John Cowan, Herb Booth, Al Barnes, Ben Kocian

CURRENTS August / September 2016

John Cowan's painting for the 1986 GCCA Stamp and print Herb Booth's painting for the 1984 GCCA Stamp and Print

Cedar Bayou Project: Al Barnes' 2014 painting for a banquet art piece "Sail Away!" Ben Kocian's painting for a GCCA membership print

~1~ CCA Artists Remembered CCA will miss John Cowan, Herb Booth, Al Barnes, Ben Kocian four artists By Sam Caldwell Comments in part from interviews in Change of Tides, 2001 CCA Texas has been ex- A History of the Coastal Conservation Association tremely fortunate over the John P. Cowan years to have had many In 1976, Artist John Pemberton Cowan said a small group wildlife artists supporting of irate fishermen from Rockport drove to Houston for a our cause, but these four meeting about a new idea‑ a coastal conservation association. That meeting heralded the beginning of the GCCA. He said, played a tremendous role in “There were die‑hards from Rockport, a few more from San our fundrasing success. Antonio and many other angry men from all over the coast.” It was a fateful meeting, one that engaged all the skills of This All-Star team of nationally known artist Jack Cowan, and in turn, the work of Cowan, Kocian, Booth and many other outdoor artists attracted by Cowan’s stature. Perry R. Bass spoke of Cowan’s impact on conservation: Barnes not only helped “Jack Cowan was so upset by what he considered the illegal CCA, but made an impact netting of the resource, he hardly painted for a year. Instead, he traveled the coast and appeared at committee hearings on so many conservation in Austin. Jack also had a powerful voice in aiding the Texas groups in our state. Their Parks & Wildlife research and enforcement levels." When it came time for the newly formed GCCA to begin passion for capturing a sto- fundraising, Cowan created and donated Memories, a classic ry, memory or experience bay fishing scene that brought a large amount at the new GCCA’s first live auction. Later, Cowan allowed the association to make a limited edition through their paintings that of Memories as membership prints, bringing additional sums for conservation purposes. we all can relate to, was one John Cowan said in 1996, “Without GCCA and an enlightened TPW, our bays would be fishless by now...it will still be a fight to keep the spoilers from destroying it all again.” of the reasons they became so much a part of the Herb Booth “Jack outdoor world. There are Cowan came by my studio in probably not many Texas Rockport after an early GCCA meeting in Houston. He said outdoor enthusiasts who do this new group had formed in not have at least one of their Houston that was going to do something about the fish situ- paintings in their home or office. They all have touched us in one way or another and their memories will last forever through the artwork they created. John Cowan's 1986 CCA Conservation Stamp and Print Herb Booth included himself, John Cowan and Al Barnes in Robby Byers, CCA Texas "Hog Heaven" Executive Director

~2~~2~ ation, and I had better get off my tail, and send them some money and Ben F. Kocian join, so I did. When they had the first banquet in Houston, I donated a The burly designer/artist/fish- painting. erman had a powerful impact “Enforcement was a big issue early on, once we got some laws on GCCA even before its formal passed, and that’s why I helped Al Barnes and other good guys start inception, and was a dedicated the Redfish Bay Chapter. We bought night vision equipment for the worker for the CCA until his wardens, and I went out with the wardens at night a few times using death 37 years later. A national- that gear and saw what the wardens were up against. It has been very ly‑known illustrator, he accepted rewarding to see what artists have accomplished.” the critical task of developing Herb Booth was mentored by John Cowan and became one of the communications early on. finest of all sporting artists. Kocian produced the first Houston banquet program, which Al Barnes became the GULF TIDE newsletter, and in 1980, became the Al is remembered by his close friend, Corpus Christi sculptor, Kent national TIDE Magazine. Along the way, Kocian designed Ullberg: “One day offshore from Isla Mujeres, it was bloody rough, dozens of the iconic illustrations that today are a part of every CCA publication and event. Kocian’s CCA redfish bumper but we were catching a lot of sailfish. sticker may have been seen on more cars and boats than any And Al Barnes wanted to see those sticker in history. fish in the worst way. He had a yellow Ben Kocian was stunned when he was named the first Minolta, a little underwater camera, CCA Man of the Year in 1983. From his interview in Change maybe good to 10 feet. I grabbed him of Tides: “When they called my name, it was a big surprise. But the neat thing was, inscribed on the back of the watch by the ankles, and big Herb Booth and was; 'Captain Ben Kocian, GCCA’s Best.' I’ve worn it ever I were hanging him over the transom, since the day I got it. It’s with me when I go wade fishing, because that’s where the fish were sleeping, working. being brought in, as we were backing “I’ll point out that there were hundreds of other artists down on them. The props were churn- from all over the nation that have helped keep GCCA, and now CCA, programs funded. The art print program has ing, waves breaking, diesel fumes brought in a lot of dollars to help keep our programs and smoking—God, if we had dropped Al hatcheries funded. “Communicating with paintings, drawings, photogra- Barnes, artistry in America phy; that helped the organization in the beginning and is still would have been different!” helping now. I hate to leave anyone out, but I think all the artists would be proud to be represented by some of the earli- Al Barnes was described est art donors, who were also involved workers. Jack Cowan, by John Cowan as an “art- Herb Booth and Al Barnes made a huge difference. ist’s artist,” and a truly 'Fine I can’t leave out two artists who donated paintings at Artist.' that first banquet in 1977 and are still donating in 1999, Sam Al Barnes said, “The first Caldwell and me.” time I heard about GCCA, I was at the Rockport airport, and Jack Cowan was there with his painting, Memories. Jack told me, “You need to get involved, Al. This is really a good group of people. The GCCA brought coastal art to the forefront. And, as Cowan said, the people turned out to be really good people. It’s all in the atti- tude of the people who own the fish. Us.”

One of many award-winning illustrations by Ben Kocian. This one stars Herb Booth and sons.

Kocian's bumper stickers decorate cars fom Mexico to Canada. Al Barnes created this poster for the STAR Tournament program.

~3~ loaded Ford F‑150 “Texas Edition” XLT Super angler must be a CURRENT member of CCA, Cab, pulling a brand new 23’ Haynie BigFoot boat in addition to being registered as a 2016 TEXAS rigged with a Mercury 150 L Pro XS OptiMax mo- STAR entrant. The CCA membership fee is $30 tor and Coastline trailer prize package, which will annually, and the 2016 STAR Tournament fee is be awarded to him at the STAR Awards Ceremony still $20 for a total of $50. In order to win at STAR, in October. an angler must be registered and be a current member of CCA. Keep in mind STAR doesn’t end until Labor Day, September 5 at 5p.m., so there’s still plenty of time YOUNG ANGLERS FISH FOR FREE! Young to register for the tournament! Over fifty tagged anglers ages 6–17, the “New Tide” membership redfish are still out there swimming, and four fee remains $10 annually and the STAR entry truck/boat/motor/trailer prize packages and five fee is FREE!!! Of course, we want all kids on the boat/motor/trailer prize packages are still available water. CCA “New Tide” members will continue to win in the CCA Texas to have the opportunity to win giant scholarships STAR Tournament Texas to fund their college education for just the price Ford Dealers Redfish Di- of a $10 CCA “New Tide” Membership. We thank vision. our generous sponsors for making it possible for 27th Annual Just ask last year’s us to offer young anglers this great opportunity. fifth tagged redfish win- To be eligible to fish STAR, “New Tide” Members CCA State of ner, Joe Contreras. With MUST BE at least 6 years of age in 2016 and under less than seventy-two age 18 to enter for FREE. It is the “New Tide” hours remaining before Member’s responsibility to make sure their CCA Texas Anglers’ the close of the 2015 CCA membership is current and that they are regis- Texas STAR Tournament, tered for the current year STAR tournament. Rodeo Corpus Christi resident Joe Contreras made plans Our great partner, Academy THE REDS ARE BACK! SPREAD THE to go fishing after work, Sports + Outdoors, sent all WORD AROUND! the Friday before Labor current CCA Texas members a Day. Contreras decided to Joe Contreras, with very special bonus just in time our best chance is now! But, please be sure you go check out the tide for are IN if you want to WIN. Now that the June his tagged red and to help with some of your fish- bait. Finger mullet were in STAR prizes ing expenses. We also want to remind you to take Yfloods are gone, the tagged reds are trickling close, so Contreras caught back to their spots, which are likely your favorite fishing spots. At press time, only four tagged redfish catches were reported. This is very unusual. Typically nine to twelve have been caught by now, and we want them caught! Why not you, why not now? Although we have seen some very impressive weights in the trout categories, we have only one con- firmed tagged redfish winner so far. Here is his story…Jeff Myers was almost too tired to go fishing, but he knew his girlfriend, Karin, would be very disappointed. He noticed the quart of shrimp just purchased on the way to the Texas City Dike only had a few that were good enough size to fish with, some and went wade fishing. After two hours, but little did Myers know, his eager‑to‑go fishing girl- advantage of all the other great member incen- Contreras was down to one last mullet. He decid- tives available to CCA Texas STAR participants. friend and those few good-size shrimp were about to ed to make one last cast, then go home whether make him very glad he got out of bed. Be sure and get everyone signed up. Please see he caught a fish or not. Contreras wasn’t paying below for more details: Myers saw some good movement in the water. attention, then looked up and realized his cork Within a few casts he had a bite. As Myers reeled in was gone. After a short fight, he landed a nice red. the fish, he could actually see a tag protruding from Even if you haven’t registered yet, but are plan- There was one piece of grass that would not come ning to go fishing between now and Labor Day, the fish! Myers' mood immediately turned into a good off, and he realized it wasn’t a piece of grass… it one. He told his girlfriend, “There’s a tag on it!” His don’t wet a line without your STAR Insurance! was a CCA tag covered in moss! “I couldn’t believe Remember Joe Contreras’ story… he went fishing hands were shaking with excite- my eyes!” ment as he tried to read the little, just days before last year’s tournament ended, Contreras weighed in his caught a tagged redfish and won! Everyone tiny numbers on the tag. He de- 2015 tagged redfish at an official termined it was definitely a 2016 entered in the STAR Tournament, who will be 6 STAR weigh station, Roy’s Bait & years old in 2016 and older, is eligible to win the CCA Texas STAR Tag! Myers and Tackle. He passed his polygraph Karin rushed over to official STAR prizes being offered even the TAGGED REDFISH test and took home the fifth 2015 DIVISION! You can sign up NOW online at weigh station, Pelican Rest Mari- loaded Ford F‑150 “Texas Edition” na, and weighed in Tag #TA816. www.startournament.org!!! Don't miss “the boat” XLT Super Cab, pulling a brand new or “the truck and boat”… register today! “It’s hard to comprehend 23’ Haynie BigFoot boat rigged with that you would catch one of those a Mercury 150 L Pro XS OptiMax CCA TEXAS MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS - Our fish out of so many,” said Myers. motor and Coastline trailer prize “I have entered the tournament most generous sponsor offerings still continue to package last October. “Glad I went add more value to your CCA Texas Membership. for 8 to 10 years and have never fishing that day!” said Contreras. caught one to even enter for size Be sure and remember to take advantage of the or weight… thank you CCA following wonderful benefits your CCA member- YOU’VE GOT TO BE IN TO WIN! ship affords you! STAR!” ATTENTION ALL ANGLERS Jeff Myers with STAR tagged red Ford X‑Plan Pricing (see details below) PLANNING TO FISH THE TEXAS CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR FIRST TAGGED $10 gift card courtesy of Academy Sports COAST THIS SUMMER! In order to win one of a and Outdoors (see details below) REDFISH WINNER! Fortunately for Jeff Myers, he $1,000,000 in prizes being offered in Texas’ largest, was registered and is now the lucky winner of a 2016 Texas Fish & Game Magazine subscription richest, summer‑long saltwater fishing event, an (see details below) $1000 worth of free upgrades with your pur‑ chase of a new Tilson home (see ad on page 23) $330 Brute cooler with your purchase of a Hoffpauir Polaris ATV or UTV

