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For Hunters . . . For Anglers . . . 16 Guns N’ Stuff Freshwater Saltwater —Harold Gunn 14 Bassology 10 Late Spring Coastal Fishing- The Practically Perfect Cartridge —Matt Williams Unraveling the mystery behind 22 Prescribed Fire & Supplemental Bills and Bass where to go and what to throw dur- Feeding- A variety of spring tech- 30 Getting a Grip- Big bass require ing the last full month of spring. niques can be performed to enhance special care to help ensure their —Danno Wise deer quality.—Bob Zaiglin survival. —Matt Williams 18 Just Fishing —Nate Skinner Right Set Up to Stay Hooked Up CoastWatch – Danno Wise 26 Upper Forecast 28 Louisiana Forecast 56 Lower Forecast 57 Middle Forecast 36 Baffled by Baffin Bay?- Recent poor public perception of this fabled bay’s trout output is dispelled when Lake Roundups — Pros Forecasts compared to the latest scientific data. —David Sikes 34 Just Shooting 40 East – Matt Williams —Kerry O’Day 42 North – Brian Hughes Barrel Break-In Does Work 54 Central – John Jefferson 60 Just Hunting 62 South - Danno Wise —Mike Holmes 64 West – TOJ Staff Euro Mounts for Euro Hogs? 64 High Plains – TOJ Staff 48 Just Fishing 70 Field Tips & Techniques— —Brian Hughes Bill L. Olson & Danno Wise New Water Provides New Opportu- Spring Squirrel Hunting Tips nities 46 Saltwater Journal —Mark Sosin 68 Tackle Tips & Techniques Fish Have Ears —Danno Wise Surface to Subsurface - Fishing 50 Texas Blue-Chip Wade Fishing- Through the Day Sabine Lake to Port Mansfield offers a variety of productive fishing areas —Robert Sloan For Everyone . . . On the Cover . . .
4 Editor’s Insight – Bill L. Olson “Sunset School” 6 TOJ Notebook – TOJ Staff 67, 69, 71 Guides, Gear & Getaways By artist Calvin Carter. For more 72 Outdoors Calendar information on “Sunset School” and other works of art by Calvin Carter 66 Tackle Tips & Techniques 74 Fishing & Hunting Times visit www.calvincarterart, or call (409) —Danno Wise 75 Subscription Information 201-6685. More Than One Way to Rig a Bait april 2015 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal 3 Editor’s Insight Bill L. Olson
THOSE WE FISH WITH The title of this month’s clip could just have easily been “Those We Hunt With.” However since May is such a prime month for fishing this afforded the opportunity “Texas’ Most Comprehensive Outdoors Publication” to share some experiences from a lifetime on the water. There have been times when I have spent time fishing alone. There were plenty Publisher/Editor of afternoons on Lake Waco catching bass while friends took advantage of other Bill L. Olson activities or studied. There have been forays on other lakes and coastal bays when Administrative Assistant I was my only companion. While that is not a bad thing, in almost every instance Adala Ruhge I experienced or observed something that made me long for someone to share the moment. Maybe it was simply a desire to have someone validate what had been seen. Contributing Outdoors Editors Harold Gunn There have been special destinations or times of success when the thought of, Brian Hughes “I know who would have loved this,” or “I need to come back and bring (fill in Mike Holmes the name). John Jefferson There are fishing buddies that have provided the companionship when fish hit Cody Koehler anything cast their way, provided the friendly banter to fill in the time when the Kerry O’Day Billy Olson bite was slow, or just to share insignificant moments that only those close can fill. David Sikes Plus new acquaintances become lifelong friends. From the ranks of the fishing Nate Skinner guide community angling tips have been learned and shared while close friendships Robert Sloan established. Mark Sosin Matt Williams While mentoring a spouse or children it is not about one’s own success, it is about Danno Wise seeing to their success. Insignificant events like catching, observing, or learning about bait can be a fun diversion. Then there are times when the action explodes Whitetail Deer Editor with everyone’s rod bowed that you leave your rod stowed and pick up a camera Bob Zaiglin or simply assist with the landing of one fish after another. Art/Production Editor Over time those you are responsible for introducing to the sport may become Sunni Gonzales as consumed with researching any information available. They read, question, Advertising Sales and experiment as their knowledge grows. In time they may become the skilled 713/957-3997, 713/957-3996 (fax) reliable companion or even teacher. Having raised a son on the water I can say when offshore he is my first choice to run the cockpit while I handle duties at the helm. Subscription Information Fishing buddies can also be worthy competitors or teammates. How many times Call 1-800-222-4TOJ (4865); In Houston, are numbers of fish, or length and weight of fish compared? The sole purpose is to 713/957-3997 to charge your subscription by see who has “bragging rights” for the moment or for that particular trip. phone. Subscription prices: one year $18.95, two years $29.95, three years $39.95. Mail Anyone that thinks lady anglers are less competitive should hang around some inquiries/changes of address to: of the growing number of female only fishing tournaments. Regardless of skill level it is not long before competitive juices start to flow and individual or team TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal 1706 West Sam Houston Parkway North honors become a potential goal. Even when goals are not achieved the laughter Houston, Texas 77043 and banter about events on the water are well worth the adventure. With lower fuel prices many may spend time “running and gunning.” This type TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal (ISSN 1082-5940) is a pub- lication of Texas Outdoors Journal, Inc. Editorial and of time shared can be memorable on slow days, or test a pattern to stay on or find advertising offices are located at 1706 West Sam Houston fish. It is on-the-water recon that may payoff sometime in the future. Parkway North, Houston TX 77043. Phone (713) 957-3997. Fax (713) 957-3996. The bottom line is May is one of the best months to fish and share that experience. E-MAIL ADDRESS: [email protected] In life there are plenty of things we keep personal and unshared as it relates to work, TOJ Online: www.texasoutdoorsjournal.com TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal is published monthly. Photo- problems and frustrations. However, being on the water with special people help graphs and manuscripts for publication consideration are put aside those issues for another today. On this day it is about time shared with welcomed, but the publisher assumes no responsibility for such material while in transit or in the office of the those we fish. publication. Until next month: Pursue all of your outdoor activities in a safe and ethical Copyright 2015 with all rights reserved. Reproduction or manner. use of editorial or graphic content in any manner without permission is prohibited. Views expressed by TEXAS OUT- DOORS Journal contributors do not necessarily express CAUTION: All technical data in this publication, especially for handloading, reflect the limited experience of individuals using specific the views of Texas Outdoors Journal, Inc. Publication of tools, products, equipment and components under specific conditions and circumstances not necessarily reported in the article and advertising in TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal does not con- over which Texas Outdoors Journal has no control. The data have not otherwise been tested or verified by Texas Outdoors Journal. Texas stitute endorsement of products or services advertised. Outdoors Journal, its agents, officers and employees accept no responsibility for the results obtained by persons using such data and disclaim all liability for any consequential injuries or damages. Volume 24, Number 5
4 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal may 2015 B:9.5” T:7.875” S:7” B:11.5” T:10.5” S:9.5”
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F150 Towing pg. Revise 2 File: FTRK01944_FMFS8664000A_CPg_R02.indd Date: 3-12-2015 6:10 PM Rev: 2 Galley: 1 Towing Pg. Revise 2 Inks: Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black Client: Ford Division Engraver: Park PrePress Fonts: Franklin Gothic Std (Condensed), ITC Franklin Links: Park_QC Steps.eps (100%), Bullet.eps (100%), 15F150_Lariat_Boat_ Ad #: FMFS8664000A Doc Scale: 100% Gothic Std (Medium, Book, Demi Condensed, Book Launch_0312_PPK.psd (CMYK; 300 ppi; 100%), FTRK_15BFT2in_4CHt_NS_ Agency #: FDTBS 1104712 Output Size: 100% Compressed, Demi) R02_PPK.psd (CMYK; 300 ppi; 100%) Park #: FTRK-01944 Media/Type: Magazine Live: 7” x 9.5” Trim: 7.875” x 10.5” Bleed: 9.5” x 11.5” Note: This document utilizes the Pantone + color library
Park ADD: S. Duerr Creative Director: B. Hambly Direct Mail Ops: Legal: Park Designer: B. Rochon Art Director: S. Duerr Art Producer: A. Ayrault Product Info: Park PM: S. Watz Writer: B. Henson Account Super: E. Martin Copy Editor: Park Prod Artist: cruz, armando Print Producer: C. Sosin Account Exec: Traffic: Z. Martin TOJ Notebook
TPW Commission Adopts Changes in Fishing Regulations
Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission vesting hours will be extended from the The new regulations, which take effect approved at its March 26 public hearing current closure time of 2p.m. until 30 for the 2016 season, will continue to adjustments to bass length limits on sev- minutes after sunset, and the daily bag allow for a 30-day spring only, one eral lakes, a change in alligator gar bag limit for bay shrimping will increase from gobbler season and eliminate mandatory limit on Falcon Lake and clarifications to 600 pounds to 800 pounds. harvest reporting. In an effort to expand commercial crab and finfish rules. hunting opportunity for youth and reduce The adopted changes to the 2015-16 TPW Commission Adopts Turkey regulatory complexity, the Commission Statewide Recreational and Commercial Hunting Regulation Changes also adopted a 14-day extension of the Fishing regulations, which take effect Sept. On March 26 Texas Parks and Wildlife late youth-only season in counties having 1, include: Commission, at its public hearing, an open Rio Grande fall turkey season, to Braunig and Calaveras Reservoirs — approved closing spring eastern turkey run concurrent with the late youth-only The largemouth bass length limit will hunting in 11 East Texas counties effective season for white-tailed deer. revert back to the statewide 14-inch mini- next year, while restructuring the season mum limit. Daily bag limit would remain in two other counties. Mule Deer Relocated in West at five fish. Hunting season for eastern turkey will Texas to Help Boost Population O. H. Ivie Reservoir — The length limit be closed in 2016 in Angelina, Brazoria, In an effort to boost a struggling mule for smallmouth bass will revert back to the Camp, Fort Bend, Franklin, Harrison, deer population in and around the Black statewide 14-inch minimum limit and five Hopkins, Morris, Titus, Trinity, and Wood Gap Wildlife Management Area, 40 mule fish daily bag. counties and on National Forest lands deer does were relocated from Elephant Lake Nasworthy —The length limit in Jasper County. While closed, Texas Mountain Wildlife Management Area in for largemouth bass will change to a 14- Parks and Wildlife Department wildlife early February. The mule deer population to 18-inch slot limit (no harvest between biologists will evaluate the prospects within Black Gap WMA and surrounding 14 and 18 inches). Daily bag limit would for future eastern turkey restoration area has struggled to rebound from the remain at five fish. compatibility and restocking efforts. The drought of the late 1990’s. Falcon Lake — The current daily bag department’s goal is to reopen hunting “This relocation is the first in a multi- limit of one alligator gar will change to five should the eastern turkey populations in year project aimed at restoring mule deer fish per day. The increased bag limit will the affected counties become capable of at Black Gap WMA and the El Carmen be in effect in the all impounded waters of sustaining harvest. Land and Conservation Co. property,” says the Rio Grande from the Falcon Dam up- TPWD is also restructuring the Mitch Lockwood, director of the Texas stream to the Zapata/Webb County line. existing spring turkey hunting season Parks and Wildlife Department’s big game Spring Shrimp Rules — Legal har- in Wharton and Matagorda counties. program. “Despite the excellent mule
Cover Art
May is a special month along Texas’s Gulf coast. Waters have warmed so coastal anglers start wading “wet” as they pursue voraciously feeding speckled trout. As the light fads on the distant horizon quality trout are hooked while birds feed over bait pushed to the surface by other fish. It’s been a great day and time to catch some fish. Popular Texas artist Calvin Carter’s gouache painting entitled “Sunset School“ has captured so many elements of fishing Texas inshore waters in late spring. As the day wanes there is crispness to the air that allows for a colorful backdrop to the end of what has be an awesome day. For more information on “Sunset School” and other works of art by Calvin Carter visit www.calvincarterart, or call (409) 201-6685. “Sunset School”
6 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal may 2015 deer habitat at the El Carmen Land and investigation by state game wardens into County Sheriff’s Office, Whitehouse Conservation Co. property and Black Gap a series of illegal hunting incidents. Police Department and Texas Department WMA, mule deer numbers have remained Logan B. Smith, 21, and Aaron T. of Public Safety for assistance with this very low over the past 35 years. These Mclarey, 21, both of Whitehouse, TX, case. partners aim to help boost populations were arrested by game wardens on Please report any illegal hunting while researching why the region has seen charges ranging in severity from Class C activity to your local Game Warden or limited growth in the population.” misdemeanor to state jail felony. Among call the Operation Game Thief hotline After surveying the herd numbers of the charges include: hunting white-tailed 1-800-792-GAME (4263). locations near Black Gap WMA, Elephant deer at night and hunting white-tailed Mountain WMA was chosen to be where deer with a light. A rifle alleged to have One New Positive Found in 2014– the first deer would be captured. been used in the crimes has been seized 2015 Trans Pecos CWD Surveillance “The population on Elephant pending the outcome of the cases. Chronic wasting disease (CWD) Mountain is doing quite well,” says Mark The investigation included several was detected in only one of 222 tissue Garrett, Trans-Pecos WMA Project Leader hours of surveillance, multiple interviews, samples that were collected from hunter with TPWD. “The surplus deer that were and search warrants. Wardens believe harvested deer and elk from the Trans removed will benefit habitat conditions these two individuals were responsible for Pecos ecoregion during the 2014–15 for the vast array of other wildlife species illegally hunting three deer from a Smith season as part of a CWD surveillance living at this location.” County road at night during deer season effort. This sample was collected from a TPWD, along with the ECLCC — on more than one occasion. The pair is mule deer buck harvested in the Hueco CEMEX-USA and Cuenca Los Ojos, also suspected of illegally killing a hog Mountain area of far West Texas. Borderlands Research Institute at Sul on a Lake Tyler property and dumping “Without the hunter check stations Ross State University, U.S. Department the carcass into the lake, in addition to and the strong cooperation of hunters of Agriculture-Wildlife Services, Mule killing a goose by intentionally running and landowners, we would know very Deer Foundation, and Houston Safari it over with a boat. little about the prevalence of the disease or Club have partnered together to help Smith has been released on bond and where it exists,” said Mitch Lockwood, Big mule deer populations grow at Black Gap Mclarey remains in the Smith County jail Game Program Director with the Texas WMA/ECLCC. on an unrelated charge. Parks and Wildlife Department. “We are truly grateful for the generous A special thank you to the Smith Also included in the sampling effort contributions and tireless efforts of these dedicated partners,” says Lockwood. “They are no strangers to wildlife restoration in Texas, and we appreciate their steadfast support.” The ECLCC property joins TPWD’s Black Gap WMA to comprise 135,000 contiguous acres dedicated to wildlife and habitat conservation. This diverse site of Chihuahuan desert scrub and desert grasslands climbs from the Rio Grande River to the Sierra del Carmen Mountain Range. TPWD and their partners plan to translocate an additional 100 mule deer to the Black Gap WMA/ECLCC area in 2016, and will continue to monitor their movements, habitat utilization, survival, and causes of mortality through 2017. To view video from this relocation, visit https://youtu.be/XywYkHNQ4Kc. For information about the Texas Conservation Action Plan, visit tpwd. texas.gov/landwater/land/tcap.
