Amistad Catches Attention Many Heading to Texas Lake for Big Year

ADVENTURE British Columbia wilderness odyssey March 10, 2006 Texas’ Premier Outdoor Newspaper Volume 2, Issue 14 See Page 19

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INSIDE HUNTING Amistad catches attention Many heading to Texas lake for big year

By Alan Clemons

One of the nation’s most under- rated lakes may soon receive the Texans aren't flocking to attention it deserves if expectations hunt geese during the Light are met or exceeded in this week’s Goose Conservation Order. Bassmaster Elite Series. Guides say they're not seeing Long known in Texas as a top fish- many hunters eager to go after ery, and perhaps as an “under- the birds after the end of the ground” fishing lake among anglers regular season, and admit who didn’t want to share the secret, they're also ready for a break. Amistad is poised for one of its See Page 6 biggest years ever. Just weeks after the FLW Outdoors Stren Series tour- One Texas family is gobbling nament anglers set records on up trophies for best turkey call- Amistad, the Bassmaster Elite Series ing. The Nixon family's two eld- field will hit the lake during its peak. est daughters in particular are “This will be the greatest bass acclaimed callers who credit tournament in history,” said Zell practice for their expertise - Rowland of Montgomery, a 30-year which they say also pays off in veteran of the pro circuits. “If I were the field. in a wheelchair and could not walk, See Page 6 I would be there. I would have a han- dline out the back of the boat or FISHING something.” The spring white bass run is Amistad’s growing reputation as under way in central Texas and an outstanding fishery is well will run through late April. deserved. At the most recent Stren Experts say that despite a lin- Series event, the biggest four-day gering drought the fishing is total weight was 105 pounds, 8 good. ounces caught by David Mauldin. See Page 9 Anglers fish two days and then the top 10 start over with zero weight. NATIONAL See AMISTAD, Page 10 CAUGHT IN THE ACT: A largemouth bass clears the water after being hooked by a soft plastic bait. Photo by David J. Sams. Ohio and Pennsylvania have joined the list of states that permit parents to pass on the hunting tradition to their chil- dren minus legal barriers such Anglers gearing up as a minimum hunting age and hunter-education requirements. See Page 4 to walk the planks CONSERVATION Piers lined with rods as spring nears The annual $1 million Star of Texas Anglers Rodeo put on by Texas coast fishing piers. CCA Texas gives students a By Danno Wise One of the longest running, best- chance to land a scholarship known piers on the Texas coast, the San Luis Pass Fishing Pier should and their parents and others Generations of Texas coastal the opportunity to drive off in a see some impressive catches hit the anglers have flocked to beachfront boards this spring, including some new truck or boat. The tourna- piers. More often than not, these ment, which functions as a jaw-dropping trout. fishermen were rewarded with a membership drive, is also an “Trout will be the most sought- attempt to boost the number of handsome catch for their efforts. after species we have in the spring,” young anglers in the state. As 2006 heads toward spring, said pier employee Galen Pruett. See Page 5 many modern-day anglers are also “Every year we see fish in the 27 to finding a bounty awaiting them 30-inch range. A lot of folks will be FISHING LINE: Anglers line the 83rd Street Pier in Galveston. beneath the planks of many upper See PIERS, Page 10 DEPARTMENTS Travis County man infected PRSRT STD Across the Nation Page 5 US POSTAGE PAID Product Picks Page 13 with plague after hunt PLANO, TX Heroes Page 14 PERMIT 210 By Mary Helen Aguirre Austin/Travis County Health and Outdoor Puzzler Page 15 A hunter who was hospitalized Human Services Department. and treated for plague in a Travis “This is a very unusual case for a Wild in the Kitchen Page 15 County hospital was most likely Travis County resident,” said Dr. exposed while skinning rabbits dur- Adolfo Valadez, medical director for Weather Page 15 ing a hunting trip to a Lea County the Austin/Travis County Health Game Warden Blotter Page 16 ranch in New Mexico. and Human Services Department. The Travis County resident tested “There have only been 35 cases of Outdoor Datebook Page 17 positive for non-contagious, sep- plague in the state of Texas in the last ticemic Yersinia pestis, according to century. The Travis County patient Fishing Report Page 18 a Feb. 23 statement issued by the See PLAGUE, Page 11 Page 2 March 10, 2006 Clausen claims Classic crown Luke Clausen’s hometown is listed as enough. (a week earlier) and the start of the tourna- Spokane Valley, Wash., but the 27-year-old Veteran Ron Shuffield missed his second ment. More fish got on the beds, and it made sold his house there last fall. Why does that chance at a Classic victory in what was likely it even more viable.” matter? He just became one of the richest his final appearance when he boated just He relied on one bait for the entire 3 days vagabonds in history. three of 13 bites for a 7-15 bag that left him in — a Mann’s HardNose Worm (junebug). He On day three of the Bassmaster Classic, the 3rd with 47-14. caught his final fish of the day on Toho with wind howled across Lake Toho with all the Hometown favorite Terry Scroggins had to a spinnerbait. fury a Florida cold front can deliver. The tem- abandon the group of big fish he found on “All day I was thinking that I didn’t have perature dropped, the weights plummeted, day two due to the weather and caught only enough,” he said. “I thought I had a chance, but Clausen rode the strength of his day one 7-11 to finish 4th with 46-15. Defending but I didn’t think it was a very good one.” super-sack and fought off hard-charging Rick champion Kevin VanDam, the No. 1 ranked This victory differed from his FLWTC win Morris to win the competition’s $500,000- angler in the world, whacked the day’s best because he began the day trying to protect a prize by a 5-pound margin. sack (15-07). He moved up seven spots to fin- lead. In the FLWTC, he was one of 12 anglers Along with his FLW Tour Championship ish 5th with 44-08. who started the final day at zero weight. (FLWTC) victory in 2004, he’s won $1 mil- Clausen in Disbelief He said the pressure of being the frontrun- lion in 18 months. Immediately after the weigh-in, Clausen ner never affected him. “I never got nervous Some at this year’s Classic surged one day said he felt surreal. “It still hasn’t sunk in. It’s until the weigh-in. Once there was nothing only to fall the next. Others were consistent. like I’m in the middle of a dream. I’m in total else I could do to change anything, that’s But Clausen caught them every day. He never disbelief.” when I started to worry.” topped his 29-06 day-one bag, but he never His explanation for why he won the tour- Clausen will not fish the 2006 Bassmaster fell from the lead spot either. He led all three nament was pretty simple — he was on the Elite Series, and does not have an automatic days and his victory left no doubt he’s a ris- best fish. He found an area in the southern berth in the 2007 Classic. The registration ing power in the sport. part of Kissimmee (one of four lakes in the deadline has passed for the 2006 Elite Series, He was the youngest angler in the 51-man Kissimmee Chain that anglers could choose and he chose not to register. BassFan asked field and his 56-02 total also broke the record from) during the pre-practice period, and it BASS whether it would make an exception for for heaviest winning weight in the five-fish- turned red-hot the day before the tourna- Clausen if he wished to fish the Series. A BASS limit era. Davy Hite set the old mark of 55-10 ment began. official said: “No, registration has passed.” in 1999 at the Louisiana Delta. “I think I just had the strongest area on the Tyler angler Jay Yelas finished 22nd, $500,000 VICTORY: Luke Clausen holds up the trophy as he Morris, a 44-year-old who was fishing his lake, and I understood how to fish it pretty winning a purse of $12,500. celebrates winning the 2006 CITGO Bassmaster Classic in first Classic in eight years, caught the second- well,” he said. “And my pattern got stronger Kissimmee, Fla. Photo by ESPN. biggest bag (13-11), but it wasn’t nearly during the warm period between pre-practice —A BassFan.com report Poachers face charges in Lacy Act violations The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has announced that the Department of Justice has charged various individuals associated with a San Leandro Church, and other individuals in the aquarium business, with violations of the Lacey Act for allegedly illegally harvesting and selling undersized California leopard sharks. Five of the six poachers were also charged with conspiracy. The nearly two-year-long investigation was conducted by NOAA Fisheries Service’s Office for Law Enforcement in conjunction with five other enforcement agencies. It uncovered an international poach- ing and smuggling operation which dealt in the harvesting, sale and shipment of baby leopard sharks with an estimated market value of more than $1.2 million. For approximately 10 years, Kevin Thompson used vessels owned by the church and him to scour San Francisco Bay for baby leopard sharks. Later, John Newberry of Hayward, Calif., began working with another individual, Vincent Ng, owner of Amazon Aquarium in Alameda, Calif. to supply buyers across the country. A third individual, Sion Lim of San Francisco, also sold and shipped undersized leopard sharks to a buyer in Michigan. During the course of the operation, authorities estimate that thousands of juvenile leopard sharks were illegally harvested from San Francisco Bay. The investigation also identified separate suppliers of juvenile Leopard sharks in Los Angeles. One of these suppliers, Ira Gass of Azusa, Calif., conspired with church members to provide sharks to buyers in the United States and Europe, authorities said. The European por- tion of the investigation uncovered sales of hundreds of juvenile sharks shipped through London and Amsterdam to buyers in England and Holland. These poachers are being prose- cuted under the Lacey Act, a federal statute which prohibits the sale, trade or transportation of wildlife or wildlife products harvested or attained in violation of federal, state, tribal or foreign laws. — A NOAA report EVERYBODY’S COMFORTABLE. EXCEPT THE COMPETITION.

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†Maximum payload capacity includes weight of vehicle, passengers, cargo and equipment. Cargo and load capacity limited by weight and distribution. ††Trailer ratings are calculated assuming a properly equipped base vehicle plus driver. See the GMC Trailering Guide for details. †††When properly equipped, includes weight of vehicle, passengers, cargo and equipment. *OnStar and the OnStar emblem are registered trademarks of OnStar Corporation. Call 1-888-4ONSTAR (1-888-466-7827) or visit onstar.com for system limitations and details. ©2006 OnStar Corp. All rights reserved. **Available in the 48 contiguous states. Basic service fees apply. Visit gm.xmradio.com for details. ©2006 XM Satellite Radio Inc. All rights reserved. The XM name and related logos are registered trademarks of XM Satellite Radio Inc. ©2006 Bose Corp. All rights reserved. ©2006 General Motors Corp. All rights reserved. Sierra, GMC and GMC logo are registered trademarks of General Motors Corporation. Page 4 March 10, 2006 NATIONAL Ohio, Pennsylvania join list of New & Used family-friendly hunting states STORAGE CONTAINERS If you’re a parent longing to share Virginia as safe, family-friendly more mobile than ever, and more big-game hunting with your young hunting states. willing to spend hard-earned dol- LARRY SINGLEY son or daughter, your odds of doing “They’re America’s Top 20 states lars traveling wherever they need to so legally in your home state have for hunting families to live in and go for a quality hunting experience. 817-992-9122 risen to about 50-50. visit,” said Doug Painter, president A year ago, NSSF partnered with 866-992-9122 Nearly half of U.S. hunters — of the National Shooting Sports the National Wild Turkey more than ever in modern times — Foundation. Federation and U.S. Sportsmen’s TOLL FREE now live in states where they’re free Painter added, “The new laws in Alliance to launch “Families Afield.” to mentor young people into a cher- Ohio and Pennsylvania created The program encourages states to ished lifestyle that instills self-suffi- opportunities for another 10 per- restructure hunting laws to accom- ciency, respect, discipline and stew- cent of America’s hunters to enjoy modate more family participation. ardship of the outdoors — and pro- our country’s greatest outdoor tradi- Research shows that states without OCEAN FREIGHT CONTAINERS, INC. ARLINGTON, TX vides healthful table fare. tion with youngsters. And that’s just minimum age restrictions or course- The other half live in states where counting residents of those states. work mandates are more likely to that sort of parenting is considered We’re predicting that all 20 of engage youths, as well as maintain- criminal. today’s family-friendly states will ing a healthy hunting culture, con- Lawmakers in Ohio and become more and more popular servation funding and economic Pennsylvania recently eliminated destinations for non-resident benefits. legal barriers — minimum age hunters, too.” With the success in Ohio and restrictions and coursework man- Across the country, sales of non- Pennsylvania, Families Afield legis- EDITORIAL OFFICES: dates — that once prevented some resident hunting licenses, tags, lation has now passed in two of 9304 Forest Lane, Suite 114 South, Dallas, TX 75243 families from hunting together. stamps and permits have risen 41 three states. The third bill appears Those two states now join Alabama, percent over the past 10 years. stalled in Wisconsin. Phone: (214) 361-2276 Fax: (214) 368-0344 Alaska, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, The average hunter now spends To learn more about resident and Editor: DARLENE MCCORMICK SANCHEZ Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, $1,638 — mostly trip-related non-resident hunting license Layout Artist: DUDLEY GREEN Mississippi, Missouri, New expenses — on their sport annually, requirements in each state, visit Associate Editor: MARK ENGLAND Hampshire, North Carolina, up 11 percent over the past 10 years. www.wheretohunt.org. Associate Editor: DAV I D RENFROW Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas, Painter says these statistics show — A National Shooting Sports Subscription Services: DEBORAH COMER Vermont, Washington and West that hunting families today are Foundation report Founder & CEO: DAV I D J. SAMS