2016 Ford F-150 “Texas Edition” XLT SuperCab with Haynie 23 Bigfoot, the Redfish Division prize. ~4~ FORD X-PLAN PRICING - CCA Texas members have you were there! Specially commissioned for STAR been remarkably honored by the Texas Ford Dealers. TILSON HOMES $1,000 in FREE Upgrades – Every members only, these beautiful pieces commemorate They continue to offer X‑Plan pricing for us; that is, ev- CCA Texas member who purchases a Tilson Home the precious opportunity found in Texas’ blessed re- ery current member can buy (or lease) any Ford prod- is eligible for a value discount. Tilson will give sources. The package includes your CCA member- uct at the same price Ford employees must pay. This you $1,000 off on any upgrade such as ceramic tile, ship (new or renewal), your 2016 CCA Texas STAR means we can save up to $1,000 or much more, just by hardwood floors, kitchen cabinetry and more. Call entry, plus your choice of either of these fine signed, having a valid $30 CCA membership card!!! Our Ford 1(888) 540‑6705. limited‑edition prints created exclusively for STAR, Partner Code # is CCA 61; go to www.fordpartner. all for $125! These one‑of‑a‑kind prints are worth com, if you are considering a purchase. DON’T FORGET… GRANDPARENTS’ DAY IS this price alone. If you would like to consider one, SEPTEMBER 11TH - As we approach Grandpar- or several, of these limited‑edition packages, go to: SPECIAL BONUS FROM ACADEMY SPORTS + ents’ Day, we want to give a big shout out to all www.startournament.org. For more details and/or to OUTDOORS – ATTENTION CURRENT CCA TEXAS of the Grandpas and Grandmas for taking their place your order with the STAR Dept., call (713) 626‑ MEMBERS! Hopefully, your membership was current Grandkids fishing! As Moms and Dads know, 4222. To ensure delivery in time for Grandparents’ prior to the kick‑off of the 2016 CCA Texas STAR and this is one of the greatest ways to really “connect” Day, please place your order by Thursday, August you received your $10 gift coupon from Academy with our future anglers. To thank Grandpa and 25, 2016. Sports + Outdoors just in time for the kick‑off. As Grandma for ALL of the special things they do for we approach the end of the fishing season and start the family, why not register them for a CCA Texas STILL AVAILABLE! CCA Texas STAR Platinum thinking hunting, please be on the lookout for another membership and 2017 STAR entry? This unique gift Print, Series I, II, III, IV, V - STAR Reds, STAR mailer containing a $10 gift coupon. Special thanks to might put them in a new truck/boat combo during Sightings, School Is In Session, Working the Spoils Academy Sports + Outdoors for continuing to make the 2017 STAR. See STAR Platinum Print Mem- and Split Screen are still available. If you haven’t your CCA membership and STAR entry such an awe- bership Package and the complete Platinum Print purchased yet and would like to begin your CCA some value! Series below for more, great gift ideas! Texas STAR Platinum Collectible Series, please contact the STAR Dept. and we can get you fixed up. NEW! TEXAS FISH & GAME MAGAZINE “BONUS CCA Texas STAR Platinum Print Membership To own all seven of these commemorative pieces, DIGITAL SUBSCRIPTION!” - We all love FREE stuff, Package, Series VI - Just as the rainfall supercharg- purchase yours today before they're all gone! Pro- and speaking of FREE stuff many STAR es the bay systems, CCA Texas STAR is super- ceeds from the sales of Platinum Packages will help anglers have discovered the benefit charged to announce the premium artwork line‑up us continue to fund the STAR scholarships. and convenience of using digital tech- for the 2016 STAR Platinum Print offering. NEW nology and have requested we do the this year is Good Morning Cedar Bayou, by the 2016 PRIZE LINE-UP - One of our goals has always same. Texas Fish & Game Magazine is legendary Sam Caldwell. Recognized as the Texas been to keep the tournament fee as reasonable as thrilled to announce 2016 CCA Texas State Artist in 2004, Sam’s work is already a staple possible and thanks to our wonderful sponsors, STAR participants will once again be in many CCA member collections. His technique in we have been able to do so over the last two and a eligible for a FREE one‑year (12 issues) diluted oils explodes the colors in an action scene half decades. CCA Texas STAR has been extremely DIGITAL subscription. This subscription (normally that pays tribute to CCA’s latest finished project, the fortunate to provide members of all ages with some $11.99/year) will allow you to access the latest and newly opened Cedar Bayou. Envision yourself and really outstanding prize packages and college schol- most in-depth outdoors information anywhere and your son, together, right there in the surf, in search arships and 2016 will continue to offer the same anytime on your smart phone, tablets and desktops. of an elusive STAR‑winning trout. Thank you, Sam, amazing prize line‑up this year! Contestants have a Now STAR anglers have the chance to embrace the lat- for sharing this gift! And for David Drinkard fans, chance at winning over 100 prizes including trucks, est in technology, plus conserve our natural resources. STAR Platinum collectors can marvel over his next boats, motors, trailers and college scholarships in We are grateful to Texas Fish & Game for providing work in the series, King Ranch Shoreline. CCA out- the following categories: this STAR‑only benefit, while saving some trees and doorsmen who hunt and fish will want this iconic giving you more options. Be sure and include your scene of a trophy buck watching redfish action with Texas Ford Dealers Redfish Division – Texas Ford email address when you register for this year’s tour- pintail overhead… a Texas heritage, with a classic Dealers continue to make this division the “Best in nament to automatically receive your FREE digital Drinkard sunrise... this one, indeed, captures it Texas”! They will again give each of the first five subscription. If you still wish to receive Texas Fish & all! These amazing prints will have you wishing registered STAR participants who catch tagged Game in print magazine form, no problem… a special redfish a brand new truck to get to their fishing STAR angler price of $8 a year (vs. $17.99/year) is still destination in a tough, dependable and stylish ride. The first five registered anglers to weigh‑in a tagged available, including your access to the digital version STAR has reached $5,525,000 in at no extra cost! If you wish to take advantage of this red will receive a 2016 Ford F‑150 “Texas Edition” special STAR angler discounted print subscription scholarships awarded to children truck. Haynie Boats returns with the awesome price, be on the lookout in your email or mailbox for 6-17 years of age. Many thanks to Haynie 23 Bigfoot rigged with a Mercury 150 L Pro details on how to activate this special offer. If you our sponsors for making this XS OptiMax motor and Coastline Trailer completing have questions regarding your past or current sub- happen. Without them, it this amazing package. The next five weighed in will receive the same boat, motor and trailer packages. scription, please call (800) 725‑1134 or email would not be possible. [email protected]. For young anglers not of legal driving age and who reel in the famous tagged red, he or she will receive the boat package, plus a $25,000 college