Smith County Duo Facing More Than 30 Charges for Illegal Hunting Activity Two Smith County men have been arrested and face more than 30 charges after a random tip sparked a two-month may 2015 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal 7 last season, 143 deer and elk brought encephalopathies (TSEs). Other diseases 2014-15 findings can be found online at to check stations were tested for bovine in this group include scrapie in sheep, https://tpwd.texas.gov/wildlife/diseases/ tuberculosis as part of a cooperative effort bovine spongiform encephalopathy chronic-wasting-disease/test-results between TPWD and Texas Animal Health (BSE or mad cow disease) in cattle, and Commission to monitor for bovine Cruetzfeldt-Jakob disease in humans. tuberculosis. No positives were found. CWD among cervids is a progressive, Toyota Texas Bass Classic Preview To date, 839 deer and elk have been fatal disease that commonly results in tested through the CWD check stations altered behavior as a result of microscopic Memorial Day weekend event to mix and strategic sampling that occurred changes made to the brain of affected music, outdoor activities and big bass during the summer of 2012; 282 were animals. The Toyota Texas Bass Classic will in the Containment Zone, 205 were in An animal may carry the disease for return to Lake Fork on Memorial Day the adjacent High Risk Zone, 117 were years without outward indication, but weekend, May 23 – 25, 2015. The top 35 in the Buffer Zone, and 235 were outside in the latter stages, signs may include professional bass anglers will compete for of the CWD zones. The disease has been listlessness, lowering of the head, weight the world championship in a tournament detected in only 7 animals, all within the loss, repetitive walking in set patterns, benefitting Texas Parks and Wildlife Hueco Mountain area, indicating a disease and a lack of responsiveness. CWD is not Department fishing programs. So far the prevalence of 10–15 percent within that known to affect humans or livestock. TTBC has raised more than $2 million for population. There is no vaccine or cure for CWD, such programs as Neighborhood Fishin’ “Additional sampling is necessary but steps have been taken to minimize and the Texas State-Fish Art Contest. to develop more confidence in the the risk of the disease spreading from While the pros are battling it out on geographic extent and prevalence of the beyond the area where it currently exists. the water, attendees can enjoy a variety disease, but the fact that CWD has not The Texas Parks and Wildlife and Texas of games and activities at the TPWD been detected in Texas outside of the Animal Health commissions adopted Outdoor Adventures Area, dine on food Hueco Mountain area of northern El Paso rules to restrict movement of deer, elk, from a number of vendors, and shop for and Hudspeth counties is encouraging,” and other susceptible species within or fishing gear and accessories. said Lockwood. from the CWD Zones as well increase A feature attraction of TTBC is a star- CWD is a member of the group of surveillance efforts. studded lineup of daytime and evening diseases called transmissible spongiform More details about CWD and the concerts. Concerts will be headlined by Billy Currington on Saturday, May 23; Lee Brice on Sunday, May 24; and Rodney Atkins and Joe Nichols on Monday, May 25. “It is an exciting musical lineup this year,” said Lenny Francoeur, tournament director. “Combining country music’s biggest stars, the best bass anglers in the world, a large outdoor expo and fan-friendly activities, the ninth year of TTBC promises to be one of the most exciting yet.” Tickets are now on sale and are available online at ToyotaTexasBassClassic.com or at your local Toyota dealership, Academy Sports + Outdoors, Brookshire’s Grocery Stores and Kim’s Convenience Stores throughout East Texas. TTBC sponsors include Toyota, Bass Pro Shops, NITRO Boats, Wood County Industrial Commission, Leer Truck Caps, GoPro, Holt CAT, Republic Services, Tellespen, Geico, Lamar Advertising, The Links at Land’s End, Brookshires, Kim’s, TLC Radio, KYKX 105.7, KMMO 99.9, 104.1 The Ranch, the Coca-Cola Company and the Sabine River Authority. For additional information or to volunteer at the tournament, visit ToyotaTexasBassClassic.com or call (866) 907-0143.
8 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal may 2015 CONSERVATION EDUCATION PROTECTING HUNTER’S RIGHTS
It’s who we are. It’s what we do.
JOIN Greatest Hunters Convention on the Planet™ January 7-10, 2016 For more information, go to www.bigggame.org LATE SPRING COASTAL FISHING
Unraveling the mystery behind where to go and what to throw during the last full month of spring. Story and photography by Danno Wise
irst things first — May is a spring cool enough for fish to stay up shallow hours of summer. That is because, again, month. Temperatures in the throughout most of the day. And, as the spring weather changes from day-to-day Lone Star State will undoubtedly water warms, fish will be found over while summer and fall weather tends to haveF a summer feel by the end of the fifth sand rather than muddy bottom areas of be more stable. month of the year, but spring won’t end the bay. The ever-changing weather, of course, until mid-June. This makes wade fishing an outstand- affects the water conditions. While one So, fishermen should still approach ing option during late spring, as the hard day may find the water over the shallow May as part of the spring season, which bottom, shallow water areas that make flats clear and calm, the next day may see it almost always means “transition” in the for easy wading are also holding plenty of roiled and muddy. The fish won’t leave just angling realm. Over the next few weeks, fish this time of year. As an added bonus, because the water turns dirty, but anglers speckled trout and redfish will be mak- fishing shallow water makes for a great will need to adjust their lure choices and ing their final “spring transition,” as by way to avoid the spring winds, which will presentations. month’s end, they will have established still be blowing a substantial portion of the Regardless of water conditions, when a pattern of behavior they will follow time during May. fishing during May, anglers will generally through summer and into early fall. However, knowing what to throw in do better using small baits, as most of the During the final full month of spring, shallow water during spring is a little prey items are still in their juvenile stage although the temperatures will be ris- trickier than when fish are found on the following the spring hatch. Of course, ing, the water will still be pleasantly flats during fall or in the early morning clear water is certainly a bonus when using 10 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal may 2015 “junior”-sized baits, but it’s not a necessity. and techniques. Blind casting over shal- Texas coast anglers are fishing, they can If, however, the water is clear and the wind low flats can produce plenty of fish. Often expect to find flounder, speckled trout, is at least reasonably calm, anglers can times anglers will resort to live bait when redfish, snook, black drum, sheepshead, experience some excellent sight-casting the water becomes stained or dirty. mangrove snapper, tarpon and more. And, opportunities during May. But, while natural baits can result in again, because the water temperature is SEE YOUR TARGET good catches under these conditions, generally “comfortable” for the fish, they Clear, calm conditions and plenty of so can artificial lures. Anglers simply are feeding more actively. This allows active fish on the flats equates to excellent need to use lures that emit sound and/ fishermen to use more “power” fishing sight-casting. Whether wading, drifting or or vibration. Noisy topwater plugs and techniques, which allows them to fish poling, if they are fishing over shallow flats paddle-tail soft-plastics are generally the faster and cover water at an increased clip. inshore anglers can expect plenty of sight- best options. Whether throwing natural With that in mind, spoons can be used casting opportunities for both speckled or artificial baits, when the water is wind- to cover water quickly and will draw fish trout and redfish over the next month. blown or otherwise dirty, pinning baits from a great distance, especially with Both conventional tackle anglers and fly under a popping cork can help attract decent visibility and sunlight. When the fishermen can get in on the sight-casting more attention. water is too stained for using spoons, action during May. MAY MEANS POWER paddle-tail plastics, either fished straight- As is always the case when sight-cast- Another bonus for coastal fishermen lined or under a popping cork, will pro- ing, using smaller, soft landing lures and in May is that late spring’s mild to mod- duce good results. flies is the best bet. But, since fish are quite erate water temperatures usually results FULL BUFFET a bit more active during May — meaning in more active fish. This means a greater Something else to keep in mind during they will swim a greater distance to attack variety of species will be in play and all of May is that late spring generally means a bait — anglers often don’t need to “put those species will be much more actively a varied diet for speckled trout, redfish, it right on their nose” to get a strike. In feeding than they were in winter or early flounder and other predator fish. During fact, when fish are active, it is often better spring. Depending on which area of the this time, fish will be feeding not just on to cast beyond the sighted fish and reel back in front of them to prevent them from spooking. Spoons are outstanding for this type of duty, while anglers using the traditional sight-casting approach of placing a lure close to a feeding fish will do well with DOA Shrimp or 3 1/2 inch soft-plastics on 1/16 ounce jig heads. One method anglers use to “psuedo sight-cast” when fish aren’t regularly being sighted, is to cast into sand pockets or “potholes” over grass flats. Often times, fish will lurk in the grass ringing these bare spots and ambush prey swimming through the pothole. Anglers can take advantage of this behavior by placing lures and baits in the potholes and tempting fish to strike. FISHING BLIND When the wind or tides kick up or when the noto- riously copious amount of water moved by spring tides serve to dirty the water on shallow flats, anglers can still experience good fishing by adjusting their lure choices Artificial shrimp lures fished on a light jighead or under a popping cork is a good option in late spring. may 2015 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal 11 the masses of shrimp moving out of the bay, but also on finger mullet, pinfish, shad, marine worms, sand eels, crabs and glass minnows. The key to finding success on many days is figuring out the preferred meal of the day. Although it may seem as if fish are enjoying a never-ending smorgasbord during late spring and gorging on any- thing that swims, the target prey is actually usually very specific at any given time. For instance, when glass minnows are freshly hatched and covering the bay surface, it is often hard to get fish to strike a shrimp or mullet imitating lure. They tend to key in When sight-casting, using smaller, soft landing lures is best as most of the prey items are still in on whatever is the dominate bait source at their juvenile stage following the spring hatch. that moment. During late spring, that can vary widely and change often. Fishermen fishermen, but in spring this impact is the water out of the bay. Those flats that should make observations of active bait usually most extreme. The majority of held schools of fish on high tide are often from day to day and even from area to inshore anglers associate spring with dry or too shallow to fish on low tide. area within the same bay. extremely high tides. While it is true the But, although an extremely low tide may SPRING TIDES AFFECT FISHING spring months see unusually high tides, eliminate some shallow water areas, it also Tides are always a factor for coastal the spring season also sees some extreme serves to concentrate fish in channels, low tides. holes and around mid-bay structures. As a rule, spring tides Additionally, some mid-bay structure is have higher highs and easier and more productive to fish on a lower lows. With such wa- low tide. ter level extremes, anglers The other factor, which is often over- must remain flexible in looked, dealing with spring tides is the order to find fish. velocity of current during periods of tidal When a huge flood movement. It only stands to reason that tide rolls into the bay, when more water is moving in and out of areas that had been too the bay, the current will be stronger and, shallow or in some cases, often, longer. Stronger current doesn’t high and dry during low always mean better fishing. In fact, some tide, will be in play. areas close to major passes may become Fish will take advan- unfishable during periods of peak tide tage of this new real estate movement as the current may be rushing and spread out over the through too fast. Those areas are better newly flooded bars and fish as the tide first begins moving or flats. Often times, these as it slows right after peak movement. fresh patches of water Conversely, some of the back bay areas also benefit anglers in that that rarely see a noticeable tidal flow will they are in areas that are often benefit from a strong, sustained flow somewhat protected by during spring. the wind, giving fisher- Spring tides have other impacts on men more options when the bay as well. Large amounts of water the wind is really howling. moving in and out of bay often cause the Conversely, some of the water to be murky, especially in areas mid-depth and deeper with heavy current flow. Coupled with areas of the bay will be- the previously mentioned effects of the come too deep - and at high wind on water clarity, anglers can times too rough - to fish certainly expect at least portions of the bay on high tide. to be “off-color” more often than not. But, Low tide fishing dur- again, as noted above, anglers need not ing spring can be rem- fret fishing in murky water. Instead, they iniscent of fishing low just need to be prepared for it and make On the lower Texas coast snook can be caught right alongside tides during winter, after a good choices in regards to lure selection speckled trout and redfish. north wind has blown all and retrieve. 12 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal may 2015
BASSOLOGY | Matt Williams
Bills and Bass
It is rarely perceived as good business currently governed by the Texas statewide best bass pros were able to wrangle when state politicians start nosing around limit of five fish, 14 inches. only 35 limits during the first two days in Texas Parks and Wildlife Department If passed, the bill would exempt of competition. Jasper’s Todd Faircloth affairs. Especially when it results in participants in high school or college ultimately won the four-day tournament attempts to bend state regulatory laws fishing derbies held on those waters from with a total of 49 pounds, six ounces on in order to benefit a few rather than the abiding by the statewide limit. Instead, 19 fish. Gothia says he and dozens of majority. anglers would be allowed to bring five fish locals regularly compete in Tuesday night TPWD has a trained staff of biologists as short as 12 inches to the scales. The fish tournaments on the river, during which who get paid to make decisions on would be released after being weighed. competitors are allowed to weigh no more fisheries and wildlife regulations. These The way the bill is written, the than three fish. He pointed out that many experts spend gobs of time conducting exemption would take effect immediately of those events are won with two fish. research and collecting significant if it receives a vote of two-thirds of all the “The water here is brackish and amounts of data that is used for making members elected to each house. If the the river system just doesn’t grow the sound management calls regarding game bill does not receive the vote necessary numbers of bigger fish like a lot of the and fish laws. for immediate effect, it would take effect other waters in Texas do,” Gothia said. “I Implementing changes in these on Sept. 1, 2015. On March 12, the bill know that because I live here and fish here laws typically means going through a was referred to the House Committee all the time. TPWD fisheries biologists lengthy regulatory process. If a change on Culture , Recreation and Tourism for have told me the same thing. These fish is warranted, scientists pitch the idea to review. grow slow and they just don’t get very big.” the department’s regulations committee Shopping for Favors Gothia says he has consulted with and discuss it with law enforcement. If When a politician takes the lead in numerous tournament organizations given the green light, the idea becomes making changes to TPWD game and about bringing events to the Sabine but a formal proposal that is opened for fish laws it is often times the result of an hasn’t had much success in finding takers. discussion at scheduled public hearings. outside source with friends in high places “They don’t feel like they can catch The TPW Commission then takes all the going shopping for a favor. enough keeper fish under the 14-inch information into consideration before In this particular case the shopper is a limit, so they don’t feel comfortable about making the final decision on a proposed group of citizens from around the Orange bringing a tournament here,” he said. change at its annual regulatory hearing, area who believe a more lenient limit “The first things they ask are what the size usually during the spring. on largemouths would bring more bass limit is and what the catch rate is. When State Rep. Dade Phelan, R-Beaumont, tournaments to town, thus providing a you tell them it’s about about 40 percent, of Jefferson County, apparently thinks boost to the local economy through angler they’re out.” there is room for TPWD to do some and spectator dollars spent on gas, food, An Economic Cash Cow? tweaking to bass limits on select waters lodging, etc…… Gothia said he thinks lowering the in deep southeast Texas. And he is looking The group is headed up by John length limit to 12 inches would enable to bypass TPWD’s regulatory process and Gothia of Bridge City. Gothia, who says the lower Sabine River area to be more get the change done pronto. he was heavily involved with negotiations competitive as a tournament destination In February, Phelan filed a bill (HB to bring the Bassmaster Elite Series events and help the area reap some of the 1979) in the 84th Texas Legislative session to Orange in 2013 and 2015, believes financial rewards enjoyed by other venues. calling for TPWD to issue a bag limit reducing the length limit on bass from 14 How much revenue does tournament exemption on largemouth bass on the inches to 12 inches would make the rivers fishing generate? That typically depends southern stretches of the Sabine or Neches and bayous in the area more attractive to on the caliber and number of anglers rivers, in the Gulf Intercoastal Waterway, fishing organizations because it would involved. Gothia said the 2013 Elite or in the Gulf of Mexico as those bodies of make it easier for anglers catch a legal limit Series Sabine River Challenge pumped water lie within or adjacent to a six county they could bring to weigh-in. an estimated $2.6 million into the local area including Chambers, Jefferson, Gothia says he his pushing for the economy and drew as many as 35,000 Galveston, Hardin, Newton and Orange exemption because the waters in question spectators over the course of the event. counties. have a long history of producing tough It would be reaching to think that a Interestingly, the bill applies only to fishing. So tough, he says, that many school boy or collegiate event with a few anglers who are participating in high anglers who fish there routinely struggle hundred fishermen might leave behind school and college fishing tournaments to catch legal limits under the 5-14 rule. that much dough or attract an Elite size held on the aforementioned waters. Those To wit: crowd interested in seeing a bunch of pint- waters, some of which are managed under During the 2013 Elite Series Sabine size bass. But when considering how the reciprocal agreements with Louisiana, are River Challenge, 100 of the country’s sport has exploded at those levels in recent
14 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal may 2015 times, Gothia thinks the gains would be “Our role is to provide information limit for largemouth bass on Lake Fork significant just the same. to policy makers,” Bonds said. “Primarily Reservoir in Texas resulted in substantial “Tournament fishing is big business that means providing info within our area conflicts among angling groups in the local and we’re just trying to do what we can to of expertise, based on the best available area, and the effort to create a permanent get a piece of the pie,” he said. “I ran this science.” exemption was abandoned,” Bonds said. past our state representative (Phelan) and TPWD has experimented with issuing “Following that experiment, TPWD he thought it was a good idea. That’s how tournament exemptions at Lake Fork in worked with the Professional Anglers this bill came about.” the past. When asked if any issues were Association and other partners to develop Zach Johnston, the legislative director encountered during that process, Bonds the catch-weigh-and-immediate-release for Phelan’s office, agreed that the main indicated that things didn’t run very procedures used in the Toyota Texas purposes of the bill are to make the smoothly. However, the experience did Bass Classic tournament. By adopting river system more attractive to bass lead to the creation of some innovative technology and procedures to weigh fish tournaments and to bolster the local methods for conducting tournaments onboard the boat, this method negated the economy. Johnson says the legislator’s on that lake without tampering with the need for a size limit exemption in this case office was originally approached with the regulations. and alleviated any concerns over mortality exemption idea by members of the local “A previous experiment to test the and displacement of fish transported to chamber of commerce. impact of an exemption to a slot length weigh-in activities.” “To get some of these lower end tournaments to come - for people to want to come - they want to be able to catch a bag limit,” Johnson said. “Being a brackish water system, we don’t have the bass that Lake Fork or Sam Rayburn have. It’s definitely not an area where there are a lot of big bass.” Problems on the Horizon What nobody chose to address with this deal are the potential sociological, biological and law enforcement problems that might surface if such an exemption were put in place. Socially, it would be a terrible idea, mainly because it would create two different regulations for two different angler groups on the same body of water. Not only could that stir some animosity among anglers, it also could create some challenging law enforcement issues for game wardens. Biologically, a tournament exemption probably wouldn’t be detrimental to the overall health of the fishery, but it certainly wouldn’t help it, either. Previous research studies have shown there is a percentage of mortality that occurs in tournament-caught bass that are retained in livewells and hauled to weigh-ins. As a result, a size exemption could result in the mortality of some smaller fish that would otherwise be protected by the more restrictive statewide limit. Still another problem that could arise if the bill were to pass is it would set a very bad precedent that could spur other special interest groups to seek out similar actions on other lakes by buzzing their local politician. TPWD inland fisheries director Craig Bonds says the department typically steers clear of weighing in for or against legislative proposals. may 2015 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal 15 GUNS ‘N STUFF | Harold Gunn
The Practically Perfect Cartridge
Winchester Repeating Arms Company. The modern built Model 1885 is true to the original with minor differences mainly due to improvements in metallurgy and manufacturing to tighter tolerances. The built for stout falling-block action mated to a precision tapered octagon barrel The beautiful Winchester 1885 Single Shot. make this rifle super accurate and drop dead gorgeous. The perfect all around cartridge is the first gun my Dad gave me nearly 60 years The exposed hammer is the traditional .22 Long Rifle…period. Since its intro- ago. It is a Winchester Model 67 Boys Rifle three-position design of dropped, half duction in 1887 by the J. Stevens Arms built from 1934 to 1963. A classic bolt cock and full cock. This is outstanding & Tool Co. nothing has come close to action single shot with which I learned for training and shooting. The trigger is the versatility of this little gem. Training, to shoot and hunt. Lord what memories crisp, clean and adjustable. If you must, practice, plinking, target shooting, small it stirs in my old brain. There is no more the barrel is drilled and tapped for scope game hunting, it does it all. Though not perfect training tool for the young shooter mounting, but I’m tickled I can still use the recommended round, in the hands of than a single shot .22. open sights. Shoot one of these and you a trained shooter the .22LR can be used Why not “go back to the future” with feel the history. The 1885 Single Shot and for self defense and the hunting of larger a modern version of one of the all time other designs are found at www.winchest- game where legal. I have dropped a 250 greats. In 1885 competitive shooting was erguns.com. lb. feral hog like a rock with one .22LR a major sport the world over and that was Fans of repeaters should take a look at hollow point through the ear. Economical the year John Moses Browning created Browning’s upgrade of their T-Bolt action and readily available, it is the world’s most his first and to many finest firearms, the rifle. The straight “T” bolt design lets you popular cartridge with over five billion 1885 Single Shot. Also, this was the gun load and eject with a simple pull back and rounds produced each year. that started Browning’s relationship with push forward. This system is faster than Another thing in our favor is the unlimited and ever increasing choices of firearms chambered for this little gem. Great satisfaction is to be had by using an old favorite. Every once in a while I plink or hunt with the The Browning T-Bolt Micro Midas.