SUBSCRIPTION SERVICES: Order online via secure Web site at www.lonestaroutdoornews.com LETTER TO THE EDITOR or call toll-free (866) 361-2276 ADVERTISING SERVICES: Dear Editor: County. Although our 30-acre lake was lower than in Call (214) 361-2276 or e-mail [email protected] past years, we still had plenty of ducks on our weekend to request a media kit. Saw your recent article (Feb. 10 issue) about the dry hunts. They were mostly gadwalls and widgeons. Lone Star Outdoor News, a publication of Lone Star Outdoor News, LLC, publishes twice a month. conditions in Commanche County. I would like to However, one of our members ended the season with a A subscription is $25 for 24 issues. Copyright 2005 with all rights reserved. Reproduction and/or use of any photographic or written material without written permission by the publisher is prohibited. report an opposite viewpoint. limit of mallard drakes. Printed in Dallas, TX, by Midway Press. Subscribers may send address changes to: Our duck club (Comanche County Greenhead Lone Star Outdoor News, 9304 Forest Lane, Suite 114 South, Dallas, TX 75243 or e-mail them to [email protected]. Hunting Club) is located in northern Comanche — Philip Schoeneck Advertisement March 10, 2006 Page 5 CONSERVATION STAR angler reels in college scholarship WE WENT BACK By Mark England TO THE DRAWING When Beth Thompson waded into Baffin Bay, an inlet of Laguna Madre, last July, she had one thing on her mind. And it wasn’t speckled BOARD. THEN WE trout. Oh, she was fishing all right — only for a college scholarship. “I want to be a nurse in an ER,” said Beth, 15, a high school sopho- WENT BEYOND IT. more who lives in Aransas Pass. “I remember when I was about 7, I’d watch all these operation shows, like the ones on the Discovery Channel. It grossed my family out, but not me. I wanted to be there to help.” By catching a 7-pound, 10-ounce speckled trout, Beth landed a $20,000 scholarship offered by the CATCHING AN EDUCATION: Beth Thompson was awarded a $20,000 college Star of Texas Anglers Rodeo, put on scholarship for reeling in a 7-pound, 10-ounce speckled trout. Photo by CCA. annually by CCA Texas. The STAR sumed with virtual reality and not go, ‘It’s all right,’” she said. “But I got tournament, which runs from May real reality. That makes for a scary mad. I wanted to catch one, and I 27 to Sept. 4, gives away $300,000 in scenario if you look down the road.” wanted it to be the one.” scholarships — in amounts as high Most of the kids entering STAR Thompson said he knew instantly as $50,000 — to students from 6-17 return the next year. The average that Beth was onto something spe- years of age. Besides trout, they can renewal rate is almost 76 percent. cial. pursue flounder, gafftop, While the buzz from scholarship “Getting one like that is like get- sheepshead and redfish. winners keeps youngsters, and their ting a Boone & Crockett deer,” he ALL-NEW 2007 GMC YUKON “I was so happy,” Beth said. “That parents, coming back, fishing itself said. “We loaded up everyone and was my biggest trout before or since. is also a formidable lure. Particularly went to Woody’s (Sports Center), I checked the leader board every day. if a kid catches a redfish, Kinney which is an official weigh-in site.” But I didn’t know for sure until the said. Beth won’t be handed a lump sum, final day, when they called my dad “They’re hooked then,” Kinney Kinney said. Her scholarship will be and told him I had won.” said. “I guess it’s the redfish’s way of doled out to pay for tuition and fees, • AVAILABLE HEATED STEERING WHEEL Actually, scholarships are only a paying us back. Thanks to it, I don’t as long as she meets the minimum small part of a tournament that have to prospect quite so hard. Most academic standards for her major. awards $1 million in prizes, includ- kids don’t care what they catch, “That’s fine with me,” Beth said. ing a ton of new trucks and boats. though. When something pulls on “I’m an A and B student, and I intend • AVAILABLE RAINSENSE WIPERS STAR serves as the membership their rod, the corners of their to stay one.” recruitment drive for CCA Texas, an mouths look like they’re stitched to Scholarships can be used at any environmental group instrumental their earlobes.” accredited two- or four-year college. in banning gill nets in state waters Beth, though, was all business Originally, they were restricted to in- • AVAILABLE HEATED WASHER FLUID and designating the redfish and when she went fishing after the July state schools. That changed after speckled trout as game fish. 4th holidays. Joining her were her CCA Texas received a letter from a Scholarships, though, are the bait dad, Glenn, and brother-in-law, past winner, who lived in the Rio CCA Texas uses to attract its younger John Schnautz. Grande Valley and wanted to attend members, said tournament director Schnautz introduced her to STAR, Harvard. • AVAILABLE REMOTE START Bill Kinney. Beth said. Kinney said it was an easy deci- Last, year, 6,183 kids cast away in Glenn Thompson said neither he sion. STAR. That’s quite an improvement nor Schnautz, though, had wanted “So, yes, the tournament commit- ® from 1995, when the tournament to get Beth’s hopes up. tee changed the rule,” he said. • STABILITRAK STABILITY CONTROL SYSTEM first awarded scholarships. That year, “You had kids out fishing from For more information on STAR, its 217 kids entered. Brownsville to Port Arthur,” rules and how to enter, go to “The biggest peril facing the out- Thompson said. “The odds of win- www.ccatexas.org. The entry dead- door industry is the lack of kids get- ning a scholarship were pretty long.” line is May 26. • AVAILABLE POWER LIFTGATE ting into the sport,” Kinney said. Beth, though, was single-minded. Mark England is associate editor of “These days, they seem to be con- “Normally if I don’t catch a fish, I Lone Star Outdoor News. ACROSS THE NATION • AVAILABLE REAR VIEW CAMERA • AVAILABLE 2ND ROW POWER RELEASE Alabama game. already open, with access at three Law changed to strengthen • Prohibits the killing, under the points: Flat Tub Landing Road; at FOLD-AND-TUMBLE SEATS fair chase name of “hunting,” of exotic animals Highway 107, approximately 1.2 miles The Alabama Legislature has passed such as African lions, tigers and ele- east of Flat Tub Landing Road; and at a bill that emphasizes the rules of “fair phants and other animals that have Piney Grove Church Road. No ATVs chase” hunting and amends the been used in circuses and other will be allowed on Flat Tub WMA. • 5.3L 320 HORSEPOWER VORTEC V8 statute that provides for the breeding exhibits. This year, Flat Tub WMA will be of protected game animals. It now goes • Provides for penalties of $2,000 to open for turkey hunting through May EPA EST. MPG 4WD 15 CITY / 21 HIGHWAY to the governor for his signature. $5,000 and up to 30 days imprison- 15. For more information, please con- According to Conservation ment for violations. tact the WRD Game Management Commissioner Barnett Lawley, the office in Fitzgerald, Ga. (229) 262-3173. purpose of the bill is to maintain the Georgia integrity and credibility of fair chase New WMA opens in time Louisiana hunting. “The opportunity for the ani- Wildlife area reopens mal to escape is critical for fair chase for turkey hunts The Louisiana Department of hunting,” he said. “This is essential if The Georgia Department of Natural SEE THE PROS AT YOUR LOCAL GMC DEALERS hunting is to continue to enjoy the Resources, Wildlife Resources Division Wildlife and Fisheries field office at the support of the vast majority of the will open a new Wildlife Management Atchafalaya Delta Wildlife public, both hunters and non- Area in Coffee and Jeff Davis Counties Management Area is fully operational hunters.” The legislation accomplishes in time for spring turkey hunting, again following an installation of a the following in regards to fair chase starting Saturday, March 25. The diesel generator donated by El Paso hunting: 3,650-acre area, named Flat Tub WMA, Exploration & Production Co., a sub- • Makes it unlawful to hunt or offer is comprised of property recently sidiary of El Paso Corporation, head- the opportunity to hunt game animals acquired by WRD and property cur- quartered in Houston. that are not provided a reasonable rently under lease from Plum Creek El Paso E&P delivered and installed a ® opportunity to evade the hunter. Timber Company. 50 KW self-contained diesel generator WE ARE PROFESSIONAL GRADE. • Makes it unlawful to guarantee an The largest part of the management and fuel storage tank at the LDWF site individual animal to a hunter. area lies north of Highway 107 and in February. The company also provid- • Prohibits using computer-aided extends to the Ocmulgee River. ed the tugboat and barge to transport ©2006 General Motors Corp. All rights reserved. Yukon, GMC and GMC logo are and remote-controlled devices to kill Vehicles will be limited to roads the generator and tank to the WMA. registered trademarks of General Motors Corporation. Page 6 March 10, 2006 HUNTING Conservation hunts dwindle

INTEREST WANING: The Light Goose Conservation Order is drawing few hunters. The special season is in its seventh winter.

By Bink Grimes would love to have the opportunity to try it during the duck split like Louisiana does.” ‘We are not seeing the number of hunters Morton was referring to the Pelican State’s The cacophonous clatter of 10,000 snow closure of every waterfowl species during the geese on a shallow roost pond is sweet music coming through town like we did during split between duck seasons, usually in early to even the most seasoned waterfowler; push- December, when electronic calls for snow ing a button and having that utterance clam- the regular season.’ geese are allowed for harvest. Morrison said or through speakers is even sweeter to goose Louisiana splits their white-fronted goose hunters as gaggles of geese approach. (specklebellies) season, something Texas does The Light Goose Conservation Order, — MIKE GRIGAR, JOHNNY’S SPORT SHOP OWNER not do. He said all species of waterfowl must some call it “electronic caller season,” is a be closed to participate in the conservation order. So far, no discussions are ongoing month old; and, reports of its effectiveness during the season’s inception. Since then, winter wheat fields as late as March 1. regarding implementing the same season in are mixed from the Panhandle to the coastal hunter participation has waned. “There is just not much interest in it any- Texas. prairie. “There are not many people hunting,” said more,” said Wesley Morton, owner of South “With duck season closing so much later “The jury is still out,” said Dave Morrison, Mike Grigar, owner of Johnny’s Sport Shop in Texas Waterfowl in El Campo. “We, along this year, it really cut back on our opportuni- waterfowl program leader for Texas Parks and Eagle Lake. “We are not seeing the number of with other outfitters in the area, are not Wildlife. “We know the liberalized rules help hunters coming through town like we did pushing it either. Most of us are so tired by ty to take full advantage of the conservation the harvest; Nebraska and South Dakota are during the regular season.” the end of the regular season. We are ready order,” said seasoned waterfowler, Glenn really seeing the benefits. Hunters in Texas Grigar said only a few outfitters in the El for a break.” Ging of Bay City. “We were already losing a are not shooting tons of birds like many peo- Campo, Garwood and Eagle Lakes areas are Morton said there might be more interest considerable amount of birds by the time the ple expected. I do not think the season in running conservation hunts regularly. It is not in the conservation season if the liberal rules conservation order even opened. I think Texas is having a whole lot of effect on the for lack of geese, either. Many outfitters have were allowed earlier in the season when the hunters are realizing that the callers are not bird population.” reported the geese have stayed on the prairie geese are predictable and concentrated in always as effective as they once were; and, I The special season, now in its seventh win- longer. Typically, snow geese depart in mas- large groups. think that is why so few are in the field.” ter, allows for unplugged shotguns, an unlim- sive numbers sometime around Valentine’s “You can shoot them in February, but they ited bag on snow geese and the use of tapes Day. But large concentrations of birds, though are scattered due to scattered food supplies,” Bink Grimes is a freelance outdoors writer. He and CDs that mimic feeding and calling not en masse like November and December, he said. “By February, the geese have had lots can be contacted at geese. Excited waterfowlers rushed to fields were still feeding in freshly plowed fields and of pressure on them for several months. I www.binkgrimesoutdoors.com. Gobbles, cackles, yelps become family affair By Mary Helen Aguirre competitive. The teens have cackle, cutting of the excited hen, entered more than 40 contests the cluck and purr, and the adult across the United States, earning 15 hen assembly. f you were to tell the Nixon first-place wins at junior level state Mikayla’s favorite is the cutting family they sounded like a competitions. They have each been call, a series of fast, loud, erratic sin- rafter of turkeys, chances are named Texas State Junior gle notes, while Marlaina favors the I they wouldn’t take offense. Champions twice. fly-down cackle, which usually In fact, they might just point out In February, the junior high consists of three to 10 irregularly about 90 trophies scattered schoolers competed in the National spaced notes. throughout their home that Wild Turkey Federation’s Grand The two teens, who are spon- they’ve amassed for their ability to National Calling Contest held in sored by RedHead/Bass Pro Shops skillfully emulate the yelps, cackles, Nashville, where Mikayla placed and are on the junior pro staff of gobbles and purrs of the wild 14th and Marlaina 20th in the jun- Knight and Hale, said they no turkey. ior division. Competitors ages 15 longer get nervous when compet- ANSWERING A CALL: The Nixon family has trophies galore in their home. From Oldest daughters Marlaina, 13, and younger were asked to replicate ing. left, are: (back row) Christi and Shaine; middle row, Mikayla, Marlaina; front and Mikayla, 12, are especially a series of calls such as the fly-down row, Hunter, Maleigha and McKenna. See CALLING, Page 7 March 10, 2006 Page 7 Food plots lend Mother Nature a hand Drought-tolerant seeds help produce a healthy meal for deer

By Bob Hood

As drought conditions continue throughout much of Texas, planting food plots for whitetail deer has become especially important for providing good nutritional food supplies critical for fawn survival and antler development in the months ahead. Thanks to the trial-and-error efforts with various seeds by landowners over the past several years and to the increasing number of individual seeds and seed mixtures being offered by seed companies, finding seeds with high tolerances to drought conditions has never been easier. Food plots do more than simply provide food for deer. Some landowners plant them as a marketing strategy where the plots are seen as a big part of a deer management program. Food plots also bring the animals out into the open where they can be seen or photographed more easily. While there are no miracle seeds that will grow knee-high during drought conditions, there are many varieties that can grow to beneficial levels providing whoever plants them follow some very important practices before putting the seed into the ground. Choosing the size and shape of the food plot, for example, can be just as important as choosing the type of seed to be planted. After all, if the food plot site isn’t prepared so the seeds can grow the best and live the longest, a lot of effort and money can be wasted. FIELD OF HEALTH: Food plots offer nutritional supplies needed to keep deer development at its best in the spring and summer months. Some people choose to plant narrow, rectangular-shaped food plots that are bordered by heavy brush and trees, with the idea ed plants with shorter life spans, especially during dry condi- ages such as wheat and oats but that any of the legumes would be being that the thick cover allows the deer to slip in close to the tions. a good choice, too. food plot and check the surroundings out to be more comfort- Choosing an ideal site and shape for a food plot, tilling the soil Crimson clover, for example, grows up to 8 to 10 inches in able before entering the field. deeply in the fall to help “bank” moisture for the plants when height under normal conditions, Pluenneke said, but it requires However, brush and trees such as mesquites that are along the they begin to grow and spacing the seeds farther apart during more moisture than cereal rye. edge of the food plot will compete for moisture, resulting in poor drought conditions are as much a part of planting strategies as plant development and a shorter life span. the choice of seeds to use. Seed mixtures also have become popular and many seed com- Large, square-shaped food plots are recommended by most Fortunately for Texas landowners today there are numerous panies are packaging drought-tolerant seeds that perform well people with experience in planting plots for deer. drought-tolerant seeds that can fill the bill. Many subtropical during dry conditions in food plots. On a ranch near Glen Rose, Lee Williams plows both large legumes such as Lablab and Siratro do well even during dry, hot Among those favored by some landowners are Texas Perfect 10 square and rectangular-shaped food plots, but his plots are gener- summer months because they can develop long tap roots that and ABC Deer-Turkey Fall Mix that includes seeds of Australian ally bordered only on one side by junipers and mesquites. The help them reach deep moisture. And, they are high in protein. winter peas, Abruzzi rye, wheat, crimson clover, hairy vetch and other boundaries of the plots are adjacent to gravel roads, mini- Ricks Pluenneke of Fort Worth, a certified crop advisor and oats. mizing the acreage of plants that must compete with native professional agronomist with both wildlife and agriculture Just as a natural field is dependent upon Mother Nature for the brush and trees. Williams has panted a variety of things in his degrees, said the most important thing to do is to plant some- type of forage it produces for deer, so is a food plot dependant food plots for deer including turnips, oats and clovers. Overall, thing that will come up during the cool season that is drought the clovers seem to have worked the best during dry conditions. tolerant. One of his favorites is cereal rye. “It is a cool-season upon the landowner. How well he plans his planting strategies is Also, the idea of planting more seeds than what is recom- plant; it will come up right now, and it tolerates drought better the key to what he will have to offer the deer this spring and sum- mended so that you can achieve a larger number of plants actual- than most other cool season seeds,” Pluenneke said. mer. ly can defeat that purpose. The result often is overcrowded, stunt- Pluenneke said he would consider any of the cool season for- Bob Hood is an outdoor writer for the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.

