro has the pick of the water You can also win boats, motors, gift and the first shots at the best spots. The co- certificates and all sorts of bonus goodies angler is at the biggest disadvantage when if you meet contingency guidelines set the pro is fishing for bass on spawning forth by the tournament organization. beds, targeting brush piles, boat docks Where You can Fish and other isolated targets. The opportunities to fish as a co- Your chances also diminish when he angler are plentiful. Some of the more points the boat into thick cover like buck popular circuits that cater to back-seaters brush, willows and other brush. A good include the Ram Truck Open Series, Wal- flipper or pitcher on the front deck will Mart BFL, Costa FLW Series, FLW Tour almost always hit the best targets in heavy and Bassmaster Opens. Co-anglers were cover before the guy in back has a chance. eliminated from the Bassmaster Elite Disheartening as it sounds, it just comes Series several years ago. with the territory. Hosting more than 200 events annually Most of the more successful co’s I all over the country, Kentucky-based FLW know will tell you that the best way to offers the most and widest of range of cope from the back deck is to be versatile events of any tournament organization. and always try to do something different Through the years FLW has always than the guy up front is doing. That could strived to make back deck opportunities mean using an entirely different tactic, a abundant and affordable at a variety of levels, ranging from entry class BFL derbies to the Triple A Costa FLW Series and the top-tier Wal-Mart FLW Tour. “Co-anglers are very important in the FLW family, top to bottom,” said FLW Tour tournament director Bill Taylor. “We need them, we respect them and we offer a variety of events in which they can participate. It’s a great avenue for someone to get their feet wet in tournament fishing and it doesn’t cost a bundle.” How It’s Done Randy Hicks of Lumberton and Dan Wilson of Pilot Point are among the most consistent Texas co-anglers in the business. I recently caught up with the two Co/Pro captains and asked them to share some tips to help anglers become more successful at reeling in bass from the back deck:

Angler: Randy Hicks Photo Courtesy of FLW Career Earnings: $49,458 Dan Wilson of Pilot Point has been competing as a co-angler since 2007 and has accumulated Fishin’ Tips: earnings totaling more than $144,000. 1.) Don’t be a pain in the boat. Help your boater and he will help you. suggestions, but it is the pro’s decision to different bait, casting away from the bank 2.) Give your boater gas money before follow the advice or not. instead of towards it or fishing slower. you leave the pre-tournament meeting. One of the sport’s unwritten rules is What You Can Win 3.) Start out the tournament day that the co-angler should never cast into The size of the purse you can win fishing a different technique than the a pro’s water (anywhere towards the front from the back deck varies with the level boater. If the boater starts catching more of the boat) without asking first. If you of the event and the size of the field. fish than you, change over and do what want to choose the water, you need to Most circuits base advertised pay backs the boater is doing. pay the piper and fish the pro division. on a minimum number of entries. If the 4.) Bring rod and reel combinations may 2016 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal 21 idea what the fish are doing before the tournament get underway. This can really pay off if you happen to draw a boater that didn’t experience the same during practice. 5.) I like to watch the person in the front of the boat just to see what and how he is approaching his way of catching fish. Then, I will normally do something different, possibly change baits, colors, or technique. 6.) I try to let the fish tell me what they like, instead of me telling them what they must have. 7.) Don’t get in a rush and fish too fast. Fishing behind someone else is not always the most pleasant place to be, especially if they are target fishing or sight fishing. Make yourself slow down and watch where their bait lands and throw or pitch somewhere else, or fish with a different bait. 8.) Try to be as quiet as possible in the back of the boat. Lower compartment and livewell lids quietly. Place the net somewhere off the floor of the boat so it is easy access for both anglers and they are not stumbling all over the net when needed. 9.) Try to keep all rods ready for action Photo Courtesy of FLW with different baits. If I have a good idea Veteran co-angler Randy Hicks of Lumberton says one of the main keys to consistent success on of what I will be using the next day, I will the back deck is to be versatile and mindful of your surroundings at all times. have more than one bait ready for action. 10.) If the boater is fishing the bank, that allow you to fish all depths of water. more experience you will gain. I still love to throw a Texas rig worm 5.) Continually read the water during 4.) Pre-fishing is very important. and a spinnerbait. It’s old school, but it the day and ask yourself what is my best It helps you learn the lake and have an works. option of catching a fish. Do not continue to do the same thing that is not producing. 6.) Pay attention to the lure, line selection and retrieve that your boater is using. Ask him why this pattern or technique is working. 7.) Be fast at putting on your life vest when the boater tells you he is going to make a move. 8.) Be fast with the net.

Angler: Dan Wilson Career Earnings: $144,146 1.) Try to get acquainted with your boater the evening or morning before takeoff. 2.) Use the best equipment you can afford and be sure you have a good feel for your rods and reels. Each bite is important; they don’t come that often fishing behind someone else. 3.) Time on the water is valuable. The Photo Courtesy of FLW more time you can spend on the water the Co-anglers should limit their gear and keep it organized so as to not clutter’s up the pro’s boat.

22 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal may 2016 may 2016 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal 23 For information on guides mentioned, see Guides, Gear & Getaways on pages 67, 69, & 71

CoastWatch Danno Wise

The last Monday in May signals the mix. It’s easy to see where salt ‘official unofficial’ start to summer. water is, so just run down until Although the calendar says summer you find it. Actually, when we won’t start until nearly three weeks have a little freshwater in the later, the summer-like temperatures bay, it actually concentrates have already arrived along the Upper the fish, which is a good thing. Texas and Louisiana coasts as May gets “But, no matter where I’m underway. Throughout the month, the at in May, I like to start the day air and water temperatures will continue by throwing topwaters. Once to climb. These rising temperatures will the topwater bite dies down, undoubtedly lead to increase inshore I’ll switch over to plastics. It action up and down the coast – not to is usually an early morning mention the first month of true offshore topwater bite, but there’s some activity. days in May when you can Bays all along the Upper Texas and catch fish on topwaters all day Louisiana coasts will see a nice balance of long - especially if it’s overcast. temperature -- high enough for the fish to “We’ll spend most of our be plenty active, but not so overbearing time fishing for trout this hot as to cause fish and fishermen to month, but May is also a good become lethargic. As a bonus, May time to catch redfish. The generally sees a reduction in the winds guys who want to fish with which have plagued coastal anglers the bait can catch plenty of reds past few months. in the lakes off ICW. Another option is the reefs on the north end of West Matagorda Bay. UPPER COAST There can be some good fish Photo courtesy Capt. Trey Prye on those reefs during May.” Girls love to do this too. This angler landed a fish of a life- In Sargent Capt. Trey time while fishing with Capt. Trey Prye. Rumor has it she is Prye of Capt. Trey’s Trophy now looking to best her best. Charters will be doing his regular thing during May, which is looking in thigh to waist deep water should for trophy trout in East Matagorda Bay. produce larger fish. Areas to target for “For me, what I’ll be doing in May is wade fishermen will be The Pens, Fat Rat, pretty much what we’ve been doing all Yates, and Blacks. A good consistent wind spring,” said Prye. “We’ll be wading with direction of ESE to SSE should provide Norton Jrs and Unfair Dawg Walkers on waders with good water clarity in at least the north shoreline, south shoreline, and one or two of these locations. mid-bay reef. We will also be drifting with “Should winds pattern out of the west- Matagorda guide Capt. Tommy Norton Sand Eels, which has produced southwest, look toward the shorelines of Countz of Tommy’s Guide Service says plenty of quality fish as well. When the levy road adjacent to the Texas City May can be a great month for fishermen looking for a spot to fish, we’ll be keying Dike up to Dickinson Bayou. Focus on in his area. in on color changes and scattered shell.” mullet activity and water clarity, with the “May is usually a pretty good month Galveston guide Capt. Tim Young says same topwaters producing larger fish. for us,” said Countz. “In May, I really like May should be an outstanding month for “Boat fishermen will be playing the to fish West Matagorda Bay. For the most trout fishing in the Galveston Bay system. winds as well, looking for water clarity part, I like wade fishing for trout along the “Due to spring floods there should be over deeper shell. East Bay south shoreline east side of West Bay. Just about the only another large stack up of trout in East Bay reefs such as those off Pepper Point and thing that will change that is if we have and Lower Galveston Bay,” said Young. Elmgrove Point should hold better water a lot of fresh water coming into the bay. “May will see good wade fishing along and more bait, with soft plastics such as But, if the east end of West Bay is fresh, the south shoreline of East Bay in areas the Z-Man Scented Shadz in Bad Shad you just have to move down a little bit. with active mullet. Topwater baits such as color rigged on a 1/4 to 3/8 ounce jig head That’s the thing about salt water and fresh Skitterwalks in pink and silver, chartreuse will be a go-to bait over this shell. Don’t water - it’s like oil and water, it just don’t and gold fished among the rafts of mullet be afraid to slow way down and literally

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Visit our website to nd a dealer near you. www.UnfairLures.com try to get hung up on the oysters. These month for night trout will be hugging the bottom if the fishing for specks. freshwater pushes over the reefs. Winds need to be “If winds are down look for large light for the areas schools of trout to start stacking up on the where these gator mid bay reefs from Hanna’s to Deep Reef. trout are, but when Be on the lookout for baitfish activity, it’s right, it’s very both mullet and shad, as well as slicks good. Live shrimp over this shell. The reefs along the north works well for this shoreline will produce as well if the winds type of fishing, as are down, depending on the freshwater well as plastics. line coming out of Trinity around Smith At times, we will Point. Richards Reef to Moody’s Reef rig our plastics in could be a sleeper shoreline, giving up tandem - and it some excellent trout action if conditions is very common are right. In all of these locations, as the to catch two trout water clarity improves and bait action over 20 inches at along the surface increases, an awesome one time. topwater bite could be just one cast away.” “May is also a Capt. Greg Verm of FishingGalvestonTx. good time to be com says there are plenty of options for in the back lakes inshore anglers in the Galveston Bay and marshes of Photo courtesy Capt. Greg Verm complex during May. Galveston Bay. As water temperatures continue to warm speckled trout will show up in “The month of May can be one of The 17 and 18 inch greater numbers around the jetties. the most productive months for trophy redfish we were speckled trout here on Galveston Bay,” catching during March will be of legal San Luis Pass area is very good for large said Verm. “The fish are still nice and keeper size by May. Nice trout will be in numbers of specks. Some of my best top fat, full of eggs, and very active when the secondary lakes on oyster reefs and water fishing for trout has been during conditions are right. This is our favorite sand flats. The west end of Galveston Bay, the month of May along some of the guts and drains in the San Luis Pass area. Tidal movement is extremely important in this area and wade fishing is the best option. “There is a lot happening along the Galveston Jetties during the month of May as well. The giant sheepshead, what I call bay snapper, that have called the jetties and passes home for their annual spawn will have already headed back out to the Gulf as the water temps have risen. In their place will be huge jetty specks. If we experience another wet spring as we did last year, there will be mass numbers of speckled trout taking refuge from freshwater along the jetties where the salinity levels is more constant. Redfish will be ever present along the granite rocks also. “More and more species will gather along the passes as water temps continue to rise. Along with the many species along the jetties such as and not limited to speckled trout, redfish, flounder, stingrays, croaker, sand trout, black drum, sheepshead, pompano, jack crevelle, Spanish mackerel, red snapper - we caught half a dozen last year along the north jetty, and mangrove snapper. “There will also be many species of sharks behind them! May is the beginning

26 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal may 2016 of shark fishing along the Galveston “I mostly throw glow/chartreuse “Flounder fishing should also be good beachfront and jetties. Down South Southern Shad. This is in May. The last couple weeks of April and “May marks the beginning of stable almost all I use on sunny days. But, if it’s first couple of weeks of May are always winds and weather patterns which are key cloudy, I’ll switch to a Red Shad. good for flounder on Sabine. When I’m ingredients to successful flounder gigging “There will be redfish under the trout fishing for flounder, I’ll concentrate on in Galveston Bay. Our Galveston flounder under the birds. But, you have to get the points and humps along the Sabine gigging charters and nighttime speckled beneath the trout to catch them. For those Channel or the points and bayous along trout fishing really get fired up during fish, I use a 1/2 or 3/4-ounce Terry’s V-Dog the Louisiana Shoreline. And, again, I’ll this month. There are tons of flounder Spoon with a yellow bucktail. I only use focus on the eddies when I can find them. in our bay system right now. This should V-Dog spoons because of the shape. I like The best fishing will be on an incoming be a banner year for flounder gigging in the way the sink. Once that spoon is on tide. I’ll use the same baits I use for trout, Galveston Bay. the bottom, I just ‘slow-roll’ it, just like but I always coat it with Pro Cure Gel “We will also be gearing up for our slow-rolling a big spinnerbait for bass. when fishing for flounder.” annual Galveston Kids Summer Fish Camps. During this camp we teach kids

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Photo courtesy Capt. Tommy Countz

This young angler has a good stringer started Still building legends, one at a time. 22’ - 25’ while fishing with Capt.Tommy Countz. models availble. We also carry saltwater bass boats by Ranger. the basics of fishing from how a spinning reel works, how to cast, fight a fish, tying proper knots, and basic fishing and water safety.” May is always a good month to fish along the Texas/Louisiana border, says Sabine Lake guide Capt. Randy Foreman. “In May, we should see the start of the shrimp migration,” said Foreman. “And, of course, that means the birds will start working. Most of this activity will take place from the south end to mid-lake. And, the fishing will be best on a falling tide. “But, I’ll still be fishing over mussel beds and shell flats. And, if we have moving water, we’ll be looking for eddies along the shoreline. A lot of people don’t think about eddies, but they can produce a lot of fish. may 2016 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal 27 LOUISIANA COAST

In Southwest Louisiana, Lake Calcasieu should be yielding some sow specks this month. Historically, May is the month when the heaviest fish are pulled from big lake. The majority of the activity will be centered around reefs in three to five feet of water. During the first few weeks of May, the biggest fish are typically taken Photo courtesy Tracy Hughes from the southern end of the lake. By the Tracy Hughes shows off a red from a two man limit she and her husband Vastine caught while end of the month, sow specks are usually fishing the clam shell beds along the Louisiana shoreline of Sabine Lake. spread across the entire lake. 1/2-inch soft-plastic tails. Spoons and small soft-plastics are the best Topwater, slow-sinking or suspending Fishermen looking for redfish should bets for reds, although topwater action is plugs, along with 5-inch soft-plastics are concentrate on the shorelines, where possible as well. Fishermen working the the best choices for fishermen seeking schools of reds will be roaming throughout waters out of Venice will have a variety wallhanger fish. Anglers more interested the month. A good number of reds will of inshore and offshore options during in numbers should stick with ‘standard 3 also be found in the marshes during May. the month of May. On the inshore side, the water temperatures will have risen sufficiently enough to see speckled trout and redfish action kick into high gear. Trout will be found in areas like the Burias Canal, Redfish Bay and Blind Bay. Trout will also be found around the shallow water rigs beginning in May. The rigs in 8 to 15 feet of water are the best bet for trout. Once the trout show at the rigs, they usually remain there through summer. Often times in May anglers will find redfish mixed in with the trout. However, good concentrations of redfish will also be found in the marshes and back lakes, as well as in areas like Yankee Pond and the Wagon Wheel. Offshore, there are a few great options as well. The prime option is chasing tuna around the deep water floating oil platforms. Tuna up to 50 pounds will be common catches around the floating rigs during May. Once the water temperature warms above 80 degrees, blue marlin will begin showing up as well. For fishermen targeting swordfish in the waters off the Louisiana coast, May has proven to be one of the year’s better months for catching these deep water dwellers.