16 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal may 2015 Ruger 10/22 Briley Mfg. custom. a standard bolt action while retaining a 10/22 customized by Briley Manufactur- birchwoodcasey.com. the accuracy of the bolt action design. ing in Houston that has such features as a To me the most practical use of this Their new Double Helix 10-round rotary free floating Lothar Walther match cham- perfect cartridge is in the pursuit of our box magazine is easy to load, operates bered, target crowned, hammer forged state’s abundant squirrel population. Some smoothly, and extras are easy to carry. The stainless steel fluted barrel; Kidd trigger northern states advocate the use of shot- three-lever trigger design is slick. The new and extended magazine release with all guns when squirrel hunting, but that is for Browning T-Bolt Micro Midas puts all of nestled in a laminated target stock. This amateurs, when a real sportsman will go the above in a fast handling package with gun is an honest 150 yard tack driver and for a head shot with a .22LR to preserve a free floating 16 ¼ inch sporter barrel all responsible for the demise of thousands the tasty torso for chicken frying (see set in a walnut stock. www.browning.com. of Wyoming ground squirrels and prairie sidebar). While some may think squirrel One of the most popular .22 rifles on dogs. To shoot it is to love it. Begin your hunting is an excellent way to learn how the planet is the Ruger 10/22. Not only search with www.ruger.com, move over to hunt, I feel it affords a lifetime hunting available from Sturm, Ruger & Co. in to www.briley.com and then surf Google experience. configurations like carbine, target, tacti- for more options. cal, sporter and takedown with stocks of Practice and plinking have a great wood, composite or laminate and finishes deal to do with space. Most of us can’t Chicken Fried - Squirrel of blue or stainless the design has created blaze away in our back yard and indoor an entire industry of aftermarket bolt-on, ranges demand paper targets. The real Chicken fried squirrel does not have screw-on, drop-in accessories. This is like joy of .22 shooting is in the open where to be complicated. the AR world with cheaper bullets. I have you can safely bounce cans as far as your • Soak the skinned, gutted, be- eye can see or ding steel targets. Here we headed squirrel(s) in a bowl of insert the usual reminder to be sure to milk whipped with two eggs for wear proper hearing and eye protection. 30 minutes. Fun dinger targets are available from • Put a skillet with enough olive the likes of Birchwood Casey who have oil to cover at least half the introduced two new targets into their squirrel on a max high burner. World of Targets line. The Little Rattler • Heat the skillet till the oil pops and Sidewinder Spinner are both de- when you fling a drop of milk signed to provide training while offering in it. the satisfaction of movement and noise • Fill a baggie with enough flour when hit. The Little Rattler has a heavy to coat the squirrel. duty frame that suspends a gong between • Pull the squirrel out of the milk two swivels. Shooting the target makes it mixture and shake off excess spin and rattle to provide instant gratifi- milk. cation to keep the shooter interested. The • Put in baggie and shake till Sidewinder Spinner features a swiveling coated then fling in the skillet. double paddle target mounted on a tough, • When brown on one side flip heavy duty stake. The target spins when over and repeat. shot and the self-correcting paddles al- • Let guests spice to taste. ways return to face the shooter, so there’s Mashed potatoes and cream gravy no need to go down range to reset. These are a must. You’re on your own here. target and others are available at www. Birchwood Casey’s Sidewinder Spinner. may 2015 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal 17 Just FISHING | Nate Skinner
Right Set Up to Stay Hooked Up
length giving more direct action to a presentation, while a slower action adds more fluid movement to a presentation as it has more play and bend down its length. A topwater rod will have the heaviest action of the three rods, and also the shortest length. Something in the medium to medium-heavy range from six feet to six and half feet in length with a fast action tip will work best. American Rodsmiths’ Predator PR-C-66M-MF is an excellent choice for casting topwater plugs. The medium power of this rod will help to support the weight of the large plug it is casting — too light of a rod would bend under the weight of the lure. The fast tip allows anglers to stay in direct contact with the lure at all times, enabling them to give the bait the “walk- the-dog” action it needs through short, quick twitches from the rod tip on a slack Choosing the right rod and reel depends more on situation and application than “off-the- line. A rod with a slower action would water” looks and feel. flex too much due to the size of the plug, requiring the angler to put forth more effort by twitching the rod harder with The saying, “Ten percent of fishermen more on situation and application than more force, to give the lure the same catch ninety percent of the fish,” is one “off-the-water” looks and feel. With a action. that carries some weight. Exceptional variety of options on the market today Topwaters are typically retrieved while anglers along the Texas Coast don’t just there’s plenty of rods and reels to choose standing in a boat either from the bow, wake up one day knowing when, where, from. When paired correctly with the deck, or casting platform, and the shorter and how to catch fish — the skills they right presentation, these tools will help length topwater rod makes presenting this possess run much deeper than having a anglers catch more fish. lure much easier. little bit of luck. These best of the best The Rods As the bait gets closer to the boat fishermen (and women) also have an Inshore anglers fishing from the boat during the retrieve anglers will drop the uncanny ability to make whatever kind of should make at least three rods a staple in rod tip, pointing the rod down towards the bait that is tied to the end of their line look their arsenal at all times. These include water’s surface to prevent from jerking the and move naturally in the water, enticing a rod for throwing large topwater plugs, plug out of the water. A longer rod may even lethargic fish to strike. Two tools one for casting tails and soft plastic jigs, mean the rod tip is touching or entering make this connection between angler and and a rod for Rat-L-Traps, crankbaits, the water when the angler has it pointed fish, and when held by experienced hands, and suspending and twitch-bait plug downwards, making it more difficult to seem to become just an extension of the presentations. work the bait. A shorter rod eliminates arm, wrist, and hand. The rod and reel Rod actions are classified anywhere this issue. has been bringing fish to the surface for from slow to extra fast and refer to how The rod used for casting tails and soft decades, and more so for those that are much the rod bends when pressure is plastic jigs should be longer and lighter not only proficient with using them, but applied to the tip. A fast action rod with a more moderate action. A medium are good at choosing the right ones for the will bend in only the top third or less of light, medium-fast action rod in six foot right situation. the blank, giving the rod a stiff, steady nine inches to seven feet in length will With the newest and latest innovations backbone towards the handle. A slower work best. The Troutmaster Lite TML- and technology anglers are busting at the action rod will exhibit more bend down C-69ML-MF by American Rodsmiths is seams to get their hands on a rod and reel the length of the blank, providing more an excellent choice for jig presentations. combination that not only “feel” good, of a whip action when casting, increasing The longer length and moderate action but will get them hooked up more often. casting distance. Fast action rods provide gives the rod a whip-like motion when Choosing the right rod and reel depends more sensitivity with less bend in their casting, enabling anglers to cast light jigs
18 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal may 2015 longer distances. The length and softer through the water when retrieved. lightweight, smooth, and come in a variety tip also increases the effectiveness of the The Reels of gear ratios. presentation, allowing jigs to be hopped Low profile, baitcasting reels rule Shimano’s Curado, Chronarch, through the water column in a fluid the world of inshore fishing. Brands like and Citica have been a staple amongst motion. Shimano, Diawa, and Lew’s dominate inshore anglers’ arsenals for years. These Rat-L-Traps, crankbaits, and the market with lines of reels that are reels are tried and true with rugged sinking/suspending twitch baits require a rod that is somewhere in between the topwater and tails rods. This rod can be anywhere from six and half to seven feet in length and should be a medium weight with a medium to medium-fast action. American Rodsmiths Cobra CB-C-66M-MF is a great rod for these presentations. These baits are heavier than most jig presentations but not as heavy as a floating plug, and they require some finesse when working them properly. The flexible action allows for maximum casting distance, and the medium to medium-fast action helps these baits move naturally American Rodsmiths’ Cobra line of rods are excellent for fishing ‘Traps, crankbaits and suspending lures.
may 2015 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal 19 components that handle the abuse of saltwater, enabling them to cast long distances and spin smoothly trip after trip on the water. New innovations and technology in the reel industry are making other lines of reels a great option for anglers as well. Diawa’s Zillion and Tatula reels feature a new level wind system that is making these reels some of the farthest casting tools on the inshore scene. This new level-wind technology is called the “T-wing system” and solves an age-old issue with friction against line as it flows off the spool and through the level wind guide during a cast. Brad Downey, Daiwa sales rep, says the T-wing system provides 50% of spool coverage while the reel is in free spool, decreasing friction and increasing casting distance. “The level wind guide is shaped like a capitol T,” he says. “While reeling, the line stays in the narrow column of the T as it is guided onto the spool. When the free spool A slower retrieve reel matched to a shorter rod in a medium to medium heavy action is the clutch is engaged, the T-shaped guide perfect combination to fish larger topwater lures. clicks forward, and the line is now in the wide-open T part of the guide. This The Lew’s BB1 and BB2 inshore intake is per handle turn. For example, eliminates friction by using larger guide speed spool series also incorporate Diawa’s Tatula R in the 8:1 ratio reels that represents half of the width of the new technology that reduces friction in over thirty three inches of line per spool--even if the line is situated on the through the level-wind and increases handle turn, while the Tatula R in a 6.3:1 far right or far left of the spool, the wide casting distance. Lew’s representative and ratio reels in just a hair over twenty six part of the T-shaped guide decreases the professional angler, Andrew Upshaw, says inches per handle turn. This is something angle at which the line is coming off the these lines of reels cast further than any to consider when pairing a reel with a spool and out of the level-wind. Basically other reel he’s ever fished with. particular presentation. the line is not rubbing against the edge of “The level wind on the BB1 and BB2 A slower gear ratio works better a level wind guide as it exits the spool, so inshore speed spools features an over-sized for topwater lures, allowing for the bait there is virtually no friction, creating a guide that is positioned further forward to move side to side with less forward much longer cast.” and farther away from the spool,” Upshaw motion, keeping it in the strike zone explains. “This longer. A faster ratio is more effective for decreases the jigs and twitch baits that sink, as they are angle at which often retrieved over structure or in open the line is water. coming off the With all the options out there today, reel and through it’s easy to get locked in on a rod and/ the guide during or reel that is extremely lightweight and free spool, has a “sleek, cool” look. Regardless of decreasing looks, rods and reels are tools that when the amount used correctly, will catch a bunch of fish. of friction Before mindlessly grabbing a rod and and increases hitting the water, anglers should examine casting distance what presentations they are going to be tremendously.” fishing, and pair them with the right rod and reels accordingly. The right set-ups Gear ratios on will produce more hook ups. reels are fairly Introducing the new straight forward American Rodsmiths — the higher American Rodsmiths has once again Lew’s Speed Spool Inshore incorporates new technology that reduces friction the ratio, the reemerged as the leader of premiere through the level-wind and increases casting distance. faster the line fishing rods. In November 2013 the
20 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal may 2015 company was purchased by Houston resident, John F. Angelina, and is currently producing four excellent rod series. According to Jake Brewer, rod builder at the ARS shop in Houston, these rod series Diawa’s Zillion and Tatula reels feature incorporate different features to fit the new level wind technology called the preferences of a variety of anglers. “T-wing system” and solves an age-old “Our goal has been to make the issue with friction against line as it flows most indestructible rods on the market,” off the spool and through the level wind explains Brewer, “and each rod series guide during a cast. sports the highest of quality components that are built to last.” The four ARS series include the Predator, Cobra, Troutmaster Lite, and Lady Rodsmiths. These lines of rods come in a variety of weights and actions suitable C-66M-MF is a lightweight rod for any lure or bait presentation, and each that will effectively cast and work series has a set of unique components to several types of presentations. The fit individual angler’s needs. medium weight and medium-fast When wading, toting several rods action will support heavy topwater is pretty much impossible; however, lures while still encompassing anglers that prefer to wadefish can choose enough finesse to give other baits a rod that will handle a variety of bait the right action. presentations. For more information on the A decent wading rod should be a American Rodsmiths line of rods medium six and half feet to six foot nine visit www.americanrodsmiths. inches in length with a medium-fast com, call (713) 466-7849, or see action. American Rodsmiths Predator PR- them at better tackle retailers.