~5~~5~ est flounder caught throughout the from ages 6-17. STAR continues to offer plenty summer. of reason for everyone to round up their kid(s), a rod and reel and head for the water. And, in StarKid Gafftop Division – This 2016, there’s even more incentive to get your kids division gives entrants age 6-10 a chance to win a $50,000 college schol- and teenagers out on the water! We’ve ramped up arship for the largest gafftop caught our scholarships another $35,000 for a total of throughout the summer. $325,000! The StarTeen Scholarships and Schol- arship Drawing have been increased from $20,000 Houston Community Newspapers to $25,000!!! StarKid Sheepshead Division – This All NEW Trout Division Prize - the Mowdy 22’ V division gives entrants age 6-10 a Major sponsors for the 27th Annual CCA Texas STAR chance to win a $50,000 college schol- Tournament include: scholarship, in lieu of the truck. arship for the largest sheepshead Texas Ford Dealers, Tilson Home Cor- caught throughout the summer. poration, Capital Farm Credit, Mercury Trout Division - ATTENTION TROUT ANGLERS! We are thrilled to announce an ALL new prize offer- Academy Sports + Outdoors StarTeens Trout Di- Marine, Academy Sports + Outdoors, ing for this division! Winners in the upper, middle vision - This youth scholarship division is open Whataburger, Rio Ammunition, LP and lower coast regions will each take home the to all New Tide members ages 11-17 and awards a $25,000 college scholarship for each fisher‑teen Building Products, KTRK‑abc13, Houston legendary Mowdy 22’ V boat with a Suzuki DF150 Community Newspapers, Haynie Boats, motor and Coastline trailer. The 22’ V hull design is with the largest trout in the upper, middle and the perfect boat to handle shallow and rough water lower coasts. FRIENDLY REMINDER… The Mowdy Boats, Hoffpauir Polaris, Dargel and remain completely dry. Mowdy fishermen minimum weight requirement for the trout is Boats, Shoalwater Boats, Texas Fish & six pounds. For all fish weighing less than six know that the V‑Hull is the most versatile hull on Game Magazine, Texas Oilman’s Charity the market. With its 8” draft, the Mowdy gives you pounds, if no intentions of mounting young an- all of the best that a fishing boat has to offer. In true gler’s prize catch, please take a quick picture and Fishing Tournament, Coastline Trailers, Mowdy heritage, the 22’ offers everything that you immediately release back into the water. McClain Trailers, Chris’s Marine and Mt. expect from the Mowdy name. FRIENDLY RE- Houston Marine. MINDER… If you're unsure a trout is large enough StarTeens Inshore Division - This youth scholarship division is open to all New Tide members to qualify, consider this “easy rule‑of‑thumb” ‑ if For more information, go to http://www.startourna- length is less than 27 inches, chances are it won’t ages 11‑17 and awards a $25,000 college scholarship for each fisher‑teen with the largest floun- ment.org Thanks for supporting CCA Texas and the meet the eight pound minimum weight requirement STAR Tournament! for the Trout Division. Unless you intend to mount der, gafftop and sheepshead statewide. your fish as a personal best, why not think about re- leasing anything that might not make the cut so she TOURNAMENT DIRECTOR’S NOTE: But Wait, There’s More… What can you do?! Sometimes we all feel besieged, and can re‑seed the bays? STAR is no different. Be it floods, vibrio, sharks or the More Runner-Up Prizes - The first through economy, all CCA members experience setbacks. But, Offshore Division – ATTENTION BLUE WATER fourth runners‑up in all divisions will receive as Ben Franklin said, “We hang together, or we hang ANGLERS! Hoffpauir Auto & Outdoor Store con- various gift certificates from Academy Sports & separately.” Our passion for fishing and the outdoors, tinues to partner with us to provide the Outdoors. our love for family and our hope for the future, all offshore angler something that will binds us together like concrete. And, makes us just as come in very handy after a long “New Tide” Member Drawing - The “New strong. We thank all members, and certainly every sin- trip on the high seas. Anglers who Tide” Scholarship Drawing will be offered gle sponsor, for believing in this outdoor camaraderie land the heaviest kingfish, dorado again in 2016. “New Tide” STAR called CCA, and making us the formidable force of na- and ling will each receive an participants at least, 6 ‑ 17 years ture we have become. Evermore, we are most grateful awesome Polaris Ranger® old in 2016, are eligible for a bonus for the Force that makes it happen. Good luck. And, Crew 570 EPS UVs in Polaris drawing that will net one lucky please, catch a tagged red! Pursuit Camo each with youth a $25,000 college scholarship a Big Tex 35sa Trailer! even if the participant never wets SPECIAL NOTE: Watch a line or enters a single fish during your inbox for a special the entire tournament. CCA members only benefit email! While Offshore Division Prize - Polaris Member Bonus Drawing - This unique supplies last, Hoffpauir Ranger® Crew 570 EPS drawing offers STAR entrants a chance to win Polaris will, once again, a fabulous boat prize package even if the par- generously provide a custom CCA cooler ($330 ticipant never wets a line. One lucky contestant’s Value) with purchase. What an awesome benefit as name will be drawn to win a Dargel 210 Skout you gear up for hunting season! with a Mercury 150 L Pro XS OptiMax motor and McClain trailer. Inshore Division – ATTENTION INSHORE AN- GLERS! We have an exciting new, versatile Inshore In the past twenty-one years, STAR has Division Boat Prize for 2016! Winners who land awarded $5,525,000 in college scholarships the heaviest flounder, sheepshead and gafftop will to 175 fisher-kids across the state, ranging each take home the awesome Shoalwater 19’ Cat boat with a Mercury 115 ELPT 4S motor and McClain trailer. The 19’ Shoal- water Cat floats and runs shallower due to less deadrise in the bow and less weight resulting in an excellent ride in extremely shallow waters, plus runs well in moderate chop, due to the tunnel hull design. The 6" draft will allow you to get shallower than most flats boats that are much smaller.

StarKid Flounder Division – This division gives entrants age 6‑10 a chance to win a $50,000 college scholarship for the larg- Inshore Division - Shoalwater 19’ Cat boat with a Mercury 115 ELPT 4S motor ~6~ CURRENTS is a membership benefit of the Coastal Conservation Association‑Tex- as. It is published bi‑monthly, alternate Great Foods / Editor Liz Hewitt months from the Coastal Conservation Association (CCA) TIDE Magazine. Ad- dress: 6919 Portwest, Suite 100, Houston, Capt. Gigger's Crab Cake Burgers TX 77024. Phone: 713‑626‑4222. FAX: 713‑961‑3801. www.ccatexas.org Editor, Sam Caldwell 1 lb Lump Crab Meat [email protected] 1/3 C Bread Crumbs This is the issue of August / September 2016 1/3 C Mayonnaise / 1 Large Egg Vol. 34, Issue 4 beaten / ¼ C Chopped Chives ¼ C Finely Chopped Green Onions 1 T Worcestershire Sauce / Salt and Pepper to taste / 2 T Olive Oil Old Bay Sauce / 5 T Mayonnaise / Juice of ½ Lemon / 1 T Dill Pickle Relish / 1 T Old Bay Seasoning

1) Using a large bowl, combine crab meat, bread crumbs, mayonnaise, beaten egg, chives and Worcestershire sauce, seasoning well with salt and pepper. Stir as little as possible to bring this mix- ture together. Form into 5 patties. 2) Heat 2 T oil (add more if needed) in a medium skillet, and cook patties at medium to medium high for 5 minutes per side, until golden brown. 4) Assemble the burgers with the lettuce, onion, tomato 3) To make the sauce, mix the and the Old Bay Sauce. mayonnaise, lemon juice, relish 5) Enjoy! Be on the lookout for the next issue ‑ I will be and Old Bay Seasoning. featuring my Grandmother’s Pickled Shrimp recipe! Austin Calhoun, 2015 StarTeen Up- per Coast Trout Winner. Austin was awarded a $20,000 college scholarship.