28 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal may 2016 may 2016 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal 29 Just FISHING | Brian Hughes

Water, Water Everywhere

It is raining. How appropriate. It has capacity remaining. Post rains, it is now survival of a much higher percentage of been said that it takes a flood to break a full. the small fish stocked, which will in turn drought. Further south and west, Fort Phantom spawn more of the genetics we want to Depending on your source, Texas was Hill was 16.76 feet low at only 32% of see in our lakes.” in a drought for five to seven years ending capacity. Having been below 100% for One aspect of the flood waters in our with the flooding rains of early 2015. It over a decade, it is also now full. The worst lakes is lost fish. When spillway gates are was a drought like I’ve not seen in my case was Lake Meredith in the panhandle. opened to allow millions of gallons of half-century plus in this world. Oh sure, At 78 feet low it was at just under 6% of water to escape the lake and return it to I’ve seen some dry summers. And I’ve capacity and practically non-existent in normal levels, many fish will be carried seen some dry stretches, maybe a couple March of 2015. Although not nearly full, away with the water. “There is no doubt of years with little rain. it now has 26% capacity and is 58 feet low. that some fish were lost downstream,” However, this was a full-tilt, all in These are just a few examples of said Terre. “We see those results in our drought. Cities and towns in parts of the drought/flood scenarios across the gill-netting surveys.” Texas were on the verge of not being able state. While it is good information, the There is good news for the anglers to supply their residents with water for question remains, “How does this affect in this situation. First, the downstream drinking. Panic might be a strong term, the fishing?” fishing below the dams where this occurs, but some Texans were certainly very To answer this two different as it did at Lake Texoma, can be fantastic concerned. perspectives were taken — that of an for some time afterward. For several Being Texans governing lake managers angler, and that of a fisheries manager. weeks adventurous anglers were catching simply took advantage of the drought Management of our fisheries is a huge huge stripers below the dam, both in and low water to make infrastructural responsibility, one that falls squarely on boats and from the bank. In addition, the improvements to the lakes in order to be the shoulders of Dave Terre, chief of news is not all that bad for the main lake prepared for the return of normal lake research and management for Texas Parks fish population. Texoma regularly sees levels. Silt was removed, ramps were & Wildlife Inland Fisheries. When asked fluctuations in both the amount and size lengthened, docks were repaired and so about the recent rise in lake levels he told of the fish caught during surveys. And the forth. me, “It is very beneficial for management historical data shows that the population Then the rains hit. In the spring and programs, especially stocking programs.” will rebound in a short amount of time. summer of 2015, and now in early 2016, Low lake levels lead to terrestrial Terre states, “Striper populations rainfall has again been above normal vegetation growth. Once inundated by on Texoma are sustained by natural levels. So much rain has fallen that flood waters, this vegetation increases reproductions that occur, and stocking is flooding has been an issue across much habitat available to the fish. From a not required by the department.” of the southeastern and eastern parts of management standpoint, fish can be TPWD biologist for Lake Texoma the Lone Star State. In March, the Sabine stocked into these areas and survival rates Dan Bennett added, “Catch rates have River at Deweyville broke the unofficial are boosted to higher levels. “It is referred seen a drop, but we also saw that in 1990 highest river level set over 130 years ago. to as ‘stocking on the rise,” said Terre. and 2007 when water also went over The old record, which had stood since “Stocking fish into 1884, was broken by more than a foot. areas without sufficient In some areas the effects of the drought habitat is a waste of the were less pronounced, such as Lake resource because the Palestine, which was at full pool in March stocked fish are hard hit of 2015 and has fluctuated relatively little by predators.” since. Listed at 100% full all of 2015 except As TPWD operates for September (when it remained at 89%) with a finite budget they Palestine has seen some minor flooding, must make the most of but certainly not to the extent of other their efforts at every watersheds. turn. “We primarily Out west, the story is a little different. stock for genetics when Texas western lakes were in severe drought we stock largemouth status prior to the rains. Lake Arrowhead, bass,” Terre said. “By near Wichita Falls was 19 feet below taking advantage of the conservation pool, with only 20% of its newly created habitat we can ensure the Lake Ray Hubbard during the prolonged Texas drought.

30 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal may 2016 be the low water get many more and much bigger fish in levels of 2014, the long run. when river access In the short term, fishing will be a little was denied to the different, depending on what you fish spawning stripers,” for and where. For example, at Lake Ray he said. “That year’s Roberts, I recently had a conversation with class is not well guide Dannie Golden and his lament was represented in our too many small bass. It seems as though surveys.” you can’t hardly catch a sand bass without By contrast, going through a couple of dozen 8-10 inch the 2015 year class largemouths. What a problem to have! is showing up in While limits of keeper stripers on very good numbers, Texoma may take a little more work than and the growth rate in the past, they are still available to the Lake Ray Hubbard after flooding rains refilled the lake. Now should be high due persistent angler. Fishermen will need anglers, gamefish and forage will acquaint themselves with new to added available to remember the old water line as water habitat to pursue and be pursued. forage. So what recedes. Why? Because in some cases, like does this mean for Lake Palestine, any substantial rains will the spillway. The bigger fish were not the angler? cause some degree of flooding. As the impacted as much as many seem to think, First of all, the future of Texas fishing water is released, the fish will return to the as a matter of fact we are still catching is very bright indeed. High survival rates first breaklines below the old waterline to plenty of 18-25 inch fish, and they are among all species portend well for the next wait out the falling water. Once the lake is very healthy to the point of being almost few years. The available cover and habitat at normal level and water stops receding, 20 percent over the standard.” has prompted tremendous population they will resume normal behavior. Bennett also mentioned that white growth in forage species as well. Which Everything considered, and while bass were very well represented in the in turn means that the predator species sending along our thoughts and prayers catch surveys. The perceived loss of fish of bass, stripers, catfish, sandies, and to all those negatively impacted by the due to high water may not quite tell the even crappie will have plenty to eat and floods, it is about time our drought was whole story. “Part of the issue may also can grow at above normal rates. So we broken.

may 2016 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal 31 MICROMANAGEMENT: Whitetail Habitat

Small targeted areas must be carefully selected based on the deer’s use of the land. Story and photography by Bob Zaiglin

ay is a rejuvenating month are not required to move very far to Considering the fact that the average as our wild lands erupt into satisfy their nutritional requirements, ranch size in Texas is somewhere around Ma diverse array of color. making those reclusive animals even 500 acres, which is probably larger than Low-hanging branches bend even further more challenging to see. May is one of the average acreage on a lease, we are under the force of gravity supporting the kindest months on deer, but there looking at micromanagement. an abundance of vibrant green leaves. are some things management-oriented The small areas targeted for The cool early mornings are filled with sportsmen can perform at this time to management must be carefully selected a cacophony of bird songs, including benefit not only deer, but all wildlife later based on the deer’s use of the land. In that of the local long beards, but deer are in the year. other words, if you know where deer virtually absent. Why? Because spring The understory can be reduced to an bed up, you would avoid those areas, is the nesting season for birds busy earlier successional stage in May before but manipulate several small areas (one- defending their breeding turf, but for deer, it becomes too difficult to manipulate tenth of an acre or less) that intersect the particularly the bucks, it’s time to recoup by small implements. Not everyone has deer’s daily movements. Like calling long after physically extending themselves access to a tractor and a 15-foot batwing beards, it’s much easier to attract deer to throughout much of the winter, especially shredder, but most if not all sportsmen a food source if it occurs within its daily during the rut. own a lawn mower, and a lawn mower has movement pattern. Also, natural vegetation is generally the same effect as a shredder albeit on a What’s important to remember about abundant during the spring, thus deer smaller scale. mowing an area is not how large it is, but

32 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal may 2016 how manageable it is. A mowed strip 25 of the prevailing wind yards long and 10 feet wide, for example, direction. Not only will could be easily watered by hauling water these man-made trails in the back of the truck and applied to eliminate spooking deer the small strip with a hand pump sprayer. feeding on the field, they But even though water is beneficial, it gets can also serve as travel extremely hot and dry in the summer, lanes for deer. debilitating most planting schemes. A similar approach can Standing water is vital to the survival be employed on forested of all wildlife, and its establishment areas to create shooting should be investigated whenever possible. lanes that in reality are For example, if there exists a slight elongated, naturally slope on some of the roads on the occurring food plots. By landholding of concern, one could cut a selectively cutting down trench off the side of the road funneling some of the undesirable water to a small pot hole dug out by trees or non-mast hand or with the use of heavy equipment producing trees, sunlight that could hold the water. In sandy soils, will be allowed to hit the runoff may not last a day or two, but in ground surface. As a result, clay soils it can remain for weeks, if not a a plethora of native plants month or so. will germinate and become Another method of conserving water an important food source is to construct a water guzzler used to for deer. To augment the capture rainwater. A water guzzler can shallow clearings, fertilizer be defined as a manmade water-catching can be manually applied. device that is sustained by periodic It’s important to note that Wildlife management is as much an art as it is a science rainfall. The conventional guzzler was before you start cutting depending on how and when the techniques like fire are designed with a sloped roof with a channel down trees, be sure to conducted. facilitating the movement of rainfall into obtain permission to do some container from which water could so. in the past have always been aware of the gravity flow to a trough containing a Another natural and inexpensive attraction horned game had for naturally float valve. technique that could benefit the size of occurring salt licks, but it’s not salt that I The construction of a water guzzler is antlers is to develop artificial mineral suggest putting out for deer. My objective an inexpensive way of providing one of licks. From Texas to Africa, astute hunters when establishing a mineral lick is to the vital necessities of life to not only deer but all wildlife. It’s also a way to disperse wildlife and alleviate some of the pressure they place on the environment. And for the sportsman interested in retaining deer on his favorite piece of deer turf, it’s imperative to have an adequate supply of water. The fact is, not everyone has the money to construct a small earthen tank, but with a couple of hundred dollars and a couple of weeks of hard work, a water guzzler can be built. If you have a food plot that deer gravitate to in the fall, May is an opportune time to chainsaw or even hand cut a narrow pathway to the field so that you can approach With modest effort, a guzzler can be established, insuring wildlife water at least for extended periods following the field on the opposite side rainfall. may 2016 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal 33 replace the dirt while mixing the mineral into the soil at the same time. The principal advantage of this technique is it is inexpensive and not very time consuming. It doesn’t take long to establish one, and it’s simply a matter of pouring a couple of pounds of mineral into the shallow depression every few months to sustain it; plus once deer begin pawing away at the site, which is an indication of missing or reduced levels of phosphorous and calcium in the soil, additional licks can be developed. The one suggestion I would make is to take a soil sample and have it tested. There are some areas that contain an abundance of these minerals, rendering the technique less than effective. If one of your goals is to have more Solar energy has replaced the iconic windmill when it comes to wildlife water in South Texas. turkey, particularly the Rio Grande species, on your property, there is no benefit the bucks during the early phase A mineral lick can be established better time than now to construct elevated of antlerogenesis when phosphorus and by simply digging a shallow hole platform feeders to not only attract but calcium play an integral role in that approximately six inches deep and 25 sustain the birds on your property. At entire process, and more importantly an to 40 inches in diameter. Once the hole present long beards are temporarily adequate amount of these bone building is dug, I recommend pouring 10 to extending their range as are hens that minerals is very difficult to obtain from 15 pounds of 0-15-15 fertilizer, which have discovered or remain searching for consumption of native vegetation. contains no nitrogen, into the hole and suitable nesting grounds, and it’s this mobility that allows the birds to find your feeders. Once they do, this socialistic species has a rough time leaving the freely available source of nutrition, and the same is true for the chicks. Unlike a timed feeder, a feed source, particularly corn, is always available, plus the birds must fly up on top the platform to feed, which eliminates stress generated by collateral species such as the ubiquitous feral hog. Mixed with milo, the feeders are also attractive and beneficial to quail. The elevated platform design I employ includes a six-inch metal pipe cemented into the ground with a seven-inch pipe collar upon which a one-inch metal pipe cross-spanning 4’x4’ is welded. The collar is then slipped over the top of the anchored pole. Cedar stays cut approximately six feet in length (23 per feeder) are wired onto the platform using 18-gauge wire. The base of the platform should be 5.5 to 6 feet above ground. A 50-gallon galvanized drum is used to retain and dispense the feed. If your objective is to sustain a healthy quail population, there is no question that a feeding program can be of benefit. To supplement the bird’s diet, well designed quail feeders providing milo should be

34 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal may 2016 made available on a year round basis. Fifty-five-gallon drums with removable lids can be used to hold the seed. The drums should be completely caged by bull panel anchored in a 4’x4’x4” thick slab of cement. Six to eight holes (3/8” in diameter) should be equally spaced approximately one inch above the base of each drum. Inverted plastic silicon cones can be placed inside the bottom of drums to facilitate dispersal of milo. Not only would the feed benefit quail nutritionally, it would facilitate location of birds when hunting during the fall. The father of wildlife management, Aldo Leopold, once said the basic tools required to manage wildlife are the ax, the plow, and the cow. In other words, wildlife management is not that complicated. Give it a try the next time you are on the One method of attracting and sustaining Rio Grande turkey is the establishment of elevated platform ranch. feeders.

may 2016 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal 35 For information on guides mentioned, see Guides, Gear & Getaways on pages 67, 69, & 71 Lake Roundup

Brush piles will be the ticket for Fishing guide Randy Dearman says crappie fishermen, as well. The fish should the bass spawn will be done by now and EAST TEXAS be in transition from the shallows to deep. the fish will be locked into a post spawn It would be a good idea to check the stuff pattern. at mid-range depths first, about 10-14 “May can be a real good month, feet, before looking deeper. provided the water is clear,” Dearman said. LIVINGSTON — It’s been a rollercoaster “The fish will have moved out of the backs ride at Lake Livingston the last few of the creeks and they will be setting up months as far as water levels go. “Up and more towards the mouths of the channels. down” pretty much tells the story. They’ll be feeding pretty aggressively at As of this writing, the lake was a times, so you’ll be able to trigger quite a foot high, stained for the most part and few strikes on moving baits.” clearing in the backs of the creeks. The Among Dearman’s favorites are a water level should be back to normal by Strike King spinnerbait, bladed jig and By Matt Williams now, but there are no guarantees knowing shad pattern square bill crankbait. “It East Texas weather. would also be a good idea to keep a buzz NACOGDOCHES - Like just about every If current water level and water clarity bait and a topwater handy.” lake in eastern Texas, Lake Nacogdoches is a concern, it would be wise to check Dearman will focus primarily on has been stained or muddy throughout before you go. Check out the TOJ website, points and underwater channel swings. much of spring due to heavy rains that FOR ANLGERS, Freshwater for a couple To refine the search he will key on brought serious flooding across parts of links to current lake levels. underwater stumps, logs or any other of deep southeast Texas. Sight fishing prospects were pretty much a total wash in March and April. It’s tough to say what the water conditions will be by the time May rolls around. I’m hoping the water will settle and clear enough that sunlight can penetrate enough to reach the hydrilla. Hydrilla needs sunlight to grow and spread. At any rate, there are going to be a lot of fish roving in shallow water. Most will be post spawners and they will in an aggressive mood, feeding heavily on shad and bluegills. Some will still be guarding fry. Any number of baits will produce. If the water clears, prop-style topwaters, shallow jerk baits, small swim baits or A-rigs can be deadly when worked over shallow flats and on points with newly emerging pads and other vegetation. Some other good choices include buzz baits, Senkos, wacky worms and square bill cranks. There also should be some deeper fish setting up on points and other hard bottom structure in 12-18 feet that can be caught on spoons, football jigs and Carolina rigs. You will also be able to Photo courtesy Richard Jue catch fish casting to isolated brush piles On many East Texas lakes crappie will either be moving from shallow spawning areas toward with Texas rigs. deeper depths, or will be around brush piles in water 10-14 feet deep.