‘Listen to a tape of ‘Listen to other people’s The outings earn the Nixons some serious TIPS FOR family time. Calling turkey calls and find calls. Practice every “I enjoy spending time with my family, get- Continued from Page 6 ASPIRING ting to meet different people and seeing new one that you like. Then, day. Do your best and places,” said Mikayla. Marlaina said she just tries to relax. Mikayla TURKEY Their skills at wild turkey calling also comes said she practices her routine. And, they pray practice a lot.’ keep trying.’ in handy in the field. right before going on stage. — MARLAINA NIXON, 13 CALLERS — MIKAYLA NIXON, 12 Their dad said each of the teens has shot a Their skilled performances have netted turkey. them trophies as well as other prizes, such as a “All of my kids hunt. It’s something that we $175 gift card earned recently by Mikayla at do together to have fun,” Shaine said, adding the Bass Pro Shops Turkey Calling friends got him interested. We listened to him In the next several weeks, the family will that Marlaina and Mikayla also have bagged Championships in Houston. and copied what he did,” said Mikayla of her travel to four contests, where siblings four or five deer each. But, best of all, whoever places highest wins dad, who also is a competitive caller. McKenna, 9, Hunter, 7, and Maleigha, 6, also What are the teens’ goals when it comes to bragging rights over her sister. Marlaina and Mikayla are active in softball, will compete. the turkey calling? “We always tease each other,” said Marlaina. basketball and track, but they still find about “In the last two years, I’ve just driven them Marlaina said she would like to place first at The teens were about 5 or 6 when they first 30 minutes to an hour each night to talk around,” joked their dad, Shaine, who says his a Grand National Calling Contest. got interested in calling. turkey. They use box, slate and diaphragm calls wife, Christi, is a pretty good caller, too, “I just want to be better every time I com- “When we were little, one of my dad’s to mimic the different turkey calls. although she doesn’t compete. pete... and beat my sister,” said Mikayla.

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For more information, call 800-TEX WILD. Page 8 March 10, 2006 FISHING ‘Operation Pescador’ targets illegal netting Wardens arrest six commercial fishermen

By Diana Kunde tion will continue, but Huff said it would be “months.” Meanwhile, fisheries biologist Falcon International Reservoir Randy Myers of TPW has launched on the Texas-Mexico border is the a 180-day-long creel survey on site of a unique kind of border ten- Falcon, the first on the lake. While sion — one between recreational the results won’t be completed U.S. anglers and commercial until June, “informally, we’re see- Mexican anglers. ing a lot of catfish and bass (large- A law enforcement push, mouth) fishing effort . . . high announced Feb. 22, came in catch rates, and good or above- response to persistent complaints average success,” he said. from local officials, guides and White bass and crappie are espe- fishers about illegal netting on the cially vulnerable to netting U.S. side of the lake, an 87,000-acre because they travel in schools. But impoundment of the Rio Grande even black bass have been seen in River that shares a boundary with the confiscated nets, according to Mexico. Tom Harvey. a TPW spokesman. Within the first three days of the Fishing guide Robert Amaya, operation alone, wardens arrested who owns Robert’s Fish & Tackle six Mexican commercial fisher- in Zapata, was happy with the men and seized 26,500 feet of net already visible signs of stepped-up in “Operation Pescador.” enforcement. “That’s what we “Obviously, we know that as needed — to get some people long as Mexico allows them to fish down here and get things under with those illegal nets, we’re going control,” he said. to have fishermen,” said game war- “I went out today and didn’t see den Capt. Chris Huff. “Our con- any commercial fisherman in our cern is we want to manage our side waters,” Amaya said. That same of the lake.” day his party caught about 20 Impounding nets and seizing keeper-sized largemouth. “We boats is “about the only way we released some big fish. Fishing has can deter the illegal netting,” Huff been good,” he said. said. The netting is legal in Mexico, Local anglers and officials still and illegal in Texas, he said. want to see the white bass and Mexican commercial fishers have crappie return to Falcon. a powerful financial incentive to Continued enforcement, stocking break U.S. law, with rough fish and negotiations with Mexican bringing over $2 a pound on the officials are key, said Peggy market, Huff said. Umphres-Moffett, executive direc- Netting, as well as past drought, tor of the Zapata Chamber of has been blamed for the near Commerce. absence of white bass in Falcon, On March 6, she and other offi- which once drew hundreds of visi- cials from both sides of the border tors in search of the plentiful fish. will meet to discuss the problems, Black (largemouth) bass and cat- Umphres-Moffett said. fish remain plentiful in the lake. “We need to seriously look at But tempers got so hot over nets this and see if we can come up with clogging boat propellers that some a solution that’s good for both par- fishing parties were reported to be ties, ” she said. packing firearms. The current enforcement push Diana Kunde has 30 years of experi- involves more than 20 wardens ence writing and editing for newspa- from as far away as Corpus Christi, pers that include the Dallas Morning Uvalde, San Antonio and other News. She is a free-lancer based in sites, Huff said. Officials aren’t say- Arlington, reachable at dikunde@sbc- SEIZED NETS: Wardens arrested six Mexican commercial fishermen and seized 26,500 feet of net in the first three days of ing exactly how long the opera- global.net. “Operation Pescador.” Photo by TPW. Angler lands Matsubu wins 3rd in Southern Tour $5, 4 bass Texas angler Ben Matsubu came in third at the CITGO 2 0 Bassmaster’s Southern Tour on Sam Rayburn that ended March 4. Jason Baird of Gypsum, Kan., was fishing the Castle Matsubu’s three-day total was 56 pounds, 10 ounces. Meanwhile Canyon area of Lake Amistad about noon Feb. 28 when he the winning angler Eric Nethery from Georgia took home $28,200 and guide Ray Hanselman, Jr., spotted a big bass on her bed. and a fully rigged Triton boat valued at $45,000. After 45 tension-filled minutes during which the big Nethery finished with 67 pounds, 14 ounces, besting second- bass darted at the Smallie Beaver creature bait in the White place finisher Sammy Burks of Joplin, Mo., by more than 2 pounds. Trash pattern at least 15 times without taking it, she finally In addition to the cash, Nethery won a fully rigged Triton boat bit. And that’s when Baird hit the jackpot by catching the valued at $45,000. 400th bass to be used in the state’s big bass breeding pro- Nethery said his successful pattern on Rayburn started with gram. LUCKY 400: Jason Baird shows the 13.1-ounce bass he caught at locating a sight-fishing bite during practice. He searched for warm Thinking the bass weighed perhaps 8 or 9 pounds, Baird Lake Amistad. Photo by TPW. pockets of water he knew would hold spawning bass, keying in on was going to lip it until it came to the boat and they real- Director for Herington, Kan., was using a Falcon rod with a five such spots throughout the tournament. While he threw a vari- ized it was much bigger. Hanselman then handed Baird a Quantum spinning reel spooled with 30-pound-test braid- ety of baits, he said his go-to lure was a watermelon Baby Fork Craw net so he could land the fish, which was 26 inches long ed line. made by Texas-based Lake Fork Trophy Bait & Tackle. and 21 inches around. In addition to a jacket and fiberglass replica of the fish, Second-place Sammy Burks of Missouri did his part to make the “This was my second time to fish Lake Amistad, and I’d Baird will receive a cash award of $400 per pound of fish competition interesting by bringing 16 pounds, 9 ounces to the never sight-fished before,” Baird said. “Amistad is awe- and a G.Loomis rod with Shimano reel valued at a total of scales. Although it wasn’t quite enough to overtake Nethery, Burks some. There were so many big fish on beds in there.” $600. Prizes will be funded by the Texas Parks and Wildlife was satisfied with his performance. The 34-year-old Baird and three friends drove all Foundation, Anheuser-Busch and G.Loomis. Burks, who was very secretive about his pattern throughout the Monday night to get to the lake to fish. He’d heard of the Anglers legally catching a 13-pound or bigger large- Rayburn tournament, at the end revealed he used a multicolored contest but didn’t know he’d caught the winning fish until mouth bass in Texas waters may enter it into the Smithwick Rogue jerkbait all three days of competition fishing he and his group called another guide who “started ShareLunker program by calling David Campbell at (903) open water in a creek channel. screaming to get the fish weighed and call the ShareLunker 681-0550 or by paging him at (888) 784-0600. The Purolator Big Bass honors in the pro division went to Vincent hotline,” Baird said. Baird, who is Parks and Recreation —A Texas Parks and Wildlife report Parello of Irving, Texas, for his 6-pound, 7-ounce bass. —A Bass Communications report March 10, 2006 Page 9 A bite with a snap to it Load up the heavy tackle, mangroves ready to fight By Danno Wise

Mangrove snapper. The name alone conjures up images of tropical game fish. And, though this coastal resident has frequently been referred to as the “bluegill of the sea,” rest assured the Mangrove snapper is in a class of its own. Regardless of size, mangroves will test anglers’ tackle whenever they are encountered. These fish are so brutish that they may well be the only species on the Texas coast which often require heavy tackle to coax 16-inch specimens out of their hiding spots. Thanks to a string of warm winters, mangrove snapper have begun to spread up the coast, into the Coastal Bend, ensuring more Texas anglers get a shot at this hard-fighting, semi-tropical species. And, rest assured, any Lone Star coastal fishermen lucky enough to tie into a mangrove snapper will attest, what they caught “ain’t no bluegill.” “These are some of the hardest fighting fish we have down here,” said Capt. Steve “JR” Ellis of Port Isabel, who lives and works in an area of the state where mangroves have been a familiar fish for decades. “A lot of times I have bay fishing clients — guys who have caught some big reds — and I’ll take them to the jetties and let them play with mangroves for awhile. Usually, the first couple the hook they can’t handle. Then, when they get one in and see it’s only 16 inches or so, they’re embarrassed until I tell ’em, ‘Hey, these mangroves put up a fight. If you catch one over 2 or 3 pounds, you’ve done something.’” Capt. Bruce Shuler of Port Mansfield’s See MANGROVE, Page 11 HARD FIGHTERS: Capt. JR Ellis shows a mangrove snapper caught in the Brownsville ship channel. Photo by David J. Sams. Spring run White bass spawning, Ofﬁcial reel of the Royal Swedish Court. anglers go with the flow And Ed’s Bait Shop.

SIGN OF SPRING: Herb Kneisley, left, of Austin and Ted Dickie of Gatesville fish in the upper end of Lake Buchanan at Colorado Bend State Park as the annual white bass run is in full swing. It’s spawning time for white bass during the next four to six weeks. Photo by Bob Daemmrich/bobphoto.com.

By Diana Kunde “Being broadcast spawners, they (sandies) need that current to tumble those eggs and oxygenate them,” Shafer said. “If The new Ambassadeur ® Record. The spring white bass run is under way in there’s enough current, the spawn lasts south central Texas — so much so that a four to six weeks.” ® The toughest Abu yet. water body record was set for the Nueces White bass were “way upstream” on the River. Frio River from Choke Canyon Reservoir by The annual spawning run of white bass, the end of February, said John Findeisen, or sandies, is as much a sign of spring as fisheries biologist with Texas Parks and redbud blossoms and warm days in the Wildlife in Mathis. Choke’s water level is fast-flowing streams that feed most Texas down only 3 feet, indicating good levels in Enter to win the fishing trip of a lifetime at abugarcia.com by answering one simple question: lakes. the Frio as well. “Quite a few people are The most rugged reels in the world are designed and engineered in ? Hint: See ﬂag above. “How much water flow you have is a crit- fishing near Tilden, where highway 16 No purchase necessary to enter or play. For complete Ofﬁcial Rules and to enter, visit www.abugarcia.com. ical part of the spawning cycle,” says Chris crosses the Frio,” he said. Must be 18 years of age or older and a legal resident of the 50 United States (including the District of Shafer, fishing guide on the Brazos River The Nueces River, from George West Columbia) to participate. Void where prohibited. Promotion starts January 16, 2006 and ends June 30, 2006. below the Lake Whitney dam. © 2006 Pure Fishing Inc. See SPAWNING, Page 11

GBCR2S.indd 1 12/22/05 5:29:56 PM Page 10 March 10, 2006

ACTION ON THE PLANKS: Anglers have flocked to Texas coastal piers in search of a variety of species.