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may 2015 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal 21 s I scanned openings in achieve various silvicultural objectives, the bush from behind my particularly the enhancement of pine AAfrican trackers methodically production. In some cases it is used analyzing every crumpled straw of grass to reduce litter build-up, reducing the trampled upon by a group of dagga boys possibility of wild fires. we had been spooring for most of the On Texas private lands fire is afternoon, my anticipation to catch up employed for a variety of reasons, but to the old bulls began to fade as the sun remains an integral part of improving dropped below the tall marula trees. As habitat. The basic consensus regarding fire light faded, an amber-red skyline appeared ecology is that it is neither destructive nor on the Zimbabwean horizon. It was a fire, constructive as it simply causes change, a big one, stretching uncontrollably for and dependent on weather conditions, nearly a mile and rapidly heading our the end result can be controlled. way. The stolid look on my trackers’ faces Prescribed fire is defined as fire insured me that we were not in harm’s applied in a knowledgeable manner way, and when I looked at my professional to naturally occurring vegetation on hunter, he simply smiled. This was my a specific area under select weather first introduction to fire in Africa, and like conditions in order to accomplish well Native Americans, fire in the Zimbabwean thought out management objectives. bush is employed to increase visibility and For example, if enhanced forb reduce old growth, making room for new production is desirable, the area is plants extremely attractive to the animals subjected to what is referred to as a cool they pursued. season burn. Such fires are conducted Early American settlers used fire to in the colder months of December and clear farmland and establish homesteads January to remove lignified grasses prior as well as to attract animals upon which to the germination period of forbs. If they depended upon for sustenance. grass production is one’s principal goal, Prescribed fire in the U.S. today is a warm season burn is conducted during applied by trained professionals in a the later, warmer months of February methodical fashion to a vast amount through March. of our southern forests, primarily to Simply lighting up an area and letting
Supplemental feeding not only benefits bucks, but more importantly the lactating does.
22 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal may 2015 Prescribed
FIRE Supplemental &FEEDING A variety of spring techniques can be performed to enhance deer quality. Story and photography by Bob Zaiglin
it burn like I experienced in Zimbabwe we have viewed on TV throughout the conditions with a portable weather kit to is not only dangerous; it is illegal in the western U.S. fortify the fact that wild fire verify that the fire will not only be safe, U.S. Thus the planned out application of can be devastating. But like many things but meet the management objective. fire with a specific objective is imperative. in life, the less we know about something, Prescribed weather conditions for a head Why? Because fire is difficult to control, the more it is feared. However, for fire include a relative humidity of 25-40%; and in some cases, life threatening. experienced individuals knowledgeable a temperature ranging between 70 to 80 As part of their extensive field of fire behavior, controlled fire is an degrees; and a wind speed of 8-15 mph. experience, I introduce my wildlife integral management tool in rangeland Weather conditions lying outside these management students at Southwest management. parameters put a halt to ignition. Texas Junior College each winter to the One of the principal commandments A burn can also be postponed when proper application of fire in my wildlife to prescribed fire is that it is not initiated one of what is referred to as “red flag techniques class. They not only learn how unless the required conditions are conditions” exist such as wind gusts greater to develop a burn plan, but how to apply met. Even when those fire lines on than 20 mph, a relative humidity below it safely to a preselected area. the prevailing wind side of the area 20%, an air temperature greater than 80 One of the first things they learn to be burned are completed, the fire degrees Fahrenheit, or a predictable cold is that fire is dangerous. The wildfires boss must confirm the current weather front is to pass within 12 hours. These
may 2015 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal 23 stage, and the susceptible forbs have yet to germinate. Although fire is considered the most economic tool in managing our rangelands, it does take time, much planning, and adequate personnel to conduct it. Other spring deer management techniques are much more easily employed such as providing deer a nutritional supplement. During spring those calcified appendages referred to as antlers are jettisoned. But once those antlers separate from their oil-derrick-like pedicels located on top of the deer’s skull, regeneration of a new set initiates almost immediately. Antlerogenesis, which is considered the Controlled burning where allowed not only augments the presence of desirable forage; it also most rapid bone growth in a mammal, increases visibility and reduces the probability of wildfire. places a significant nutritional burden on those bucks. are scientifically based requirements available, improve wildlife habitat, and Not only are deer nutritionally determined by my friend, the late Dr. even control various diseases. In the hill strapped as a result of a strenuous Henry Wright, and his associates at Texas country, for example, fire is the most breeding season, losing at times 20% of Tech University back in the 1980s. economical method of controlling the their body weight, they also must shed Prescribed fire is a viable habitat encroachment of cedar. their winter coat to one more suitable management technique that achieves Since plant regeneration following for the summer period. All of these multiple objectives with a single treatment. fire does not materialize until spring, it is biological functions are nutritionally It can control invader species like cedar, often conducted during late winter when demanding, and how deer handle these increase utilization, make forage more the grass and brush are in a dormant changes depends on the availability of nutritionally strong vegetation. More importantly, only surplus crude protein from a deer’s diet is available for antler growth, thus, optimal antler size is often sacrificed for the health and survival of the animal, making it even more difficult to develop those larger antlers we all cherish. A supplemental source of nutrition can also assuage the acute demand deer place on the habitat, potentially augmenting the development, in turn frequency, of those highly desirable forage species. All deer benefit from a supplement, especially lactating does which require significantly higher amounts of crude protein in their diet to sustain quality milk production. Supplementing a deer’s diet is applicable as long as it remains just that — a supplement. The attempt to artificially inflate the carrying capacity of the land by feeding deer can be done, but only at the expense of the habitat. It’s also important to note that not all deer will use a supplement, and even those that consume it will often revert back to native plants of choice. By allowing a deer population to mushroom out of control, some highly preferred plant species will
24 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal may 2015 be suppressed if not eliminated. The fact is, supplemental feed is not a cure-all. Another form of nutritional supplement is the distribution of a mineral for deer. This can be accomplished by purchasing a fifty-pound sack of mineral and pouring its contents into several manmade depressions approximately six inches deep and several feet in diameter. In actuality, all one attempts to establish is a natural-like mineral lick. Another method of nutritionally benefitting a deer’s diet is to fertilize native habitat. The fertilizer should be distributed experimentally on small parcels at first to let the deer dictate whether it is desirable or not. By having an unfertilized control area for comparison, the visits by deer on the two areas will demonstrate its preference by deer. Disking, roller chopping, and aerating are beneficial habitat management techniques and should be implemented prior to spring greenup. Like fire, these techniques open up the understory and relinquish life-enriching sunlight to the ground layer in order to augment the Large antlers are a byproduct of nutrition, which can be elevated by manipulating the habitat, germination of plant life. and fire is often considered the most economical method of improving the vegetation upon In the climatically favorable portions which they depend. of Texas, early spring is the optimal time to prepare seed beds for warm season food plots. Farming for deer is effective, but remains totally dependent on rainfall. For example, summer food plots west of Interstate 35 and south of San Antonio are not practical unless a pivot system or some form of irrigation is available. In the drier portions of the state, fall season food plots represent a potential source of nutrition for deer throughout the spring, even early summer. This is particularly evident when fall plots are fertilized yet fail to develop due to drought conditions. Following spring showers, the disturbed sites will be inundated by highly desirable, succulent plants required by deer. A variety of spring techniques can be performed to enhance deer quality, but paramount to success is to maintain the deer population within the carrying capacity of the land, which should be accomplished by removing surplus deer during the hunting season. The fact is, the deer hunter is the ultimate management tool because each time that trigger is pulled, and the herd and the habitat upon which it depends are being managed. may 2015 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal 25 For information on guides mentioned, see Guides, Gear & Getaways on pages 67, 69, & 71
CoastWatch Danno Wise
warmer climes for a comfortable day on the water. have returned. For the same reasons anglers are more In short, May is comfortable on the water in May, the fish a slightly cooler are more comfortable and aggressive on version of June the shallow flats up and down the coast. or July along the Unlike during the chill of winter or Texas coast. the heat of summer, fish will be feeding Most years, in relatively shallow water throughout the spring feels majority of the day. like summer Since they will be inhabiting shallower long before water and feeding more aggressively, fish the official will be susceptible to a variety of lures, start on June baits and techniques, making May one of 21 or even the the few times of the year when fishermen unofficial start can target fish on the flats throughout when Memorial the entire day. May is also the first month Day weekend when the beachfront and offshore action rolls around. becomes a realistic possibility along the These rising Texas coast. Tarpon, kingfish, and snapper temperatures are just a few of the big water species that will always lead Texas anglers will target starting in May. to increased As great as the weather and fishing inshore action is during May, anglers will still have the up and down water mostly to themselves — especially the coast – not on weekdays. Texas public schools will still to mention the be in session, so most fishing familes are first month of still limited to weekend outings. true offshore However, by the month’s end, school activity. will be out and summer will be in full On the swing So, for anglers hoping to avoid inshore side summer crowds, May represents their of things, May last chance at quality fishing without the combines the crowds. best of both worlds. Across UPPER COAST Texas bays, May Photo courtesy Capt. Tommy Countz tends to be one This angler shows off a nice redfish he caught while fishing with Capt. of those special Tommy Countz. Countz says he will spend a lot of his time in May fishing months when West Matagorda Bay. temperatures are high enough for the fish to be Spring is the season of transition and plenty active, but not so overbearingly hot May is the ultimate transition month. as to cause fish and fishermen to become Spring’s final full month sees fish, and lethargic. fishermen, fully transition into summer. As a bonus, May generally sees a Cold fronts — event freakishly late reduction in the winds which have arriving fronts — are in the past. Spring’s plagued coastal anglers the past few Matagorda guide Capt. Tommy notorious winds have begun to lessen in months, allowing fishermen to fish pretty Countz of Tommy’s Guide Service says velocity. much when and where they please and for May is usually a good month in the Temperatures have risen enough to stir a greater variety of species. Matagorda area. He sees no reason this fish from their lethargic winter ways. And, The warm, but not oppressively hot, year will be any different. many species which spent the winter in temperatures and lighter winds make “I like to fish West Matagorda Bay in 26 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal may 2015 May,” said Countz. “ I like fishing the east live shrimp and live croakers will be the Along the Texas/Louisiana border May side of West Bay. The main thing I like best way to catch nice specks in May. means good fishing according to Sabine to do in May is wadefish for trout. I like “During May, the back lakes will be Lake guide Capt. Randy Foreman. to start with topwaters in May. Once the loaded with reds and flounder along with “May is the start of the shrimp topwater bite cools off, then I’ll move to some specks, as well. Live shrimp under migration,” said Foreman. “That means plastics. popping corks will be the ticket there. the birds will start working. Most of the “But, there’s some days in May when Flounder gigging on oyster reefs will also bird activity will be on the lower end — you can catch fish on topwaters all day be getting good in May as well. We’ll have from the south end to mid-lake. Usually, long. May is also a good time for guys who a lot of options in May,” Verm concluded. the fishing will be best on a falling tide want to fish with bait. It’s a good time “The key will be those lighter winds, during May. to go into the lakes off the Intracoastal which will allow the water clear up a little “If I don’t find active birds, I’ll be Waterway and fish for redfish with bait. and let us fish some areas we haven’t been fishing over mussel beds and shell flats. And, we have some good reefs on the able to fish early in the spring.” If we have moving water, we’ll be looking north end of West Matagorda Bay that also have some good fish on them during May. “Most of my fishing will be in West Bay, but you can do pretty well in East Bay during May as well. You can catch some good fish drifting over the reefs in East Bay or wading along the shorelines.” Galveston guide Capt. Greg Verm of Fishing Galveston TX Guide Service says he’s looking forward to lighter winds in May. “May is a good month for us,” said Verm. “The weather will become more stable. Most importantly we’ll have more light wind days in May than we have been having. There will still be some days with high wind, but we’ll have fewer high wind days and more light wind days, which allows us to fish in more areas. Starting in May speckled trout along the jetties will be really good. Slot-size redfish will be showing up around the jetteis. Freeling
Photo courtesy Capt. Greg Verm Want to put a smile on a youngster’s face, let ‘em tangle with a redfish at the Galveston jetties. Capt. Greg Verm says fishing will heat up in May with lots of fish around the jetties. may 2015 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal 27 for eddies along the shoreline. This time of year, I find a lot of fish holding in those eddies. “During May, I mostly throw glow/chartreuse Down South Southern Shad. This is almost all I use on sunny days. If it’s cloudy, I’ll switch to a Red Shad.” “Trout fishing will be the main thing in May, but it won’t be the only thing. There will be redfish under the trout under the birds. But, if you want to catch redfish, you have to get beneath the trout. So, if I’m targeting redfish, I use a 1/2 or 3/4-ounce Terry V-Dog spoon with a yellow bucktail. I let it sink to the bottom then slow-roll it, keeping it just above the bottom.
“And, flounder Photo by Nate Skinner fishing should be good Capt. Nick Poe of Big Lake Guide Service shows off a quality Lake Calcasieu speckled trout. May is a month where in May. The last couple numbers of quality trout are caught on Big Lake. weeks of April and first couple of weeks of May are always good solid specks in May. Canal, Redfish Bay and Blind Bay. for flounder on Sabine. When I’m fishing “I hope we’re catching a bunch of Trout will also be found around the for flounder, I’ll concentrate on the points ‘em in May,” laughed Capt. Jeff Poe. shallow water rigs beginning in May. The and humps along the Sabine Channel or “May is usualy one of our better months rigs in 8 to 15 feet of water are the best the points and bayous along the Louisiana for fishing in the lake. In fact, almost bet for trout. Once the trout show at the Shoreline. And again, I’ll focus on the everything we do is in the lake during rigs, they usually remain there through eddies when I can find them. The best May. There really isn’t too much going on summer. fishing will be on an incoming tide. I’ll in the Gulf just yet. During May fishermen can expect to still be using Down South Southern Shad, “Most of our fishing will be in four- find redfish mixed in with the trout. But, but I always coat them with Pro-Cure Gel to six-feet of water over oyster. For the those targeting redfish specifically will when fishing for flounder.” most part, we’ll be targeting trout with find good concentrations of redfish in the soft-plastics, but we’ll be catching some marshes and back lakes, as well as in areas reds as well. Sometimes, we’ll find reds like Yankee Pond and the Wagon Wheel. LOUISIANA COAST in the same generally areas where we are Offshore fishermen will have a few catching trout. But, most of the time, options as well. First and foremost, May we’ll find the redfish along the shorelines means tuna off the Louisiana coast and in a foot or two of water. That is actually the first option for most offshore anglers where will be finding some of our better heading out of Venice will be chasing trout, too. And, we do catch some good tuna around the deep water floating oil trout during May.” platforms. Tuna up to 50 pounds will be Anyone fishing out of Venice in May common catches around the “floaters” will have a variety of inshore and offshore during May. Later in the month, once angling options from which to choose. For the water temperature warms above 80 inshore fishermen, the key will be warmer degrees, blue marlin will begin showing water temperatures. By May, the water will up as well. Across the state line on Lake Calcasieu, be warm enough to see speckled trout May is also one of the year’s best guides Jeff, Mary and Nick Poe of Big Lake and redfish getting much more active. months for targeting swordfish in the Gulf Guide Service will be plenty busy catching Trout will be found in areas like the Burias of Mexico.
28 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal may 2015 Texans Are “Talking” . . . About
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Big bass require special care to help ensure their survival.