36 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal may 2016 wood cover he comes across. PALESTINE — Lake Palestine was buzz bait or hollow body also will get you “These fish are going to be set up in the about five inches high and stained as this bit, especially around shallow grass beds same types of places they were at during was written. Barring any big rain in April, up north. the pre-spawn,” Dearman said. “They’ll anglers can look forward to banner fishing Anglers headed to Palestine for crappie be relating a lot to channels, but there conditions for multi-species when May and white bass should find plenty of also could be some fish holding around rolls around. willing takers. The crappie should be in boat docks.” “May is always good,” said fishing transition from shallow water to deep, Dearman says white bass always get guide Ricky Vandergriff. “The bass are holding around brush piles 12-14 feet lots of attention at Livingston. The best going to be post spawn and you can catch of water. bet is to look for roving schools over main them at a variety of depths.” You can catch them on 1/16 ounce lake points, humps, old roadbeds and The deep bite is usually best on deep jigs — blue/white, pink/white. The whites other structure. diving cranks in a citrus or bluegill pattern will take jigging spoons and Sassy Shads Rat-L-Traps and topwaters are good and Carolina rig plastics. Key depths will worked on main lake points. choices when the fish are busting shad on be 15-16 feet, mostly on main lake points SAM RAYBURN — The water level at the surface. Switch to a 3/4-ounce spoon and in the mouths of major and secondary ‘Rayburn was 5.74 feet high on April 1 when the fish go to bottom. creeks. as the result of major rains in March. It’s TOLEDO BEND — If you follow Texas At mid-range depths, jigs and Texas anybody’s guess what the water level will bass fishing, you already know the big lake rigs worked in relation to channel breaks be come May, but odds are good it will be along the Texas/Louisiana border has been will be the tickets. It’s important to fish a whole lot closer to pool level. on fire throughout 2016. When that fire tight to stumps and brush lining the Veteran ‘Rayburn stick Tommy Martin will begin to wane is anybody’s guess, but channel breaks. Best depth range will be says largemouth bass will be finning guys like veteran guide Tommy Martin are 6-12 feet. around at all depths, but he thinks the stoked about the possibilities. If this May is like most, Vandergriff chances of catching big fish will be best “The spring fishing has been excellent,” says there will be some topwater fish to along the shallow/deep water seam. Martin said. “It’s never been better. be caught in the backs of creeks early and “You’ll will be able to catch plenty of Anglers are catching big numbers and late, possibly all day if there is some cloud fish up shallow roaming around banks, there are lots of big fish showing up. It’s cover hanging around. Spooks and Pop- but better numbers of quality fish will be been a banner year for the Toledo Bend Rs are always good choices. A buzz frog, caught towards deeper water, say 12-18 Lunker Program.” Martin predicts the spawn will be done by the time May rolls around, but there will be lots of fish hanging around in the 5-15 foot range. Experience has taught the guide that the numbers of better quality fish are usually caught towards the deeper water. “You’ll be able to catch fish up shallow around hay grass and other cover, but the better fish will be deeper, where the flats meet with the deeper water,” Martin said. “It’s a great time to throw an Alabama rig, but you can also catch some big ol’ fish early in the day on a ‘Spook. The fish are going to be right on the breaks.” Martin also pointed to the shad spawn as a good option. The succulent baitfish gravitate to shallow rock piles and hay grass at first light to spawn and the bass won’t be far behind. “It happens really early and the bass will be very aggressive,” Martin said. “Tournaments can be won on the shad spawn if you time it right. You can get right in a hurry.” Martin’s go-to baits in this situation include a jerk bait, square bill crank, buzz bait and a spinnerbait. “It’s real important to experiment with different baits,” he said. “Let the bass tell you what they want.” may 2016 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal 37 feet,” Martin said. “Rayburn fishes a lot For catfish, Terpe suggests baiting close the lakes to boating traffic until the like Toledo Bend this time of year. Places holes using range cubes or soured maize. water recedes and the dangers have passed. where the flats and points meet with He likes to set up along major creeks and It’s a bother to the angler but the greater deeper water will be key areas. Carolina the San Jacinto River in water ranging 20- good prevails. rigs and Alabama rigs are great choices.” 25 feet deep. His preferred bait is cheese Once the lakes are accessible the Some key areas Martin pointed bait on a sponge hook, but you can also fishermen will find some great fishing to include Farmer’s Flats, Veach and catch the whiskered fish on night crawlers, no matter what you may be fishing for, Coleman. punch bait or cut shad. species wise. Bass fishermen will find The guide added that new growth Hybirds are another good bet. Terpe remnants of the spawn and feeding bass hydrilla beds at mid-range depths will be says the fish will be positioned on over structure. good spots to find quality fish. Swim jigs, underwater points from mid-range depths Crappie fishermen will find them topwaters, spinnerbaits and swim baits to deep. Good electronics are a must moving back to the familiar haunts of can produce banner results when you get for pinpointing schools of fish that will brush ad bridges. on the right stretch of grass. either be suspended in the water column Catfishermen can look towards the While the hydrilla isn’t near as or pinned to the bottom. Terpe likes to shallows as the whisker-kitties get ready widespread as it was a few years ago, it’s use a pet spoon behind a deep crank for to spawn, and sand bass aficionados can beginning to regain its grip. suspended fish and a slab spoon to get at look for schooling fish to be much more “There’s a good bit in Five Fingers, ‘em on the bottom. consistent from here on through summers Norris and Caney,” Martin said. “Hopefully end. we won’t have a bunch of high water to Here are specifics on lakes and species knock it back again.” information. Crappie? The same grass that is FORK — Bass on Fork will still be holding bass at shallow and mid-range NORTH TEXAS shallow in May. They’ll also be deep. depths could possibly be holding some Not trying to be a smart-aleck but that’s crappie that are in transition from shallow the beauty of Fork in May. Bass will water to deep. Strolling or fan casting a be available on your favorite lure or 1/8 ounce jig or Roadrunner is a good technique, whether you like shallow or way to find out. If that plan doesn’t shake deep fishing. out, brush piles in 10-20 feet will be the In the shallows, you can use Yellomagics best bet. and spooks with shad colors being good CONROE — May isn’t known as the top choices. Other shallow baits are chatter month of the year for big bass on Conroe, baits and spinnerbaits. Shad type colors but it does kick out some decent numbers like white or white/chartreuse will be your for anglers who figure out how to crack best choice. Next up, a Senko or swim- the transitional code. That’s the word By Brian Hughes type bait. Black with blue flake, green from veteran fishing guide, Butch Terpe. pumpkin or watermelon with red flake is “It’s going to be a post-spawn deal and tough to beat. there should be a number of ways to catch May will show itself well in North Texas “Those are time proven colors,” says ‘em,” Terpe said. fishing, provided the rains normalize by Mark Stevenson, Texas Freshwater Fishing The guide says there should be a decent then. Many of our lakes were in great Hall of Fame member. “We use those topwater bite in progress at times, but it shape until more spring rains caused colors day in and day out and they really is not anything you can count on from flooding. Eagle Mountain and Lake Worth produce.” one day to the next. Creeks, coves and had just re-opened to boat traffic when When Steveson says swimbait he pockets north of the FM 1097 Bridge are late February rains closed them again, usually means the LFTT “Live” Magic definitely worth checking out. Flats and only to be followed by the same in March. Shad. “We’ll fish this bait a lot on a brushy shorelines around the national Open for a week or two, then shut down weighted hook in a shad color.” Good forest also are worth a look. by rain. news! This combo can be fished effectively Pop-Rs and Zara Spooks are hard to These are not the only lakes to by anglers of all skill levels. It is easy to rig, beat when bass are in the mood to look experience this up-and-down of lake easy to cast and easy to catch fish with. up. It also would be a good idea to keep a levels and closings. Grapevine is another, “May on Lake Fork will find the bass frog or buzz bait handy, especially in areas and there are several more across North still spawning for at least the first two with plenty of shallow cover. Texas. weeks of the month,” Stevenson predicted. Once the sun pops out is when Terpe To be fair it is both a safety issue and ”Start your day in 3-5 feet, throwing likes to pick up a deep diving crankbait flooding issue. When the lakes get to topwaters like a Yellow Magic or buzzbait, or Carolina rig. He’ll throw them around certain levels, boat wakes would cause and even Senkos in shad colors.” Don’t isolated brush piles along creek channels, flooding in residences along the banks of forget to fish a Senko around fresh pads points, humps and other structure on the lake. In addition, floating debris causes just emerging. For best results use shad or the main lake. Best depth range is about hazards for the boating public. watermelon/red or some shades of green. 8-12 feet. Officials really have no choice but to For the deep water approach Stevenson

38 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal may 2016 suggests anglers use crankbaits that are continue for at least a few more years and with whites/ chartreuses and the other designed to run 6-8 feet deep, but throw anglers would be wise to plan a trip to shad-like colors. them in 10 to 12 feet of water. Lake Athens this May. The submerged roadbeds around the May will also show the first of the Visiting fishermen will also be able to Pops Landing/Alley Creek area are good schooling bass. “Keep a few squarebill visit the Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center, places to use Carolina rigs and drop-shots. diving crankbaits that work the 4-6 foot where all the ShareLunker magic happens. Watermelon, JuneBug and red shad are range handy, and your Magic Shad Boot It’s more than worth a visit. good color choices. Tail in watermelon/red with the shad belly On the lake, look to the vegetation PURTIS CREEK— I highly recommend for those schoolies,” he said. as your key to bass fishing. In the big Purtis Creek and suggest you fish it like For late May, Stevenson looks to the shallow flat east of the one bridge over the you would Lake Fork. It is another lake on Texas-rigged worm or jig-and-pig to get lake, you’ll find plenty of hydrilla where our long list that was closed at times due to the bigger bass. “Try an eight inch worm you can fish a Ribbit Frog across the top. flooding, but it bounces back quickly and in plum, or a white jig. Those are a couple White with a touch of chartreuse on the there will be plenty of flooded shoreline of my secret bait/color combinations!” feet is my favorite color, but watermelon/ brush and grasses to fish. The standard Sand bass fishermen will want to red will also work. formula of topwaters early around the look at the points and 2946 and 515 I’ll also work a Senko in watermelon/ timbered banks on the west side of the roadbeds, using slabs and spoons, ‘traps’ red or bubblegum around and over the lake, or around the island area in the back and small plastic swimbaits on a ¼ oz. grass. Texas-rig a worm along the edges of the lake is in play. Ribbit frogs and jighead. Staying with the shad colors is for cruising bruisers, with red shad and Mogambo grubs (the 5” grub ) are good recommended. black/blue at the top of the color chart. choices, as are buzzbaits. For crappie fisherman at Fork, they Boat docks are a predominant form of When that bite plays out I’ll go to a should look to the bridges. Use your cover at Athens and a Zoom Trickworm Senko in watermelon /red and dip the tail minnows and jigs and try to get them near in blue glimmer is my go-to for working in chartreuse dye. In the timber I’ll use a the supporting cross-members. You may alongside, and between, the docks. For black/blue jig or Texas rig a worm or craw. want to try the same depths around the the close-up work in, around and under Red shad, black/blue and June bug will timbered points. The fish will be moving the dock I’ll go with a 3/16ths ounce jig in work, and I might use some of the brown back to treelines after being shallow. black/blue or green pumpkin and a small shades if the water gets pretty clear. Stevenson says the morning bite Gene Larew craw trailer, in a matching On the south-side face of the island is seems best. “I like the first four hours of color. a channel with quite a bit of submerged the morning personally.” You may want Schooling fish will be found along the timber running along it, below the surface. to consider taking both minnows and structure on the north part of the mid- Carolina rig this area with a fry or lizard in crappie jigs, as some days the crappie lake area. Hard to put into print but go red shad or watermelon/red. You may also prefer live bait and on others they like a jig. past the water intake on the north side want to use deep-diving crankbaits here, Don’t forget catfishing on Fork. about one third of the way up the lake if you know how to fish them in timber Known as a bass lake, it has a great number and start graphing the bottom. You’ll see without getting hung on the trees. of catfish as well. the structure and sandies more than likely. Schooling bass at Purtis often show By May the cats will be moving toward When you find that, you’ll be in position up in late May out in front of the dam, the shallows. Look to the timbered points, to catch plenty of fish including bass, sand near the water drain. Cut your motor and along creek channels leading to the bass and catfish. drift until you see the fish hit the surface. shallow water. Bait a hole and set-up on LAKE ‘O THE PINES — The 155 bridge Resist the temptation to run over and try these timbered edges near the channel on Lake ‘O the Pines is probably the to catch those fish. Instead, watch for a few and you should intercept a fair share of most popular location for crappie fishing minutes and you’ll see a pattern develop. the roaming cats. because it is the largest structure available. Schoolies will pop-up in one area then ATHENS — After a couple of years of In May however, you can find any kind retreat to the depths, only to pop-up a fantastic bass fishing, Athens is one of of cover in 8-10 foot-using side imaging hundred yards away. those lakes that saw flooding and closing — look for stumps, laydowns or brush The thing is, once you see where they in the early spring. I don’t think that on secondary creek channels. Toss a 1/16 surface you can go and wait for them to will have a negative effect on the fishing, or 1/8 oz. crappie jig across the cover come up again, as they sort of follow a other than keeping anglers from being area and let it free fall. Blue/chartreuse route around the area. Pop’R baits and able to fish. is a good choice for jig color but many small Torpedos in clear will catch fish on Prime vegetation growth, combined standard colors will work. top, and ‘Traps and spoons (slabs) will with stocking of genetically superior Bass fishermen should look to the catch them below. Florida strain largemouth bass and creeks and creek mouths up and down Crappie fishermen will want to fish the optimum growth conditions all combined the lake. Johnson and Copeland creeks timber/channel area toward the dam with to make Athens a legitimate big-bass in the lower third of the lake are good jigs and minnows. fishery. choices. Early in the day, topwater baits Catfishermen do well both on the dam This was proven over the last couple like the buzzbait or a Ribbit Frog will and on the western bank, from the dam to of years with catches of trophy bass at produce, while later spinnerbaits, ‘Traps, the first cove area. Most fish with cut and an exceptional rate. This trend should and chatterbaits will be the key baits. Stay prepared baits. may 2016 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal 39 BONUS MONTH of SUMMER

A special occurrence when anglers seemingly get an additional month of summer-like fishing conditions.