Caught Redhanded! We want you to fish for us! Reports from TP&W Game Wardens CCA Texas and the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department Calhoun county wardens seized 14 undersized flounder from a commercial (TPWD) encourages volunteers to help with fishing sur- facility. In another action, Calhoun county wardens seized ten spotted sea veys for the East Galveston Bay Reef Restoration project. trout, two undersized flounder and 350 pounds of shrimp. The captain was It's critical to have data, and you can be that important over the limit. ‑‑Jason Campbell, Captain Game Warden Fishing Scientist. The $3.7 million project restored approximately 140 acres of oyster reef in the East Galveston Bay system. Ar- eas restored include one location on Hannah's Reef, two locations on Pepper Grove and two locations on Middle Reef. This effort continues to be an important part of the project. As a Fishing Scientist, your efforts will be critical in understanding the benefits of oyster reef restoration all along the Texas coast.

Contact: Bill Rodney (TPWD) at 281-534-0127 [email protected] Or, Bryan.Legare (TPWD) at 281-534-0103 [email protected] Or, John Blaha (CCA Texas) Texas Game Wardens serving Texans at 713-626-4222 since 1895-Law Enforcement Off the Pavement [email protected]

~7~ site out of every Texas port with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s Artificial he center of the Port O’Connor reefing Port O’Connor Reefing Program, CCA Texas approved Tsite is located approximately 11‑1/2 NM a grant of $100,000 in late 2013 to fund SSW of the Port O’Connor jetties, 6 NM off Nearshore Reefing the permitting process to establish a Port of the Matagorda Island shoreline and at a O’Connor reefing site. With the permitting depth of 66’. The location and depth of this Site to get $1,000,000 process on its way, the Texas Parks and site make it easily accessible for recreational Wildlife Foundation, BCT, and CCA Texas anglers to enjoy and will provide the Initial Reefing Effort began the fundraising process to create opportunity to fish for sought after species the $1,000,000 reef. CCA Texas approved such as red snapper and pelagic species By John Blaha another $200,000 towards the project in like cobia, amberjack, king mackerel and 2014 and BCT contributed $300,000 to go others year‑round. At 381 acres, this site is twice the normal size off most nearshore Photos by Lisa Laskowski along with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation’s $400,000 commitment. This reefing sites, which are typically 160 acres. In addition, there are currently two he Texas Parks and Wildlife project exemplifies the importance of partnerships and common goals that are standing platforms within the reefing site Foundation announced on June 2, and TPWD’s hope is that these two non‑ 2016 the creation of a new artificial necessary to create successful conservation projects. These projects are important and operating platforms remain in the site and reef located out of Port O’Connor, as part of the project. TTexas. This project will be a $1,000,000 reef a benefit to sportsman across the state of that will be comprised of over 500 concrete Texas, and leave a lasting impact to Texas’s natural resources for generations to come. CA Texas is excited to see another pyramids and placed in Texas State waters. nearshore fishing opportunity The project will be coordinated by the C t's a win‑win deal for all involved," for recreational anglers,” commented Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s HTFT committee chairman Jay Gardner. artificial reef program. It is being funded Carter Smith, TPWD executive director, said of the cooperative agreement which “Recreational fishermen are a huge part of through a $400,000 contribution from the I our local economies, and these nearshore Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation, would create an artificial reef on a 381‑acre tract in 60‑70 feet of water off Matagorda reefing sites will not only help in giving as well as a $300,000 from both Coastal recreational fishermen more opportunities Conservation Association Texas and Island near Port O'Connor on Texas' mid‑ coast. "The only way we can possibly do to fish for sought after species, but also Building Conservation continue to grow these economies.” Trust (BCT), the projects of this scale is through Coastal Conservation CCA Texas is committed to continuing Association’s national leveraging public funding the effort to provide nearshore reefing habitat program. This habitat along the entire Texas coast. To reef site will be called with private philanthropy. It's date, CCA Texas has contributed in excess the “Keeping it Wild” of $1 million to nearshore reefing efforts reef and is part of the allowing us to do something bigger that include Freeport (Vancouver), Port Texas Parks and Wildlife Mansfield, Corpus Christi (Packery), Foundation’s fundraising and better ‑ in this case, create and Matagorda/Sargent, and new sites at Rio initiative to generate Grande, Sabine HI20, Galveston Big Man more than $100 million enhance vitally important and and Port O’Connor. For more information in private donations about CCA Texas’s involvement in to help to fund Texas much‑needed marine fisheries nearshore reefing and other habitat projects, conservation projects. be sure to visit www.ccatexas.org/habitat. "Habitat creation has habitat - than never been more crucial we could do by The scale of the newly-developed concrete in achieving lasting ourselves with pyramids is apparent when you compare conservation benefit our limited the size of the workers. for our coastal waters," resources." said Pat Murray, CCA president, "This historic reef reminds us all what can be accomplished when like‑ minded conservationists join together to make a difference."

CA Texas and its habitat program, CHabitat Today for Fish Tomorrow (HTFT) were instrumental in the development of the Port O’Connor nearshore reefing site early on. Sharing the common goal to have an artificial reefing

~8~ By Capt. George Knighten

By Capt. Steve Boriskie

Upper Coast Middle Coast Lower Coast By Capt. George Knighten By Capt. Steve Boriskie By Capt. Rene Hinojosa Working birds, slicks, mud boils Transition action begins now Here comes heart palpitation time HOT! Hot for us and hot for the fish. About the Transitions are the name of the game as fish are As July winds relax and August turns the corner, only option fish have is to go deep and try to find gearing up for Fall. Now comes greener water we can expect some overdue action all along the coolest water available to them. So, in August than we see most of the year. We’ll see tarpon at the lower coast. Hopefully, we wore out those and September, you will find me working deep the jetties and our bays as well, anglers taking month-long winds of July. Early morning is the structure. Structure could mean an oyster reef, limits of trout in the surf. Watch for crabs migrat- time to expect the scattered reds to get together an isolated tow head or a gas well pad. My bait and cause heart palpitations by popping up here of choice is the Bass Assassin or Sea Shad. Color ing on top of the water around passes and bull and there—but mostly on the flats. So start early, will depend on water clarity. The base rule is reds underneath picking them off. bright and flashy in the clearer water and darker Anglers looking to take speckled trout in the and aim West or East. Of course, you’ll look for like red shad in the off colored stuff. Most of the bay in August will sprinkle a few live shrimp in clear water and nervous bait, but the fish can be time, I will work the bait slow and close to the the mix in September, as the change in seasons in the murky stuff as well. If the breeze cooper- bottom, but I will let the fish and bait show me triggers a change in bait availability. Artificial ates, you might want to put out a drift sock and where they want it. If shad or mullet are flipping baits will be good wading or from the boat early let the wind do the work. But wadefishing is on the surface then I will work my bait closer to on shorelines, then as the day heats up, you’ll now going to be a fine way to spend the day. the surface. move to drop-offs. I have not seen much in the My go-to lures are invariably different fla- August is usually just an extension of July, vors of Nortons, usually with 1/8 oz lead heads. but September is a transitional month and can way of our jelly friends, but especially in Septem- get tough. I have found that in September, the ber, long pants and sleeves are recommended. Hard to beat the results I’ve had lately with the fish will usually start moving in the direction of Guides at Bay Flats Lodge have been scoring bull minnow in red and white, but the roach their fall home and can be found in between or in scattered limits of slot reds, but the action will color has been competitive. Incidentally, Norton route to those spots. increase in August and September. Looking at makes a slick quick-connect gadget that beats Yes, I know. That covers a lot of ground my logs from years prior, reds and trout should tying knots. and is some of what makes September a harder be plentiful. Let’s appreciate their life cycles, and As September wears into August, we will month to stay on them with any consistency. As how long it takes to achieve ‘slot’ size, so send again see massive schools of reds around the usual, look for the signs. Slicks are still one of the East Cut and the Land Cut area. Sight casting! best indicators. Mud boils, cartwheeling birds the big girls back. Foretelling this was the huge school of reds Mill- and nervous bait can be the giveaway. Flounder can be targeted in guts and cuts, As with last year, we are dealing with a lot but also look for sandy holes in the flats and pay er Bassler and friends got into in mid-July, even of fresh water runoff. Where we will be with that attention to any subtle depth changes and mov- with wind and murky water. For top water fans, by September is anybody’s guess. The freshwater ing water. Slow the presentation a bit, let the bait Miller can vouch for the Skitter Walk, but be has had the fish concentrated a lot of this year drop and surprise! The heaviness on your line is sure you have your CCA boga style grip handy. and conservation has been thrown out the win- a flattie. Enjoy fresh black drum, prepared with As always, safety comes first. If you’re dow in favor of easy limits. Please keep in mind that light breading and lemon pepper, and you might the captain, remember to suggest sun screen every fish going in the box is one less fish reproducing. begin to prefer these tough fighting fish from a and sun protection. Give the big spotted girls We may pay for those easy limits down the road. a chance to spawn again, and be polite on the Hopefully September will see the end of the culinary standpoint. Tight lines, and give me a heat. Working birds and cool, early morning top holler out on the water! — Capt. Stephen water—it belongs to all of us. –Capt. Rene Hino- water blow ups are in our future. —Capt. George Boriskie Bay Flats Lodge, Seadrift Texas josa 956-966-0719 [email protected] Knighten 832-310-9146 [email protected] bayflatslodge.com