Story and photography by Matt Williams
exas big bass junkies got an for spawning and genetics research. bass to die. unfortunate wake up call Genetics testing confirmed the two fish Martinez said the Elvington bass Tregarding big fish care earlier carried pure Florida genes, making both also had a broken jaw and that the fish this spring when word surfaced that a ideal candidates for spawning under the appeared to be stressed when it was picked 14.30-pound bass caught from a private program’s restrictive criteria. up for transport to hatchery. lake in Zapata County and a new Ray Sadly, the two bass died shortly after While nobody knows for certain what Roberts lake record weighing 15.18 arriving at the program headquarters at caused the broken jaws, it is known that pounds died at the Texas Parks and the Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center. A the angler who caught the 14.30 pounder Wildlife Department’s ShareLunker post-mortem examination showed the spent some time getting his picture headquarters in Athens. 14.30 pounder had developed a bacterial made holding the fish before the TPWD The 14.30 pounder was caught on infection that resulted from a broken hatchery truck arrived to retrieve it. Some February 19 by Blair Schwarz of McAllen jaw. According to ShareLunker caretaker of the pictures on the La Perla ranch and the 15.18 pounder was reeled in on Juan Martinez, the bacterial infection website show the angler holding the big March 7 by Shannon Elvington of Pilot likely compounded the rigors of being bass by the lower lip in a vertical position. Point. Both fish were subsequently turned transported and a combination of other I learned about the bad news after over to the Toyota ShareLunker program stress factors that ultimately caused the TPWD posted a blurb about it on its
30 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal may 2015 More than 25 years ago TPWD began The ShareLunker program was still advertising through news releases that the in its infancy stages back then, and much most widely accepted method for holding of what is now known about handling or displaying a bass for photographs is not big fish was still a mystery. Not knowing necessarily the best way. The effort has any better, I instructed the angler to hold since been ramped up through various the fish by the lower jaw while I fired postings on the Internet. TPWD has a away with the camera before former video link on its ShareLunker Facebook ShareLunker program manager David page that shows the proper way to handle Campbell arrived. a big bass. You can see it at www.facebook. Campbell (now retired) took the fish com/video/video.php?v=1230248924140. back to the Tyler Fish Hatchery, where Anglers need to be particularly careful it died about a week later. He said the about the way they handle heavyweight bass’ jaw was broken. In looking back it bass weighing upwards of 10 pounds, is logical to assume that stress from the according to Martinez. ordeal probably played a role as well. Martinez says holding a big fish I felt terrible about what happened. vertically by the lower lip with one hand I still do. On a more positive note, the places a significant amount of stress on incident taught me and a whole lot of the jaw bone. The amount of pressure others a huge lesson about big bass care increases exponentially if the lower lip is and handling. folded downward. Soon thereafter, TPWD labeled the
ShareLunker Facebook page. The news segment was accompanied by a TPWD poster that Shannon Elvington with his 15.18 pound big bass. illustrates the right way and the wrong way to hold a big bass. The lip-and-grip manner in which You might get away with holding a one-handed lip grip as a no-no when Schwarz held the bass for some of the big bass improperly for one photo, but it comes handling large bass. Instead, photos is no different than those you doing it repeatedly for extended periods biologists now recommend holding large see in countless outdoors magazines of time can cause irreparable damage to fish with two hands — one in the bass’ every month and on television everyday. a bass’ jaw and a host of other problems. I mouth and one under the anal fin. That Some bass pros do the same thing as they learned that lesson way back in 1989 when way the fish is supported from both ends. parade across the stage showing off their I got the opportunity to photograph a This prevents excessive pressure on the catches at tournament venues all across 13.3 pounder that was caught from Lake jaw of the fish. the country. Nacogdoches in eastern Texas. Martinez used a human analogy to may 2015 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal 31 Tips for Big Bass Care
Courtesy of BroFrog
1. Land the fish as quickly as possi- is removed from the transport container, extremes in temperatures and/or windy ble. Playing a fish to exhaustion diminishes weighing time can be less than one minute. weather conditions. its chance of survival. 7. It is best to sedate the fish in the 8. Ideal water temperature for hold- 2. If possible, refrain from using a transport container before weighing or ing fish is 55 to 75 degrees, and the water dip net that has a mesh larger than ¼ inch taking pictures. Marinas and bait shops temperature should not be changed more and/or is not a smooth mesh. When using can supply the recommended chemicals. than five or six degrees per hour. If water a net, always make sure it is wet before it Wet your hands before handling the fish. is aerated and treated with bacterial/fungal touches the fish. Lift the fish from the water vertically by retardant, low water temperature may not 3. Avoid excessive handling or clamping your thumb on the bottom lip. be crucial. dropping of the fish while removing the To raise the fish into a horizontal position, Source: TPWD hook. The fish will benefit from remaining support the fish’s weight by placing in water (boat livewell or a large cooler your off-hand under the fish just filled with water) while the hook is re- behind the anal fin. This method moved with needlenosed pliers. Hold the should also be used if the fish is not fish vertically by the lower lip while it is in sedated. Don’t roll back the lip in an the water so that the total weight of the fish effort to paralyze the fish. This can doesn’t rest on the lower jaw. damage the lower jaw and hinder or 4. Take the fish to a marina or prevent the fish from feeding after closest certified scales as soon as possible. being released. The fish should not Transport the fish in a properly aerated be out of the water longer than 30 livewell or a large cooler equipped with an seconds. Persons taking pictures aerator. should have their cameras ready 5. Before removing the fish from before the fish is removed from the transport container, have the certified the holding container. Holding the scales ready for weighing. Try to arrange fish out of the water two to three to hold the fish in the marina’s minnow vat minutes, or holding it in a plastic after it is weighed. bag without proper aeration, causes 6. To reduce stress when removing stress that can damage the eyes or the fish from the transport container for cause a bacterial and/or fungal in- weighing, move the fish as close as possible fection. Such damage could cause to the scales and holding vat before re- mortality even several weeks later. moval. If everything is ready before the fish Note that stress is increased by
32 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal may 2015 illustrate the point. Something else to remember when at a time. Not only does this deprive the “I’m an above average size guy,” he handling big fish is to do so as little as fish of oxygen and cause stress, but it also said. “I can just imagine what it would be possible. If you catch a solid bass and want can cause the bass’ eyes to dry out. This like if someone were to hold me up by the to get photos or document the weight, is especially true in windy conditions or jaw. It would be good if anglers held every do it quickly and get it back in the water. when it is extremely hot outside. fish with two hands, but it is especially Some tournament organizations are now How a big bass is cared for after it is critical with these big, trophy class fish.” encouraging anglers to weigh in large caught plays a critical role in its chances The biologist says be believes how and fish early in the day so they aren’t carted of survival once released. Anglers can do where the fish is hooked during the fight around in a livewell all day long. their part by handling the heavyweights also can play a role in jaw stress. If the jaw When taking photos, never keep a fish with kid gloves. is already stressed from the fight, holding out of the water for longer than 30 seconds Big they are. Tough they are not. the fish improperly could complicate things even more. “It’s like a broken leg or any other bone that breaks,” Martinez said. “You can only apply so much pressure before something gives.” Just as important as holding the fish properly is making sure your hands are wet before you do it. Martinez says holding or gripping any bass with dry hands can remove the protective slime coating from the body of the fish. This can allow bacteria to attack the skin and cause fungal infections to form. Biologists are sometimes able to use salt treatments to reverse the process. Left untreated, however, fungal infections can lead to delayed mortality days or weeks after a fish is released.
Avoid cocking or bending lower lip to prevent damaging jaw bones. may 2015 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal 33 Just Shooting | Kerry O’Day
Barrel Break In Does Work
When I deliver a new custom rifle I shipped with packing oil or grease which that will have a shortened life. will explain to the owner how to break needs to be removed before you start I just worked on a Kimber rifle which in the barrel. Most shooters have heard shooting. You won’t damage your rifle if would not shoot any more. The barrel had that you need to break in your rifle barrel. you don’t but you will wonder why you are never been cleaned let alone had proper However, most shooters have no idea not hitting any thing the first few shots. break in. The rifle was ruined and needs “why” you need to break in your rifle Why would you have to clean or break a new barrel. I have broken in hundreds barrel. If you buy a custom rifle from in a new rifle barrel? The first few shots of rifle barrels in my lifetime, but I have any reputable maker it will come with fired from your rifle are some of the most never given one a true test just to see how instructions on how to break in the barrel. important shots that you will ever fire. much a properly broken in barrel would However, I have never seen any large rifle When a rifle barrel is made, the riflings help its accuracy. manufacturer give instructions or even are cut, as well as the chamber. All the I grabbed a new Remington 700 in recommend how to break in a rifle barrel. cuttings in a rifle barrel are done with 30-06 caliber off the shelf and did a quick I asked several custom barrel makers buttons or reamers as well as chamber trigger adjustment, setting the pull at if they thought it was important to break reamers. All of these tools will leave small three pounds. Then I loaded my favorite in their custom barrel. They both told me burrs or cut marks inside the barrel. The 30-06 load of 165gr. Hornady boattail yes. Their barrels are smother and lapped last thing you want is for these cut marks bullets and 57 grains of IMR 4350. I finer than any factory barrel, but for the to get worse and turn into small holes. packed my cleaning equipment, two boxes best accuracy and life of the barrel break If you end up with small holes in the of factory ammo and headed to the range. in is important. They also so said to never barrel, these holes will start to strip brass My normal break in procedure is to shoot the barrel dry when the barrel is or copper from the bullets. The holes will shoot the rifle, clean it and shoot it again new. They also agreed that factory barrels also fill up with carbon from the burned and clean it again. This is done for the first will be helped by break in. powder. The carbon will start rust or 10 shots. Then I will clean the barrel after Most shooters are so excited to go out corrosion in the barrel. The corrosion every three shots for the next 20 rounds. and shoot their new rifle; they won’t even will make the holes bigger which will For this exercise I wanted to see how clean the barrel before they take it out to strip more brass from the bullets and so much difference breaking in a barrel on a shoot it for the first time. All rifles should on. What you end up with is a nasty cycle factory rifle could really make. The first be cleaned before shooting. Rifles are which leads to an inaccurate rifle or one thing I did was to shoot a three shot group
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34 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal may 2015 with my handload for both accuracy and ammo I spent just over $150.00. Now, per second is great, but the rifle might velocity. The group surprised me, a .910 that is about the most inexpensive way have done this on its own after some group from a factory rifle with nothing I know of to make a rifle accurate. The shooting time anyway. But maybe not. done to it but a trigger adjustment. The rifle was very accurate to start with, but The rifle could have gone the other way velocity was where I figured it should be the cleaning and shooting just made and ended up shooting worse than when at 2784 feet per second with an extreme everything better. Picking up 70 feet I started. spread of 55 FPS. I then cleaned the rifle. I used the same cleaning routine from then on. First, I would run a solvent covered brush through the barrel five times, then I would run five Sweets soaked patches through the barrel and follow up with three patches soaked with Gum-Out carburetor cleaner to remove the Sweets. For the last step, run one dry patch through the gun to dry everything out. I would then shoot one round of factory ammo. I did the same shoot and clean, shoot and clean process until I had 10 rounds fired through the rifle. Then, I went to a three shot routine of shooting three shots and clean and shoot three shots and clean. I used the same cleaning program for the three shots as I did for the one shot. Some shooters think Sweets is too harsh on the barrel, but I The author at the range with all of the clean components he needs to properly break in a new have had great luck with it. I just don’t rifle barrel. let the Sweets sit in the barrel for a long period of time. Once I start a cleaning job I try to finish it. I use Gum-Out because it is inexpensive and works as well as any gun solvent I have found. By the time 16 rounds had been fired through the rifle the cleaning became easier. There was a lot less copper fowling and blue color on the patches than when I started. Maybe it was just me, but it seemed easier to push the patch through the barrel which made me think that the barrel was starting to smooth out. By the time I had fired and cleaned 31 times, the rifle cleaned very easily with very little blue on the patch. My last cleaning was very thorough. I spent more time cleaning the barrel so I could see what kind of group the rifle was capable of with a properly broken in barrel. I set up the chronograph and fired three shots. The results amazed me. The group was under ½ inch and the velocity had picked up more than 70 feet per second. The extreme spread was less than 40 feet per second with an average velocity of 2856 FPS. The entire process took just over two hours and by the time I paid range fees, for two boxes of factory ammo, the components to load a box of custom may 2015 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal 35 Recent poor public perception of this fabled bay’s trout output is dispelled when compared to the latest scientific data.
Story and photography by David Sikes BAFFLED BY BAFFIN BAY? ny Texan who targets speckled which sparked a movement to research program leader, tried to put it all into trout is aware of Baffin Bay’s the problem. perspective. TPW records for 2013 showed Aelite status as an angling To set the stage, by 2014 the 63- a modern day high for salt content in destination. Rarely is this high ranking mile Upper Laguna Madre system from Baffin Bay, but a remarkably healthy disputed. And recent biological surveys Corpus Christi Bay to the south end of fishery. Keep in mind, the salinity of indicate the title is not in jeopardy, despite the Landcut had endured three years the Gulf of Mexico is about 35 parts per rumors. of drought, accompanied by extreme thousand. The salt content in Alazan Bay, Folks who accept these as facts would heat and high salinity levels. A couple an offshoot of Baffin Bay, in July 2013 most likely be familiar with Captains Sally of minor fish kills followed by a cold reached 92.5 ppt. Extreme salinity levels and Aubrey Black, a pair of fishing and snap that stunned sea turtles added to can blind fish and negatively impact hunting guides who operate Baffin Bay the concerns. In this atmosphere came spawning. But larger fish simply seek Rod and Gun Club in Riviera. Anglers dubious reports of poor fishing from a more hospitable conditions if they can. within this enterprising couple’s social handful of individuals, which received Three years earlier those same waters media reach are aware the lodge, which more media attention than the 307 trout had become completely fresh after several also was their home, was destroyed by fire greater than 25 inches caught in 2013 by tropical storms hit the Rio Grande Valley. last year while they plied home waters. the Blacks and their clients. Such extremes remain unprecedented. During the Blacks’ struggle to recover Above the fray, Texas Parks & Wildlife’s Black drum have been known to from this personal setback, they also Faye Grubbs, the Upper Laguna Madre survive in salinity levels from 0-80 were battling a ppt. Redfish in the well-meaning but lagoon have been double-edged found in salinity campaign with levels from 20-40 short-term negative ppt and trout have consequences for been observed in the Blacks but salinities ranging long term positives from zero to for their beloved 77 ppt. So the bay. A poor public lagoon, however perception of Baffin inhospitable, is Bay’s trout output highly resilient to was emerging, extremes, as are its driven by concerns inhabitants. But, over water quality. it seems, there is This unscientific a breaking point. view threatened A nasty bloom of to damage the brown tide from bay’s trophy trout 2012, generally reputation, if only considered temporarily. nontoxic, returned Further cause in March 2013. for concern came New evidence from a persistent may indicate brown algae bloom high densities of and a 2012 die- Sally, Aubrey, and their clients are starting to fill a new “glory board” with multiple 10 pound the microscopic off of black drum, and larger trout already caught in 2015. organism can kill or may 2015 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal 37 Aubrey Black shows off a big bull red drum. Redfish numbers in Baffin Bay are stable and continue a long term upward trend. Juvenile redfish numbers from the 2014 state survey are the fifth highest on record. inhibit growth in larval fish and mollusks And their records show an increase in the Of some concern, the juvenile trout such as clams by choking out other average trout size compared to the catch numbers in 2014 were below the long term microbes at the base of the food chain. length of fish caught in 2013, Aubrey said. average following a record high in 2011. Something was killing the lagoon’s No bad news there. Redfish numbers are stable and continue surf clams, which is a primary food source State biologists say they are not a long term upward trend. Juvenile redfish for black drum. The emaciated drum surprised by these Laguna Madre trout numbers from the 2014 state survey are from 2012 was a call to action by a group numbers. They saw it coming, based on the fifth highest on record. Flounder of anglers and scientists who created particularly successful trout spawns in numbers for 2014 climbed higher than the Baffin Bay Water Quality Study. No 2007 and 2008. By 2011 these newborns the lowest point in 2005 but still were the significant reports of starving drum had grown to a size large enough to be fifth lowest on record. came in 2013 or 2014. And the overall captured in state gillnets. The gillnet The Laguna Madre’s brown shrimp population of black drum in the lagoon, numbers that year remain the highest on population reached an all-time high in which peaked in 2013, did not suffer, record. Trout generally live about nine 2014. Blue crab harvest numbers climbed according to Grubbs. Typically, catch rates years. The survivors from the 2007 and slightly last year but recruitment remains for drum based on gillnet sampling in the 2008 spawn are 7 and 8 years old today. below average and declining over the long lagoon are four to five times higher than Keep in mind that only 0.04 percent of term. catch rates in other Texas bays. Perhaps adult trout statewide reach the 30-inch The water quality study continues the die-off was the result of an overtaxed mark. About 10 percent of Laguna Madre with particular focus on testing terrestrial bay with too many drum. Even with the trout caught in gillnet surveys reach 25 runoff into the bay following rainfall. die-off, the latest figures show the drum inches, Grubbs said. Brown tide blooms can be triggered by a population nearly 50 percent above the Average salinity levels for 2014 in variety of sources, such as nutrients from 35-year average. the lagoon have dropped somewhat, but fish kills and agricultural runoff. The Likewise the lagoon’s trout population, remain higher than normal. The average trigger for Baffin Bay’s brown tide remains based on the latest gillnet catch rates, for 2013 was 52.8 ppt and 45.4 ppt in a mystery. Volunteers such as angler Scott is the second highest on record. And 2014. Typically the salt content is 35-40 Murray are assisting scientists and other the number of big trout caught by ppt, Grubbs said. Officially she said there researchers with the Coastal Bend Bays Aubrey, Sally and their clients was nearly were no reports of discolored water in & Estuaries Program, the Center for unchanged in 2014. They caught 301 trout 2014, but the brown tide cells are always Coastal Studies at Texas A&M University- that measured at least 25 inches that year. present in the system. Corpus Christi, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife
38 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal may 2015 Service, TPW, the Harte Research Institute list of anglers and friends who caught simple explanation in March. for Gulf of Mexico Studies and high at least a 25-inch trout since 2003, with “It’s mid-March and our bay school students in Riviera. The study is special notations for personal bests and, temperatures are still in the mid- to funded through 2016, thanks to Celanese. of course, highlighting members of the upper-50s,” said Mark Fisher. “We’ve never Previous funding came from Texas Sea 30-inch club. They’ve started a new glory seen water this cold for Spring Break. Last Grant, Kleberg County Commissioners board. The tally for 2014 included 15 fish year anglers were not very successful in Court and the bays and estuaries program. that measured 30 inches, six that stretched late spring and early summer because As the fishery rebuilds and the bay 31 inches and three that tickled or covered of an extended winter. They assumed it system recovers from what most anglers the 32-inch mark. was because of a lack of fish. Everything hope was a cyclical episode, Sally and “We’ve already got multiple 10-pound will be delayed about a month, which Aubrey Black also are about to complete trout in 2015,” Sally said. “Looks like it’s means anglers who fish their usual a circle with the construction of a bigger only going to get better.” summer patterns in June may not be as better lodge atop the ashes of their old Regarding those complaints about successful. Last year things got back to homestead. Among those ashes are the poor fishing success, TPW’s director of normal around July. I expect the same remains of the club’s wall of fame, a science for Coastal Fisheries offered this this year.”