Story and photography by Danno Wise

ummer has come early to the spring. Flounder, speckled trout, redfish, calendar cycle, anglers will usually fare Texas coast. Sure, the calendar snook, black drum, sheepshead, mangrove best throwing “Jr” size topwater plugs as Sstill says spring (and will until snapper, tarpon and more can be found in compared to the full size version that are mid-June), but the unusually warm winter some combination depending on the area so effective later in the summer. And, since and spring experienced along the Texas of the Texas coast. This will be especially there will be many more calm condition coast this year makes May feel like early true this May, as fish have already become days in May than there have been so far summer. This means anglers heading to increasingly active with the unusually this spring, more subtle baits like floater/ the bay in May should be prepared for warm spring temperatures. As a result, divers (think Cordell Redfin or Bomber fishing patterns to be a little further along anglers will be able to use more “power Long A), are often as or more effective than they usually would this time of year. fishing” tactics and cover more water, than dog walkers. But, they should also realize that some more quickly. The same calm days that allow subtle natural spring patterns and conditions Although the temperatures this May surface plugs to be effective also offer will remain in play no matter the air are expected to be a little higher than up excellent sight casting opportunities temperature. normal, there will still be relatively mild on the shallow flats. In fact, topwater In general, late spring’s mild to compared to what they will be in July action and sight-casting are often good moderate water temperatures usually and August. As a result, fishermen can compliments for one another during results in more active fish. It also means expect good shallow water action – and late spring/early summer. Since the sun a greater variety of fish are active even good surface activity – for a longer needs to be fairly high in the sky to throughout Texas bays during May than period throughout the day. But, given allow anglers to effectively see beneath had been the case during winter and early that it is still really just late spring on the the surface for sight-casting, the timing

40 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal may 2016 generally allows for a smooth transition from early morning topwater fishing to mid-morning sight-casting, as the sun is usually just getting high enough for sight- casting just as the surface bite subsides. There are really two ways to go about sight casting in Texas bays – either casting at sighted fish or selectively sight casting to structure such as grass beds or sandy potholes. Obviously, most fishermen think of sight casting as casting to an actual fish. However, there are times when due to reduced visibility or other factors, fish are hard to see. So, when fish are not sighted, anglers can engage in selective blind-casting by casting lures in or near potholes to entice fish that are awaiting to ambush an easy meal swimming through the potholes. A wide variety of baits and lures can produce results in this situation, but most anglers employ soft-plastic jigs Junior sized baits may be better options during the extended early “summer bonus.” Smaller or weedless spoons. baits are great to fish on calm days when sight casting to feeding fish. Then again, while the temperature suggest summer, it is still spring and, casting. When blind casting, anglers need makes a little noise (pinning soft-plastics although May will offer up far more calm to make sure whatever they are throwing or natural baits beneath popping corks days than March, anglers can still expect is visible and can be easily located by any also helps with this). Finally, fishermen a good number of high wind days as well. nearby fish. can use scented baits or coat baits with a When the wind does kick up, anglers may There are a few things fishermen can scent product such as ProCure Gel. be able to find slivers of clean water along do to in order to assist that. One is to throw Another spring characteristic that protected shores and in back lakes, but dark or brightly colored baits. Second is anglers can expect even though it feels most often they need to resort to blind to use a bait that emits a vibration or like summer is the abundance of juvenile crustaceans and baitfish in Texas bays. Because of the spring spawn, bays will be full of shrimp, finger mullet, pinfish, shad, marine worms, sand eels, crabs and glass minnows. This means trout, redfish, flounder and other gamefish will have a much more varied diet this month than at other times of the year. So, the key to be successful on many days is figuring out the preferred meal of the day. Usually fish tend to key in on whatever is the predominate bait source at that moment. During late spring, that can vary widely and change rapidly. Fishermen should make observations of active bait from day to day and even from spot to spot within the bay, because during this time of year, Natural passes, jetties or areas adjacent to these connecting corridors with the Gulf are excellent places to it is literally a case of what intercept a variety of fish species. worked yesterday may not may 2016 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal 41 sufficient enough to stimulate feeding activity. While most May inshore angling activity will take place in Texas bays, there are a few other alternatives anglers have for catching specks, reds and other popular inshore species this month. This, again, is due to the fact the weather is a little ahead of the normal pattern. So, even though summer isn’t quite here, but some traditional summer haunts will begin seeing good fishing by the end of May. Gulf passes are great places to intercept redfish, speckled trout and, later, Spanish mackerel during the summer. By month’s end, there should be some decent fishing to be found in most Gulf passes along the Texas coast. Along with Gulf passes, the jetties that line them should be holding plenty of fish by the time May winds down. May is the time when numbers of good eating sized speckled trout can easily be caught. Speckled trout and redfish will certainly be found along the rocks this month. If work today. around mid-bay structures. Additionally, the weather continues to warm ahead Something else that will remain some mid-bay structure is easier and more of schedule, Spanish mackerel may join unaltered regardless of temperature productive to fish on a low tide. them by the last week of May as well. are the spring tides. Coastal fishermen Because such know that tides always impact fishing, a huge volume of regardless of season. But, never are they water is moving more impactful than in spring. This is in and out of the because spring is a time of extreme tides bays during spring, – higher highs and lower lows. This can the velocity of the stimulate fish to bite, but it can also make tidal flow will also fish harder or easier to find depending on be much stronger. the conditions. However, stronger When a huge flood tide rolls into the doesn’t always bay, areas that had been too shallow - or, in translate to better some cases, high and dry - during low tide, fishing. In fact, at will be in play. Fish will take advantage of times the flow can this new real estate and spread out over be limiting, as it the newly flooded bars and flats. Often makes it practically times, these fresh patches of water also impossible to fish benefit anglers in that they are in areas certain areas. that are somewhat protected by the wind, Areas that giving fishermen more options when the funnel a major flow wind is really howling. Conversely, some are best fished as of the mid-depth and deeper areas of the the tide first begins bay will become too deep - and at times to move or as it too rough - to fish on high tide. wanes. When the Low tide fishing during spring is very tide is ripping much like fishing low tides during winter, at its peak flow, after a front has pushed all the water out anglers are better of the bay. Those flats that held schools off finding flats of fish on high tide are often dry or too or back bay areas shallow to fish on low tide. Although an further from Gulf extremely low tide may eliminate some passes where the shallow water areas, it also serves to flow isn’t quite as As the month of May begins to wane, look for Spanish mackerel to be concentrate fish in channels, holes and strong, but still in the mix around jetties, passes and when fishing the surf.

42 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal may 2016 With summer-like conditions running at least a month early this year, anglers have already cast off their waders to wade “wet” while chasing slicks made by aggressively feeding fish.

Of course, the big draw during summer a matter of getting the right conditions and aggressively feeding fish make May along the Texas coast is catching specks to effective work the surf zone with light a perfect month to fish in Texas inshore in the surf. Without a doubt, there will be tackle this month. waters. That is especially true during a fishable numbers of speckled trout along All told, the lighter winds, moderate year such as this, when anglers can be a the beachfront during May. It is simply temperature, additional available species bonus month of summer.

may 2016 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal 43 For information on guides mentioned, see Guides, Gear & Getaways on pages 67, 69, & 71 Lake Roundup

By John Jefferson

Happy Days Are Here Again! But wait! Don’t hang up! This isn’t Photo ©John Jefferson about national politics. When the swift, silty Llano River was at flood stage, Carter Brown (left) and Ross McElmurry switched from bass tackle to catfish gear and had some luck. I’m just borrowing a line from a long- gone, famous political jingle. If you’re as out, and ultimately for the host to cancel Statesman headlines in the Metro section tired of political debates and self-serving it. Thanks. Regardless of his reasons for read “Lake Travis is full again”. Flipping to tweets (are there any other kinds!) as I so doing, it perhaps showed that he could the back page where lake levels are shown, am, you probably want to read about do something right for the good of the Travis was shown to still be 3.61 inches fishing instead of the latest insult from electorate. short of a full tub, but since the local one candidate to another. But enough of politics in this non paper is now printed 75 miles away in San At least one of the candidates did political column. Antonio and went to press too early for something right recently when he dropped The days are happy again because accuracy, again, I was confident that the out of a debate, causing another to drop back on March 18 the Austin American- needed amount has now entered the lake. I say that since a weekend “Birthday Fishing Trip” to the Llano River between Llano and Mason – or more precisely between Llano and Castell – was dampened by raging brown water pouring downstream after a four-inch rain on the Llano’s watershed earlier in the week. What had been an idyllic Hill Country stream two weeks before when we booked the place through Karen Marion in Castell, had since become a Class 5 rapid run way too exciting to foolishly attempt to wade, much less kayak. Gazillions of gallons of water rampaged past us en route to Lake LBJ at Kingsland and on through Lake Marble Falls, both of which are constant level lakes, and finally into Travis. And according to Randy Leifeste, impresario of the Castell General Store who keeps up with water flow upstream, the river would Photo ©John Jefferson not even crest until sometime Sunday, May is crappie-spawn month in Central Texas, and the fish will usually move into shallower after we had checked out. water. Since it was spring break weekend, we

44 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal may 2016 expected to see several kayaks and maybe high and that is no joke. guide on Lake Granger, says to look for a canoe or two float past us toward Scott’s So back to the happy days of full them along the banks of Willis Creek on Crossing, a few miles downstream, where lakes. Buchanan hasn’t completely filled, the upper end of Granger – the lake some rainbow trout had been stocked. (They are yet, but it’s caught a refreshing amount call the Crappie Capital of Texas. Tommy also stocked near the bridge at Castell.) of new water, and is well on the mend. prefers small red, yellow and black jigs But nada. Wise men (and wise women) The Statesman article was accompanied over minnows, which are the crappies’ had stayed off the flooding rio. The only by an image of a man working on his favorite natural food. watercraft witnessed by any of our family trolling motor at Marshall Ford Marina. It An entire industry has been built was a wayward and empty paddle boat quoted him as saying “The fishing report around the marketing of “crappie that my son, John, watched go over the is terrible.” jigs”. Check McBride’s Guns’ fishing dam in Llano on his way to join us. Maybe it was a disappointing day that department or any other fishing shop We also failed to see many fish brought day for the guy in the picture, but, to wear and choose a color that hooks you. Just to bank over that weekend. The Llano is out an already well-worn cliché, that’s why make sure they are small. The pretty girl known for plenty of scrappy Guadalupe they call it fishing. In general, a lot of good pictured with the nice crappie tied on a bass, the official Texas State Fish, as well as reports are coming in about Lake Travis brass Mepps inline spinnerbait and landed some of the state’s largest sunfish — but this year. See Austin bass fishing.com. several. nary a bass was caught, and not many There is a lot of flooded vegetation right The weight of the brass took it down sunfish. now, and it’s providing cover for baitfish to where the fish were suspended. It may I thought I would get an edge on our and that attracts the bass. not be necessary to go deep in May, but annual family fishing contest by picking Most seem to be using plastics, but you know what to use if they don’t bite up some worms and catfish bait at Red there are also people using a variety of in the shallows. Top Bait Stand, just west of Burnet on baits – even topwater lures and frogs. And are they good to eat. Highway 29, since I figured the rest of Some are sight- the family wouldn’t think of catfish biting casting to bedded during floods. But I guess they’ve either fish up the creeks; been reading my columns or somebody some are fishing else’s since some brought worms and boat docks, some those that didn’t wanted to borrow some shoreline vegetation. of mine. Take your pick. Or When life gives you lemons, make try ‘em all. lemonade. Our entire family and a young A number grandson’s guest refused to let a little rain of reports tell of dampen our parade — or my birthday. numerous five- We stowed our bass gear, and went after pounders and table fare. A couple of 18 to 19-inch catches of 20-30 channel cats were caught, and a bevy of bass per day – or small sunfish. All were caught on worms. more. That should My catfish bait did nothing more than satisfy most perfume my hands. fishermen, and if it My fly rod remained encased all isn’t enough for you, weekend and a new Field & Stream Tec- I’m sorry. That’s not Spec spinning rod saw limited action an apology for the in the silty, swift water. I was hoping to fishing, but for that christen in with a spirited Guadalupe kind of fisherman. or two, but that will have to wait until The aforementioned the river gets back to normal and we can results will probably see where the potholes and eddies are taper off some in that harbor the game fish that usually May, but even a little gobble spinnerbaits, like 1/16th ounce less action will still Roadrunners. be a heckuva treat. The Llano is a fun place to fish, and May is also we’ll be back. And even though what we the month for the did was not what was planned, it was still crappie spawn. fishing, and a load of fun. They’ll migrate Checking the Texas Outdoors Journal from their deep website, FOR ANGLERS, Freshwater there water brush piles are two links to current water data on area into shallower water Photo ©John Jefferson lakes. A more current update on April 1 near the shoreline. Light tackle including small jigs or minnows are the way to put crappie showed Travis was 0.19 feet or 2.28 inches Tommy Tidwell, a on the stringer. may 2016 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal 45 Swine-Tingling