Pruett, other species, including A few blocks down Seawall around here,” said Sanders. “But April, we’ll start seeing ling show whiting, sheepshead, black drum, Boulevard at the 61st Street Pier, most of our fish, especially trout, are up,” Fitzhenry offered. “You can Piers redfish and shark will also be present Lloyd Sanders agrees the water is the caught between midnight and 7 or 8 catch them up and down the length Continued from Page 1 this month. key. in the morning.” of the pier. Last year we had 63 ling Just a bit to the east, Mike “Things pick up in March and the Additionally, these beachfront caught. They averaged about 25 fishing with live shrimp, but at night Fitzhenry says things should be fish start coming in,” Sanders stated. fishing platforms offer anglers pounds. That’s a pretty good fish to we usually do best with artificials. starting to happen at the Galveston “But, it all has to do with the water opportunities they may rarely see catch off a pier.” Personally, I like throwing a 1/4- Fishing Pier as spring gets underway. temperature and water clarity. Until elsewhere. For more information, contact ounce silver/black Rat-L-Trap, but “It all depends on the water tem- it warms up, we’ll be seeing a lot of “We get all kinds of species the piers: Galveston Fishing Pier, we also do good with standard white perature,” Fitzhenry advised. “If the whiting, sheepshead, gafftop, croak- around here,” said Pruett. “But one (409) 744-2273; Speck Rigs.” water stays below 60 degrees, we’ll er and that sort of thing. Once it gets of my favorites is the pompano, San Luis Pass Fishing Pier Due to its location near its fabled have whiting, black drum and red- warmer, we’ll start seeing a lot of which should be coming in any day (www.sanluispass.com); (979) 233- namesake pass, which severs fish. When the water gets over 60, specks show up.” now. Once the water clears, we can 6902; 61st Street Pier, (409) 744- Galveston Island’s western edge we’ll start seeing a few sand trout, Each of these three piers are light- consistently catch them on tiny bits 8365. from the mainland, the San Luis sheepshead and gafftop. Once it hits ed and for good reason — most of of shrimp fished on bottom.” Danno Wise is an outdoor writer, Pass Pier usually sees a run of specks 67 degrees, everything starts break- the better catches come after the sun Fitzhenry says his pier also offers artist and fishing guide who lives in in early March before other upper ing loose — we’ll start seeing specks, goes down. an angling twist. Port Isabel with his wife and two chil- coast locales. However, according to flounder and all kinds of stuff.” “You can catch fish 24 hours a day “Come the first or second week of dren.

which provides good cover, and the Bring your gun vegetation will blow around the tim- home in pieces. Amistad ber to create a giant mat. This gives the fish shade and cover, and since Our new Tuffpak takedown case Continued from Page 1 provides the ultimate protection some of the mats are big enough to for takedown rifles and Jim Criswell of Del Rio won the prevent anglers from getting to shotguns…with plenty of room event with a two-day total of 56-7 them, it allows the fish to grow. It’s for however many extra barrels for 10 fish, an FLW Outdoors record. just a phenomenal fishery.” you’d like to take along. 32" of And in early March Trent The lake is about 13 miles north- inside length, and tough as Huckaby caught 85-6 in the Texas west of Del Rio and straddles the nails outside. So your gun BASS Federation tournament. United States border with Mexico. It doesn’t end up in more pieces than it was designed for. Many anglers believe the is a dammed impoundment of the Bassmaster record for total catch — Rio Grande, more than 50 miles to www.hunters-hq.com

The world’s most versatile rifle (or bow, or rifle (or bow, most versatile The world’s shotgun, or boot, sleeping bag, or…) case. 108-12, by Dean Rojas of Grand its upriver confluence with the Hunters Headquarters Saline in 2001 — is in jeopardy. Pecos River. Amistad is approximate- 1725 Woodhill Lane Some think Rojas’ single-day record ly 67,000 acres and 45-feet deep on Bedford, TX 76021 of 45-2 also is in trouble on Amistad, 817.267.3700 average — with depths of 200 feet or [email protected] which recently yielded the 400th more. Budweiser ShareLunker bass in the Largemouth bass were stocked in program’s history. 1967-’69 and ’71-’73, with Florida- Jason Baird of Gypsum, Kan., strain largemouth added from 1975- caught a 26-inch largemouth ’80. Smallmouth bass also were weighing 13-1 to set the stocked from 1975-’78 and in 1986. ShareLunker mark. The lake also Amistad also has a strong popula- yielded a 15.68-pounder last December to Tom Sutherland of Del tion of crappie, catfish and rough Rio. Only Lake Conroe has two fish that provides anglers with a ShareLunker fish this season. Last variety of opportunities. year, Amistad yielded four fish for “I think it’s a pretty incredible the breeding program. lake,” said pro angler Gerald Swindle “It’s just an incredible lake,” said of Alabama. “I went down there last pro angler Edwin Evers of autumn to mainly look around, but Oklahoma. “It has deep, clear water we fished a little bit and caught some like a canyon lake will, and you can very nice bass. If people who fish see a deep diving crankbait almost and enjoy catching big fish never all the way back to the boat. You can have heard of Amistad, they will run a crankbait by a bush or treetop after the BASS event gets there.” THE OFFICIAL TRUCK and just see it explode with bass OF THE coming after the bait.” Alan Clemons is the outdoors writer for “There also is standing timber, the Huntsville Times.

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Plague ‘Hunters can reduce their risk of Mangrove ‘It’s hard to find a fish Continued from Page 1 contracting plague Continued from Page 9 did not contract this illness in Texas, Get-A-Way Adven-tures Lodge that’s more fun to catch though, and is not contagious.” by wearing rubber agrees. The hunter is expected to fully or latex gloves “We’ve been seeing more and recover. more mangroves in recent years, than mangrove snapper.’ Plague, a bacterial disease of while skinning and both at the jetties and in the har- rodents, is generally transmitted to bor,” Shuler said. “It’s really nice humans through the bites of infect- field dressing game because they add to the diversity ed fleas or through direct contact and promptly we have. They fight hard, they — MARK DAV I S with infected animals. taste good and they’re just one Septicemic plague occurs when washing their more species we can target to do the Yersinia pestis bacteria multiply something different. Sometimes in the blood. Symptoms, which usu- hands.’ those mangroves can really save pilings — a length of 35 to 50 Terroryz and Baitbusters are good ally appear within two to seven days the day.” pound shock leader is a wise choices, as are Stanley Wedgetail after infection, can include fever, Due to their hard-fighting investment. Minnows. chills, prostration, abdominal pain, nature, anglers seeking larger man- Finding mangroves isn’t that dif- “Mangroves are fun fish,” said shock and bleeding into skin and — DR. PAUL ETTESTAD groves should go prepared. ficult. Locate structure with mov- Mark Davis of Shakespeare Fishing other organs. Medium-heavy spinning or casting current and you’re likely to Tackle, who has fished all over The disease can be effectively ing rods in the 7-foot range, paired find plenty. Mangroves are vora- North America. “So often I have to treated with antibiotics. wearing rubber or latex gloves while with a reel loaded with 15 to 20- cious feeders and are easily tempt- spend my time on the water work- Dr. Paul Ettestad, public health skinning and field dressing game pound monofilament line are ed with natural baits such as ing, sometimes I just need to relax veterinarian at the New Mexico and promptly washing their hands.” ideal. Since they have large, sharp shrimp, finger mullet or killifish, and have fun. When I do, it’s hard Department of Health, said, “It is He also recommends alcohol- teeth — and usually inhabit gnarly or artificial representations of to find a fish that’s more fun to unusual to have a human case of based hand cleaners be taken and structure such as jetties and bridge those prey items. DOA Shrimp, catch than mangrove snapper.” plague in southeastern New Mexico. used in the field. The last record we have of a human There have been 242 cases of human plague in New Mexico since case in Lea County was in January, long, and weighed 2.03 pounds, drought to consider. Lewisville 1951.” 1949 with 30 deaths. In 2005, there he said. Most human plague cases have were four human cases of plague in Lake is historically a good white Spawning Farther north in Colorado occurred in the northern counties of New Mexico: three in Santa Fe bass fishery. For the spring run, New Mexico. County and one in Bernalillo Continued from Page 9 Bend State Park, Steve Magnelia, look “anywhere that’s got flow- fisheries biologist for TPW in San “Plague cases are most likely to County, according to the New north, has been “extremely ing water — the Elm Fork, Marcos, said mid-March to late occur in the summer, but winter Mexico Department of Health. good,” Findheisen said. He sur- Denton Creek,” said Rafe Brock, —Mary Helen Aguirre is a native Texan April is prime time for the white cases do occur and are often associ- veyed eight anglers on three days fisheries biologist for TPW in Fort ated with direct contact with infect- with almost 15 years of experience edit- bass run, he said. in late February who had a total Worth. “If we don’t get any kind ed animals, such as skinning rab- ing and writing for newspapers, includ- catch (with release) of 416 white In addition to anglers using bits,” he said. “Hunters can reduce ing the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. bass — or upwards of 50 each. small jigs and minnows on spin- of flow anywhere (in feeder their risk of contracting plague by She is a free-lancer in New Mexico. Anglers are fishing from the ning tackle, fly-fishers like streams), look for the birds along bank where they can get access, Colorado Bend, and usually have windswept, shallow banks” in or trolling from boats, good luck with clauser minnows, the lake, he said. Findheisen said. “They’re using he said. Despite the drought, white “The run lasts longer than peo- the traditional white bass rigs — bass fishing in the lake itself jigs and small crankbaits,” he ple think,” Magnelia said. should be good this summer and said. “Those fish are in the river for six Findheisen submitted the to eight weeks. I’d go anytime the fall, he said. “We had all that rain paperwork Feb. 17 for a new weather is fairly stable. Fronts in 2004; those fish spawned water-body record on the Nueces. tend to slow the bite.” then. The effects of this drought The white bass was 16 inches North Texas anglers have the won’t be seen until next year.”

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Lefty Ray Chapa Johnny Quiroz Mike Cook Rick Ruoff Banning Collins Billy Sandifer Bill Gammel Chuck Scates Meet Roland Scott Graham Rus Schwausch Kevin Hutchinson Brandon Shuler Martin At Everett Johnson Casey Smartt The Show Joey Lin Scott Sparrow Roland Martin Sally Moffett Kevin Stubbs Dave Murray Billy & Stacy Trimble Mike Richardson Chuck Uzzle Marcus Rodriguez Kelly Watson

ADMISSION: $10 • Kids under 13 admitted Free 10th10th AnnualAnnual ExpoExpo •• Austin,Austin, TexasTexas Hours: Sat. 9-5, Sun. 10-5 Produced by The Castlow Group 2625 Carissa Drive • Vero Beach, FL 32960 MarchMarch 2525 && 26,26, 20062006 Want a pre-show program? e-mail: [email protected] • www.castlow.com Phone: (772)562-5069 • Fax: (772)562-1488 Photo by Johnny Quiroz www.guidesoftexas.com Photo by Johnny Quiroz Page 12 March 10, 2006

The snowbirds hese are the guys who grind it out. “End of the season” is T a foreign phrase. They live and breathe to hunt birds from the North. The conservation snow goose season is about to end, but these North Texas hunters can't get enough. Avery pro staffer Derek Rambo heard about huge numbers of snows feeding on newly sprouted winter wheat in the North Texas area. The geese are taking a detour from their spring migration to rip up some fresh sprouts from dry-land farmers. Rambo hooked up with some farmers who were also goose hunters, eagerly awaiting the let’s-go-get-’em call. Reports of 56, 74 and even 143 downed birds from their fields made the rounds. It was time. Steve Maldonado called to report thousands of birds in a hay field. “Meet me at 4:50 a.m.,” he said. “We could not find them all week and then we drove over a hill and there they were!” He described them as being down in a valley by the thousands, hidden from view from the highways and dirt roads. Putting out a covered trailer full of Real Motion snow goose decoys was- n't work for these waterfowlers. It's just part of the excitement of the hunt for them. But trying to keep boots free from goose droppings was impossible. “No kidding there were geese in here last night,” Rambo said, as he GRACEFUL RETRIEVE: Champ maneuvers his way through a spread of decoys. kicked his foot trying to free some of the manure. decoy and the wind from its wings The flock of about 800 flies over retrieved by Champ, the black Lab. Why would anyone want to go to The spread was ready and the light set the decoy in motion. “Not bad the spread and doesn't even take a But, most of the geese are feeding a all that work and still want to hunt was coming. But what happened to looking decoys,” one of the hunters look. “What was that all about?” mile away and the big bunch has not such a hard bird? Because they are the geese? Nothing was flying, then a shouted. “Get ready here comes a Rambo asked. Two other geese come left the roost. At 2 p.m. the hunting waterfowlers and end of the season is single bird landed right next to a whole bunch,” Maldonado said. a bit too close and end up being group packs it in. near.

KILLER WEED: Derek Rambo, left photo, attaches camouflage to his layout blind. An ATV, above, makes it easy to get through wet fields. STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY DAVID J. SAMS March 10, 2006 Page 13 PRODUCT PICKS

LIGHT AND BRIGHT: Carl Zeiss Sports Optics has introduced its Victory Compact Binoculars with higher light transmission. The company’s proprietary dielectric mirror coating LONG-DISTANCE CALLING: The process on the prisms of this binocular enhance H.S. Strut Triple Beard Glass contrast and brightness and improve light transmission Call from Hunter’s in the first minutes of dawn and in the final minutes of Specialties allows hunters dusk. The waterproof and dustproof binocular folds up to produce high-pitched small enough to fit into a shirt pocket. Its easy-grip calls to grab gobblers’ black rubber armoring provides protection in the field attention. The versatile and a non-slip grip in all weather conditions. call also allows users to The Victory comes in two models: an 8x20, replicate soft yelps. It which weighs 7.9 ounces and a 10x25, which comes with a rosewood weighs 8.6 ounces. Both models have striker and call conditioner, separate knobs for center focusing and diopter adjustment and sells for about $30. For and feature high-eyepoint eyepieces with lockable push-pull information, visit eyecups to ensure a full field of view, with or without glasses. www.hunterspec.com or call Each comes with carrying strap and durable case. The (319) 395-0321. 8x20 model costs about $510; the 10x25 model about $556. For dealers, visit www.zeiss.com or call (800) 441-3005.

FOR THE SERIOUS SPORTSMEN: Triton describes its 2070 as a rugged all-welded center console boat designed to stand up to the hard knocks of serious fishing. The boats are available in three bottom configurations (modified vee, tunnel vee and jet) for different fishing applications, from rainbows in tailwater to catfish in rivers to redfish in incoastal waters. These 20-foot-long boats offer a roomy livewell ahead of the console and plenty of storage beneath the front casting deck. It has a six-person (775-pound) capacity and a horsepower rating of 115. This 2070 center-console boat, equipped with a Mercury 115 OptiMax engine, and optional urethane paint and spray liner plus trailer, costs about $18,500. For a brochure or dealers, visit www.tritonboats.com or call (888) 887-4866.

A CLEANER ENGINE: Bombardier SOLID SCENT: Trophy Blend’s Scent Stick Recreational Products’ Evinrude E- doesn’t spill, shatter or transmit TEC outboard engines are now disease. The scent stick is available in available from 40 through 250 lure scents such as elk and white- horsepower. All feature the tailed deer blends as well as cover advanced, cleaner two-stroke scents ranging from pine to earth to direct injection technology that acorn blends. The company says the in 2005 earned the E-TEC the scents stay fresh for years. To use, rub EPA’s Clean Air Technology directly onto clothing or brush. Users can Excellence Award. BRP says the also scatter shavings or place the scent Evinrude E-TEC stick (without its cap) in the area. It technology produces lower costs about $10. For information, visit exhaust emissions, www.trophyblend.com or call (208) 623- including lower carbon 2080. monoxide emissions, than four-stroke engines and meets stringent 2006 EPA, European Union, and 2008 California Air Resources Board 3-Star ultra-low emissions standards. The NO PAIN, STEADY AIM: Do-All Outdoors’ Lazy Leg is a telescoping monopod that engines use an exclusive low-friction clamps to the end of a shotgun barrel allowing the hunter to rest the leg on design. There are no belts, no the ground to make shooting more comfortable. The aluminum, chains, no powerhead gears, no fully adjustable Lazy Leg can be folded underneath the gun’s cams and no mechanized oil barrel or extend from 14 to 31.5 inches. It weighs 1 pound. pumps. The engines are available The company says the monopod will give hunters a 180-degree in various horsepower platforms. The range of motion. It is compatible with 10-, 12- and 20- 150-hp E-TEC engine sells for about gauge shotguns and will also work with over-and- $15,000. For dealers or more under shotguns. It costs about $30. For dealers, information, visit www.evinrude.com. call (800) 252-9247 or visit www.do- alloutdoors.com.