Headed East early. Sam Caldwell

~9~ CCA Texas Social Happenings Alvin-Pearland We hope everyone has been taking advantage of these warmer months, staying hydrated and getting out on the water! CCA Emery Sadler 713-501-2778 YES, the type is SMALL! Texas has wrapped up several fantastic banquets, and the Monthly General Meetings (Anglers’ But, we have to get everyone in, CCA Texas STAR Tournament is up and running. We’ve also Night Out): 7:00 pm on the first Tues- along with images. had some great events, such as the CCA Concert for Conserva- For the full version, go to your day of the month. tion, the public announcement of the $1 Million Artificial Reef chapter’s area in the CCA website: Project, and the Inter Chapter Challenge tournament – You Location: Spring Creek BBQ - 9005 www.ccatexas.org/chapters can view photos from all of them on our Facebook page! Broadway, Pearland, TX 77584 In each issue of Currents, CCA Texas will feature a recent Check out our info: http://www.cca- Facebook photo, Twitter Tweet, and Instagram photo. Please “Like” our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter, Instagram texas.org/alvin-pearland/ and YouTube to get the latest updates from CCA Texas and We will have a raffle at each meeting! September 6: Speaker - Capt. Zane Starr, become a part of the conversation! Want to submit a photo of A big THANK YOU to our June 16 Galveston bay fishing a great catch or fun times at a CCA Texas event to be featured Banquet Sponsors ‑ We would not be October 4: Speaker ‑ BAAD Marine-Bri- on one of our social media platforms? Email it to [email protected] for consideration! able to do what we do without their an Dietert, Galveston bay fishing and support! Tackle. Facebook: Title Sponsor: Commonwealth Finan- We welcome new board members CCA National President Pat Murray who would like to get plugged in. Our discusses the $1 Million Artificial cial- Rex Richards, Sun Belt Valve, Reef Project, done in conjunction Academy Sports + Outdoors monthly chapter meetings have a great with the unveiling of a new Billy Sponsors: Payne Brothers Firearms, speaker lineup and we will have a raffle. Hassell lithograph celebrating the Fishing Tackle Unlimited, Tran Boats, Bring a friend, a kid and get plugged in! Gulf Coast, at the William Reaves - Emery Sadler & Sarah Foltz Fine Art museum in Academy Sports + Outdoors, Del Houston. CCA Texas is a proud Papa, Faust, Joes BBQ, BAAD Marine, partner of the project, with Texas All Star Propane, Manvel Furniture, Aransas Bay Parks & Wildlife Foundation, Texas Back Bay Rods, Hook Spit, Third Carter Crigler 435-830-5984 Parks and Wildlife Department and Coastal Conservation Association's Coast Graphics, Alvin HEB, Big Guys [email protected] National Habitat Program, Building Conservation Trust. Shooting supply, Patco Hardware, The 17th Aransas Bay Chapter’s Annual Ron Carter Auto, Frost Bank, Texas Banquet will be held on 13 August at Twitter: the Paws and Taws Convention Center ‏@iii_rockinpy: ITS ALMOST STAR First Bank, Meadow Group, Dacon/ TIME!!!! Banquet Tonight in Laredo Dashiell, Southwest Refractory, in Fulton, Texas. The fun‑filled event Allied Fire Protection, Sprint Waste, starts at 5:30 P.M., consisting of silent Instagram: ICS Management, Dorsett Brothers auction, raffle, live auction, open bar @ cca_texas: The smiling Austin Chapter volunteers Concrete, Mike’s Glass & Mirror, and dinner catered by Black Tie Affairs are hard at Baumann Marine, T&l Lease Services, Catering, Inc. Title sponsor for the work, getting KD Services, Central Welding Supply, banquet is Ron Hoover RV and Ma- ready for their rine. Contact Carrie Cox (432-230-9060) annual ban- and many more. quet tonight! Thanks goes out to our recent if you are looking for some last minute We hope to speakers for their informative presen- tickets. see you there! #joincca #ccatexas tations at our monthly meetings: May The 17th Jim Ehman Memorial “CCA Babes on the Bay” had over 1,300 Facebook: 3: Brian Treadway, Chocolate Bayou mapping and fishing. June 7:Capt. registered entrants participating on facebook.com/CCATexas Ralph Frazier, Galveston Bay fishing one of the 376 teams. Karol’s “no rain Twitter: twitter.com/CCA_Texas 2016 Meeting schedule: July-Au- request” to the weather gods was hon- Instagram: instagram.com/cca_texas gust: NO MEETING‑GONE FISHING ored and the tournament was completed YouTube: youtube.com/cccatexasprojects Aerial view of Babes On The Bay XVII