Story and photography by Nate Skinner

With stick and string, or a pistol, hunters can experience thrilling, intimate hunts for wild hogs.

he distinct sound of a pack of a shooter’s marksmanship. But, what’s more determination and precision. hogs crashing through heavy exciting than a close encounter? May begins a transition into summer Tcover is one that many Texas Bow and pistols hunters have to put weather and the warmer temperatures make hunters know well. The grunting, squealing, themselves within close distances of some patterning hogs and predicting their loca- and snorting from a riled up sounder of pigs of the smartest creatures on wild terrain tion much easier. These adaptive creatures often echoes through the woods of the Lone to seal the deal on harvesting a pig. Travel lack functional sweat glands necessary to Star State. It’s hard to avoid the adrenaline routes, the lay of the land being hunted, and regulate their body temperature. To combat rush created by this ruckus. The excitement wind direction are just a few of the countless this hogs will use low lying areas that accu- is amplified when the scene unfolds at an variables that must be considered. These are mulate water and mud to cool off during the extremely close range. tactics that date back to Native Americans. warmest periods of the day. They wallow or Hunters armed with stick and string or The sharp shooting skills of some of the roll around in these areas, caking their hide a hip-holstered pistol can take the sport of deadliest outlaws from the days of the “Wild with mud. This helps to dissipate their body hunting hogs back to a much more primitive West” are necessary too. Hunters desiring heat and protects them from parasites. time. Sure, harvesting several pigs with one to experience a successful close encounter Ideal wallowing areas include creek bot- volley from a semi-automatic rifle can prove hog hunt with a bow or pistol must exhibit toms, low lying areas amongst heavy cover,

46 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal may 2016 and the edges of cattle tanks shaded by a to bury soured corn or maize about 14-18 tall levee or dam. In the summer months inches into the ground. The more holes that pigs spend more time in these areas, espe- are dug, filled with bait, and then covered, cially during daytime hours when the sun the more likely hogs are to visit the location. is overhead. Wet periods may increase the Hogs will smell the bait but will have to dig amount of wallowing areas on a property, to find it. This will prevent them from wip- as more areas become flooded. ing out the food source quickly and allow There are tell-tale signs of the presence hunters a much longer window of time to of hogs on a property. Pigs often dine on hunt the area. insects and grubs that live in the soil by When it comes to an archery application, turning over and tearing up, or rooting, the I have found it more productive to find a surface of an open area or field. Rootings wallowing area or travel corridor where look like patches of ground that someone hogs move through daily and set up a stand randomly tilled and tore up. Pigs tend to nearby. That’s not to say that hunters can’t produce more rootings after a rain when stalk pigs on foot with a bow. There are the ground becomes softer and easier to dig many accomplished bow hunters that pur- into. Fresh rootings on a property are a sure sue hogs on foot; however, I prefer to be in fire sign of hog activity. an elevated stand when my only means of Heavy hog traffic creates distinct trails defense against an aggressive pack of hogs that often traverse barbed wire fences. When depends on how fast I can draw arrows small patches of black and dark brown hair from a quiver. are found on strands of barbed wire low to Hunting from a stand also allows bow the ground over a trail, there’s no doubt a hunters to take their time and make a precise pack of hogs is regularly traveling through shot. Drawing a bow involves a lot more that section of the fence. movement than pulling the trigger. Making Hogs tend to leave signs of their pres- a poor shot by rushing is not a mistake a ence in the areas they bed and wallow in hunter wants to make, especially on foot or too. Hoof prints left in mud are one of at a short distance from a hog. the easiest to recog- Effective range for some archers may nize. Splotches of mud extend out to about 40 yards, but I prefer caked on low hanging to take my shots inside 25 yards. Baiting branches of a bush an area where a stand is placed increases or around the base the odds of keeping hogs within this short of a tree show hunt- shooting range. ers where wallowing Bow hunters will also want to take into hogs have rubbed off account the wind when setting up a stand. mud plastered to their During the summer months southerly winds sides. Areas where are typically the norm. Placing a tripod or small branches and treestand to the north of an area where hogs other pieces of brush will be traveling or on the northern side of look torn or ripped off a baited area will keep a hunter’s scent from could be a sign of a sow spooking them. A brushed in ground blind building a brush-pile is also a good option and the walls of the den for her litter. blind will help mask a hunter’s scent. Baiting areas near TOJ’s editor and publisher, Bill L. Olson wallowing and bed- says he never found the time amongst all ding locations is a his other outdoor afflictions to become great way for hunters proficient with a bow, but he has been to get hogs coming to hunting hogs on foot with a pistol since the known location regu- mid 1980’s. larly. Using a standard “I began stalking pigs on my late wife’s corn feeder is a simple family ranch in Colorado County with an and basic way to at- open sight revolver or low magnification tract hogs to an area, single shot, break-action pistols,” Olson but there are also less confessed. “I originally shot a Thompson expensive applications. Center Arms Contender chambered in Photo by Brad Olinick A productive way .357 Maximum. My constant sidearm that The author with a heavy sow taken from a tree stand near a creek to bait an area is to I also hunted with is a six inch Dan Wesson bottom. use a posthole digger revolver in .44 Magnum.” may 2016 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal 47 Hunting with a .375 I can reach out a little further if needed, pistol will increase and for the close shots it really smacks the slightly a hunter’s animal down immediately,” he confessed. effective shooting “There are a number of other good caliber range while still re- options for pistols like the .35 Remington maining close. Ol- or .30-30. son says he takes “Hunters looking to get into pistol hunt- shots from 50 to 75 ing might consider a .44 Magnum loaded yards with his .357 with a 220 grain MCP bullet,” he suggested. maximum paired “MCP stands for metal case profile and is with a low powered designed to have the copper jacketing come scope, and is com- up to the front edge of the bullet leaving the fortable shooting center lead exposed. This helps control the at hogs within 50 expansion of the bullet as it travels through yards with his open the thick muscle of a hog.” sight .44 Magnum When planning to stalk hogs in a baited revolver. area or a wallowing location, pistol hunters As he became will need to consider several things. “As more passionate hunters it is very difficult to just leave work about pistol hunting or our hectic lifestyle and head to the woods Olson moved up to like it’s an everyday occurrence,” Olson said. a .375 Winchester “A more methodical, slower, and stealthy that has similar bal- approach is necessary, but down-shifting listics to a 30-30 but from our normal routine to almost a “crawl” with more retained is sometimes hard to do.” energy on target. “I While stalking hogs on foot, knowing A ground blind is a great way for bow hunters to experience a close still like to get close, the lay of the land is key. It’s important for encounter with wild hogs as the walls of the blind help to mask a in that 30-60 yard a hunter to know what obstacles are between hunter’s scent and cover any movement. range but with the him/her and the target area. Wind direction

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48 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal may 2016 Pictured are TOJ’s Publisher/Editor Bill L. Olson’s pistols he has used to take numerous wild hogs. His six inch Dan Wesson revolver chambered in .44 Magnum is the sidearm he wore at all times while on his in-laws Colorado County ranch. The Thompson Center Arms Contender is chambered for .375 Winchester that has ballistics similar to a .30-30 but with a mild recoil. is important as hunters will approach hogs from downwind. The wind needs to be into a hunter’s face during the stalk. Above all, hunters should be careful to move slowly, quietly and deliberately. If it takes an hour to cover 25 yards without being detected, then that’s what it takes. Rushing and being careless will never bring positive results. Olson cautions all pistol hunters to make sure they are confident in their skills before pursuing hogs on foot. “Stalking in heavy cover could result in a hog charging a hunter unexpectedly. In this situation, it’s either find a tree or rely on precise shooting skills to make an exciting harvest. It’s an adrenaline rush that can be rewarding, but should not be tested until the hunter is absolutely ready.” Temperatures are starting to heat up and so is the hunting action for wild hogs. Their movements and locations are predictable, and there’s nothing more exciting than a close encounter. Hunters willing to put in the work and a take a methodical approach can expect to find exceptional results. Whether it’s with stick and string or a hip-holstered pistol, the swine await those wanting to get a little bit closer. may 2016 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal 49 For information on guides mentioned, see Guides, Gear & Getaways on pages 67, 69, & 71

CoastWatch Danno Wise

May is usually a bit of a transition front of Port Isabel well into month – a bridge between spring and May,” said Buitureira. “May summer. This year, summer seems to be is really a continuation of coming a little earlier than usually and by April as far as that goes. As Memorial Day - the last Monday in May - long as the wind is not too ‘summer’ fishing will be in full swing up heavy, we’ll start out throwing and down the Texas coast. topwaters for big trout on top Of course, that means different things on bars. If there is no wind for fishermen on different portions of or a really light wind, go up the Texas coastal curve. In the mid-coast, north along the ICW. The it usually means it’s ‘croaker season,’ trout will be thick along the as croaker have generally reach a large edges of the channel. And, it’s enough size to use as bait by then. In not just trout, there will also Photo courtesy Captain Gencho Buitureira Jr. Deep South Texas, anglers can expect to be flounder and black drum start seeing reliable numbers of tarpon. up there. Captain Gencho Buitureira Jr. shows off a nice sheepshead he recently caught. In May Gencho says there will be a As the month wears on, reliable offshore “Another thing you can variety of fish and fishing options on the Lower Laguna conditions will begin to set in as well. do is hit the shacks up north Madre. for drum and trout. If you’ve LOWER COAST got a slow moving tide and little wind, side or fish right on the color line.” you can also fish the old causeway. You The guides at Port Mansfield’s Get-A- want to have some water moving if you Way Adventures also believe May will be a fish around there, but you don’t want the good month on the Lower Laguna Madre. current to be too strong. Usually during Speckled trout will be the primary target May, I’ll save some skipjack if we catch on most days. During the month of May, them or take some fresh mullet and fish the vast majority of speckled trout will be potholes on Gas Wells for redfish after we found in three to four feet of water. Most get our trout or after the wind picks up. fish will be relating to grass, so potholes You can also jump to west side and fish and the outside edges of grass beds will Port Isabel guide Capt. Gencho “JR” south of Cullen and do the same thing. be good options. Buitureira says fishing will almost be too “And, we also fish the color changes a Redfish will be moving up onto the easy at times in the extreme southern end lot in May. If you are bait fishing along the sand flats during May. There also be plenty of the Lower Laguna Madre. color change, go to the dirty water side. If of reds around the ICW spoils north of “Remember, the trout are still out you are lure fishing go to the clean water town. May is also the time when Spanish

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for bait,” said Sifford. “But, or along part of the shoreline where boats that’s usually not until the can’t run. If you find an area like a fence second week or so of May. line or a point, you’ll find redfish holding So, early in the month, I’ll real tight to it. Also, if you go onto the flats be wading and throwing later in the afternoon after things have topwaters, mostly around settled down a little, you’ll find a lot more the reefs in Nueces. But, fish on the flats. if it’s windy, I’ll fish the “Overall, I’m looking forward to some grass lines and drop offs. excellent trout fishing in Nueces and Later in the month, I’ll Baffin and some great redfishing in the start concentrating on the Upper Laguna. I think May’s going to be backside of Baffin. a good month.” “Another option in the early part of May is the Land Cut. We can usually MIDDLE COAST Photo courtesy Capt. Allen Sifford catch some really good This angler shows off a big sow trout he caught while fishing trout in the Land Cut with Capt. Allen Sifford. Sifford says he will either fish Nueces until after the full moon in or Baffin Bay or the Land Cut looking for big trophy trout in May. When I’m fishing the May. Land Cut, I fish the west bank. I start out throwing mackerel, kingfish and tarpon begin topwaters. Then, later in the morning I showing up around the jetties lining the start fishing deeper with Bass Assassins. East Cut. The redfish will be schooled up on the flats Corpus Christi guide Capt. Allen in the Upper Laguna,” said Sifford. “But, if Sifford of Fish On Guide Service says we have a lot of big tournaments or busy South Texas anglers will have plenty of weekends, those fish will either move off May means croaker fishing in the options this month. “Once our croaker the flats or be very skittish. In that case, Aransas area. During the month of get big enough, I’ll switch over to croaker you need to look for them along the drops May, the vast majority of Aransas area

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52 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal may 2016 trout fishermen switch from shrimp the natural drop off is, or in a bend of a that they do not get the pressure like and plastics to live croaker as their bait reef. Differences on a reef, such as bends, others. Finding certain reefs is simply of choice for speckled trout. Most of the guts, drop offs, can make ambush points years of learning and knowing an area waters around Aransas Pass and Port for trout and reds. Especially if there is and doing your homework. Biggest thing Aransas will be holding good numbers of good water movement across that reef, to keep in mind when running around trout during May. Nueces, Aransas, and these fish will sit in the current and wait learning reefs is boat safety and knowing Corpus Christi bays will all have plenty for baitfish to come to them. how to read the water. of fish this month. For the most part, “There are many reefs from San “Aside from fishing the many oyster the trout will be over mid-depth flats Antonio Bay to Mesquite Bay, not all are reefs in our bay system, the shorelines and along the drops. Later in the month productive, but under the right conditions which hold grass, can be very productive once the water has warmed a little more, most will hold good fish. Not all these this time of year. In May, we will be the fish will be found around the deeper reefs show up on charts or GPS, and for in full swing of the trout spawn, and structure. Up on the shallow flats, anglers walking the many miles will find plenty of willing redfish during of shorelines will produce May. Redfish found on the flats this month good catches. Fishing the are best targeted with topwaters, spoons shorelines does not hold or cut bait. as many variables as reef Trout will be the main target for fishing. Typically if you Rockport area anglers in May as well. find a grassy stretch of And, like other anglers in the Coastal Bend shore with scattered sand region, most Rockport fishermen will be pockets, there will be bait throwing croaker for trout. Anglers can present in the grass. Grass expect to find trout all the way from the offers a hiding spot for mid-bay areas from Aransas Bay south to baitfish, and the trout and the Land Cut. Anglers hoping to hook into reds will lie camouflaged redfish should spend their time working waiting to strike. This is Photo by Bill L. Olson along the edges of the flats and over the when the top water action Look for grass beds and shallow flats to hold increased drops. Soft-plastics, live shrimp or cut can really get going.“ numbers of redfish and speckled trout in May. mullet will suffice to take redfish in May. Black drum should also be schooling in May. Fishermen should keep a bag of dead BOOK NOW FOR SUMMER GREAT FISHING shrimp handy. When they run across a MID-COAST ATTRACTIONS SCHLITTERBAHN WATER PARK school of black drum on the flats, they can usually quickly catch a limit. Seadrift based guide Capt. Nathan Beabout of N&M Sportsman Adventures says weather conditions will control when, where and how he fishes in May. “The month of May can be tricky on the Middle Texas Coast,” said Beabout. “It can definitely be one of our windiest YOUR BEACHFRONT OR CANAL-FRONT RETREAT LEADING TO months. In years past, I have seen it blow FAVORITE FISHING SPOTS ON THE UPPER LAGUNA MADRE IS WAITING! 20-30 mph out of the southeast for days Let our professionals help plan your next island vacation, getaway or tournament needs. on end. When this takes place, the only Call us for specials and availability. option we have is to seek refuge in the protected marsh. Days like that in the marsh are a redfish hunt, and fortunately can be very productive. On the flip side, May can also be humble and allow us to fish many days over our oyster shell. “When I am fishing reef structures, there are many variables I keep in mind. Wind speed and direction, because there “Professional Property are many reefs in our bay that are too far Management and Sales off mainland shorelines. Many days these Serving North Padre Island since 1988 mid bay reefs can only be fished on the first 361.949.9050 OFFICE 361.949.9070 FAX stop of the morning, before daily winds 14613 S. PADRE ISLAND DRIVE, CORPUS CHRISTI, TX 78418 blow us off. Locate bait concentration, www.rentalmgmt.com whether it is on the end of a reef where may 2016 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal 53 GUNS ‘N STUFF | Harold Gunn

Brushytails Forever!