YUMMY BAIT: BOOYAH Bait Co. has introduced its Samurai Blade, a heavy-duty spinner harness. Developed for inshore saltwater fishing, the bait is rigged with a 4-inch YUM Samurai Shad. The company says the stainless-plated Colorado blade creates a “tremendous thump” in the water and sends out flash to attract fish from long distances. And, its Samurai Shad body delivers the natural appearance of a baitfish paired with the appeal of the YUM, which replicates the enzymes baitfish release when distressed. It features a Mustad Ultrapoint round bend hook and weighs 1/4 ounce. The Samurai Blade is available in four colors and costs about $4.80. For information, visit www.lurenet.com or call (479) 782-8971.

A FINE LINE: Seaguar’s new Fluoro Premier 100-percent CAMO POUCHES: Kleen-Bore’s Field Pack Cleaning kits are now available fluorocarbon fishing line features the virtual invisibility with tan and digital camouflage pouches. These field-pouch cleaning kits of fluorocarbon plus incredible knot strength, extremely are designed to add an extra element of camouflage when in desert, low memory, and superior tensile strength. Fluoro swamp and sandy terrain. Each kit includes a cleaning rod with snap- Premier comes in 18-pound to 100-pound test. It costs down handle, Formula 3 for all-in-one cleaning, lubrication and from about $9.15 for a 25-yard coil of 18-pound test to protection, cotton patches, a double-ended nylon bristle brush and bore $48 for its 100-pound test. It is also available in Big brushes. The kits are also available in a universal handgun/rifle kit that Game sizes (130-pound to 200-pound test). For includes 5.56mm, 7.62mm, and .44/.45 caliber brushes and a 5.56mm dealers, call (212) 867-7040 or visit www.seaguar.com. kit that contains both a chamber and bore brush. The kits range in price from $28.50 to $38.50. For dealers, visit www.kleen-bore.com or call (800) 433-2909. Page 14 March 10, 2006 HEROES

JAY FULLER of Kingston, Okla., caught the new Texas lake- CHRIS BURGER shows his first buck. The 12-point buck was bagged in Frio CURTIS MONTGOMERY of Grand Saline caught this striped bass at Beaver record smallmouth at Lake Texoma. The fish weighed 7.1 County. Lake, Ark. It was caught on stump jumpers in 100 feet of water. Water pounds, was 22.75 inches long with a 17.5-inch girth. temperature was 42 degrees and the air temperature was 26.

JOHN RAMOS shows a 12.9-pound largemouth he caught at Towne Lake on the southside of McKinney. Fishing in 2-3 feet of water SHERRIE BOATMAN of Mesquite shows her first deer she took down with a bleeding heart spinnerbait, he landed the lake-record bass at Fort McKavett. that measured 25 inches in length with a 21-inch girth. Share an adventure Want to share your great hunting or fishing adventure with the Lone Star Outdoor News family? CMDR. ERIC SHIREY, stationed in the war theater, takes time to catch E-mail your photo, phone and caption information to editor@lonestaroutdoornews. com, or mail to: Heroes, Lone Star up on the Texas outdoors scene. Outdoor News, 9304 Forest Lane, Suite 114 South, Dallas, TX, 75243. SUBSCRIBE TODAY! We Want to Welcome to Deliver Our Lone Star Outdoor News Texas’ Premier Outdoor Newspaper Newspaper We’re publishing twice a month, so we can bring you the very best of the to You! Texas outdoors from the Big Thicket to the Big Bend and from the Red River to the Rio Grande. And hunters and anglers by the scores are sending us their thank-yous, comments and subscriptions. Every issue, we’ll bring you some of the state’s best outdoor photography and stories. You’ll read about big game hunting, waterfowling, upland bird 24 hunting, freshwater fishing across the state and saltwater fishing all up and down the glorious Texas Coast. Plus, you’ll get national news… conservation updates… weather report… wild game and fish recipes… and the latest break- ISSUES ing news from state and federal wildlife agencies.

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TEXAS TIDBITS OUTDOOR PUZZLER WILD IN THE KITCHEN

For crossword puzzle solution, see Page 17 Around the Winingham home- 2 cups crushed club crackers ACROSS stead, there were only about two 2 sticks butter 1. Method of using antlers to lure deer ways to eat fish. 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt 5. Included in ice fisherman's gear 9. The quail are found in this field area The first was hot, right out of the 1/2 teaspoon white pepper 10. Hunted for the fur deep fryer, and it was hard to keep 1 cup sliced almonds 11. Describes firing pin in shotguns enough fish on the platter when 1/2 cup sliced fresh mush 12. A method of turkey call our hungry crowd was in a fish-eat- rooms 13. This purifies stream water for drinking ing mood. 16. Term for the knot on leader to fly line Rinse fillets and pat dry with a 18. A trait of most wild creatures The second was cold, if there paper towel. Place on a large platter 19. To point at the target were any leftovers from the night and sprinkle lemon juice on both 21. A species of fish before, as breakfast. No short stack sides of fillets. Season on both sides 22. A type of shot or biscuits and gravy can hold a with Chef Ralph's seasoning. Set 23. Name for the Hawaiian geese candle to a platter of cold, fried fish 25. Brand of ice shelter, ____ boat aside for about five minutes. Pour in the morning. 26. A wild turkey's vision cracker crumbs on a plate and coat 27. A swimming mammal My oldest brother, Harvey, is par- 29. A field habitat ticularly fond of fish for breakfast marinated fillets on both sides. 32. Name for a brand of ice shelter and once threatened to cause me Heat one stick of butter in a large 34. An ice fishing catch skillet over medium heat. Sauté 36. Term for a turkey that stays to himself bodily harm when I made the mis- 37. A method of fishing or hunting take of tossing out the leftovers coated fillets for about three min- 40. A darting bait, jigging _____ after one campfire fried fish feed. utes on each side. Place sautéed fil- 43. The largest species is the mountain He still talks about my “horrible lets in a casserole dish or Dutch 44. A young Atlantic salmon oven and sprinkle with garlic salt 46. Where the ice fisherman keeps his hook decision” whenever we get together 47. A loaded shotgun cartridge for an outdoor adventure, but, so and white pepper. Add remaining 48. Species of geese far, hasn't carried out his threat. stick of butter to the sauté pan and You can bet I haven't thrown out sauté almonds and mushrooms DOWN 1. Species of large family of bottom fish any fried fish since then. The fol- until mushrooms are tender. Pour 2. A method of boat fishing lowing recipe is a variation on the mixture over fillets. Cover and bake 3. Force exerted by shell on target fried fish method and is classy at 350 degrees for about 15 min- 4. A fish bait enough to serve for a fine dining 20. Good shooting is mostly this 37. A species of grouse utes. 5. Best type jig is the ______jig experience away from the camp. 6. Nuisance fish for trotlines 23. The best feeding time for bucks 38. A breed of setter 7. A game bird 24. A dry fly, _____ pillow 39. The wild turkey's spur —Recipe courtesy of San Antonio 8. Term for a side of a bow 28. A wingshooter's quarry 41. Arrows and shells Ralph's Nutty Redfish Outdoor Writer Ralph Winingham's 13. A good bait for traps 30. Term for a certain trout 42. The wolf predator 14. The white winter weasel 31. The fur seeker's gear 45. The slippery swimmer 2 pounds redfish fillets "Revenge of Old Boots and Bacon 15. This is treated by tanning 32. The camper's bed juice from 2 fresh lemons Grease." It's available through San 16. Term for a group of pheasants 33. A species of deer Outdoor Puzzler, 1/2 teaspoon Chef Ralph's Antonio Barnes and Noble book- 17. Movement of an arrow in flight 35. Largemouth frequent this water area Wilbur "Wib" Lundeen Super Seasoning stores or at [email protected]. Page 16 March 10, 2006 GAME WARDEN BLOTTER

GAME WARDEN'S SON landowner's field near Burlington, RECEIVES SILVER STAR where four shot buffalo had been •Garza County Game Warden Not in our town, you don't found. Mitchell worked with Falls Benjie Smith's son Eric Smith was County Warden Travis Allen to presented the Silver Star by Llano and Burnet County The suspect tried to leave the into the brush. After interviewing recover evidence at the scene. Brigadier General Darrell Moore in Wardens Bill Blackburn, Andy scene after hitting the victim with the suspect's girlfriend, who was Working with his county's Waxahachie. Smith received the Ozuna, Chris Davis and Rick his truck, and local citizens pur- left behind in the vehicle, war- Crimestoppers, a reward was honor for his actions on April 6, Snitkin assisted in finding a sus- sued him in personal vehicles. dens located the suspect's uncle's offered, and the next day a relevant 2004, while he was stationed with pect wanted in a pedestrian hit- The citizens were able to force the residence where the suspect sur- tip came in. Mitchell interviewed the Marine Corps in Iraq. Smith's and-run case in the city of Llano. suspect off the road, where he ran rendered without incident. four suspects and gathered addi- platoon was ordered to reinforce a tional evidence, again with the help platoon already under attack, but Saba County, and a rancher called been killed and they had thrown of Allen. Mitchell filed felony crim- was ambushed on the way. The pla- in the location to authorities. The the carcass out in the pasture. After EVENT ATTRACTS ROWDY CROWD inal mischief charges and hunting toon commander was critically suspect got out of the police vehicle, investigating the area, Game •Game Wardens Billy Hefley David or possession of exotic animals wounded, and so Smith assumed put on the chief's body armor, and Warden Waddell found two deer Smith Jill Poppe Win Bishop, Frank charges on four area men, who were command under heavy machine took an AR-15 with him. The sus- carcasses in the back of a pickup in Niemiec, Gary Barnes, Jerry Stucki, taken to Milam County Jail. gun and rocket-propelled grenade pect hid behind a cement water camp and neither of them had been Mokey McCrary and Capt. Trent fire. He led the platoon across more trough, but gave up to officers when tagged with MLD permits. One deer Anderson worked a special opera- WHAT SEASON IS IT, ANYWAY? than 50 yards of open ground to a they arrived. A local pilot assisted had only the back straps removed tion on the Canadian River in Potter •Gonzales County Game Warden covered position. Then, Smith ran Jason Davis received a call from the officers in locating the suspect by and the other was missing the back County during the annual sand back across the field, subjecting sheriff's office concerning a deer circling and waving the plane wings straps and hindquarters. Cases are drags with sand rails, monster himself to open fire, to get the pla- hanging in someone's backyard. in the general vicinity. pending. trucks, motorcycles and ATVs. A toon commander and his weapons. Davis found two young men who total of 48 citations and 156 warn- Using machine guns from the pla- had just finished quartering a 4- CRIMINAL LEAVES A PAPER TRAIL MISSING BODY DOESN'T SURFACE ings were issued at the event. toon truck, Smith led a counterat- point buck deer. The men claimed •Llano Game Wardens Bill tack against the insurgent forces to •Clay County Game Warden Eddie that the deer was injured so they free the isolated squad. Smith Blackburn and Andy Ozuna were Hood and Archer County Game WOMAN JUMPS TO SAVE shot it with a .22 Magnum. arranged an evacuation for the called to a local ranch by the Warden Dee Litteken assisted the HERSELF BUT NEARLY DIES Citations were issued for possession injured and created a withdrawal landowner and found a functional Archer County Sheriff's •Bowie County Game Warden in closed season; the deer was seized plan to get all units back to the com- meth lab in an ice chest. The war- Department with the recovery Shawn Hervey and Cass County and donated. mand post. The Silver Star is the dens summoned the local narcotics attempt of a victim who drowned at Game Warden Dan Hill responded third highest medal awarded to task force to the location to take the beginning of February at Lake to the county line for a wreck RECKLESS DRIVER PUT BEHIND BARS members of the armed forces, possession of the lab and investigate Arrowhead. A team of 25 volun- involving five vehicles and three •Aransas County Game Warden behind the Congressional Medal of the scene. The officers were waiting teers, five boats, seven horseback pedestrians on the Sulphur River Richard “Marty” Martin was return- Honor and the Distinguished Cross on a deposal unit from Odessa and riders, and a group of bloodhounds Bridge, which had iced over. The ing to Rockport from the District for each branch of service. Almost inventorying the evidence when were unable to locate the body. pedestrians jumped over the bridge meeting in Refugio. Martin noticed 50 family members attended the they found a license plate registra- to get out of the way of the oncom- a Chevrolet Suburban driving errat- ceremony, as well as U.S. Rep. Joe tion receipt underneath one of the DRUGS, A DEER AND A STOLEN BOAT ing wreck, with one woman landing ically. Martin tried to stop the vehi- Barton, State Rep. Jim Pitts and bowls inside the ice chest. The •Nacogdoches County Game close to the river in a rocky area. The cle, which raced to Rockport. Fellow Waxahachie Mayor Jay Barksdale. investigation continues and now Warden Jim Yetter, San Augustine wardens were called out with their Aransas County Game Wardens Ben has a prime suspect. County Game Wardens Johnny boat because originally she was Friebele and Charles Mayer as well PLANE TIPS OFF COPS Jones, Melissa Brown and San believed to have landed in the as the Aransas County Sheriff's •Lampasas and Llano Game WASTEFUL HUNTERS Augustine County Detective Terry water. The wardens located the Department were called in to help. Wardens Jeff Hill, Jim Lindeman LEARN A LESSON Fountain served a search warrant in woman and transported her in criti- The vehicle stopped at a residence and Rick Snitkin responded to a pur- •Terrell County Game Warden Dan Nacogdoches County in connec- cal condition by boat to a waiting in Rockport and five men ran to a suit in the southeast part of San Waddell was checking MLDP tion with an investigation into a EMS unit. There were no fatalities in nearby wooded area. Martin held Saba County involving a homicide hunters. All of the hunters stated stolen boat. Items recovered includ- the accident. nine other suspects in the vehicle suspect who drove off from the that they were not hunting, but ed an outboard motor, trolling while backup officers caught the scene with the San Saba chief Game Warden Waddell noticed that motor, flat-bottom boat and trailer. THESE WARDENS WON'T other five subjects. The driver was deputy's patrol truck. Two hours two hunters were cutting up back In addition, a freshly poached deer BE BUFFALOED charged with reckless driving and later, the suspect crashed the patrol strap and questioned the hunters. carcass and methamphetamines •Milam County Game Warden the other 13 people were turned vehicle in an isolated area of San One hunter stated that one deer had were found. Mike Mitchell was called to a over to the U.S. Border Patrol. MADE IN TEXAS Lure business turns into a big catch By Aaron Reed in a Chevy Suburban loaded with eight, and we lengthened the legs,” up to 30,000 shrimp tails. Bob said. “We got in the water with The hard work paid off in 1992 goggles, and you could see that Bob Norton was 8 when his dad, when K-Mart asked him to fill those legs were vibrating during the fishing guide W.R. “Bill” Norton orders for 127 of their stores from retrieve.” introduced him to what the senior Brownsville to Biloxi. The legs help keep the lure on an Norton called “the art of plugging.” The standards Bob sets for his even keel. A longer, thinner body “We were right on time for our products are high: Norton lures and a broader tail also help give the appointment with the tide change,” have to look right; they have to new lure a livelier action than the Bill Norton wrote in an article that “act” right; and they have to catch one that has long been a mainstay was published in the Houston Post, fish. on the Texas coast. which shut down in the 1980s. Rockport native Bobby Albin has The new shrimp tail will be on “I gave Bobby a lecture that con- been using Norton lures for nearly a the market this year. densed 20 years of plug casting into decade, and he says he likes the Another new product anglers will a few hundred totally wasted words, range of colors and types of baits soon see in tackle stores is a “Core then we began to fish.” Norton offers. Shot” line of lures that feature a Bill’s account of that first plug- “If you need something with a dark, solid center sheathed in a ging trip is comical. Still, young Bob really slow presentation, they’ve lighter, translucent outer color. In managed to soak-up enough of his got something that works,” he said. recent field tests, the lure produced father’s advice to boat five good “If you need a lure you can rip four speckled trout over 21 inches trout that day. through the water, they’ve got in less than an hour. The senior Norton, now deceased, something that works.” Adding to his line of Lazer jig didn’t introduce his son to lure fish- The best thing about Norton soft heads, Bob also will soon introduce ing because there was no bait avail- plastics, Albin said, is that they a “Quick Twist” quick-change clip able; in the Norton family, accord- offer a lifelike action without being with swivel. The clip is — as the ing to Bob, no one fished with bait. so soft that one fish will shred a name implies — a twist of hard- Not live bait. Not dead bait. Not lure. ened stainless steel and allows ever. “You don’t have to keep chang- anglers to easily unhook one lure It’s a tradition that started with BIG CATCH: Bob Norton uses his guide experience, input from anglers and on-the- ing them out,” he said. “I once and exchange it for another. his grandfather, Lee Norton, around water testing when designing a new lure. caught a limit of trout up at Cedar Rockport angler Albin said he’ll the turn of the last century. Bayou — on one Sand Eel.” continue to use Norton lures. The “We’d go snapper fishing, and all heart attack and a stroke, he turned sometimes for 30 days at a stretch,” Despite a popular lineup of lures, Bull Minnow in “Mardi Gras,” a around us people would be hauling the fledgling enterprise over to his Bob said. “I would come in from Bob still relies on his experience as garish purple and yellow, is a “the up red snapper on live bait, cut bait, son and suggested he try to take it fishing and have to run the plastic a fishing guide, input from other lure to beat” all year long, he said. shrimp ... and there would be my commercial. injection machine for hours, go to anglers and on-the-water testing to He figures Bob’s commitment to dad, bouncing a jig off the bottom,” Bob remembers the beginning — bed, get up, go fishing, repeat. It design new color combinations and innovation will lead to some pretty Bob said. back in 1986 — when lure manufac- was grueling.” shapes. interesting new offerings. Bill’s goal was to fool the fish, not turing was his second job. The Norton home in Port Recently, he set out to update the “You know what else is nice? It’s a feed them, and to that end he creat- “The lure business slowly began Mansfield would sometimes be venerable Norton shrimp tail — he Texas success story,” he said. “You’ve ed many of his own lures. requiring more and more time, stocked floor-to-ceiling with boxes still has his father’s original, hand- got to love that.” When Bill was sidelined from full- which was difficult because I was of lures and jig heads, and sales carved molds for the lure. Aaron Reed, kayakrockport@yahoo. com, time guiding and lure making by a guiding over 200 days a year — calls were made by Bob and his wife “We added two legs, for a total of is a free-lance writer based in Austin. March 10, 2006 Page 17 OUTDOOR DATEBOOK