~10~ in this letter. From the who’s who in the Aus- without rain. As shown below, there were a ly meeting on June 30th. Bill Kinney from tin culinary world, to corporate powerhouses large number of nice fish caught and weighed CCA STAR gave an informational talk on the in the Austin business scene, we have the best in. Based on conversations with team mem- status of projects being completed by CCA. group of sponsors in the state. bers as they weighed in, they had a great day The July meeting will be held on July Congratulations to Trey Mathis of Austin on the water and some wild tales to tell. Many 28th at Mike Hopkins Distributing. The who won the 21’ Modified “V” Shallow thanks to all participants and volunteers who Brenham Chapter is gearing up for their Sport! And, another congratulations to all of helped make Babes XVII a success. Annual Howard Kieke Memorial Fishing the winners from our stellar live auction and On behalf of the Aransas Bay Chapter Tournament in Port O’Connor. The tourna- our vast array of other stand‑alone games. We of CCA we would like to thank our sponsors ment will be held Aug. 5-6. Entry forms are truly couldn’t do this event without all of you Ron Hoover RV and Marine, Rosendin Elec- due by July 28th. For more information please and cannot wait to see you again next year. tric Company, L & F Distributors, Fishing contact Tournament Director John Baker at Next up on the calendar is our Angler’s Tackle Unlimited, Black Dog, Coastal Inno- (979) 830-5702. Night Out (ANO) on July 20th featuring Cap- vations, and Rockport Mail Center. A spe- The Brenham CCA Chapter is sponsored tain Billy Trimble. Along with some personal cial thank you goes to Tournament Director, by Mike Hopkins Distributing. Please join stories, Capt. Billy will be providing infor- Karol Scardino, for her leadership and ded- us the 4th Thursday of each month at Mike mation on a new user group – Flats Worthy. ication to Babes on the Bay. A big thank you Hopkins Distributing for an evening of bever- This is one you don’t want to miss! ANO is also goes to Jaye Lynn Turnbow for handling ages and conversation.For more information held at 6:00 pm at Abel’s on the Lake, which vendor signups. By the way, Karol is already at contact Chapter President Dennis Crowson is located at 3825 Lake Austin Blvd., Austin, work on Babes XVIII. We look forward to see- at (979) 451-2472 or TX 78703. Get out there and go fishing this ing you. First place winners in their respective [email protected] – Dennis summer. We look forward to seeing all of you divisions were: Crowson th Non‑guided Artificial ‑ Reel Fish Dogs at ANO on the 20 ! – Josh Cook Non‑guided Any Bait ‑ Trophy Wives Brush Country Non-guided Juniors - Elizebeth Sebera Bay Area Brenda Ballard 361-296-4037 Guided Artificial ‑ Let The Good Times Roll Curtis Anderson 832-421-6377 On May 28 the Brush Country Chapter of Guided Any Bait ‑ Showing Tail CCA held it’s Annual Dean Ash Memorial Junior Division Guided ‑ Celeste Sanders Brazoria County Baffin Bay Shoot-Out Tournament. The fol- For complete list of winners go to Wes Dingee 979-299-8245 lowing are the winners: www.babesonthebay.com Black Drum: Gilbert Barrera, First Place; Mark your calendars for the Babes on the Bay Brazos Valley Ascencion Lara, Second Place; Tori Kuntz, XVIII be held on May 19 -20, 2017. John Ben Strother 979-220-1738 Third Place Trout: Evaristo Alfaro, First Tight Lines - Carter [email protected] Place; Wiley Crowson, Second Place; Kristo- pher Alfaro, Third Place. Austin Brenham Redfish: Rico Garcia, First Place; Tammy Josh Cook 512-656-2964 Dennis Crowson Patrick, Second Place. Oversized Redfish- The 37th Annual Austin Chapter Banquet is 979-451-2472 Xavier Garcia. The Brenham Chapter held their latest month- officially in the record books. Because of your All winners walked away with generosity, we were able a rod and reel combo! to top the $1.2M revenue Our upcoming events will number this year, which Fifth Annual CCA be our annual Kids’ Fishing sets another Austin chap- Day and our Banquet. If you ter and national record. Concert For Conservation are interested in volunteering We had over 1,700 people May 21 or donating to our events in attendance,Charlie It was a memorable evening with Ryan Bingham please contact Brenda at 361- Robison’s singing was 296-4037 or at outstanding and it took opening to thunderous applause. Then, the crowd [email protected]. us all of about 22 minutes rose for Alabama, and it was standing – Brenda Ballard to sell 175 Yeti Coolers. enjoyment to the end of a fine evening. To our extensive list of Thousands of new CCA members will look for- Centex sponsors and generous ward to the CCA Concert for Conservation 2017. Wayne Webb patrons, thank you for 254-405-1300 all that you did to help [email protected] us accomplish this monu- mental task! Central Houston Please visit us at Todd Buster www.ccaaustin.org to see 713-545-1897 a list of all the sponsors who helped make this Colorado Valley happen, as space con- Eugene Ulrich straints don’t allow us to 979-249-7425 acknowledge all of them Greetings from the Colorado ~11~ ~12~ ~13~ Valley! I hope everyone had a fantastic Me- 21st at the Dallas Gun Club in Lewisville. morial Day Weekend and a great 4th of July. There is still time left to register a team at Fort Worth Our chapter participated in the ICC Fish- www.ccatexas.org/dallas, or call John Hansen Hunter Baird 817-437-8351 ing Tournament last month and worked very at (214) 243-9435. Check‑in starts at 11:30 am Shortly after the banquet passes, your board hard, but did not place in the winner category. and shooting begins at 1:00 pm. It’s going to finishes a busy fiscal year of planning events We had a lot of fun and were also treated to be a lot of fun, so come on out and show your for our members and helping raise awareness/ some great food, refreshments and prizes, stuff! funds for CCA. Then it’s time for us to take along with fellowship with the other chapters. Dallas area folks should keep a close eye a break and hit the bays, as many of you are It turned out to be a very enjoyable event. Our on your email for member meetings being able to do throughout the year. Here in North participating members were Rusty Kubena, held at Tailwaters Fly Fishing Texas when the temps hit the 90s and begin Dave Fehlker, Bennie Rooks, Kenneth (www.tailwatersflyfishing.com), located inching toward 100 degrees, matching the hu- LeFrance, Stephen LeFrance, Jason Rowe, at 1933 E Levee St near downtown Dallas. midity in intensity, it signifies the time of year Dennis Inman, Verlene Ulrich and Eugene Or swing by the shop and check for meeting to turn our headlights and attention south to Ulrich. We all had a great fishing day, but just notices. There’s always something to do there! some of the best bay fishing in the states. could not come up with a winning stringer. We’re looking forward to August when We would like to take one more oppor- There were several very nice stringers turned CCA will be teaming up with Mariner Sails tunity to thank our sponsors from another in that anyone would have been proud of. (www.mariner‑sails.com) and Robert Field to successful banquet on May 5th. We appreciate Congratulations to the winning teams! hold the “Heros on the Water” Benefit Event your support in making us the best chapter in I hope everyone is enjoying the summer on August 11th, 6:30 pm to 9:00 pm at Mari- North Texas. Your FW Board wishes you all and getting as many trips in as possible. You ner Sails located at 1110 N Stemmons Fwy, tight lines and full bags this summer. Don’t never know when that tagged redfish will Dallas, (972) 241-1498 The evening’s enter- forget to enjoy a cold cerveza somewhere show up!!! Wishing bent rods and tight lines tainment will start with a Happy Hour at 6:30 along the way. – Jonathan Black to all! – Eugene Ulrich pm at Mariner Sails followed by Robert’s presentation from 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm. Robert Field Galveston Corpus Christi of YakFishTV will be presenting his tried and Dr. Ken Ellis 713-962-7731 Jake Herring 361-244-0258 true techniques to help you take your action As this Currents lands in your mailbox, our [email protected] videos from “home movies” to professional annual banquet will be held on August 6, at Planning for our fall events is well under way. quality videos. Check out some of his award Moody Gardens. We will be giving away our Our chapter has several events on the calendar winning work at YakFishTV. All Proceeds Mowdy 22’ ‑ V/22 with a 175 hp 4 stoke Suzu- that you will not want to miss. First up, get from this event will benefit the Dallas Chapter ki along with a CoastLine aluminum trailer. the kids ready for the Poco Rojo Tournament of Heroes on the Water. Buy your tickets now! Tickets for the boat are $25 each , or 5 tickets to be held at the CCA Marine Development Limited to 75 Participants. – John Humbert for $100. Tickets are going fast , and I expect Center on September 10. East Texas us to be sold out before the banquet , so please Following Poco Rojo we are holding Dr. Jim Norman 936-554-3165 contact me personally , if you would like to our Guides Cup Tournament on September [email protected] purchase some boat raffle tickets. 29-30. Our chapter is wrapping up the fall The banquet this year is a homage to “Mar- schedule with the 12th Annual Babes on Baf- Fort Bend garitaville,” and we will have many new silent fin all women’s fishing tournament, which Robb Gaston 281-239-9755 and live auction items , as well as a 10 gun will be held October 7-8, 2016 at our NEW raffle again this year. Hope to see you there! Greetings all you angler and anglettes! Is it venue, Marker 37 Marina. We are looking for Tight Lines ‑‑Dr. Ken Ellis hot outside or is it just me? I feel like at any sponsors, vendors, and anglers! Please contact moment I could catch on fire. Speaking of Valerie or Judy at [email protected], or Golden Triangle “on fire,” have you been to the surf lately? visit our Facebook page CCA Texas Babes On Welcome new president, Tyler Coco Matagorda and Freeport have been full of Baffin, or website www.babesonbaffin.org. Stay 409-651-6004 trout and flounder. I hope you had a chance to tuned – It is going to be a great fall! Yours in [email protected] fill your freezers! conservation – Jake Herring It was another exciting banquet this year for Our Annual CCA Kids Fish was another the Golden Triangle Chapter. We had record success. It is always great to see so many Dallas / North Texas attendance, record revenue and record profits! young anglers. Our next event will be Linge- John Humbert 214-563-3122 Special thanks to Mobil Credit Union, Altus, rie on The Bay, September 9-10, 2016. This [email protected] Classic Chevrolet and Giglio Distributing is our annual ladies‑only fishing tournament. The Dallas Chapter competed again in the for you generous donations year after year. I We will have our Captain’s Party/Registra- Inter Chapter Challenge Fishing Tourna- would also like to thank our board for all of tion on Friday September 9 at the Matagorda ment on June 10th and 11th. The weather was their hard work in making this possible. Fire Hall. There will be a meal provided. perfect on Friday, but deteriorated on Sat- Lastly, stay tuned for some new events Dawn Miller will be there once again urday. Our chapter placed a respectable 8th from the Golden Triangle Chapter. If you with her Hooked On Hope merchandise. The out of 28 teams participating, despite being a are interested in becoming a board member, shirts and cups are pre order only. Please con- chapter 380 miles inland. But we are vowing a please contact me at the number listed. As we tact Dawn at [email protected] to order. stronger comeback next year! continue to grow our chapter, we would love Rules and Registration forms can be found at In the meantime, the Dallas chapter is to add additional quality board members. www.matagordabay.com. Hope to see y’all busy preparing for our Inaugural “Hook on -Tyler Coco out there! Say hi to your momma and dem for Clays” Sporting Clay Tournament this July me! – Robb Gaston ~14~ Greater Sugar Land Greater Woodlands Texas A&M and shared information he has Richard Lindley 832-270-0398 Charlotte O'Dell 832-368-8263 learned from his hands-on studies of Cedar [email protected] Bayou. He also talked about shark research Even though we’re taking a summer vacation Guadalupe Valley being conducted by the Institute ‑ really from meetings, June was a busy month for Welcome to new president, interesting! Congratulations to our attendees our chapter. Our Kid’s Fish trailer received Chuck Howard who won raffle prizes, and thanks toApache a new paint job thanks to John Breland and 361-275-9464 Rifleworks for providing a classroom for the the generosity of Expert Collision Center in [email protected] meeting. When you get a chance, go check Roseberg. Salude! A special thanks, too, to Jeff For the second consecutive year, the Guada- out Apache’s state‑of‑the‑art complex. They Flasik for the graphic design and to all who lupe Valley chapter took the InterChapter offer an indoor firing range, sales, instruction helped refurbish the trailer. The trailer looks Challenge championship honors with the and custom built rifles at50502 IH-10 West in fantastic and will be a big plus for our chap- heaviest stringer of 3 fat beautiful trout and Comfort. Call 830-995-3894 for more infor- ter’s visibility! one bruiser redfish. The team consisted of mation. We joined with Missouri City for a Cliff Weber, Paul Lucas, Stacy Cordes, Darryl Save the date for our Heart of the Hills Kid’s Fish at their Community Park on June Cordes, Bobby Lane, Eric Draper, Robert Chapter Annual Banquet on September 8 at 11. The event was well attended. We had st1 , Caskey, Jay Bramlett, Greg Graham and The Cana Ballroom at St. Peter the Apostle 2nd and 3rd place trophies for three age groups Chuck Howard, the new Chapter President. Catholic Church in Boerne. We’ll have great and served up hot dogs, chips and drinks for See the team photo on page 18. food, drinks, a live auction and raffles.Call the kids. Chapter members Richard Lindley, The chapter will be having their end-of- Kelly Parks at 210-669-3732 if you are inter- Fred Howard, Gary and Geri Blanchette, summer meeting sometime in late August, ested in tickets, donating to the banquet or David and Judy Kveton, Buford Jurica, Bob along with a great menu for all chapter volunteering.Tight lines! – Randy Plummer Nipper and Weems Turner all helped. Thank members. Keep your eyes on your email for you for making the event a success! the details, and we hope to see you there! I Hill Country A few days before the Kid’s Fish, we would like to begin planning regular events Miles Engelke 830-303-1827 gathered at the Kveton’s home to prepare for the chapter to share skills, stories and how What a busy year it’s been! We hosted the the new rods and reels we had purchased to defend the ICC Championship title for the Crawfish Boil for Todd Hoffman May 13. for it. Burgers and beverages followed. The 3rd year in a row. Cajun Cookers did a fine job cooking the rain and the ‘skeeters held off and we all had November will be the month for the crawfish. Thanks to our board members,Luke a great time! Thank you, David and Judy. Guadalupe Valley Chapter Annual Banquet, Franke, Valarie Franke, Monica Franke and John and Lynda Breland hosted a pool party so start planning on filling up your tables Joe Mark Miller for assisting to make this a at their home on June 12. Honorees were all now. If you would like to go ahead and successful event. who helped make our banquet a great success, commit to a table, contact Chapter President On May 21 we hosted the Board of especially Pam Canavan, chair of the banquet Chuck Howard at 361/275-9464 or Directors fishing trip in Rockport for Tri committee, and her committee members, Tara [email protected]. – Chuck Howard County Distributors. Thanks to Bill, Dennis, Jurica and Judy Kveton. Thank you John and Kenny, Kevin and Miles for donating their Lynda for a fun time! Hays County time and boat to put these guys on the fish. Unfortunately, we also must report Tim Young Thanks to Dennis and Sherri for hosting the that Barbra Lindley, a director and past chair 512-573-7939 Friday night meal and Bill and Lena for host- of our Kid’s Fish Committee for several years, [email protected] ing the Saturday weigh‑in. passed away unexpectedly on June 20. Barbra On June 4 we hosted our Chapter was very active in our chapter and we all en- Heart of the Hills Fishing Tournament in Rockport. We had joyed her company. A service in her memory Jim Simmons 210-380-5709 approximately 129 entries, good food and will be held on August 6 from 11:00 to 1:00 [email protected] fellowship. A fun time was had by all! Thank at the Elk’s Lodge, 10150 W. Airport Blvd., We’ve had a busy summer in the Heart of the you Darlene and Jim Cook for being the Stafford 77477. Thank you, Barbra, for your Hills. Elections were held recently ‑ Congrat- Tournament Chairs, and thanks to all who service and comradery–you will be missed. ulations to the new Chapter President, Kelly handled the weigh‑in and other details. Our regular meetings are held on the Parks; Vice President, Blake McCarter; and On June 11 we participated in the ICC first Tuesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. and Treasurer, Darrell Steubing. tournament and for the second year in a row, resume on August 2. They will be held at The chapter fielded a team of 10 fisher- our team won 2nd place! Way to go team the Old Hickory Inn, 3334 FM 1092, Missouri men and women and competed in the Inter members Bill, Don, Michael, Michael Jr., City. For more information about our chapter, Chapter Challenge Tournament in June in Dennis, Travis, Miles, Jerry (Pooch), Kenny follow us on Facebook at “CCA Texas Greater Aransas Pass. Everyone had fun and enjoyed and Kevin. Don also won 1st place for indi- Sugar Land Chapter.” spending some time on the water. We didn’t vidual trout - Way to go Don! The guest speaker for our August meet- place this year, but Kelly is already preparing Our next General Meeting will be on ing is Michael Okruhlik, who has developed a strategy for next year. Thanks to the CCA July 19 with Captain David Rowsey as our a controlled descent lure. Attendees with be staff for hosting this event! Guest Speaker. David has been fishing all of treated to an interesting talk and a free lure. Quentin Hall from the Harte Research his life and will have some great information We hope to see you there! - Bob Bailey, Vice Institute Center for Sportfish Science and to share. The meeting will be held at the Elks President Conservation was the speaker at our General Lodge in New Braunfels, Texas. We will have Membership Meeting on June 21st. Quen- several vendors at the meeting displaying and tin holds a Master’s in Marine Biology from selling their products. We hope to see you ~15~ there! Live Oak with chances to win on the pick‑of‑the‑litter Thursday August 25 is our Annual Banquet at Brad Kotrla 979-732-1669 cap raffle, sponsored byPrasek’s Hillje the Civic Center in New Braunfels. Invoic- Smokehouse, El Campo Boating Center and es were sent to past table buyers a couple of Lower Colorado Mustang Caterpillar, a koozie raffle spon- weeks ago. For ticket information call Todd Tim Munos 979 332-2876 sored by R&M Forge & Fittings, INC and Thetford at 830-660-8825. First State Bank, and a tumbler cup raffle Our last General Meeting of the year Lower Laguna Madre sponsored by Energy Construction, INC. and will be Tuesday October 25 with Captain Ev- Oscar Garcia III 956-491-8148 Polasek Construction. A great Ribeye steak erett Johnson, editor and publisher of Texas meal with all the trimmings was prepared by Saltwater Fishing Magazine. The meeting Mainland board member Slade Stary and his top‑notch will be at the Elks Lodge in New Braunfels, Eric Minor 281-534-6242 cooking crew. The live auction, sponsored Texas. by Full Auto Firearms, Wiese Crop Insur- If you have any questions or you would Matagorda Bays ance and Gulf Coast Lease Service was full like to get involved with our chapter, cast me Chad Hensley 979-543-2734 of great items that ranged from fishing and a call at 210-260-8968. Treasure The Trips – Well it’s a wrap! The “Sold Out” signs were hunting trips from around the world, to guid- Miles Engelke once again pulled out and taped to the front ed fishing trips right here on the Texas coast. doors of the El Campo Civic Center for The Jim Ehman Memorial Guides Cup trips Houston Homebuilders our 31st Annual Matagorda Bays Chapter were once again a big hit among buyers. This Mack Davis 832 381-6130 Banquet. This is the 8th year in a row that the tournament sponsored by Duckett Bouligny banquet has sold out. The banquet this year & Collins LLP, Harbor Bait and Tackle and Houston Real Estate was dedicated in El Campo Sheet Metal is held every year in Dale Couch 281-953- memory of Terry September in Matagorda and can only be en- 2510 Karstedt. Mrs. tered by purchasing a trip in our live auction. Summer is here! Best news Karstedt was The highlight of the evening of course is one of our founding presented with a was the drawing for the fully rigged 23’ Board Members caught a portrait of Capt. Dargel Attackaflat with a 175 HP Suzuki, career trout while fishing Terry. The portrait sponsored by Dargel Boats and by long time in the STAR Tournament was painted and chapter supporter Polasek Construction. A in early June, 29 ½ inch- donated by Sam big thanks goes out to these guys for their es!!! It was released back Caldwell, the 2004 continued support. This year’s lucky winner to the Laguna Madre. Way Texas State Artist. was Leah Morton. As always, I wish I could to go! We are beginning to The sudden list everyone who donates and contributes to work on next February’s passing of Terry our chapter, but here are a few who are there banquet. Any ideas to this past year still year after year: Cedar Creek Woodshop, make it better are greatly weighs heavy on Multi Fab Metals, Eichorn Gonzales & Mill- appreciated. –Dale Couch everyone who er Jewelers, Las Palmas Lodge, Capt. Troy knew him. Terry Keen, Red Bluff Prairie Hunting Club, Del Laredo was a long-time Papa Distributing, Hartman Distributing, Jesse Martinez 956- supporter of CCA Texas Coast Limo Services, Full Auto Fire- 763-5555 Leah Morton was the lucky winner of the fully and our great arms, Mustang Cat, Hodges Welding, Lamco [email protected]. rigged 23’ Dargel Attackaflat with a 175 HP Suzuki, chapter. Feeders, Salt Grass Lodge and Charters and sponsored by Dargel Boats and by long time chap- com ter supporter Polasek Construction. Banquet guests Academy Sports + Outdoors. enjoyed a fun- Once again, thanks to all the members of Lee County Below, portrait of late guide Capt. Terry filled evening our great chapter, and I look forward to seeing Karstedt, donated by Sam Caldwell Byron Kalbas 979- all the Guides Cup buyers in Matagorda, Sep- 540-0056 tember 26-27! Feel free to contact me if you Mark your calendars folks have any questions about the chapter. – Chad for the 6th Annual Lee Hensley County Chapter Banquet MidCoast that will be held on Thurs- David Jenkins 361-578-5580 day, October 20, 2016 at the After several months of planning, and after Sons of Herman Hall in all of the hard work put in by our board Giddings, Texas! Prepa- members - led by our Banquet Chairman, rations are underway to Curt Allison - we enjoyed another success- make it another great event. ful banquet this year on May 6. I would Contact me or any Lee like to express my thanks to all of our board County committee member members and chairpersons who worked SO for tickets & details. – Byron hard. Job WELL DONE! Thanks to all of the Kalbas attendees of the banquet. We could not have done it without you and your support! We are very grateful to all of the donors