The best way to teach a youngster to shoot is with a .22 single shot rifle with an exposed hammer. The best way to teach a youngster or an adult to hunt is to go afield after one of the wild squirrel species available in Texas. A single shot rifle with an exposed The Savage Model 42 Takedown. hammer is all kinds of safe. Looking at the hammer tells you whether or not it is cocked. I learned on a single shot bolt action with the pull cock hammer. The be had by using a single-shot air gun. this rifle comes with a 4 by 32 scope as single shot aspect removes the danger of Don’t worry because you will not be at a part of the package. The works weighs a a finger twitch firing an unintended shot disadvantage. New technology has made slight 5.28 pounds. Mr. Squirrel will never from an automatic. And to this day, be it a these arms shoot faster, farther, with more here you coming. Check the line at www. one shot .22 or a big bore in a Ruger No. 1, power and they are quieter. gamousa.com. I truly believe knowing you have only one GAMO is the world’s largest We need to feed our firearms and we chance improves your aim, concentration, manufacturer of airgun pellets and a have many outstanding choices of .22LR follow through and enjoyment. major airgun maker. Some years ago they ammunition, but there is something new A fun exercise is searching through rang the bell with the line of Whisper air on the shelves. the used firearms at your favorite gun rifles fitted with what was first called a Aguila Ammunition, manufactured in sound dampener. Now they Cuernavaca, Mexico, has been receiving just say silencer because it is rave reviews. More about the company o.k. since the rifles are not and their full line in a later issue. For our classified as firearms. purpose at present, let us take a look at The GAMO Whisper their .22 long rifle SSS Sniper Subsonic. Silent Cat gets its power These rounds feature a 60-grain solid from a break barrel single point lead bullet. The design is a longer, cocking system that heavier bullet on a shorter case with less GAMO’S Whisper Silent Cat. operates a spring piston. propellant giving the cartridge the same This elegant system delivers overall dimensions and energy equivalent store for a clean old single shot. If that a .177 caliber lead pellet down the barrel of a standard .22 long rifle round. This fails, there are still new ones being made at 1,000 fps and their alloy PGA pellet hits provides accuracy for target shooting and by Winchester, Savage, Uberti and others. 1,200 fps. The 18-inch barrel features a small-game hunting without excessive Savage has been making break open non-removable “sound dampener” with noise disturbing the critters. This is a combination single shot firearms forever. up to 52% noise reduction. The adjustable dandy alternative when you don’t want The current Model 42 offers a .22 long trigger leaves the rifle or .22 Win. Mag. rimfire over-barrel factory with a nice with a .410 shotgun under-barrel. The 3.79 pound pull. 20-inch barrels and receiver are housed in The weather a black synthetic stock and this 6-pound resistant synthetic package breaks open by depressing a stock has twin lever in front of the trigger guard. An cheek pads for advantage to a beginner in the squirrel ambidextrous woods is to use the .410 with #8 ½ shot shooting and has until they hone their .22 skills. See www. a ventilated rubber savagearms.com. recoil pad. The You experienced hands feel free to Silent Cat has front hunt with your scoped Ruger 10/22’s, lever and rear fiber optic action Marlin 39’s, bolt action Browning’s sights, plus the or whatever you are most comfortable receiver is grooved shooting. But…back to single shots. for mounting an Another excellent training tool and air gun scope. That a new challenge to squirrel hunting can is not a concern as Aguila .22LR SSS Sniper Subsonic.

54 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal may 2016 to go through the time and expense of The fact is squirrel tails are all hair— to prepare this tasty rodent is chicken acquiring a silencer. If you are a silencer no fur. Practically all other animals fried. Of course, the required side dish owner you’ll get even more quiet. have fur tails with just a few guard is mashed potatoes with cream gravy. These cartridges are recommended hairs. Fur doesn’t have the rippling, Yum! for use in barrels 20-inches and longer pulsating movement to achieve their best performance. The of squirrel hair in 60-grain bullet has a muzzle velocity of the water. Mepps is 950 feet per second as compared to the only interested in average .22 long rifle with a 40-grain bullet recycling tails taken at 1,100fps while still providing good from squirrels that energy on the target and plenty of power have been harvested for a rampaging rodent. These cartridges for the table. We do are manufactured using justly famous not advocate taking ELEY Prime technology from the folks squirrels strictly for that produce the ammo used by Olympic their tails.” Recycling shooting teams. Visit aguilaammo.com. squirrel tails…what Hunting squirrels is challenging for a concept. See www. several reasons. First, they are small. They Mepps.com. spend a great deal of time in trees and The best way to their color blends in with the foliage. They recycle is to dine on are sneaky, spending a great deal of time your harvest. Squirrel laying stone still, flat on a tree branch. meat is surprisingly They are very wary when on the ground tasty and recipes because they do not want to be food. Plus, abound such as who else do you know that can flatten baked, sautéed, Hunter’s Specialties® Squirrel Call easily makes the bark or feeding themselves against a tree trunk while roasted, fricasseed chatter of both fox and grey squirrels as well as the distress call of a upside down and looking for danger? This and more, but my baby squirrel. Plus the call comes with an instructional CD to help is where we can learn and teach walking all time favorite way hunters learn how and when to call to bring squirrels into range. softly, scanning, hiding and staying still. Though stealth is necessary when squirrel hunting, sometimes making noise 30 Years experience in TrophY Deer ManagMenT can help. The Hunter’s Specialties Squirrel Call imitates sounds that squirrels make and they are quite vocal. This call mimics their bark, the feeding chatter of both fox and grey squirrels, plus the distress call of a baby squirrel. An extra added attraction is the instructional CD that is included to teach how and when to call to bring them in range. If a group comes stampeding in you are on your own. Decidedly cheap at $ 12.95 and available at sporting goods stores or online at www.hunterspec.com. A bonus from squirrel hunting is there is a market for their tails. You will Whether you enjoy an not get rich, but it is an extra use of the established program or resource thanks to the folks at Mepps, are just starting out, the fishing lure manufacturer. Here is an interesting excerpt from their website. contact Bob Zaiglin, “We need them to create hand-tied one of the most dressed hooks for our world-famous, repected names in the fish-catching lures. We’ve tried hundreds wildlife industry at of other natural and synthetic materials; Zaiglin’s Wildlife & bear hair, fox, coyote, badger, skunk, deer, Resource Managment. even Angus cow, but nothing works as well as squirrel tail hair. We’ve been recycling squirrel tails for over half a century. In Bob Zaiglin, Certified Wildlife Biologist fact, we recycle more of them than anyone 830.278.8815 else in the world. may 2016 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal 55 Fishing Live Bait

Feisty bait options and rigs for catching reds, trout and flounder.

Story and photography by Robert Sloan ures are good a whole lot of the popping cork. They can also be fished to 24 inch leader. A No. 1 treble hook is time along the Texas coast, but under a slip cork rig around the wells or at added to the leader. You can also use a Lwhen it comes down to catching the jetties. When fishing the jetties or surf Kahle hook. I’ve caught hundreds of trout trout, reds and flounder it’s tough to you can free-line a live shrimp with the on slip cork rigs. It’s the deadliest way to beat live baits on a daily basis. There is current. To fish them on bottom simply catch trout and reds along the jetties with absolutely nothing better than having a tie on a Carolina rig with hook, swivel and live shrimp. Once you’re rigged up, and red or trout blow up on a topwater lure. barrel weight. the depth is set, you flip the rig out and And feeling that solid thump on a jig at A popping cork and shrimp has been feed line off the reel as the cork moves the end of your line and reeling in a fat used for decades to catch gazillions of down the rocks with the current. You can flounder is the cat’s meow. But it’s a fact trout and reds. This is a good rig to use just cover a lot of water at any depth. that on many days, especially when you about anywhere you can find saltwater. The next best deadliest tactic for are just trying to put fish in the boat, a live The most popular popping cork is a fishing shrimp or finger mullet is to hook shrimp, mullet, mud minnow or croaker cup-faced Styrofoam cone shaped float ‘em up on a free-line rig. To do this you is the way to go. with weight, a two foot long leader and a run the line through a 1/16 or 1/8 ounce Live shrimp rule when targeting hook. Another version is the rattle float. barrel weight, tie it to a small swivel, add trout and reds. You can fish them on an 18 inch leader and a small hook. bottom, under a float, free-line them With these live baits and tactics you That’s it. The idea is to feed line out and even tip a jig head with them. are good to go year round anywhere as the shrimp slowly sinks and floats Seeing a live shrimp flag flying is along the Gulf coast. with the current. This rig will catch one of the best sites you’ll see along just about anything that feeds along the coast. It’s a sure fire sign that you’ll The idea behind this rig is to pop the top the jetties. be able to load up on shrimp – just don’t and attract fish to the action, that in turn One of the most versatile ways to catch forget your wallet. You can buy them by eat the live shrimp. flounder and reds is to tie on a Carolina the pint or by the quart, and the cost might A slip cork rig can be used along the rig. This is simple to put together and surprise you. A quart of shrimp can easily jetties or at the wells to fish live shrimp or a no-brainer to fish. When it comes to set you back $20. And if you don’t have a finger mullet at any depth. It all starts with catching flounder this is the rig to use. good live well chances are good they will a bobber stopper that is threaded onto Thread the line off your reel through a all die. The key is to provide them with your line. Or you can use a small piece of ¼-ounce barrel or slip weight. Tie the line an oxygen rich live well, and not let the a rubber band tied onto the line with an to a swivel. Take an 18 to 24 inch section water over heat. overhand slip knot. of leader and tie it to the opposite end of Croakers are always a good option for What you want to do is slip the line the swivel. Tie the tag end off to a hook trout. In fact they are so good that many through an unweighted Styrofoam cone and you are ready to go. anglers think they should be outlawed for shaped float. Run the line through an egg This rig can be worked along bottom use as bait. It’s not unusual to see stickers sinker, then to a swivel and attach an 18 or allowed to move with the current. on boats indicating no croaker soakers allowed. It’s certainly true that a three to four inch long croaker will catch trout – big trout. Like shrimp, you’ll need a good live well to keep them alive. Conversely, finger mullet and mud minnows are pretty tough. They don’t need a full blown live well. A five gallon bucket with an occasional change of water will keep them swimming, but a little infused oxygen is always good. A live shrimp is without a doubt the best live bait you can use for speckled trout. They can be fished in all sorts of situations. One of the most popular is under a A slip cork rig can be used along the jetties or at the wells to fish live shrimp or finger mullet at any depth. may 2016 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal 57 the dorsal fin. But if I’m fishing the surf I’ll hook them through the nose, so they won’t drown in the strong current. The best way to fish a croaker is to cast it out, let it settle for a few minutes, then pop the rod tip about three times. That jolts the croaker into action, pops the rattler and gets the croaker to croaking. That’s a triple fish attracting action. Most of the time the bite will come just after I’ve popped the rod a few times. Also, if I’ve got small croakers, I’ll put two Capt. Dodd Coffey, with Willie D’s guide service in Port O’Connor says during the summer months he’ll almost always on one hook for more leave the dock with both live shrimp and croaker. croaking.” Coffey says that It’s great for fishing finger mullet, mud using both shrimp and croakers most of when he feels a bite he’ll let the fish take minnows, shrimp and fresh caught shad. the time. a few feet of line out, then set the hook. One reason this rig catches so many Successfully fishing croakers is far That’s very important. flounder is because they can pick the bait from easy. Coffey says up and feel no line tension. It gives them the main thing is to get more time to get the bait into their mouth. good croakers. Croakers are definitely the most “I try to get croakers controversial live bait you can use along that have spent at least the Texas coast. three days in the bait And they are the most expensive camp tanks,” says coming in at about $8 a dozen. There Coffey. “Those are are quite a few fishermen out there that strong ones, they swim consider using a live croaker for bait is better and catch more cheating, especially when you are targeting fish. The best size will big trout. I know more than a few guides be 2-1/2 to 3 inches that won’t allow “croaker soakers” on their long. Once I’ve got boats. On the other hand I know a whole them on the boat I like lot of very successful guides that use all to run straight oxygen sorts of live baits, especially croakers. to them. Capt. Dodd Coffey, with Willie D’s I’ll also run a Pro guide service in Port O’Connor, is one of Air pump on them. the best croaker fishermen I’ve ever seen When fishing croakers in action. One thing is certain – catching I use a 3/0 red wide gap trout and reds with a live croaker is not croaker hook. About always a given. 12 inches above the “I use all sorts of live baits from shrimp hook I’ll tie on a white to mullet and definitely croakers,” says croaker rattle. Then I’ll Coffey. “During the summer months I’ll run my line through a almost always leave the dock with both ¼ to ½ ounce barrel live shrimp and croaker. weight and tie it off to “You never know what reds and trout the rattle. are going to prefer from one day to the “When fishing in Photo by Bill L. Olson other. Working as a guide my job is to the bays I’ll hook a On many days, especially when you are just trying to put fish in the put fish in the boat. And that means croaker just behind boat, a live shrimp under a popping cork is the way to go.