The Blacks — Baffin’s Enterprising Couple
When Aubrey met Sally each was a well-established pro- fessional in their respective disciplines in separate regions of the Texas coast. Sally burst onto the Rockport fishing scene 1998 as Sally Moffett, the first woman fly-fishing guide on the Texas coast. Soon, this pioneer entrepreneur became a high-profile pro- moter of coastal kayak fishing. Sally grew up in Erie, Michi- gan, fishing since the age of 4 with her dad, who she likes to say treated her as the son he never had. Sally purchased her first boat in Rockport in 1985, while working as a paralegal for a law firm. She never looked back. As a child Aubrey spent time bass fishing in the rivers and reservoirs within reach of his West Texas birth town of Sand- erson. Later, the freshwater tournament circuit held some appeal for Aubrey until he discovered Baffin Bay in 2002. The lure and challenge of big speckled trout was enough to revive this burnt-out bass competitor. Aubrey learned quickly and wasted no time establishing himself as a professional trophy trout specialist, with a particular penchant for wade fishing In 2010, the romance was brief for this driven couple, who had a history of grabbing what they wanted from life and forging ahead with gusto. On Aug. 28, 2010, several dozen onlookers with wet legs witnessed Sally and Aubrey exchange vows during a sunrise wedding ceremony. The bride and groom, along with most guests stood waist deep along a section of the south shore of Baffin Bay known as Los Corralos. After Sally spent two years commuting from Baffin Bay to Rockport, the couple decided to marry their businesses into one. Baffin Bay Rod and Gun was born in early 2012. Two years later, in the spring of 2014, fire destroyed their home and lodge near Sunrise Beach. Clients and friends rallied to help, allowing them to continue offering charters while putting up guests in nearby rented quarters and planning to rebuild a bigger and better facility. Construction of the 5,300-square-foot Baffin Bay Rod and Gun lodge, with accommodations for 20 guests, is underway, Captains Sally and Aubrey Black and should be completed in the fall of 2015. may 2015 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal 39 For information on guides mentioned, see Guides, Gear & Getaways on pages 67, 69, & 71 Lake Roundup
of water. as willows, weeds and other terrestrial Other good bait choices for May are vegetation growth that sprouted several EAST TEXAS a wacky worm, Texas-rigged Senko or years ago when the lake was low. Stanley Mud Puppy. These baits are super “The areas around Caney Creek and effective when the fish are less aggressive up around the national forest can be or in a finicky mood. They work great especially hot,” Terpe said. “That’s where when tossed along outside grass lines I’ll spend a lot of my time.” or scattered clumps of vegetation in the Any number of baits and techniques shallows. will work. Terpe’s go-to bait choices Crappie should be in transition from include a Senko, spinnerbait, Texas-rig shallow water to deep this month. Good worm and Stanley Ribbit frog. He says spots to look will be outside grass lines or the frog bite is generally best during the any brush piles in the mouths of spawning first 90 minutes of daylight. However, it pockets at mid-range depths of 8-14 feet. can last for extended periods when there By Matt Williams Small hair jigs, Roadrunners and a Mini is some cloud cover. Wedgetail Runner tipped with a small “You’ll also have a pretty decent bite Wedgetail minnow or one of Stanley’s offshore around old pond dams, points The bulk of the spawn should be new Ribbit Runts winding down by the time this issue of are great bait TOJ gets on the streets, but shallow is still choices. a good way to go throughout the month CONROE — of May. So long as there is grass in Lake Lake Conroe Nacogdoches, the bass aren’t going to guide Butch leave it. Terpe says his Grass isn’t the only thing that will home lake offers attract bass to shallow water. If this May a mixed bag of is like most, there will be good numbers of opportunity fish in skinny water guarding and feeding when May rolls on fry hatched earlier in the spring. Bream around. Here are will also be funneling into the shallows to some viable plans build their spawning beds. of attack for what Translation: It’s going to be like a he considers to dinner buffet up there. The bass will be be Conroe’s Big aggressive, too. That means you should 3 — largemouth be able to draw strikes on any number of bass, channel cat moving baits such as Chatterbaits, square and hybrid bass: bills and spinnerbaits. Just remember to Largemouth match the hatch. Baby bass, bream and Bass: Terpe says shad pattern baits are hard to beat this the fish will be time of year. in a post spawn Now is also a prime time to test the mode and feeding water with surface plug. Chugger style aggressively in lures, prop baits and buzz baits all can be the shallows. effective. It would also be smart to keep a Water depths of buzz frog and a hollow body frog handy. two to four feet Stanley’s Top Toad covers both bases are ideal. He will simultaneously. The frog floats. Twitch target points it and it performs like a hollow body. and shorelines Reel it and its boot shaped feet kick up a at the lake’s Photo courtesy Chase Grey commotion like a Ribbit frog. northern reaches, On March 24, while fishing out of Stow-A-way Marina, Kathleen Costine Frogs will draw some explosive strikes. especially those caught this Kentucky spotted bass from Lake Conroe. According to the For best results, fish it around new growth that offer some angler the fish measured 19” in length and weighed right at four pounds lily pads and over hydrilla beds in 2-4 feet sort of cover such on a handheld scaled before the fish was released back into the lake.
40 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal may 2015 and roadbeds in 8-15 feet of water,” Terpe of it all around the reservoir, but the mid- Spook or Sammy. These baits work best said. “It’s all according to what you want lake area can be especially good. along outside grass edges and over the to do. I’m more of a shallow water guy.” “A swim jig or a shad pattern swim tops of grass beds on main lake flats. Channel Catfish: Terpe says the best bait can be real good in the same areas,” Another pattern worth checking out way to catch a limit of channel cat for the Johnston said. “These baits come through is flipping jigs and creatures into flooded freezer is to set over a baited hole along cover exceptionally well and they produce willows and buck brush. With big rains the edges of the San Jacinto river channel a lot of big bites.” we had in February and March, chances or a major creek in 15-22 feet of water and Johnston says May also kicks off a are good there will be plenty of water in soak any number of baits on or close to strong topwater bite that will typically the bushes to hold fish. the bottom. His favorite is cheese bait on carry on through June and on up into Johnston says May also can be an a sponge hook. However, night crawlers, the summer. Yellow Magics and other outstanding month for crappie fishing. punch bait, shrimp, liver and cut shad chugger style baits are heavy favorites, The fish will be setting up in brush piles, also will work. as are larger surface plugs like the Super but perhaps the most enjoyable way to The guide baits his holes with range cubes, but you also can use soured milo or other grains. The key is to not use too much. It’s also a good idea to secure the boat at both ends to prevent it from drifting and moving you off the sweet spot. “Anglers who don’t have electronics can also have pretty good luck around the bridge pilings at the FM 1097 crossing,” ALUMINUM BOAT SPECIALISTS Terpe said. “There are a lot of catfish that For All Your Fishing & Hunting Needs prowl around there. When you bait them it will put them right under the boat.” Hybrid Bass: Hybrid bass have been finning around in Conroe for years and Terpe says May is a good time to catch some solid fish in the 5-7 pound range. “What I like to do is fish for catfish or bass early, then go offshore for the hybrids Excel 2172 Viper Centerconsole Pro Drive Duck Hunter Special in the middle of the day,” he said. “If you can find them, they will usually bite.” Terpe will tempt the fish using one of two techniques, depending on how they are positioned on the water column. If the fish are suspended he likes to troll a deep diving crankbait trailed by a pet spoon. If they are on bottom he likes a slab spoon. Excel Bay 203 Centerconsole SAM RAYBURN — When Sam Rayburn guide Stephen Johnston heads out for a COASTAL BOAT & DOCK SPECIALISTS day of bass fishing on the 114,000-acre lake near Lufkin during May, you will rarely see his boat in water deeper than 12 feet. In fact, 12 feet might be on the deep side of Johnston’s comfort zone. “Everything is going to be shallow this month,” Johnston said. “There will still be some fish on beds down south and there will be plenty of others up there feeding on and guarding fry. Plus, the bream will be beginning to bed. There will be quite Models from 1860 to 2420 Professional Accommodating Any Design and Need a few big fish up there, too.” One of Johnston’s favorite things to do in late spring is throw a buzz frog or hollow body frog around pepper grass 12525 I-10 East | Baytown, TX beds and new growth lily pads in water www.genespowersports.com | 281-385-5888 that’s one to six feet deep. There is plenty may 2015 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal 41 fish is casting or strolling small jigs or jig 20-30 feet behind the boat and use the PALESTINE — Lake Palestine fishing Roadrunners along outside grass edges in trolling motor to bump it along at a slow guide Ricky Vandergriff says May ranks water ranging 8-14 feet deep. The better pace. Once you catch one or two fish out among his favorite months of the year grass will be along secondary and main of the same area, hold the boat steady and to chase largemouths on his home lake, lake points in the mouths of major creeks work it over thoroughly by fan casting. mainly because the fish will are typically in and coves where the fish spawned earlier “The crappie are going to be grouped a head hunting mood and ready to munch in the spring. up pretty good,” Johnston said. “Where after the spawn. TOLEDO BEND — T-Bend bass fishing you catch one, there are probably going “They’ll be aggressive and ready to has been on fire all year long, and things to be others.” chase,” Vandergriff said. “That’s why I’ll aren’t likely to cool off anytime soon. LIVINGSTON — May bass fishing be throwing quite a few moving baits — According to fishing guide Stephen prospects on Livingston can be a hit or things like a spinnerbait, Shimmy Shaker Johnston, there are a variety of ways to miss proposition, according to former and crankbait. They be setting up fairly catch fish over the next 30 days. fishing guide Randy Dearman. Dearman shallow, mostly around docks, points “You have to remember that Toledo says the fish will be making the transition and in the backs of creeks around any Bend is a huge lake, so the fish are going from traditional spawning areas and available cover.” to be doing different things,” Johnston setting up along points and channel Vandergriff also thinks there will be explained. “Up north, the spawn has been swings. a reliable bite on main lake points and over for a while now because the water is “The fish are going to be on the old road beds towards the south end of shallower and warms up faster. There’s move,” says Dearman. “They’ll be pretty the lake. He says he’ll throw a Carolina not much grass up there, either. So a lot aggressive and they’ll bite once you find rigged Brush Hog or Senko on points 4-10 of those fish will have already moved them.” feet deep and a deep diving crankbait on offshore onto ridges and underwater Dearman says the fish will hit assorted roadbeds in the 10-15 foot range. points.” baits ranging from moving lures such If you are looking to box a few crappie Down south, it’s an altogether different as spinnerbaits, cranks and bladed jigs. this month, Vandergriff suggests targeting story, Johnston said. If they don’t seem willing to chase, he’ll brush piles in water 10-15 feet deep. Live “There’s a lot of grass down south switch to a Texas rig Rage Craw or a jig, shiners are always a good choice, while and there are still going to be a lot of fish especially when fishing cover around small jigs and Roadrunners are ideal shallow,” he said. “There could even be a channel swings or points. when the fish are in an aggressive mood. few that are still on beds down around “The main thing to remember on Baits weighing 1/16 to 1/8 ounce are his some of the bigger creeks close to the dam. Livingston is we don’t have any grass to favorites. White is the best color. The water is much deeper down south speak of,” Dearman said. “These fish relate Good as crappie are to eat, channel than it is up north, so it doesn’t warm up primarily to wood — stumps, lay downs, cat aren’t very far behind. Lake Palestine near as quick.” brush and stuff like that.” harbors a healthy population of channels, When fishing above the Pendleton Dearman says late spring also produces blues and flatheads, but channel cat rank bridge, Johnston suggests targeting a pretty decent topwater bite from time to as the most reliable option when it comes offshore structure like ridges and points in time. A white Strike King buzz bait ranks to rod and reel prospects. water depths of 10-18 feet using Carolina among his favorites. Vandergriff says the fishing is always rigs and deep diving cranks like a Strike Another pattern the guide pointed to best around areas that are pre-baited using King 5XD or 6XD. Texas rig plastics and is fishing around boat docks. He said the soured maize or range cubes. Best depth football jigs also will produce some strikes. better docks will almost always be situated range along the edges of the Neches are Farther south, the guide said he will near deeper water such as a creek channel about 14 feet. There also will be shallower key on water ranging one to six feet deep or a drop off. Best baits are square bill bait around boat docks. using frogs, swim jigs and swim baits cranks, spinnerbaits and jig/craw combos. around pepper grass, new growth lily The white bass spring spawning run pads and hydrilla in any number of major is history and big numbers of fish will be creeks. Secondary points will be a major filtering back into Lake Livingston this NORTH TEXAS draw. Some the better areas he pointed out month. A school fish by nature, the whites include Toro Bay, Hausen Bay, Six Mile should be setting up camp in large groups Creek and Indian Mounds. on deep main lake points in the mouths “You’ll also have some fish holding of major feeder creeks as well as along the along the outer edges of the grass that you banks of the Trinity River. can catch on a Senko or a wacky worm,” “You can catch them all over the lake Johnston said. from the north end all the way to the dam, T-Bend always produces some but my guess is the larger schools are still outstanding crappie fishing in May. One going to be up north,” Dearman said. of the most reliable ways to catch a limit “Spoons are the best bet when they are on down south is to stroll a jig along outside bottom and moving baits like a ‘Trap or grass edges in water ranging 8-14 feet. topwater are tickets when they come up By Brian Hughes Strolling is simple to do. Just cast the schooling on the surface.”