Bring an ice chest to take home your March 11: San Antonio Texas Women’s Road. Featured speaker is Larry Weishuhn, Hempstead Rd. 10 a.m.-3 p.m.; HAVE AN EVENT meat. Daylight-dark; fee $165 per person Shooting Sports will host the 2006 Ladies also known as “Mr. Whitetail,” and one of preregistration required; contact James includes barbecue lunch; reservations Spring Shotgun clinic, noon- 3:30 p.m. at North America’s most respected outdoor Galpin [email protected] or (713) TO PUBLICIZE? required. Call (361) 529-6600. the San Antonio Gun Club, 928 E. writers and wildlife biologists. Door prizes, 463-5814. Contour Drive, phone (210) 229-5037. raffles, and new member drawings will be March 11: San Antonio wildlife The cost is $20 per person and includes held. Event starts at 6 p.m., dinner at 7 March 18: Lake Livingston SP Fishing E-mail it to management workshop. Recognizing the shotgun shells: for more information, visit p.m.; RSVP required; contact Tom Brown With a Ranger. Bring your rods and reels [email protected] growing problem of Texas rural land being www.txdiva.org or call (830) 229-5037. (817) 477-5119 or for some fishing fun. Topics you will learn fragmented into smaller tracts, often with March 14: Texoma DU second-annual [email protected] or Jeff Kennedy about include fishing regulations, ethics, March: Galveston Island SP bay seining. new urban-based owners who haven’t been exposed to wildlife or land management, Texas Hold’em Poker Tournament in (817) 271-9858 or basic tackle assembly and more. 7-10 Every Sunday help the park’s interpretive Texas Parks & Wildlife and Alamo Area Sherman; Contact Todd Petelski at (903) [email protected]. a.m.; reservations required; (956) 365- ranger identify wetland critters caught in Master Naturalists are offering a workshop 271-3299. 2201 Ext. 11. (936) 365-2201. his net while learning the importance of March 18: Grand Prairie Angler Education designed specifically for San Antonio-area the wetlands as a nursery; 11 a.m.-noon; March 15: Dallas Safari Club annual Instructor Course. This free workshop is March 18: Atlanta Texas Chapter NWTF urban owners of rural land. Topics will (409) 737-1222. meeting, desert bighorn in Texas by Terry open to anyone 17 or older interested in annual Hunters Heritage Banquet at the include quail management, prescribed fire teaching the basics of fishing in their Fricke; $35 per person; RSVP by calling Atlanta Texas Civic Center. Doors open at March: Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center management; how to lease your land; feral community. The program provides the (972) 980-9800. 6 p.m. For more information, call Lewis trout harvest. Every Tuesday through hog management and updates on the curriculum, equipment, materials and Sunday catch and keep trout from our Wildlife Tax Valuation Program. The March 15: Texas Big Game Awards College support to help volunteers successfully Thomas (903) 407-8975. fishing pond. Equipment and bait workshop is open to any interested Scholarships are available. Scholarships introduce youth and their families to March 18: North Texas NWTF Calling provided, no fishing license required and landowners. It will be held in the Palo Alto for college range from $20,000 to $500. fishing. Held at the North Texas Education Contest at Bass Pro Shops – Grapevine. no size limit. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday- College Performing Arts Bldg. Auditorium, To download an application visit Center Annex (TPW), 4511 Robinson Rd. Contact Rick Johnson at (972) 724-2018. Saturday, 1-4 p.m. Sunday; fee $5 for up 1400 W. Villaret Blvd. To be eligible for www.texasbiggameawards.com or 9 a.m.-3 p.m.; preregistration required; March 23: Lake Lavon DU Banquet at the to five fish per person; regular entrance door prizes, preregistration is required. www.tbga.org. All applications must be contact Steve Campbell at Fairview Farms Corral Barn, 3314 N. fees apply (903) 676-BASS. Walk-ins are welcome if space allows; postmarked by March 15. [email protected] or 8:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.; fee $20 per person Central Expressway, Plano. Contact Paul March 16: Alvin DU dinner at KC Hall. (972) 263-0427. March 11: Fennessey Ranch Russian wild or $35 for two and includes a box lunch. Romano at (972) 442-5106, or Contact John Brau at (281) 393-1100. boar safari. Whether you’re an experienced To register please send a check made out March 18: Houston Family Fishing [email protected]. hunter or just getting your feet wet, you to “Master Naturalist” and mail to Richard March 18: North Texas Chapter of Safari Workshop. This free workshop is open to will enjoy hunting this stealthy game Heilbrun, Attn: Wildlife Mgmt. Workshop; Club International will host its March anyone 6 or older interested in learning March 24: Pearland/Friendswood DU animal on our 4,000-acre ranch. Success 12861 Galm Rd.; San Antonio, TX. member meeting and dinner at the Harvey the basics of fishing. Activities include Dinner at Epiphany Lutheran Church. rate is 97 percent. Hunters are placed in 78254. For more information, call (210) Hotel DFW, 4545 W. John Carpenter knot tying, casting, safety, regulations and Contact Betsy Grubbs at (281) 997-7351 African-style brush blinds at daylight. 688-6444. Freeway, Irving at Highway 114 and Esters more. Held at Gander Mountain, 19820 or [email protected]. OUTFITTERS Holmes readies for ‘lights out’ fishing Bob Holmes, who has been guiding fishing Over several years, Holmes has gained a vast “Fishing is just now getting started,” Holmes parties on Richland-Chambers Lake for seven knowledge of the 44,000-acre Richland- said, adding “I’ll book solid for a couple of years, has a “heads-up” warning for avid sand- Chambers. “I was there when it opened,” he weeks.” The guide pointed out “mid-March to bass, and hybrid bass anglers. said. “I know every bottom and bump on the mid-May is real good fishing, with top-water “It’s going to be some lights out fishing in thing.” biting into August.” just a couple of weeks,” the guide said. Get out And his knowledge of fishing started years Holmes said the Texas Parks and Wildlife the rods because the action is going to be before. At a young age, he was “fishing every Department stocked the lake with 400,000 aplenty and Holmes, specializing in sandbass creek I could get my cane pole in.” hybrid stripers. “It looks to be a real good year and hybrid bass fishing, is ready to guide fish- Falcon rods have taken the place of the cane on the hybrids,” he said, adding that Richland- ermen to all the fun. pole along with several other rods and reels Chambers is turning into “a real show lake” for “I provide my clients with an experience and top-notch boats. Holmes operates a 24- the hybrid striper. that they will fondly remember and will wish foot Bay Stealth boat with a 225 Honda 4- Holmes launches his outings from Oak Cove to repeat over and over again,” he said. And it is stroke engine. The boat comes with the latest Marina, which has 30 rooms, an RV park with an experience he has become very familiar technology in fish-finding equipment with “all 50-amp service, café, and a “big dominoes with since he started fishing the lake in 1983. the latest color graphs.” table.” There also is a tent area with showers. Holmes also is the lake’s record holder for Holmes can accommodate small parties of Contact the lake’s striper record holder at ANGLING ADVENTURE — Richland-Chambers the striper — at 15.3 pounds — and has four to five anglers up to the corporate parties. 214-728-3310 for rates and angling informa- Reservoir guide Bob Holmes offers his knowledge appeared on “Lone Star Adventures” with “I can handle as many as 30 people,” the Red tion. The guide’s home page is www.bob- of the lake to fishermen on a trophy quest. Richard Ray. Oak resident said. holmesguideserviceonrichlandchambers.com.

Offshore and Bay fishing Duck, Goose and 30' Stamas Dove Hunting 21' Shallowsport 40,000 Acres

Capt. Scott Hickman South Texas 3218 Coral Ridge Ct. League City, TX 77573 Deer and Turkey (281) 535-1930 Hunting Fax: (281) 535-1935 10,000 Acres www.circleh.org

OUTFITTERS, HUNTING GUIDES AND FISHING GUIDES: Want to profile your business? It’s easy to advertise on this page — just send us your business card, and let us know how many weeks you want your ad to run. Purchase 12 issues of advertising and your business will be pro- filed with a photo in the outfitter ad section. Let all our readers know about you. Lone Star Outdoor News Hunting and Fishing Guide Business Card Listings: $20 each issue. Please include either a check or credit card billing information with your order. Mail to: Lone Star Outdoor News, 9304 Forest Lane, Suite 114 South, Dallas, TX 75243 or email to: [email protected]. Call (866) 361-2276. CLASSIFIEDS

For Sale — East Texas timber and For Sale — 960 Ac., Fisher Co., South Texas — Brooks, Duval, Jim FISHING PROPERTIES hunting tracts. Caddo Lake Realty mule/WT deer, blue/bob quail, Hogg County Ranches. Call: David (903) 679-3741. hogs, nice home, barn, pens, bor- A. Lohse Real Estate, Inc. (956) 761-6699. Private 16-acre lake — Awesome For Sale — Kansas hunting tracts. South Padre Island Waterfront prop- dering the Double Mountain Fork of fishing, Florida cross largemouth Brown Realty Co. 318-728-9544. erties on the Laguna Madre and the Brazos River, income-produc- House for Sale — 3-2 plus boat lift. bass, redear, catfish, B&B boat, call www.brownrealtyco.com Gulf of Mexico. Call: David A. Lohse ing ranch. $785.00 Ac. www. fick- Demi-John Island. 979-373-9573. (512) 237-4792. Great fly fishing. Real Estate, Inc. (956) 761-6699. esdorety.com, (817) 925-0483. CROSSWORD PUZZLE $10 A MONTH FOR 3 LINES! 37 characters per line including spaces. Each additional line is $6. You can add a photo for an extra $20. SOLUTION Classified ads must be prepaid by check or credit card. Call (866) 361-2276 or e-mail: FROM [email protected]. PAGE 15 Page 18 March 10, 2006 FISHING REPORT