58 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal may 2016 One last great live bait rig is a jig head. Tie one on, attach and live shrimp, mullet or mud minnow and cast it out. When fishing shrimp run the hook through the tail, from the bottom side up. As the jig falls, the shrimp will be swimming up. It’s a very good presentation. With mullet, minnows and even croakers hook ‘em through the lips. When fishing this rig, cast it out and work it back along bottom, or yo-yo it back on a slow but steady retrieve. With these live baits and tactics you are good to go year round anywhere along the Gulf coast. Just make sure you have a good and dependable live well. For more information call me, Capt. Robert Sloan, at 409-782-6796, email [email protected] or go to www.luckystrikeguide. A variety of popping corks or rattling floats and shrimp has been used for over the years to catch gazillions of com. trout and reds.

may 2016 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal 59 Texas Parks and Wildlife Update

Commission Approves Changes deer in Winkler County, with a bag limit • Modifying harvest regulations for to Deer Hunting Regulations for of three deer (no more than one buck smallmouth bass on Lake Meredith 2016-17 and no more than two antlerless, with (Hutchinson, Moore, and Potter counties) The Texas Parks and Wildlife Com- the take of antlerless deer restricted to from a 12- to 15-inch slot and 3 per day bag mission adopted a suite of changes to the archery-only season or properties to a 14-inch minimum length limit and 5 this year’s deer hunting regulations issued MLDP antlerless tags). The new per day bag. that includes expanding white-tailed season is identical to adjoining/nearby • Modifying harvest regulations for deer hunting into 14 counties across counties that currently have a season. channel and blue catfish bass on Lake the western Panhandle, and creating •Establish four “doe days” (time Tawakoni (Hunt; Raines, and Van Zandt additional deer hunting opportunities periods in when antlerless deer may be counties). The new proposal would in East Texas. taken without a permit in parts of the remove the current 12-inch minimum The Commission, at its March 29 state where antlerless harvest regula- length limit, but with a modified 25 fish meeting, adopted the following changes tions are conservative) in Bell (east of daily bag (blues and channels combined). to the 2016-17 Statewide Hunting IH35), Burleson, Ellis, Falls, Freestone, Within the 25 bag, only seven fish could Proclamation, the details of which will Kaufman, Limestone, Milam, Navarro exceed 20 inches in length and of those be incorporated into this year’s Texas and Williamson (east of IH35) counties; seven fish, only two could exceed 30 inches. Parks and Wildlife Department Out- •Increase the number of doe days to • Modifying harvest regulations for door Annual: 16 in Anderson, Brazos, Camp, Gregg, largemouth bass on the Sabine River •Elimination of the Antlerless and Grimes, Henderson, Lamar, Leon, Mad- in Newton and Orange counties, and Spike-buck Control Permit due to lack ison, Morris, Red River, Robertson and in Chambers, Galveston, Jefferson, and of demand; Upshur counties. Orange counties. This proposal would •Define “unbranched antlered deer” •Implement a muzzleloader-only reduce the minimum length limit for to clarify what constitutes a legal buck late season in Anderson, Bell (East of largemouth bass to 12 inches. The daily bag across seasons and to alleviate confusion IH 35), Brazos, Burleson, Comal (East limit would remain at five fish in the four among hunters, and replace the “Special of IH 35), Delta, Ellis, Fannin, Falls, counties and at eight fish for the Sabine Late Antlerless and Spike-buck Season” Franklin, Freestone, Grimes, Hays (East River (same as limit for waters shared with with a “Special Late Season” to accom- of IH 35), Henderson, Hopkins, Hunt, Louisiana). modate the inclusion of “unbranched Kaufman, Lamar, Leon, Limestone, • Modifying saugeye harvest regulations antlered deer” in the bag limit; Madison, Milam, Navarro, Rains, Red to remove the current 18-inch minimum •Allow the take of antlerless deer River, Robertson, Smith, Titus, Travis length limit and change the daily bag limit without a permit on certain U.S. For- (East of IH 35), Van Zandt, Williamson from three to five, only two of which may est Service Lands during youth-only (East of IH 35), and Wood counties. be greater than 16 inches (same as walleye seasons; harvest regulations). •Clarify that white-tailed antlerless • Clarifying the recreational maximum deer harvest during the archery-only TPW Commission Adopts size limit for black drum is 30 inches, and season does not require a permit and Changes to Fishing Regulations the recreational minimum total length harvest of antlerless deer during youth On March 24 the Texas Parks and limit on greater amberjack is 38 inches seasons is restricted to persons 16 years Wildlife Commission adopted a series to align with new federal regulations that of age and younger including on prop- of fishing regulation changes affecting utilize a different measurement guideline. erties issued Level 1 Managed Lands bass and catfish in specific fresh waters, • Clarifying that snagging or foul Deer (MLD) Permits; and clarifying saltwater length limits on hooking any fish using pole-and-line in •Implement both a general and black drum and amberjack, and rules fresh and salt water is prohibited. special archery-only season for white- prohibiting snagging of fish with pole- tailed deer in Andrews, Bailey, Castro, and-line. Texas Game Warden Recog- Cochran, Gaines, Hale, Hockley, Lamb, The changes to the 2016-17 Statewide nized as National Wild Turkey Lubbock, Lynn, Parmer, Terry and Recreational and Commercial Fishing Federation Officer of the Year Yoakum counties, with a bag limit of regulations take effect on September 1, At the March 29 Texas Parks and three deer (no more than one buck and 2016, and include: Wildlife Commission meeting, Texas no more than two antlerless), which is • Modifying harvest regulations for Parks and Wildlife Department Executive identical to adjoining/nearby counties largemouth bass on Lake Naconiche Director Carter Smith recognized Texas that currently have a season. (Nacogdoches County) from an 18-inch Game Warden Ellis Powell as the National •Implement both a general and spe- minimum length limit to a 16-inch Wild Turkey Federation’s Texas Wildlife cial archery-only season for white-tailed maximum. Officer of the Year. 60 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal may 2016 Every year since 2000, the federation has recognized North American game wardens for enforcement activities related to wild turkeys. This marks the 16th year this award has been presented to a Texas game warden. Powell graduated from the 50th Texas Game Warden Training Academy in June 2004. Upon graduation, he was assigned to Newton County, where he is currently stationed. In his nearly 12 years in Newton County, which borders Sabine National Forest, Powell has developed strong relationships with the large hunting clubs bordering the forest. Because of Powell’s partnerships throughout the area, there have been hardly any game violations in the forest, which has one of the largest populations of Eastern turkey in the state. Additionally, Powell routinely assists these clubs with their management plan for both turkey and deer. Powell is also active in his community, especially in activities involving youth participation in outdoor recreation. Powell consistently participates in numerous public programs throughout the year with local schools and civic organizations. He has also introduced many young adults to hunting and fishing through Operation The National Wild Turkey Federation honors Texas Game Warden Ellis Powell as the Officer of Outdoor events held every year. the Year at the March 29th Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission meeting. This marks the 16th year this award has been presented to a Texas game warden.

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once the sun comes up. If you get an “We’ll be in post-spawn all over the overcast day or something like that, they lake in May,” said Gallagher. “But, May is SOUTH TEXAS may stay on the topwaters a little longer, a good month to fish Medina. Actually, but usually it’s over pretty early. late April through the first couple weeks “After the topwater bite turns off, the of June is probably the best time on this fish will start moving deeper as the day lake. It’s not too hot yet, so fish aren’t real gets warmer. You can still work around deep. You can generally get a pretty good the points with spinnerbaits. Usually, the topwater bite and don’t have to fish too most of the fish will be along the sides of slow. May is a month when just about the point, not right on it. So, concentrate anybody can come down here and look on the sides along the drop-offs. Any like a pro. fish still hanging around the points will “But, even when we are fishing usually whack a spinnerbait. topwaters, small baits are always better “Once the sun is high in the sky and on Medina. Big topwaters just don’t work By Danno Wise the day is warm, I’ll start working along here. Most of the time, Spit’N Images and the deeper points and other deep water Pop ‘Rs are best topwaters. But, another A warmer than usual winter and early structure. Most of the time, your best bet bait that works real well is the Spro. They spring saw good angling action on lakes is usually a Carolina-rigged worm, lizard aren’t real easy to find, but they work real across the South Texas region. Generally or soft-plastic jerk bait on the deeper well, in part because fish don’t see a lot speaking, May offers plenty of good structure. The worms you can rig straight of them. fishing on South Texas lakes. So, this year or wacky style. I prefer throwing a Power “Again, through May we usually have should be even better as fish have already Jerkshad. a pretty good topwater bite. Later in the spawned and are emerging from their “I usually like fishing a short Carolina summer, the topwater bite is right at post-spawn patterns. rig, using a ¼ ounce or 7/16 ounce weight. sunrise – once the sun is up, the bite is Additionally, May will see a greater If the water is really clear, I like throwing over. But, in May it lasts a bit longer. variety of species being active on most watermelon. Although I usually throw a “Also, by May we are done with lakes. In addition to largemouth bass, Carolina rig, I will also use a Texas rig with weather extremes. And, although this is South Texas anglers will be able to easily a 3/16 ounce weight. I’ll throw it right up known as a main lake point lake, this is the target white bass, hybrid bass, crappie, on the grass and let it fall off. And, this time of year that the secondary points will catfish and a variety of sunfish. The is also the time of year when the fish are also be productive. Also, if we get any rain, warmer weather and increased fish concentrated. So, if you catch one throw the creek channels will also come into play. activity will also draw more fishermen – at right back cause there’s probably another “White bass and hybrids will be least on weekends. one with them – especially when they’re schooling throughout the lake in May. Considering school is still in session, on the deeper structure. And, since they Later in the summer, they will spend the majority of anglers will not be able to are stacked up pretty good, you don’t want most of their time suspended over deep make it to their favorite lake on weekdays. to waste a lot of time getting a fish to the structure. But, during May, our weather is As a result, fishermen who manage a boat. As soon as you hook one, get it in fairly mild, so they will spend quite a bit mid-week trip will likely find themselves and get another cast off as quick as you of time higher up in the water column. sharing the lake with very few others. can. Sometimes you can catch as many as “If we do get some rain, the catfish COLETO CREEK – Bass pro Dennis Lala four or five in a row if you’re working fast.” will get active as well. You can always says by May the bass on Coleto Creek “The crappie bite will also be good catch some catfish on nightcrawlers after will be settling into their warm weather this month. The best bet for crappie on a good rain. patterns, meaning anglers can expect good this lake is live minnows. And we’ll some “The other great things about fishing surface action throughout the month. good catfish action as well. You can rod out here in May is you don’t have to deal “We’ll start seeing our bass getting into and reel for the cats or you can set out with big crowds. Weekends we do have a warm water pattern in May,” said Lala. some jug lines. Either way, stink bait or some traffic. But if you are here during “That means we’ll have a topwater bite, dead shrimp is the way to go.” the week, you can own the lake.” but it will be really early. MEDINA – Although bass on Medina CHOKE CANYON – Given the warm “Baits like the Frenzy Popper should Lake spawn later than those on other winter and spring experienced across produce good early in the morning South Texas reservoirs, even Medina’s South Texas, Choke Canyon’s famous around the points. You can also get some resident largemouth will be spawned hydrilla beds should be reaching the good action on a buzzbait. However, that out by May, says Jim Gallagher of Jim’s water’s surface by May. Although the topwater bite usually doesn’t last long ReBait Tackle. grass will be reaching the top of the water

62 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal may 2016 column, it won’t be densely matted over an increase in the lure size will be in order. as it is later in the summer. This makes it WEST TEXAS BROWNWOOD — Another round of particularly productive for fishermen to spring rains has again pushed this lake to work topwater plugs over the grass beds. just over the full level. However anglers Typically, Choke Canyon bass usually will still rejoice this May as the lake will prefer noisy topwater lures like buzzbaits run from 11 feet higher to start the month and Pop Rs. Stanley Ribbit Frogs are also over 2015 to over five feet higher as the fifth effective and, since they are weedless, can month ends. Stucture, structure, structure be worked over the beds regardless of how is what bass will be relating too. A variety matted they become. During the first half of topwater lures and buzzbaits will draw of May, fishermen can expect an extended plenty of attention. Spinnerbaits and Rat- topwater bite, especially on overcast days. L-Traps fished around boat docks and As the water gets warmer toward the end along the edge of flooded vegetation will of May, the window for effectively fishing By TOJ Staff also get bit. Crappie will be around brush topwater plugs will shorten. piles in water 12-15 feet deep. Once the topwater action gives out, AMISTAD — Consistency is a word anglers should look for fish to be holding that comes to mind when describing this HIGH PLAINS on deeper structure. The outside edges popular border big bass producer. Dating of the grass beds will hold quite a few back one year this lake has over four feet fish, as will humps, tank dams and more water than then, and the water points. Early in the month, fish won’t be temperature is just about the same. extremely deep. But, later in the month, Last year anglers were also dealing with as the water continues to warm, the fish to a lake that was higher so similar patterns begin backing down to deeper structure. should exist for this month of May. Most Texas rigged plastics, crankbaits and jigs of the bass spawn will be over except for in are all effective when used around Choke the main lake. There the deep span on flats Canyon’s deeper structure. in water 25 feet deep and deeper should FALCON – The majority of Falcon’s be underway. Most of the bass will be on black bass population will be working the “the feed” and looking to put on weight. shallows during much of May. As usual, Spinnerbaits, Rat-L-Traps continue to find By TOJ Staff the key shallow water structure on this fish. Texas rigs, Senkos and flukes will find ALAN HENRY — A couple of feet low border lake will be flooded brush. Given fish shallow. Stripers will continue to move compared to a few inches high in May 2015 the current lake level, there is no shortage in large schools out in the deep water in is the annual comparison. The difference of flooded brush on Falcon and anglers front of the dam. Large topwater lures is negligible as bass will wrap up any can expect good action in most areas with and Red Fins are good options for fish spawning activities this month or still be flooded vegetation. feeding on the surface. Cut bait or live bait shallow in a post spawn mode. While plenty of bass can be taken on drifted around schools of subsurface fish Slides or any woody structure are good the outer edges of the brush line, anglers are other good options. Catfish will still be places to look for late spawning bass. It is looking specifically for big bass often pick fairly shallow. Look for them in water from also a good place to look for bass that have their way back into the dense tangle of 10-20 feet deep. Some may even be a little already spawned or are hanging around brush. But, though it is certainly possible closer to the bank. protecting fry. Look for Texas rigs, flukes to hook a lunker largemouth deep in the O.H. IVIE — This lake is about one or Senkos to be good options around flooded brush, anglers need to be armed foot lower than the same time a year ago. structure. Rat-L-Traps or crankbaits with heavy tackle in order to land them. Bass anglers will concentrate their effort will cover water around woody or rocky After the topwater bite slows down, in the main lake for late spawning fish. structure. Reports of other lakes in the fishermen should continue working Also in the main lake deep flats will draw region starting to refill include E.V. Spence around the flooded brush. Spinnerbaits attention of anglers looking to hook a having enough water so some ramps may and crankbaits are effective when worked big deep spawning sow. The “Ivie Drift” be operations. This lake remains 55 feet along the outside face of the flooded begins in May with success continuing low. Lake Nasworthy was just over a foot brush. Jigs and Texas rigged plastics can into June. Pull out those 10 inch Power low as of early April. Reports of fair to be worked back into some of the denser Worms, Carolina rigs and set up some good black bass fishing on jigs, Texas rigged portions of brush. Later in the month, drifts to see what might be deep. Up the lizards and weightless flukes were made in as the weather and water warms, anglers rivers post spawn bass will be targeted. early April. Catfishing was also reported as should spend more time concentrating Fishing putting on weight after the spawn good. Lake Mackenzie and Meredith also on points, ledges and deep structure. will hit a variety of baits that intrude on increased their water level, but no reliable Deep cranks, jigs, lipless cranks, creature their area or just come close. Downsizing reports were available. Lake Coleman was baits and jumbo soft-plastics all produce is a good option to start May. PopRs, small just a little over three feet low in early April. plenty of big bass over deep structure in crankbaits and Rat-L-Traps will draw Good bass fishing on soft plastics and small Falcon. plenty of attention. As the month continues crankbaits was reported.