~16~ from Victoria and the surrounding area for Thanks to the Redfish Bay Chapter Board, their generosity in giving. Chris’ Marine and Port O'Connor John Blaha, and all of our members and sup- Haynie Boats - Aransas Pass; Coastal Bend Bill Moore 361-983-4690 porters, we have had a great year so far. The Marine, Sonnys’ Marie and POC Rod & Gun We hope everyone is having a great summer, 2016 Annual Banquet was a success, and the - Port O’Connor; Forever Last - Hallettsville; and that the crowds on the weekends are Take a Kid Fishing Event was, as always, Hartman Distributing, Uncle Mutts’ Bar B taking advantage of all the activities on this fun for all. The Beeville Fish Fry will be the Que, Victoria All Sports, Academy Sports + end. Without taking anything away from the Thursday before dove season starts – watch Outdoors, Waterloo Rod Co USA, The Tackle summer activities, we want to remind every- for final date information.– Norman Oates Box of Victoria, Eichorn, Gonzales & Miller one to come join us on Saturday, October 15, Jewelry, Old Victoria Outfitters, Atzenhof- for our 17th Annual CCA Banquet. It will Rio Grande Valley fer Chevrolet, Cadillac, Mitzibishi and the again be held at the Community Center. George McCaleb 956-984-8688 fishing guides who will participate in our Tickets and/or tables are readily avail- [email protected] Annual Guides Cup Tournament. able from any POC CCA member at the Our next CCA Event will be the Guides CCA office (800-262-4222), or at any of the Sabine-Neches Cup Tournament which will be held on Oc- following POC businesses: Sonny’s Marine, Darin Johnson 409-502-1010 tober 6 and 7, 2016. Please be careful while in Coastal Boat Services, Coastal Bend Marine, our coastal waters, and I hope to you see you Port O’Connor Rod & Gun and Tigrett Real Sam Houston soon! - David Jenkins Estate. Also, the golf cart that is being raffled Brandon Kolaja 281-797-6908 for this year’s banquet has been on display at Northeast Houston Coastal Bend Marine. San Antonio Casey Eakin If you want to get involved, give us a Mike Sarosdy 210-863-7288 713-948-5799 call and definitely come join us on Saturday, [email protected] October 15 in POC! “Where it all began” – Bill Northwest Houston Moore San Bernard Alan Massey 281-414-6341 Jayson Zahradnik 832-535-7738 Prairie jayson.zahradnik@alleyton Orange County Sharon Goebel 979-877-4103 resource.com Scott Bandy 409-988-3667 [email protected] Redfish Bay San Gabriel Contact Info: Scott Bandy - scottbandy77@yahoo. Norman Oates John Melnar 512- 497-8284 com / Louis Moore - [email protected] 361-758-0266 Davis Dixon - [email protected]