42 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal may 2015 May in Texas is a great month for I try to rotate them to cover as much area with the legs that putter across the surface fishing. Not just bass fishing, but ALL as possible. when retrieved) and the hollow-body fishing. As the last group to spawn, catfish Having said that, Cedar Creek is frogs like a Snag-Proof or Scum Frog. All are in the shallows this month and are included again simply because May of these will work on different days, just easily accessible. should be a bust-out month. The water throw them and let the fish tell you which Crappie have spawned and are level returned to full pool after some one they want on a particular day. Try to returning to deeper water to set up on three years of extremely low levels. The stay with standard colors, your greens, cover near structure. Hybrids and sand northern end of the lake saw levels so blacks, whites and spotted frog types. bass are also finished and will be chasing low you could walk out to “islands” that Sometimes I’ll add a little chartreuse dye the shad that are moving in for their should have had water four to eight feet to the legs of a watermelon/red buzz frog spawn. Bass will still be hitting topwaters deep surrounding them. These are now for contrast. early and late, and feeding on and off islands again, and the vegetation that grew Many boat docks that were high- throughout the day in the shallows. All during the low water offers a veritable and-dry are now back in the water and in all, most fish species will be active playground for the fish. the flippin’/pitchin’ fan will have literally throughout the day, and active fish are All species will benefit with hatched fry hundreds of docks to work with a jig and much easier to catch. having plenty of cover, as well as sunfish, pig, or Texas rigged Yamamoto Kreature Add to that the fact that May brings spawning baitfish and catfish, and the bait. Your standard Texas colors work here, some of our best weather of the season, predator fish. Throwing topwaters like black/blue, watermelon/red, chartreuse/ and planning a trip for this month is a frog or buzzbait should keep the bass pepper and June Bug. almost bulletproof. Of course they call it fisherman busy for hours. Crickets and Crappie on Cedar Creek will also take fishing, and not catching, for a reason. No worms under a cork, strategically placed advantage of the higher water, hanging trip is guaranteed to produce fish on the will catch plenty of bluegill, and prepared out below docks that now have water line. But May could very well be the best baits will have the catmen on fish in no beneath them. Depending on the level, shot you’ll have. time. you may be able to “shoot” these docks CEDAR CREEK — I talked about Cedar The frog fishermen have three choices, with a crappie jig on a spinning rod. Creek last month, and I usually skip a a popping frog (these have a concave face, “Shooting” docks is a technique whereby month or two before covering a lake again much like a hard popper bait), a buzz-frog you open the reels bail, grasp the jig in one in these reports. There are so many lakes (these are the solid-body, soft plastic baits hand, and pull back on the lure, bending
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East HWY 82 | Gainesville 1100 NE Loop 820 | Fort Worth 940-665-9331 www.northtexasmarine.com 817-246-2100 may 2015 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal 43 It’s frog time on many north Texas lakes. Clockwise from top -- SPRO-Dean Rojas Signature Bronzeye POP, Stanley Ribbit Buzz-frog, Sang Proof hollow-body and River 2 Sea Spittin’ Pop. the rod. Then release the jig, “shooting” when Tony said that I had to make him and cover that area again with a Senko or it underneath the dock. It takes time and go back and explain it to me, “On Cooper Texas rig to thoroughly plumb the area. practice to master, but is well worth the there are a lot of shallow humps the White in your buzzbait, white chartreuse, effort as you can launch a jig well back hybrids and sandies will gather around. (or both), red and orange are good under the dock where no traditional These humps top out anywhere from spinnerbait colors, while watermelon/ casting method will reach. eight to less than two feet deep. If you try red or bubblegum (depending on water COOPER — Cooper is another success to “chart” them you’ll spook them off the clarity) work for the Senko and Texas rigs. story regarding lake levels. After being hump. The only thing I use is the GPS to Catfish will also be found in the new closed to boat traffic twice in the last locate the hump itself. Then we throw a growth, in the shallows. Use your standard three years, Cooper has seen an eight foot ½ ounce or ¾ ounce jighead, rigged with prepared, cut, or live baits. rise with the spring rains and is poised a Sassy Shad at ‘em. If there are fish there FORK — Guide Mark Stevenson to provide some of the hottest action in you’ll know it.” also likes Lake Fork in May. “One of Texas for hybrid stripers. Since you may not have all of the data my favorite times of the year, without a Guide Tony Parker has been on the Tony has collected over the years on your doubt,” said Mark. “We’ll start the day lake for many years and says this may be unit, many of today’s navigational aids are on top with a Yellow Magic, ‘Spook or one of the best ever, “I’m looking for a real available to plug into your unit, or you can buzzbait, working any kind of shallow hot season on Cooper. Having the lake download them onto your phone. These cover. Hydrilla, timber, pondweed or down and seeing so few anglers the fish usually have the GPS coordinates for pads if they are present.” (Remember to have relaxed a little. And even though the things like the humps. With all of the new use the type of bait that is suited to the lake was down they are still here, better water, bass fishermen can expect the bass cover. For example, you wouldn’t want to than ever.” to be scattered. The best approach will be throw the Spook in heavy timber unless One tip that Tony passed on was moving baits. Try the buzzbait early in you are really good at working one, and something new to me, “I don’t use my the morning and spinnerbaits and ‘Traps don’t mind spending a lot of time getting electronics to find these May fish.” later. If the buzzbait produces fish in an your bait off the trees!) Now, I’ve fished with a lot of striper area, you may want to go back over that There will still be spawning bass this guides, hybrid striper guides, sand bass area with a Spook, popper or frog. time of year and they will generally be off guides and more, and the ALL used the The same idea applies to the spinnerbait the main lake points in five to six feet of electronics to search out their fish. So and trap. If you catch a couple, turn back water. “I like to throw a mini-Carolina rig
44 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal may 2015 at these fish, along with a Texas rig, jig or Shad in watermelon/shad laminate for catch bigger fish using that bait so it’s one square-billed crankbait,” said Stevenson. the swimbait. of my favorites.” “These are the last of the spawning fish Crappie fishermen at Fork should He also likes a Spook around the areas and you’re not really sight fishing, you look for the papermouths returning to where the shad spawn, “I also use the just kinda know they are around. Some of deeper water on points, at channels and Vixen by Reaction Innovations quite a these fish will be the nine and ten pound brushpiles, and don’t forget the bridges, bit. It has a little different something that fish everybody wants to catch.” “We always do very well at the bridges in the fish seem to like more on some days.” May also signals the beginning of May, using crappie jigs and minnows.” On the flats, adjacent to channels and the deep water patterns. Off the shore RAY ROBERTS — Ray Bob got a lot of main lake points Dannie uses the Carolina structure will begin to see a lot of bass attention back in March with a new lake rig and will flip a Kreature bait or Mag visiting for the daily meal and they can record bass and ShareLunker entry. At Fluke. “It’s really important to be accurate be caught on a variety of baits. 15.18 it was a monster and well deserved in your lure placement when flippin’ on “Starting early in the month and the attention. Ray Roberts also deserves Ray Roberts,” he cautions. Baits for the lasting ‘til the water starts getting hot we’ll more attention than it usually gets as it Carolina rig include the Larew Salt Flik’R use a Carolina rig with a 10 inch worm, is a fantastic lake for all types of fishing. and the Kicker Fish Bubble Fry. Colors ribbed worm, or fluke on these fish. I Guide Dannie Golden was the captain are chartreuse/pepper in the fry, and even like to tip a ½ oz. or ¾ oz. jig with when the record was caught and he has Sooner Run (a laminate) in the Flik’R. the 10 inch worm occasionally,” suggests nothing but rave reviews for the lake. Watermelon/gold flake is another favorite Mark. “I like a lot of flake for these deeper “What most people don’t know about Ray Bob color. Crappie will be back on the approaches, colors like Red Bug, June Bug, that record fish is that it was the second Corps of Engineers brushpiles (marked on Watermelon Magic, Watermelon Candy double-digit fish we caught that day,” he almost all lake maps) or the timber, and and Tequila Sunrise.” confessed. “We had also had several other sand bass will be on almost every windy The first two or three weeks of the big fish that week, and the week after.” point. “Look for a heron on the points,” month will also see deep-diving crankbaits Early in May the bass will still be suggested Golden, “If the heron is there, come into play. “We use the DD22, XD6 spawning on the south end of the lake, the sandies will be too!” and XD10 a lot this time of year, along while the north end will be in a post- May is a great month to fish in north with a swimbait on a heavy jighead.” Mark spawn pattern. Dannie likes to use frogs Texas. Get your frogs and topwaters out, suggests chartreuse/blue and shad colors around the main lake grass. “We use all get out early, take a youngster with you, on the crankbaits and the LFT Magic three types of frogs,” says Golden. “We and GO FISHING.
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may 2015 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal 45 SALTWATER JOURNAL | Mark Sosin
Fish Have Ears
highly developed frequencies. You’ll seldom see a fish make and sensitive a mistake and swim toward an alarming that it can hear sound. As an example if you drop a bait a worm wiggling or lure too close to a fish, it will spook no in the bottom. matter how small the offering seems to be Even when vision or how big the fish is. is obscured as the A fish’s ears are buried on either turbidity of the side of the head in roughly the same water changes, position as our own inner ears, but they day turns into are much closer together. Unlike us, fish night, or clean do not have eardrums and the ears are water flows into not open directly to the water. Sounds a muddy or are transmitted directly from the water polluted stretch, through the skin, flesh, and bone of the a fish’s hearing fish’s head to the ear. Those species that remains acute. inhabit turbulent water or a crashing Sounds surf don’t have as sophisticated hearing transmitted as those critters that cruise around in into the water calmer waters. Fish anatomists tell us that will either repel one clue to extremely sensitive hearing is or attract fish. the internal connection in some species The key for an of the ear to the swim bladder. The swim angler is to avoid bladder is a gas filled chamber enclosed driving fish away by an elastic membrane. It serves as an with the wrong underwater microphone, resonating Photo by Bill L. Olson kind of sound. chamber, and amplifier all rolled into The lateral line starts at the head as a network of tiny canals running Instead, you want one. The bladder picks up vibrations in just under the surface of the skin. Right behind the head, the canals join to arouse their the water and transmits them to the ear. together forming the lateral line proper, which extends down each side of the fish to the tail. The most vivid example occurs on snook. curiosity or gain High-sensitivity hearing is a valuable asset their attention to the hunted as well as the hunter. Although fish don’t have protruding with the right kind of sound. We know In addition to their ears, fish have earflaps like those of humans or other that sound travels five times faster in a second sound-detecting organ known mammals, they do have ears and good water than it does in air and we also as the lateral line which is unique in ones. The hearing apparatus of a fish is so know that fish are alert to a wide range of the animal kingdom. This organ senses
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46 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal may 2015 the strong, low-frequency vibrations in use of the ears and the lateral line, they strikes. If you simply walk along working the water and is important to a fish in can detect any disturbance in the water. the bait (known as bridge trolling), the pinpointing the source of a sound. The Nothing can trigger a response in fish results should impress you. lateral line starts at the head as a network faster than the vibrations given off by an Aboard a boat, the sound of an of tiny canals running just under the injured fish or one with a hook in it. The outboard, particularly in shallow water, surface of the skin. Right behind the sounds produced when a fish is injured can alert fish a considerable distance head, the canals join together forming the are totally different than those given off away. It’s best to putt-putt toward the lateral line proper, which extends down by a fish swimming normally. area you want to fish and then shut the each side of the fish to the tail. The most Since the lateral line is directional, a engine down some distance away. Too vivid example occurs on snook. You can predator can detect the precise location many of us look at habitat where a fish is identify it as a dark, black line on a lighter of a natural bait or a lure within 10 to 20 likely to be and then we pride ourselves body running from the head to the tail. feet. At distances of two to five feet, a fish on dropping a bait or lure on top of that Sound sensors called neuromasts are can precisely pinpoint another fish or lure spot. That’s enough to put any critter on attached at intervals within the lateral line without using its eyes at all and can whirl the alert. And, if you’re trolling a live bait canals and are especially sensitive to low- around and strike with total accuracy. near a school of forage species, work the frequency sounds. They are composed A number of tips are worth outside edges. That makes it easier for the of tiny pods with sensory hairs inside. remembering when you are on the fish you want to catch to find your bait. Each pod connects to a nerve fiber which water. If you fish at night and are using Fishing from the bank or wading carries the signal to the brain. When the a topwater plug, the retrieve should be can be much more effective if you move sound wave reaches the neuromasts, it will steady and constant because its easier slowly. Bank fishermen need to stay some push them in one direction or the other. for a fish to home in on it. Fish exhibit a distance from the water’s edge because If the neuromasts are moved rearward, negative reaction to unusual noises such the sound of each step is transmitted into the electrical charges increase and if they as those coming from a boat. Particularly the water. And, if you are wading, any move forward, the charges decrease. Some in shallow water, anything that scrapes splashing or pushing water ahead of you scientists refer to the lateral line as “the the hull either in the boat or against the telegraphs a danger sign to the fish you sense of distant touch.” It’s almost as if a boat such as a pushpole, oar, or paddle want to catch. Just remember that fish fish could reach out and feel. will send fish packing. For those who fish have excellent hearing and react to sound. Sound plays a vital role in the daily bridges, working a dead bait on the surface Make sure the only sound you create are activities of fish. Through the combined with action from the rod will produce ones that signal an easy meal.
may 2015 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal 47 Just FISHING | Brian Hughes
New Water Provides New Opportunities
BEFORE (Left) Anglers that shot photos of structure and cover when lake levels were down...
...will benefit now that lakes are starting to refill. (Below) AFTER
The old saying, “It takes a flood to rains to run directly break a drought” is based on solid logic. A into our reservoirs lake that is 10 feet low cannot be expected and replenish the to see much improvement in lake level water supplies to at with just three or four inches of rain. least near-normal. During a drought, the ground will become As of this writing parched. It will then soak up an enormous Tawakoni, once 10 amount of rainfall before allowing the feet low, recovered needed run-off that fills our lakes. seven feet of pool level. Lake Fork went and structure, that will be available. As It is no secret that Texas has been in a from almost eight feet low but has a quick tutorial, structure is defined a record busting drought for several years recovered to just two feet low as of early change in the bottom of the lake. Humps, now. But, that said, Texas also covers April. Ray Hubbard gained five feet in just channels, old pond dams, roadbeds and an incredible amount of real estate. a weeks time, and Cedar Creek gained over the like are all structure. Cover is a place Dividing the state from east to west into five feet to return to full pool. Other lakes a fish can hide. Brush, grasses, boat docks, three vertical regions, the easternmost in the region have seen similar gains. submerged logs and such are cover. And region has fared the best. On a recent This is very good news for the another note, all species will use the new trip through east Texas I saw streams municipalities that depend on these cover that’s available — from baitfish to and rivers out of their banks, flooding sources for water, as well as the bass. thousands of acres of bordering lowlands. homeowners with docks and boathouses. When the water was down, many The western section has fared the worst. The fishermen can benefit from this advised you to take photographs of your Some lakes like in the panhandle are, for higher lake level too, but there are a few favorite fishing waters to use as a reference all practical purposes, non-existent. things you’ll need to know. when the water level returned. If you did In the middle of these extremes is the Heavy, late winter rains are usually so you now have an idea what is below the north Texas region and my “beat” so to cold. Cold water running into a lake will surface as you enter an area to fish. The speak. This portion of the state has seen naturally drop the water temperature in cover that was exposed then will be clearly both ends of the spectrum. While all of the area of the run-off. In addition, these visible in your photos, and can be readily the lakes have been affected, some lakes rains will usually bring a lot of mud, silt located with little effort. This will be your fared worse than others. Boat docks, and debris with them, turning the water little “secret” fishing hole. boat houses and boat ramps have been color into a chocolate milk affair. Cold, However, many never took the time left high and dry, with the lake hundreds muddy water is not a fishermans friend. (and in some cases couldn’t get close of feet away. Some lakes have simply The good news is that by the time this enough due to the low water) to take been inconvenienced with temporary issue is published the water will have these pictures on all the lakes we fish. In unavailability of some facilities. warmed and the sediment will have settled that case a good topographical map can But late winter ice and snow saturated so that shouldn’t be a factor. help. Look to the previous water level, the ground, paving the way for early spring What will be a factor is the new cover, where channels enter the area in question.