64 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal may 2016 Texans Are “Talking” . . . About

TEXAS OUTDOORSJournal

Hunting AND Fishing “ I love the new look of I read TOJ from cover to every month! “ “ your covers. cover every month. That’s great!” ” ”

Finally, a magazine that “ I like it because it’s about Best saltwater coverage covers Texas like it should “ “ Texas. of any magazine around. be covered.” ” ”

I’ve cancelled all my Your Lake Roundup It’s the best – and most “ “ “ other magazines except even talks about some of useful – gift I’ve ever TOJ. Keep up the good the smaller East Texas received. ” work.” lakes I fish.”

Glad TOJ knows how to “ “Love the new look. “TOJ just keeps getting count to 12!! LOL!” ” better, and better.” Isn’t it time YOU found out what all the talk is about? To subscribe, call 1-800-222-4865 (4TOJ) or go online at www.texasoutdoorsjournal.com may 2016 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal 65 TACKLE TIPS & TECHNIQUES | Danno Wise

Bait & Lure Suggestions for Coastal Gamefish

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may 2016 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal 71 Deadline for the June calendar is May 25, 2016

Outdoor Calendar

THROUGH MAY 1, Program meets behind park store. paddle trails. While paddling, we will Spring Turkey Season — South Zone, Park entrance fees do apply (children be on the lookout for wildlife such 54 counties. For more information under 12 are free). For more informa- as bald eagles, belted kingfishers, consult the TPWD Outdoor Annual, tion call (512) 793-4689. herons, turtles and alligators. This or call (800) 792-1112. trip costs $15. Visitors are welcome MAY 12, to bring their own canoes/kayaks but THROUGH MAY 15, Comal County Chapter Ducks Unlim- will still have to pay the $15 fee for Spring Turkey Season — North Zone, ited Fundraiser Banquet, New Braun- this trip. Space is limited so please 101 counties. For more information fels. For tickets and reservations call call our headquarters office in ad- consult the TPWD Outdoor Annual, (979) 450-0051. vance to make your reservation or for or call (800) 792-1112. more information. (409) 384-5231. MAY 12, THROUGH AUGUST 31, Plano Chapter Ducks Unlimited MAY 19, Javelina season, South Zone (50 coun- Fundraiser Banquet, Plano. For tickets Greater Houston Area Chapter Mule ties). For more information consult and reservations call (903) 372-6089. Deer Foundation Fundraiser Ban- the TPWD Out-door Annual, website, quet, Knights of Columbus. For tickets or call (800) 792-1112. MAY 13, and reservations call (713) 412-3067. Brush Country Chapter Ducks Unlim- MAY 1 – 31, ited Fundraiser Banquet, Floresville. MAY 19, Spring squirrel season, 51 counties. For tickets and reservations call (210) DU Houston Chapter Ducks Un- For more information consult the 487-1665. limited Spring Fundraiser Banquet, TPWD Outdoor An-nual, or call (800) Houston. For tickets and reservations 792-1112. MAY 14, call (281) 507-2083. Houston Chapter Rocky Mountain MAY 4, Elk Foundation Big Game Banquet, MAY 19, West Houston Chapter Ducks Unlim- J.W. Marriott – Westchase, Houston. Harrison County Chapter National ited Fundraiser Banquet, Houston. For tickets and reservations call (713) Wild Turkey Federation Fundraiser For tickets and reservations call (713) 697-6522. Banquet, Mashall. For tickets and 966-0884. reservations call (903) 935-3085. MAY 14, MAY 5, TAMU – Corpus Christi Chapter MAY 20-22, Metro-Crest Chapter Ducks Unlim- Ducks Unlimited Fundraiser Banquet, 10th Anniversary Toyota Texas Bass ited Fundraiser Banquet, Addison. Corpus Christi. For tickets and reser- Classic, Lake Ray Roberts and Toyota For tickets and reservations call (214) vations call (830) 285-9716. Texas Fest, Toyota Stadium, Frisco. 534-5319. The top 35 professional bass anglers MAY 14, will compete for the world champi- MAY 6, Go Fish! Learn-To-Fish Event, Ei- onship. While the pros are battling it Stephen F. Austin Chapter Ducks Un- senhower State Park, Denison. Take out, attendees can enjoy a variety of limited Fundraiser Banquet, Nacog- away a fishing fun pack and enter games and activities, dine on food, doches. For tickets and reservations the drawing for prizes. Equipment shop for fishing gear and accessories call (979) 533-7839. and bait provided or bring your and check out a star-studded lineup own. No license necessary. Adults of daytime and evening concerts. MAY 6, 13, 30, 27, must accompany children. Bring sun Concerts headlined by Lee Brice, Kip Fishing With A Ranger, Inks Lake protection and water. Registration is Moore, and Big & Rich with Cowboy State Park, Burnet. Learn the basics 9:00 a.m. For more information and Troy. Tickets are available online at and spend some quality time trying reservations call (903) 421-4984. ToyotaTexasFest.com or call (866) to catch the big one! A free fishing 907-0143. Proceeds benefit Texas program that will cover the essential MAY 14, 21, Parks and Wildlife Department fish- skills of fishing. We provide all the Two Hour Guided Kayak Trip, Martin ing programs. gear and bait and because there is Dies Jr. State Park, Jasper. Want to free fishing in state parks you don’t explore our sloughs on canoe but not MAY 20-21, need a license either. You do not alone? Join a ranger for a two-hour 2nd Annual Vets Fishing with Vets, need a reservation for this program. guided kayak trip through the park’s Redfish Bay Boathouse, Aransas Pass.

72 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal may 2016 Benefitting the Fisher House in San MAY 21, 15 participants. Join with certified Antonio, and other local Veteran Go Fish! Learn-To-Fish Event, Galves- NASP Archery Instructors and learn Charities. For more information and ton Island State Park, Galveston. Take the techniques and sport of Archery. reservations visit www.Vetsfishing- away a fishing fun pack and enter All archery equipment is provided withvets.us or call (361) 445-1974. the drawing for prizes. Equipment for this event. Safety is always first. and bait provided or bring your Reservations are required by calling MAY 21, own. No license necessary. Adults the park office at (903) 945-5256. Dripping Springs Chapter Ducks Un- must accompany children. Bring sun limited Spring Fundraiser Banquet, protection and water. Registration MAY 25-26, Dripping Springs. For tickets and res- is 9:00 a.m. For more information Texas Parks & Wildlife Commis- ervations call (512) 496-8333. and reservations please call (847) sion Meeting, TPWD Headquarters, 780-6474. Austin. The Commission will conduct MAY 21, a public hearing to receive input Go Fish! Learn-To-Fish Event, Mc- MAY 21, from our partners, stakeholders and Kinney Falls State Park, Austin. Take NASP Archery Clinic, Cooper Lake constituents concerning any issues away a fishing fun pack and enter State Park – South Sulphur Unit, relating to Department policies, the drawing for prizes. Equipment Sulphur Springs. Learn to shot the goals, programs, and responsibilities. and bait provided or bring your bow and arrow. NASP technique Anyone interested in speaking to the own. No license necessary. Adults and safety guidelines are utilized. Commission is encouraged to attend. must accompany children. Bring sun If you are 8 years old or older and An agenda will be available a few protection and water. Registration is have wanted to learn how to shot a days before the commission meet- 9:00 a.m. For more information and bow and arrow then this pro-gram ing. For more information call (800) reservations call (512) 751-5418. is for you. The program is limited to 792-1112 or visit tpwd.texas.gov.

Mail your Outdoor 1706 W. Sam Houston Pkwy North, Houston TX 77043 Calendar items to: Fax: 713.957.3996 Email: [email protected]

may 2016 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal 73 Tide Tables Fishing & Hunting Times

US TIME ZONES MAY 2016 PACIFIC MOUNTAIN CENTRAL EASTERN < (+) (-) > < (+) (-) > < (+) (-) > < (+) (-) > SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT L5:34A 0.4 H12:31A 1.2 H2:03A 1.3 H3:18A 1.5 H4:24A 1.7 H5:27A 1.8 H6:27A 1.8 H1:27P 1.4 L6:50A 0.5 L8:02A 0.7 L9:08A 0.8 L10:10A 0.9 L11:09A 1.1 L12:07P 1.2 L7:36P 1.0 H1:54P 1.4 H2:19P 1.4 H2:43P 1.4 H3:09P 1.4 H3:36P 1.4 H4:04P 1.4 L7:57P 0.7 L8:32P 0.5 L9:13P 0.2 L9:56P 0.0 L10:41P -0.2 L11:29P -0.3 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 H7:27A 1.8 L12:18A -0.3 L1:10A -0.2 L2:06A -0.1 L3:07A 0.1 L4:17A 0.3 L5:37A 0.5 L1:09P 1.3 H8:28A 1.8 H9:31A 1.7 H10:34A 1.6 H11:33A 1.6 H12:24P 1.5 H1:02P 1.4 H4:34P 1.4 L2:23P 1.3 L7:45P 0.9 L8:10P 0.8 H5:04P 1.4 H10:40P 1.0 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 H12:35A 1.1 H2:05A 1.1 H3:14A 1.2 H4:08A 1.3 H4:52A 1.4 H5:32A 1.5 H6:10A 1.5 L6:57A 0.7 L8:07A 0.8 L9:03A 0.9 L9:50A 1.0 L10:28A 1.1 L11:00A 1.2 L11:29A 1.2 H1:30P 1.3 H1:50P 1.3 H2:07P 1.3 H2:21P 1.3 H2:36P 1.3 H2:50P 1.3 H3:02P 1.3 L8:33P 0.7 L8:54P 0.5 L9:13P 0.4 L9:32P 0.2 L9:53P 0.1 L10:17P 0.0 L10:44P 0.0 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 H6:48A 1.5 H7:29A 1.6 H8:12A 1.6 L12:23A -0.1 L1:03A 0.0 L1:47A 0.0 L2:38A 0.2 L12:00P 1.2 L12:35P 1.2 H8:59A 1.5 H9:48A 1.5 H10:34A 1.5 H11:15A 1.4 H3:09P 1.3 H3:09P 1.3 L11:14P -0.1 L11:47P -0.1 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 L3:38A 0.3 L4:50A 0.5 H1:06A 1.1 H11:49A 1.4 H12:17P 1.3 L6:13A 0.7 L6:45P 0.8 L7:01P 0.6 H12:43P 1.3 120° 115° 110° 105° 100° 95° 90° 85° 80° 75° H11:08P 1.0 L7:35P 0.3 29 30 31 MAY 2016

JUNE 2016 SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT H2:32A 1.3 H3:42A 1.4 H4:43A 1.6 H5:38A 1.7 L7:40A 0.9 L8:58A 1.0 L10:06A 1.1 L11:06A 1.2 H1:09P 1.3 H1:36P 1.3 H2:06P 1.3 H2:39P 1.4 L8:14P 0.0 L8:57P -0.2 L9:41P -0.4 L10:27P -0.5 1 2 3 4 H6:32A 1.7 H7:24A 1.7 L12:01A -0.5 L12:49A -0.3 L1:38A -0.1 L2:28A 0.1 L3:22A 0.3 L12:03P 1.3 L1:02P 1.2 H8:16A 1.6 H9:07A 1.5 H10:57A 1.5 H10:41A 1.4 H11:19A 1.3 H3:15P 1.4 H3:53P 1.3 L2:13P 1.2 L6:58P 0.7 L11:14P -0.5 H4:41P 1.3 H10:43P 0.8 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

Times are for Galveston, Galveston Channel

TIME DIFFERENCES High Low Calcasieu Pass, Louisiana -2:14 -1:24 Sabine Pass Lighthouse -1:46 -1:31 Sabine Pass Jetty -1:26 -1:31 Sabine Pass -1:00 -1:15 JUNE 2016 Mesquite Point, Sabine Pass -0:04 -0:25 Galveston Bay ent. south jetty -0:39 -1:05 Port Bolivar +0:14 -0:06 Galveston Bay Texas City, Turning Basin +0:33 +0:41 Eagle Point (1) +3:54 +4:15 Clear Lake(1) +6:05 +6:40 Morgan Point (1) +10:21 +5:19 Round Pt.,Trinity Bay (1) +10:39 +5:15 Point Barrow, Trinity Bay +5:48 +4:43 Gilchrist, East Bay +3:16 +4:18 Fish, game and all wildlife move in search of food in cycles relative to the moon’s location to the earth. Jamaica Beach, West Bay +2:38 +3:31 The time spans listed above are the prime times to start each day at and along each time zone meridian Alligator Point, West Bay +2:39 +2:33 of longitude 75 degrees (Eastern) 90 degrees (Central) 105 degrees (Mountain) and 120 degrees (Pacific) during Standard time and Daylight Saving during the time it is in effect. To determine the feeding cycle Christmas Point, Christmas Bay +2:32 +2:31 time for best fishing and hunting in the area you plan to fish or hunt advance the sum of 4 minutes for Galveston Pleasure Pier -1:06 -1:06 each degree west and back up 4 minutes for each degree east. The next prime feeding cycle (not listed on the calendar) will be approximately twelve and one-half hours later. There are minor periods that occur San Luis Pass -0:09 -0:09 between the prime or major periods. The minor periods are typically fair periods and last only about half Freeport Harbor -0:44 -1:02 as long as the prime periods.

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

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