~17~ San Jacinto Jim Wilson 713-828-7639 Southwestern Veronica Oliver 830-765-6228

TAMU Ian Kocher Mays Business School 512-632-9222 [email protected]

Texas State University Alex Limon 817-880-4044 [email protected]

Tomball/Magnolia Matt Maddox 281-770-7858 How about those Guadalupe Valley 2016 CCA Texas Fisherfolks--two in a row. Are they going for Tri-County three in 2017? For names of the Guadalupe Christian Hildebrand 830-534-2730 Inter Chapter Challenge Valley Team, see their update on page 14. Every year, CCA Texas hosts the Inter Chapter Challenge (ICC) fishing tournament as a way to Trinity Bay say “Thank You” to our hardworking chapter Gerald Payne 281-385-2894 presidents and board members. The tournament takes place in Aransas Bay, and it’s always a great time! Thank you to everyone who partic- Trinity Valley ipated in this year’s event, which was held this John Hebert Jr 936-334-2528 past June. We appreciate all of the hard work The 4th Annual Trinity Valley CCA Chapter you do year‑round to make this organization great! Below is the breakdown of the 2016 ICC Banquet will be held on Thursday, Septem- winners. Congrats on a great tournament! ber 8 at the Dayton Community Center. We For photos, facebook.com/cca_texas are looking forward to what is shaping up to be another great fundraising event. Along Stringer of 3 Trout and 1 Redfish: 1st Place: Guadalupe Valley with our great Live and Silent Auction lineup, we will have numerous raffle prizes to give 2nd Place: Hill Country away including several high‑end firearms. We 3rd Place: Austin are currently taking reservations for individu- Biggest Trout: 1st Place: Don Whitaker, Hill al and couples tickets and have several levels Country Chapter 2nd Place: Chuck Howard, Guadalupe Valley of reserved tables to offer. We will have plenty Chapter of refreshments and a delicious fried catfish Biggest Redfish: 1st Place: Karen Lewbeck, dinner with all the trimmings. To get your re- Brenham Chapter served tables or tickets while they last, please 2nd Place: Robert Caskey, Guadalupe Valley contact John Hebert Jr. at (936)334-2528 or Chapter Larry Hanson at (713) 447-1918. Tickets Biggest Other Fish: Jack Crevalle, Trinity Valley and tables will soon be available online at Chapter www.ccatexas.org/trinity‑valley, under the “Banquet” tab. If you would like to reserve your tables with a credit card directly, please contact our Assistant Director Brian Meuth at [email protected] or (713) 626-4222. Good luck on the water and we hope to see you soon at the Banquet! – John Hebert Jr. West Houston Mike Ayers 832-248-9352 Members can watch for several CCA billboards and CCA/Academy Sports+ West Texas Outdoors billboards on the highways from Victoria to Brownsville. Craig McDonnold 432-682-3499

~18~ ~19~ ~20~ ~21~ ART FIGHT OF THE DECADE! Kingwood art exhibit benefits Texas Children’s Hospital Claymaster STEPHANNE VS Paint Slinger SAM Martin Galleries / 1570 Kingwood Drive Saturday, August 20 / 5 pm to 9 pm. Refreshments, lively music. Watch as the dynamic duo throw clay, sling watercolor- then win an original work of art! All raffle proceeds go to Texas Children's Hospital. www.samcaldwell.com Texas State Artist 2004 DU State Artist 2010-2011 Dallas CCA Sportsman Conservationist 2015 2016 Perry R. Bass Wall of Fame 281-455-9390

~22~ ~23~ Coastal

Conservation NON-PROFIT U.S. POSTAGE Association PAID 6919 Portwest Suite 100 / Houston, TX 77024 HOUSTON, TEXAS PERMIT 2532 CURRENTS NEWSLETTER August / September 2016

Remembering four great CCA friends U.S. Coast Guard Current size, bag and possession limits Air & Sea Rescue The Texas Parks & Wildlife website is National Response Center: 800-874-2143 your starting point for almost anything are now available through the Texas Parks Port Isabel: 956-761-2668 you need to know about outdoor Tex- & Wildlife website: TPWD has a number to Corpus Christi / Marine Safety Office: report game violations. 1-800-792-4263. boating emergencies, chemical and as, including links to many areas. Visit oil spills: 361-888-3162 http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us A partner with CCA in aiding Texas game Port Aransas: 361-749-5217 and Game Wardens is Operation Game Port O’Connor: 361-983-2616 To focus on fishing and boating, visit Freeport: 979-233-3801 http://www.tpwd.-state.tx.us/fishboat/ Thief. Drop by and put this website on your Houston, Galveston: 409-766-5620 favorites list: http://www.ogttx.com/ Sabine: 409-971-2195

COASTAL CONSERVATION ASSOCIATION TEXAS MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION (including STAR Entry)

Name Phone______D a t e ______

Address City State Zip______

NEW MEMBER ______RENEWAL ______(Member ID for renewing members only)______EMAIL ______

MEMBER: $30 ___ Membership card, decal, bumper sticker, Texas CURRENTS newsletter & TIDE magazine. Method of payment ASSOCIATE: $15 ___ Per each family member. All membership privileges except TIDE and CURRENTS. ___ Check/Money order PRINT MEMBER: $100 ___ All of the above plus CCA Texas print of your choice. Charge to my: LIFE MEMBER: $1000 ___ CCA Life Membership piece, print, plus member gifts. Payable in four $250 installments. ___ MASTERCARD STAR ENTRY FEE: $20 ___ Tournament entry fee. Must be a current CCA member. ___ VISA NEW TIDE: $10 ___ Tide newsletter, decal. ___ AMEX Members 17 and under only Age: ______Date of birth: ______DISCOVER NEW TIDE / Star: $10 ___ Same as above, plus “FREE” STAR Tournament entry. Age: ______Date of birth: ______

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Credit card expiration date ______By entering this tournament, I agree to be bound by the STAR Tournament Rules, Release and Indemnity Agreement. I understand that there are specific rules governing the conduct of the tournament and that upon request a copy will be mailed to me. 6919 Portwest, Suite 100 / Houston, TX 77024 / 713-626-4222 / Website: www.ccatexas.org ~24~