CENTRAL degrees; 3.57' low. Black bass are slow to fair on shad Lucky Craft CB Mighty D2Rs and silver shad minnows and jigs. White bass and striped bass Wedgetails. jigs and on jigging spoons in 10 - 15 feet. Yellow Bomber "A"s in main river channel. Crappie are are good on live bait. Smallmouth bass are fair on bass are good on minnows and jigs. Crappie are very good on silver 2" YUM Vibra King tubes live bait and jerkbaits. Walleye are good on live BASTROP: Water lightly stained. Black bass are fair to good and jigs (anglers keep their first 25 tipped with live minnows over brushpiles and bait and chrome jerkbaits. Catfish are good on SOUTH SABINE: Trout are good on the Reef on good on watermelon red and watermelon seed crappie, regardless of size, December thru standing timber in 6 - 15 feet. Channel and blue minnows. topwaters and soft plastics over grass. Crappie are red shad, plum, glow and fire tiger Bass February). Catfish are slow on nightcrawlers and catfish to 6 pounds are good on Lewis King fair on minnows and white tube jigs. Channel and Assassins, Stanley Wedgetails and Norton Sand stinkbait. punchbait and goldfish in 8 - 15 feet. Yellow cat- blue catfish are good on stinkbait, live minnows, MEREDITH: Water lightly stained; 46 degrees; Eels. Flounder are good on chartreuse and glow fish to 20 pounds are good on trotlines and jug- and frozen shrimp. Yellow catfish are slow. 27.2' low. Black bass are fair on live bait, shad- lines baited with hybrid bluegills and jumbo min- plastics tipped with shrimp near Blue Buck Point. LAVON: Water stained; 52-58 degrees; 9.62' low. colored crankbaits and white spinnerbaits. nows in 20 - 30 feet. Redfish are fair to good on live shrimp in Keith Black bass are fair on pumpkinseed Carolina or Crappie are fair on minnows and jigs suspended BELTON: Water clear; 56 degrees; 3.21' low. Lake.. drop-shot-rigged salt fries in 12 - 18 feet. 12-15 feet. White bass are fair on slabs tipped Black bass are excellent on red soft plastic Crappie are fair on minnows and jigs. Catfish are COLETO CREEK: Water clear; 69 degrees (79 with minnows near points and humps. worms. Hybrid striper are good but small on shad fair on nightcrawlers and prepared baits. degrees at hot water discharge); 3.04' low. Black Smallmouth bass are fair on black back and minnows. White bass are good on minnows BOLIVAR: Black drum and redfish are good on bass to 7 pounds are good on soft plastics and crankbaits. Walleye to 6 pounds are fair on bot- and jigs. Crappie are good on minnows. Channel crabs and shrimp at Rollover Pass. Trout are a fair Rat-L-Traps in 2 - 8 feet. Striped bass are slow. tom bouncers and live bait. Channel catfish are and blue catfish are fair on bloodbait and dough- LEWISVILLE: Water stained; 54-60 degrees; White bass are slow. Crappie are slow. Channel fair on live baits. to good on Little Fishies and MirrOlures in bait. Yellow catfish are slow. 7.28' low. Black bass are slow on chrome or red and blue catfish are slow. Yellow catfish are slow. Rollover Bay and near Little Pasture Bayou. Rat-L-Traps and Texas rigged soft plastics. PALO DURO: Water lightly stained; 42 degrees; BROWNWOOD: Water stained to clear; 48 Crappie are slow. Catfish are good on cut shad 47.75' low. Black bass are fair on live bait and degrees; 2.69' low. Black bass are good on white and prepared baits in 10 - 20 feet. FALCON: Water clear; 68 degrees. Black bass are TRINITY BAY: Trout are fair to good while wading good on watermelon red and watermelon orange slow-rolled spinnerbaits. Crappie are fair on jigs spinnerbaits on the main lake, and on 200 Series the east shoreline on glow and plum Bass spinnerbaits, tubes, and Brush Hogs from mid and minnows. Smallmouth bass are fair on live Persuader Stealth shad crankbaits on main lake PALESTINE: Water fairly clear; 53-60 degrees; lake to the south end. Striped bass are slow. bait and black back jerkbaits. Walleye are fair. Assassins, Trout Killers and Sand Eels. Redfish coves and around docks. Hybrid striper are fair on 2.27' low. Black bass are slow to fair on brown Crappie are slow. Channel and blue catfish are Channel catfish are fair on live bait. and black drum are fair to good on cracked crabs Alabama Shad colored 300 series Persuader jigs with a pumpkinseed trailer, shad pattern excellent on stinkbait and shad in the river chan- at the Spillway. Redfish are fair to good on peeled crankbaits around lights. White bass are fair on spinnerbaits and medium diving crankbaits. nel under willows. Yellow catfish are slow. small tube jigs and Li'l Fishies. Crappie are fair Crappie are good on minnows and jigs in 15 - 20 WEST shrimp in the marsh. Mexican fishing licenses and boat permits are on small blue/green tube jigs and minnows. feet. Catfish are fair around stumps in 12 - 18 required to fish in Mexican waters. Everyone in Catfish are slow. feet. Bream are slow. Hybrid striper and white the boat must have a Mexico Fishing License ALAN HENRY: Water lightly stained; 52 degrees; bass are slow to fair on Humdingers and slabs. EAST GALVESTON BAY: Trout are fair to good on whether fishing or not. 1.85 low. Black bass are fair on live bait and live shrimp on Hannas Reef and Redfish Reef. BUCHANAN: Water clear; 50 degrees; 8.20' low. black/blue or black neon jigs fished tight to cover. Sheepshead, black drum, trout and redfish are Black bass are fair on Carolina rigged watermel- RAY HUBBARD: Water fairly clear; 54-60 Crappie are fair on minnows and jigs. MEDINA: Water stained; 60 degrees; 12.76' low. on/red Snap Back creature baits, Ice Tea degrees; 3.17' low. Black bass are fair on chrome fair to good at the Bacliff Spillway on live Scoundrel worms, and smoke/red 5” JDC Craws Black bass are fair on watermelon red 5" YUM shrimp. Trout are fair to good at Yates Bayou on Rat-L-Traps and Carolina-rigged junebug worms. ARROWHEAD: Water lightly stained; 54 degrees; on jigheads along main lake and ledges of sec- Dingers, crawfish Jackall Cherry "O" shallow run- Crappie are slow to fair on minnows and jigs in 2.4' low. Black bass are slow on crankbaits and Bass Assassins, Sand Eels and Trout Killers. ondary points in 8 - 20 feet. Striped bass are ning crankbaits and bumble bee Norman Fat the marinas and around bridge columns. White soft plastics in back of coves and creeks. Crappie good drifting live bait, vertically jigging _oz. silver Boys across main lake points and coves in 2 - 10 bass are fair on slabs and minnows. Hybrid striper are fair on minnows and jigs near derricks about Pirk Minnows, and trolling _oz. striper jigs from feet. Striped bass are fair on chrome/black WEST GALVESTON BAY: Flounder and redfish are are slow to fair on slabs. Catfish are fair on pre- 17 feet and drifting near Seminole Island. White The Willows up lake in 15 - 30 feet. White bass Bomber Long “A's” and laser clear Sammy 128's pared baits. bass are fair on shad-imitation baits near Pawnee fair on the south shoreline on bright- colored jigs are fair to good trolling deep diving Shad Raps, in surface action in the middle of the day on Point. Blue catfish are good on shad, punch bait tipped with shrimp. Trout are fair to good at casting 2” Spoiler Shads, and jigging _oz. Pirk main lake points and good drifting hybrid and juglines suspended 2 feet off bottom near Minnows from Paradise point to Mud Island. RAY ROBERTS: Water clear; 54-59 degrees; bluegills around the dam. White bass are very Confederate Reef on live shrimp under a popping cormorant roost sites. Crappie are slow. Channel catfish are slow. Yellow 3.59' low. Black bass are fair on suspending good trolling chartreuse shad crankbaits at the cork. and blue catfish are slow. Rouges, medium diving crankbaits and black/blue mouth of the river and main lake channel and on jigs with a port trailer. Crappie are slow to fair on white Road Runners and Mystic Shad upriver in COLORADO CITY: Water clear; 57 degrees; 2' low. minnows and jigs around the marina. White bass deep holes. Crappie are very good on live min- Black bass are slow. Crappie are fair on minnows TEXAS CITY: Oversized black drum are good off CANYON LAKE: Water gin clear; 60 degrees; are fair on slabs and chartreuse Road Runners. nows. Channel and blue catfish are fair on Lewis and jigs. White bass are fair on live bait. Redfish the dike on crab and dead shrimp. Sheepshead 2.94' low. Black bass to 10 pounds are very good Catfish are slow to fair on prepared baits and King punchbait and goldfish. Yellow catfish to 20 are slow. Catfish are fair on live baits. and whiting are fair to good on shrimp. Trout are on white 3/8oz. Terminator spinnerbaits, Texas nightcrawlers. pounds are good on juglines with perch and gold- rigged white Heavy Tubes, and wacky rigged fish. fair to good for waders near the dike on topwaters smoke/copper JDC Gibronis around wood on slop- FT. PHANTOM HILL: Water clear; 59 degrees; and live shrimp. ing flats along transitional areas inside of second- RICHLAND CHAMBERS: Water off color; 53-60 6.8' low. Black bass are slow. Crappie are fair on ary points in 3 - 8 feet. Striped bass to 30” are degrees; 5.6' low. Black bass are fair n watermel- SOUTHEAST minnows and jigs. White bass are fair. Catfish are fair to good jigging _oz. and _oz. silver Pirk on seed Texas rigged lizards on secondary points fair on prepared baits and minnows. FREEPORT: Sheepshead, whiting and sand trout and in creek channels, jigs and spinnerbaits. Minnows, white Spoiler Shads, and Snap Back CONROE: Water stained; 3.62' low. Black bass are fair at San Luis Pass. Black drum and redfish soft jerkbaits on weighted RED Bait Jerker Hooks White bass and hybrid striper are fair on are good on chartreuse and white/green spinner- HUBBARD CREEK: Water lightly stained; 56 are fair at night on crabs and shrimp in the Pass. (Falcon Lures) under birds in 13 - 30 feet. White Humdingers and slabs. Crappie are slow to fair on baits, crankbaits, and soft plastic worms and degrees; 10.8' low. Black bass are slow on live bass are good vertically jigging _oz. silver Pirk minnows and jigs. Catfish are fair on juglines with lizards, and on chrome/white and chrome/blue bait and dark plastics fished tight to cover. Minnows, casting 2” Spoiler Shads, and trolling live perch set off main creek channels and flats. Rat-L-Traps. Striped bass are fair on live bait, sil- Crappie are fair on jigs and minnows. White bass EAST MATAGORDA: Trout are fair to good near Shad Raps. Smallmouth bass are very good on ver striper jigs, and small spoons. Crappie are and hybrid striper are fair on live bait and chrome Hog Island and Boiler Bayou on topwaters and smoke/red Snap Back tubes, 4" smoke/pepper TAWAKONI: Water stained; 54-60 degrees; 8.6' good on minnows and orange/white tube jigs. crankbaits. Catfish are fair on prepared baits. Corkies. Redfish are fair to good at St. Mary's on JDC curl tail grubs, and chartreuse Terminator low. Black bass are fair on perch patter medium Catfish are fair on cutbait, live bait, and min- gold spoons and live shrimp. Trout are fair to good tungsten spinnerbaits over rock piles in 4 - 20 diving crankbaits, red spinnerbaits and jigs. nows. feet. Crappie are fair on minnows at the crappie Crappie are fair on minnows and jigs. White bass NASWORTHY: Water lightly stained; 56 degrees. on the mid-bay reefs when the wind allows. pier. Yellow and blue catfish to 18 pounds are are fair on slabs and live minnows. Striped bass Black bass are fair on live bait. Crappie are fair GIBBONS CREEK: Water stained. Black bass are good on juglines in 30 feet. and hybrid striper are fair on live shad and Sassy on minnows and jigs. Redfish are fair. White bass fair on watermelon and watermelon red spinner- MATAGORDA: Trout and redfish are fair on the Shad. Catfish are fair on stinkbait. and striped bass are good on cut shad. Catfish baits and medium diving crankbaits, and on sil- are fair on cut shad. south shoreline on live shrimp, Bass Assassins, COLEMAN: Water clear; 55 degrees; 2.47' low. ver/white Rat-L-Traps. Crappie are fair on min- Sand Eels and Trout Killers. Redfish are good in Black bass are fair on crankbaits and soft plastic TEXOMA: Water clear; 52-58 degrees; 1.16' low. nows and dark red and blue tube jigs. Catfish are Oyster Lake and Crab Lake on live shrimp under a worms. Hybrid striper are slow. Crappie are fair on Black bass are fair on Carolina rigs, jigs and fair on live bait and frozen shrimp. OAK CREEK: Water lightly stained; 56 degrees; chartreuse jigs. Channel and blue catfish are crankbaits. Smallmouth bass are fair to good on 18.48' low. Black bass are slow. Crappie are fair popping cork. slow. Yellow catfish are slow. crawfish pattern crankbaits and brown/orange jigs. on minnows and jigs. Catfish are fair on minnows. HOUSTON COUNTY: Water stained; 63 degrees; Crappie are slow to fair on live minnows in the No boat ramps open. 4x4 vehicles can unload on 0.65' high. Black bass to 10 pounds are excellent marinas. Striped bass are fair on Road Runners, dirt road near the dam. PORT O'CONNOR: Trout are fair to good on the COLORADO RIVER: (At Colorado Bend State on orange, white/black glitter/red stripe medium live shad and slabs. Catfish are fair to good on south shoreline on chartreuse Corkies and glow Park) Water clear. Black bass are slow. Striped running crankbaits, white spinnerbaits, tubes, and prepared baits and cut shad. plastics. Trout and redfish are fair to good in the bass are fair watermelon red/blue flake and green/yellow/red OH. IVIE: Water lightly stained; 57 degrees; 17.2' flake Wacky worms near the marina and on the low. Black bass are fair on live bait. Crappie are back lakes on gold spoons and topwaters. Redfish fair on minnows and jigs. White bass are fair on CADDO: Water fairly clear; 53-58 degrees; 0.46' WEATHERFORD: Water stained; 52-57 degrees; north side of the lake off points and coves, and and black drum are fair to good at the jetty on slabs tipped with minnows. Smallmouth bass are high. Black bass are good on Rat-L-Traps over 7' low. Black bass are good on crankbaits around near the islands in 2 - 10 feet. White bass to 2.5 mullet and crabs. fair on small crankbaits. Channel catfish are fair grass and jigs around the cypress trees. Crappie the docks. Crappie are fair in the fishing barge pounds are fair on tiny silver Rat-L-Traps and on live bait. are fair on shiners and red/white jigs on main and marina boat slips on Texaco jigs, Electric small silver spoons on the east end of the lake in channel edges in 4-6 feet. Yellow bass are slow. Chicken lures and minnows. Catfish are good on the creek channel in 8 feet. Crappie to 2.5 ROCKPORT: Redfish are good on cut-mullet on Catfish are good on limb lines with cutbait. nightcrawlers. White bass are fair. Bream are pounds are excellent on live minnows on the POSSUM KINGDOM: Water clear; 55 degrees; the Estes Flats. Trout are fair to good on the reefs good on worms. The new boat ramp is open, but south side of the lake from the dam to the marina 3.3' low. Black bass are fair in Rock Creek area. in Copano Bay on Corkies and Catch 2000s. with the low water level boaters are advised to in 4 - 8 feet. Catfish to 3 pounds are good on live White bass are good in Rock and Caddo Creek CEDAR CREEK: Water clear; 52-58 degrees; Redfish and black drum are fair to good in the exercise caution. minnows off piers. areas. Striped bass are fair at night near lighted 4.43' low. Black bass are fair on spinnerbaits over Lydia Ann Channel on crabs. piers. Blue and channel catfish are fair on trot- grass and jigs pitched around stick-ups. White lines and juglines in the upper part of reservoir. bas are good on jigging spoons over mid lake SOUTH LIVINGSTON: Water fairly clear; 58 degrees; Rainbow Trout are good below the dam near humps. Hybrid striper are good on Sassy Shad 4.09' low. Black bass are good on spinnerbaits, PORT ARANSAS: Trout and redfish are fair to crankbaits, and soft plastics. Striped bass are Highway 16 Bridge with another release of 2,250 fished under feeding gulls. Catfish are fair drifting AMISTAD: Water lightly stained; 59 degrees. good on the East Flats on topwaters and live slow. White bass are good on slabs, pet spoons, trout scheduled for March 10. cut bait. Black bass are fair on watermelon red, watermel- shrimp under a popping cork. Black drum are fair and hellbenders. Crappie are good on minnows. on seed, and pumpkinseed soft plastics and to good off the piers and on the beachfront on Channel and blue catfish are excellent on live SPENCE: Water lightly stained; 56 degrees; COOPER: Water stained; 54-59 degrees; 13.13' crankbaits along shoreline grass. Striped bass are shad and cut gizzard shad. Yellow catfish are 45.75' low. Black bass are slow. Crappie are slow. shrimp and split crabs. Trout are fair to good on low. No report available. Due to the low level of fair on silver striper jigs and live bait. White bass slow. White bass are fair on minnows. Striped bass and the grass beds on topwaters and live shrimp. the lake, boaters are advised to use extreme cau- are good on chrome/silver/white slabs, spoons, hybrid striper are fair on minnows. Catfish are fair tion. and striper jigs. Crappie are slow. Channel and on cut shad. blue catfish are fair on stinkbait and live bait over SAM RAYBURN: Water clear; 60 degrees; 2.32' CORPUS CHRISTI: Speckled and sand trout are baited holes. Yellow catfish are slow. low. Black bass are very good on watermelon and FAIRFIELD: Water clear; 64-80 degrees; 4' low. fair to good around the Oso Bridge on live shrimp. green pumpkin lizards and soft jerk baits in shal- STAMFORD: Water lightly stained; 57 degrees; Due to the low water level, only one ramp is open low cover, and on white and white/chartreuse Black drum are fair on crabs and shrimp on the BRAUNIG: Water stained; 91 degrees. Black bass Black bass are fair on live bait and crankbaits. - launching is difficult and generally requires two spinnerbaits in the same areas. Crappie are fair Indian Point Pier and in the Humble Channel. to 9 pounds are fair to good on crankbaits and Crappie are fair on jigs and minnows. White and people. Very few anglers have been on the lake on live shiners and black/chartreuse jigs, sus- Sharks and redfish are fair to good on the Bob dark blue and red soft plastic worms and striped bass are good on live bait. Catfish are fair over the past month. No fishing reports available. pending over deeper water in creek channels. crankbaits around rocks near the dam and in on cut shad. Hall Pier on mullet. grassy areas. Striped bass to 6 pounds are very FORK: Water clear - stained in the upper end; good on perch, shad, and chicken livers. Redfish TOLEDO BEND: Water clear; 5.92' low. Very little SWEETWATER: Water lightly stained; 49 degrees; 56-62 degrees; 3.92' low. Black bass are slow on BAFFIN BAY: Trout are fair to good near the rocks to 5 pounds are fair down rigging Rat-L-Traps. fishing activity due to low water level. Navigation 31.51' low. Black bass are slow. Crappie are fair 3/4oz. red Rat-L-Traps, black/blue jigs (trimmed) Channel and blue catfish to 3 pounds are good on is dangerous due to numerous stumps and stick- on minnows and jigs. White bass are fair. Catfish of Kleberg Point and at Tide Gauge on live shrimp with a matching trailer and white spinnerbaits shrimp and shad. Yellow catfish are slow. ups. Tournaments have been moved to Lake Sam are fair. under a popping cork and plum Corkies. Trout along main lake grass and around boathouses. Rayburn. Crappie are fair on small jigs in 36-39 feet on and redfish are fair along the Kennedy shoreline deeper flats. Catfish are fair on prepared baits in CALAVERAS: Water stained; 90 degrees. Black WHITE RIVER: Water lightly stained; 50 degrees; on live shrimp. Black drum are good on cut-bait 26-30 feet. bass to 6 pounds are good on live minnows, soft PANHANDLE 22.84' low. Black bass are fair on live bait and and shrimp in the Land Cut. plastic worms, and shad in grassy areas along the watermelon seed and watermelon red soft plastics shoreline. Striped bass to 5 pounds are very good near timber near grass lines. Crappie are fair on GRAPEVINE: Water lightly stained; 54-58 BAYLOR: Water lightly stained; 49 degrees. Black on liver, spoons, and perch along the shoreline on jigs and minnows. Walleye are fair on minnows. PORT MANSFIELD: Trout are fair to good on live degrees; 6.71' low. Black bass are fair on bass are slow. Crappie are slow. Catfish are slow. the bottom in 5 - 15 feet. Redfish are slow. Channel catfish are fair on cut shad. shrimp at the Community Bar. Black drum and orange/brown crankbaits along the dam and Texas Crappie are slow. Channel catfish are good on redfish are fair to good on cut-bait in the rigged red shad lizards with a light weight. liver, shrimp, and nightcrawlers. Blue catfish are GREENBELT: Water lightly stained; 48 degrees; Crappie are fair on minnows in the marinas. Intracoastal. Redfish are fair to good while drift- good on liver and nightcrawlers. Yellow catfish are 25.8' low. Black bass are fair on shad-colored WICHITA: Water stained but clearing; 51 degrees; White bass are fair on minnows and slabs. Catfish 1.15' low. Crappie are slow. White bass and slow. crankbaits and jerkbaits near points and stickups, ing the Saucer and Target Markers on topwaters. are slow to fair on nightcrawlers. hybrid striped bass are fair on minnows and white and on watermelon Senkos near moss beds. twister-tails along dam and trolling. Channel cat- Crappie are good on jigs and minnows. White CHOKE CANYON: Water stained; 60 degrees; fish are fair on bait shrimp, punchbait or trotlines SOUTH PADRE: Trout are fair on topwaters and JOE POOL: Water fairly clear; 53-59 degrees; bass are fair on live bait and shad-colored 3.48' low. Black bass to 10 pounds are very good baited with shad. 3.14' low. Black bass are fair on spinnerbaits, crankbaits. Smallmouth bass are fair on live bait live shrimp at Laguna Vista and Holly Beach. on watermelon red 6" YUM Dingers, PB&J 10" 3/8oz. black/blue jigs and Texas-rigged watermel- and shad-colored jerkbaits near points and Redfish are fair to good on gold spoons and live YUM Ribbontail worms, aurora craw Lucky Craft on seed worms. Crappie are fair on minnows and humps. Walleye are fair on live bait and char- COASTAL LV-500s, crawfish Jackall Cherry “O's,” and char- shrimp at Unnecessary Island and the jetty. jigs over brushpiles and around bridge in 15-20 treuse crankbaits. Catfish are good on prepared treuse/gold bladed Jo-Baby spinnerbaits on main feet. White bass are fair on chrome slabs and baits and chicken liver. lake points and in back of coves in 3 - 12 feet. NORTH SABINE: Trout are fair to good on the pearl TailHummers. Catfish are good on cut shad PORT ISABEL: Trout are fair on live shrimp under White bass are very good on large minnows upriv- Louisiana shoreline on Corkies and Catch 2000s. in creek channels. er, vertically jigging blue/silver Fle-Fly slabs MACKENZIE: Water lightly stained; 45 degrees; Flounder are good at the mouth of bayous on a popping cork at the Gas-Well Flats. Redfish are tipped with live minnows around the Hwy. 99 69.27' low. Black bass are fair on live bait and bright jigs and grubs tipped with shrimp. Redfish fair to good on shrimp at Three Island and Cullen LAKE O' THE PINES: Water stained; 53-58 bridge in 5 - 10 feet, and good trolling chartreuse shad-colored crankbaits. Crappie are good on are good in the marsh on topwaters and Stanley Bay. March 10, 2006 Page 19 ADVENTURE

FISHING HOLE WITH A VIEW: Stunning mountain vistas, deep glacier-fed alpine waters and large Dolly Varden like the one shown off by guide Matt Sharpe, below, are among British Columbia's numerous wilderness attractions. Above, Dallas angler Cody Bell, left, casts for rainbow trout in a British Columbia lake with Sharpe. BC wilderness odyssey tanding knee deep and wader clad in the frigid headwaters of British “The fish are so eager, more eager than any trout I’ve fished for in Montana, New Mexico or Columbia’s Sigutlet River, the congruency of two seemingly dissimi- Arkansas,” Frazier said. “They’re large, aggressive, and not as timid as they are in the Lower lar facts became readily apparent as I watched the blue and white 48.” Sform of a de Havilland Beaver float plane grow smaller. In addition to the wild rainbows, a British Columbia angling sojourn can provide hook- As the plane that had transported us into the Canadian wilderness disap- ups with other species including sea-run cutthroat trout, steelhead and salmon, depending peared on the horizon, its departing sound became at once the loneliest on when and where an angler is fishing. and the most exciting noise I had ever heard. It can also provide an opportunity to say “Hello Dolly.” In fact, by the time the faint drone of the airborne water taxi That fact was proven to me as Matt Sharpe, an immensely talented twenty-something was heard again later that day, its buzz was most unwelcome. guide from Vancouver, instructed me to stand on a rocky ledge jutting out into a deep, That fact was punctuated by the two to three dozen glacier-fed alpine lake we had accessed by float plane. wild rainbow trout our angling group from Texas had Four casts later, I landed the cold-water fish of my lifetime, a 29 inch, 8- landed during another routine day of fly fishing in pound-plus Dolly Varden that tested the backbone of the five-weight the wilds of B.C. Temple Fork fly rod I had cast the streamer pattern with. Most times, such hookups came after watching But for most anglers, it isn’t the prospect of big fish that big bushy dry flies float placidly down the lures them back again and again to the unspoiled waters tumbling waters of the Sigutlet one minute, of British Columbia — it’s the solitude and stillness. only to witness those same flies violently dis- One of those is Chris White, of Longview, who also appear the next. happens to serve as chairman of southeastern Oklahoma’s Rob Woodruff, of Quitman, an Orvis- Lower Mountain Fork River Foundation. endorsed fly fishing guide who was hosting our “Without a doubt, one of the things I love about British Columbia is Canadian sojourn, wasn’t all that impressed. just the remoteness of the area, plus the wild trout you’re fishing for,” “I’ve had a 107-fish day on dry flies,” Woodruff said. “These White said. “You’re dropped off and you’re like ‘Wow, I’m five hours away (B.C.) fish are much less selective fish. There are a lot of hatches from any hospital, from city life or from any care back in civilization.’” going on, but you don’t have to be as dialed in.” It’s the feeling of wilderness and pristine fishing that keeps anglers coming Charlie Frazier, a Dallas-based appellate law specialist and a veteran back for more. fly-fisher, agreed. VANCOUVER Gateway to BC’s wild riches True it is that the pristine wilderness and fish- attractions include stops as Stanley Park and its rich waters of British Columbia may be the princi- famed aquarium, Grouse Mountain, Granville pal drawing card for most Texas anglers. Island Public Market, the Capilano Suspension Even so, those anglers would do well to slow Bridge and the Museum of Anthropology at the down and pause long enough to sample the sights, University of British Columbia to name a few. cuisine and rich culture of the province’s gateway And then there are the city’s rich dining experi- city of Vancouver. ences for fresh seafood — the shrimp, Dungeness Host of the 2010 Winter Olympic Games, crab, salmon and halibut are superb — and a vari- Vancouver is pristine in its own right for a modern ety of ethnic cuisines ranging from Chinese to North American municipality of some 600,000 Greek to Malaysian. people and a metropolitan region nearing 2 million Add in the city’s rich native people culture, its inhabitants. Pacific Rim ambience, and its breath-taking sky- “It is such a modern, clean-looking city with big lines, and Vancouver is definitely worth the time it glass skyscrapers and then there are 10,000-foot takes to stop and explore on any fishing sojourn mountains literally towering right over the top of into the Canadian wild. them,” said Rob Woodruff. “Nowhere else can you sea kayak, mountain In addition to skiing and winter sports at nearby climb, ride a bus or go skiing within 30 minutes,” OH, CANADA: With a wealth of skyscrapers, Vancouver is known to some as the "City of Glass." Whistler-Blackcomb Resort, other Vancouver Woodruff said.

BRITISH COLUMBIA: IF YOU GO Restaurant GUIDES/OUTFITTERS www.elkriver.ca/index.html •Moose Lake Lodge ADDITIONAL INFORMATION 3500 Cessna Drive •Rob Woodruff •Fernie Wilderness Adventures Box 3310 British Columbia Ministry of Richmond, B.C. Canada V7B 1C7 Woodruff Guide Service PO Box 645 Environment, Fish and Wildlife LODGING Anahim Lake, B.C. Canada V0L 1C0 (604) 276-1962 3371 N. FM 14 Fernie, B.C. Canada V0B 1M2 (250) 742-3535 Recreation and Allocation Branch: Delta Vancouver Airport Hotel www.elephantcastle.com/content/loca- Quitman, Texas 75783 (877) 423-6704 www.env.gov.bc.ca/fw/index.html www.mooselakelodge.com 3500 Cessna Drive tions/richmonddeltahotel (903) 967-2665 www.fernieadventures.com Fish BC: www.bcadventure.com/adven- •Ultimate West Fly Fishing Richmond, B.C. Canada V7B 1C7 •Prospect Point Café www.flyfishingfork.com •Minette Bay Lodge ture/angling/index.html (604) 278-1241 2099 Beach Avenue •Elk River Guiding Company LTD. 2255 Kitamaat Village Road 2356 Samuel Crescent Frontiers Travels: www.frontierstravel.com www.deltahotels.com Vancouver B.C. Canada V6G 1Z4 PO Box 568 Kitamat, B.C. Canada V8C 1T6 Cranbrook, B.C. Canada, V1C 6T1 Vancouver GuestLife Destination Guide: DINING (866) 857-6468 (toll free) Fernie, B.C. Canada V0B 1M0 (250) 632-2907 (800) 799-8338 http://www.guestlife.com/vancouver/shop/ •The Elephant & Castle Pub & www.prospectpoint.ca/index.html (877) 423-7239 www.minettebaylodge.com www.gotflyfishing.com mainshop.html STORIES AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY LYNN BURKHEAD $199 $119

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