48 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal may 2015 the docks. Do are present. a slow run past As you pass each dock you can cast a line of docks alongside both sides to find the brush and note the there. If you’re able, sling that weight ones that show underneath the dock as far back as you cover, then can to plumb for brush underneath. Be come back aware that many times brush is hung and fish those from a dock support on a line or string, thoroughly. so keep an eye out for these as it is a dead I f y o u giveaway that brush is present. Once are without located use your Texas rigged lizards, electronics worms, Kreatures, and crawfish imitations you’ll have on the shallower stuff, and Carolina rigs to find the on the deeper brush. Be sure to “paint” brush the old all sides of a brushpile in order to cover it fashioned way, completely. If deep enough, you may use a by “dredging”. deep diving crankbait, spinnerbait, spoon Use a ½ oz. or tail-spinner to come across the top and Shoreline brush that grew up when lakes were low will be areas baitfish and to one ounce sides of the brush. gamefish will use for cover. weight (no Finally, keep in mind that this kind of hook) on the fishing will be hard on your line. Braided These channels will have funneled logs end of your line and make a long cast line or heavy mono or flouro is a good and brush, carried by the rains, into the parallel to, and in front of, a line of docks. idea, as is repeatedly checking your line area. It is now a matter of checking the Cast as far as you can to cover as many for abrasions. You could very well catch a bends with your electronics for cover docks as possible with each cast. Now big ‘un in this thick cover and you don’t that couldn’t make the corner so to speak, simply reel in your weight slowly, paying want to lose it because of a line failure. and was caught up on the channel bend. attention to what you feel as it comes back Remember, new water will provide Depending on the depth and thickness to the boat. You’ll feel the brush piles that new opportunities for catching fish. of this cover, some type of soft plastic is in order. Texas and Carolina rigs are a good choice, although you may be able The Latest Freshwater and Coastal Reports to slip some moving baits through this from around the Region cover as well. The most common and easiest new cover to find will be shoreline grasses and trees. In an extended drought such as the one we have been in, grasses, bushes and trees will grow along the exposed bank, only to be inundated when the lake level comes back up. This will be the first new cover fish TEXAS * LOUISIANA * OKLAHOMA * ARKANSAS will explore. You’ll want to fish the With Host Barry Stokes outside edges first using spinnerbaits, Weekly Reports Including: ‘Traps, Senkos and the like. Next you Lone Star Lakes - Brian Hughes, can penetrate the cover slipping a Texas "On The Coast" - (Texas) Capt. Bill L. Olson, rig down into openings, or a frog across Cajun Bites - Cajun Phil & Capt. Kevin Broussard, the top, being sure to look for breaks and Sooner Beat - Gary Dollahon edges where fish will wait to ambush prey. Another source of underwater cover no longer visible will be at boat docks. Many owners will have taken advantage of the low water to place, or refresh, brush piles below their docks. Docks that were out of the water for a long period of time may have natural growth below, and THURSDAYS 10:30 P.M. CST SATURDAYS 7:30 A.M. CST (NEW TIME) beside, them. Again, your electronics will show which docks have brush in front of Watch Last Week's Show In Full HD NOW At FoxSportsOutdoors.com them, and the side-scan units will show brush underneath and to the sides of may 2015 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal 49 Blue-Chip Texas Wade Fishing
Sabine Lake to Port Mansfield offers a variety of productive fishing areas.
Story and photography by Robert Sloan
n the topic of wade fishing simple. It’s me and the fish.” up for his final escape and headed to the Rudy Grigar, a.k.a. The Actually the only thing that Grigar Chandeleur Islands. OPlugger once told me that it had to worry about was avoiding other These days there is no such thing as was his only escape from the world. fishermen. He started out in Galveston. escaping fishermen along the Gulf Coast “When I’m out there in waist deep But with the influx of more and more — regardless of where you go. But it’s a water with a rod and reel and silver spoon fishermen, he moved down the coast to fact that wade fishing for reds and trout the only thing that I’m thinking about Port O’Connor. And when he couldn’t is one sure fire way to drain the brain of is that next bite,”said Grigar. “It’s that escape pesky waders there, he packed the daily grind. And it’s also a fact that
50 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal may 2015 going to be a real short bite at first light. After that you’ll do best with a 5-inch Yum Money Minnow in pearl/chartreuse back or herring. Rig this on a white 1/4 ounce jig head and work it fast along bottom on a steady retrieve. Another option is to use a Yum Houdini Shad in camo/pearl or watermelon/red flake rigged on a 1/8-ounce Bomber jig head in white or chartreuse. With this lighter jig head you can work the shallow shoreline in two to three feet of water for feeding reds. When fishing East Galveston Bay don’t ever pass up the option of wading the shallow edge of Gin clear water awaits anglers along Texas coast. Speckled trout, redfish, and flounder can be caught in water that is the guts on outgoing relatively unpressured if you know where and when to go. tides. That’s a great situation to work there is no shortage of great wade fishing I like to wade Sabine in about thigh plastics on bottom for reds, trout and water along the Texas coast. It’s simply a deep water. Best lures will be a black/ flounder. Some of the best cuts are off Big matter of knowing where to go and when chartreuse Heddon Super Spook or a Pasture Bayou, Yates Bayous, Elmgrove to be there. Super Spook Jr. in spectrum. You’ll do best Point and Pepper Point. On the upper Texas coast is Sabine with the Spook Jr. in very calm water at East Matagorda Bay is a hot spot Lake, and this is where you can pretty dawn and dusk. The 5-inch Super Spook for wading. It used to be known for much find blue-chip water to wade on draws more strikes in windy conditions consistently pumping out numbers of big any given day — even on the weekends. and slightly stained water. trout. That’s not the case anymore. But For some reason wade fishing on Sabine During the heat of the day, and it’s still a great wade fishing destination has never been all that popular. But it’s bright sunlight, Capt. Jerry Norris highly for numbers of solid trout, and lots of definitely a go-to destination for anglers recommends using a red/shad Assassin slot reds. in the know. Sabine Lake gets very little on a ¼ ounce jig head sprayed with Yum The best thing going for fishermen on fishing pressure, in comparison to other shrimp scent. East Matagorda Bay is Matagorda Harbor. bays. I’ve been fishing this place for over Fishing anywhere on the Galveston This is a first class operation with good 20 years. The numbers of reds here, big Bay system, during the summer months, boat ramps, on-the-water gas pumps, a reds, are incredible. If I had to pick a top can be a crowded experience on just about tackle shop, the best fish cleaning area wade fishing spot for quality reds and any given day. That’s why it’s always best that I’ve ever seen, great restrooms and trout it would be Sabine. to fish this popular spot on weekdays. My a restaurant. When it comes to a bay side At Sabine you can put in at the personnel favorite is East Galveston Bay. marina this one is tough to beat. Causeway boat ramp, head north towards The best option is to launch at Stingaree You can put in at the harbor, enter Blue Buck Point along the Louisiana Marina, cross the Intracoastal Waterway the Intracoastal Waterway and head shoreline, and from there you can wade and enter the bay. From there you can fish east to the Old Gulf Cut opening to East until their ain’t no tomorrow. Some of west or east. Another option is to put in Matagorda Bay. From there you want to the best topwater action you’ll have for on the northeast corner of East Bay at the head to the south shoreline where you’ll redfish will be about a mile up from Blue Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge. find miles of primo wade fishing water. Buck Point. What you want to do is anchor Early in the morning a 3-1/2-inch While traveling on this bay definitely be your boat up near the shoreline, get out Bomber Badonk-A-Donk in Mardi Gras aware of shallow oyster reefs — they are and fish. or bone colors will work for trout. That’s everywhere and will wreck a hull and may 2015 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal 51 injure boaters. My best advice is to get a the pass. On many days the water along escape the world and find some excellent good chart that shows a lot of bay detail, this area of Matagorda surf is so clear you wade fishing is out of Port Mansfield, or hire a guide like Charlie Paradoski or can see sand dollars in two feet of water. located at about the middle of the Laguna Tommy Alexander. But better than that you can actually walk Madre. I’ve been fishing there for years Guide Charlie Paradoski, has been on dry sand while sight casting to trout and never get tired of it. The Laguna wading this bay for decades. His advice and reds in the first gut. That, my friends, Madre is right at 130 miles long. That’s is to locate mullet, stake out the boat and is awesome wade fishing. What you don’t a lot of water. You could actually fish start wading. want do here is wade too far out. There the Laguna flats and never fish the same “I like to wade in waste to chest deep are strong currents and some mighty big water twice. water,” says Paradoski. “At sunlight I’ll fish sharks. “It’s some of the most incredible wade Super Spooks for about an hour. After that The unique thing about Port fishing on the entire Gulf Coast,” says Mike I’ll switch over to soft plastics in junebug, O’Connor are the many islands. Dewberry Sutton, who owns and operates Getaway chartreuse or watermelon/shad colors and Blackberry islands are very popular Adventures Lodge in Port Mansfield. rigged on a ¼ ounce jig heads.” among wade fishermen. They cover “Once you leave the Mansfield harbor you The main miles of clear water flats. You can wade can head east or west and find shallow and thing is to grassy flats for fish where miles and miles.” you see lots of The west mullet. Other shoreline out than that of Mansfield you might is where I’ve try wading had some the many outstanding reefs. Some wade fishing for of the good big trout over the ones include past few years. Cleveland, This particular L o n g , shoreline covers 3-Beacon, over 20 miles Raymond, of primo wade Oyster Farm fishing flats. and Half The shallow Moon. These flats along the reefs have shoreline-side of been favorites the Intracoastal of waders for Waterway years. offer excellent P o r t topwater action O’Connor, for big trout right located on the about now. Last middle Texas May I fished that coast between shoreline about Matagorda five miles out of All along the Texas coast there are hot spots where anglers can “get-in-amongst ‘em” and enjoy some and the Mansfield awesome wadefishing. Rockport, is harbor. We had one of the most scenic places you’ll ever up close to the island in a foot of water trout to 7 pounds on bone and chartreuse/ wade. This is where the water is often gin and sightcast to reds, or back off into silver flash Bomber Badonk-A-Donks. clear. There are numerous islands with the waist deep water and fish soft plastics for Another option is to wade the flats main one being Matagorda. This barrier trout and reds. One of the best tactics, on the south side of the Intracoastal island stretches for 38 miles and offers when wading the deeper water, is to tie Waterway. This is where you can find guts some of the prettiest wade fishing water on a Paradise Popper with a Yum Mud between sand bars that hold lots of trout you’ll ever see. The bay side of the island Minnow or Houdini Shad. This particular and reds on any given tide. offers shallow flats and guts that are drop rattle float attracts the fish and they eat the Guide Ted Springer says one of his dead perfect for attracting reds and trout. soft plastic falling beneath the popper. It’s go-to lures for catching big trout along If you get tired of the bay, head out a simple but deadly combination. Don’t the ICW flats is a saltwater Super Spook through the jetties or Pass Cavallo and fish forget to use some sort of scent attractant. Jr. in red/white or silver/blue. the surf. One of my favorite options, on a One of my favorites is the Yum shrimp or “Those flats offer drops and holes along light southeast breeze, is to wade the surf garlic scent. the grass line that attract some pretty big anywhere from one to three miles west of One of my favorite places to totally trout,” says Springer. “It’s good topwater
52 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal may 2015 fishing all day. But a go-to option is to fish soft plastics in watermelon/red or red/white on a 1/8 ounce jig head.” Wade fishing is a year round in- the-water escape for thousands of fishermen along the Gulf Coast. But, for sure, the Texas coast offers the most diversified wade fishing adventures on Earth, and it’s happening right now. For more information on wading Texas bays email Capt. Robert Sloan at sloan288@aol. com or visit www. luckystrikeguide. Photo by Bill L. Olson com. North and south of Port Mansfield are miles of shoreline flats for anglers to wade fish for speckled trout and redfish.
may 2015 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal 53 For information on guides mentioned, see Guides, Gear & Getaways on pages 67, 69, & 71 Lake Roundup
gov/spdest/visitorcenters/tffc/sl, though, catching. Duke sent me pictures all winter before calling to make sure your fish is a of him bundled up like an Eskimo and possible entry. holding nice bass, catfish and even a large And speaking of Lake Austin, you striper. His largest winter largemouth probably noticed that it was absent from weighed over 12 pounds. the list of this year’s five ShareLunkers. About 15 minutes from downtown Most veteran fishermen feel the drastic Austin out MLK (formerly 19th St.), after removal of hydrilla has contributed to it becomes FM 969, is the Webberville the recent decline of lunkers on the lake. community. There’s a convenience store A sort of a grassroots movement by and a grocery store. fishermen was scheduled to help rebuild Behind the convenience store is an old fish habitat on April 12 and 13. With house that the ferryman built when there permission and assistance from Texas used to be a ferry across the Colorado Parks & Wildlife personnel, their plan was River. Neal Cook lives there, now. He to sink cedar trees in the lake. The group himself could probably pass for an old By John Jefferson also says if they have more donations than ferryman. needed for purchase of cinder blocks, Cook, who was editor of the highly Spring finally sprung, although a little they will discuss with TPWD the idea acclaimed Texas Parks and Wildlife later this year than usual. The late, cold of donating the surplus to TPWD for magazine in the ‘60s and ‘70s, operates a and rainy winter seemed to retard the bass restocking bluegills, since the baitfish canoe livery there. spawn, and it certainly kept fishermen suffered from loss of habitat. If you are He has canoes and a few kayaks for home in front of fireplaces and off the inclined to contribute, contact John Ward rent for a five mile trip down the river. water. at (512) 825-0626. He charges $40/boat, a reasonable enough As of late March, right at TOJ’s There are still some good fish in price. For another $20, he’ll pick you up deadline time, there had only been five Austin, however, as the bass being held at the take-out point and shuttle you back ShareLunkers (bass 13-pounds or over) by Duke Kinley illustrates. Duke, a retired to your car at his livery in Webberville. entered: two from Sam Rayburn, one each Austin policeman caught it on March 22. He operates by reservation only at (512) from Fork and Ray Roberts, and one from He acknowledges that hydrilla is gone 276-7767. a private lake. The one from Ray Roberts from the lake, but it hasn’t affected his fish “The river is in great shape right scaled 15.18 pounds. Really nice fish. By this time each year, there have usually been several more on the list. As the temperature is warming each day and more and more good weather is upon us, I expect additional entries will explode like an over-inflated balloon through the end of the competition. The ShareLunker competition ends on April 30, so there’s still time if you receive TOJ by mail. If you don’t subscribe, you should. As a reminder, there is a new weigh station for ShareLunker entries by the boat ramp on Lake Austin, beneath the Loop 360 Bridge. Directions on opening the scale cabinet will be provided to anyone calling on their cell phone. Your fish doesn’t have to be caught on Lake Austin if that site is the quickest and most convenient certified scale to you. If you aren’t close enough to use that scale, the number for the ShareLunker program is Photo courtesy Duke Kinley. (903) 681-0550. Check the ShareLunker Although Lake Austin has produced few bass 13 pounds or over the past few years, there are still rules at the website http://tpwd.texas. good fish in the lake. Duke Kinley holds a trophy he caught on March 22 in Austin. 54 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal may 2015 Day in and day respectable 10.4 pounds, 17 inches, caught out, it is arguably by Jorge Guerra on April 9, 2013. some of the most If you haven’t savored a leisurely float predictable bass down a calm and very scenic and pastoral fishing water in stream, May just may be the time to do it – Central Texas. before it gets too hot. Boat traffic is much Lake Austin can less than on the lakes, too. Most of the bass sometimes skunk will be off the beds since the spawn usually even the best guides ends around the end of April, but their and fishermen appetites will be in gluttony mode in May. and Travis can Minnows and crawfish will work well be a hard lake to for those who prefer live bait instead of fish during the artificial lures. And a can of worms or a on-going drought sack full of crickets will put a couple of since it’s difficult skillets-full of sunfish and maybe a catfish to find a place to or two on your stringer. Largemouth and launch a boat. And Guadalupe bass have gotten the lion’s then you have to share of printers’ ink through the years find the fish. and a lot has been written about catch- Remember, too, and-release for the bass, but nobody is that the Colorado going to sneer at you for taking home a is the venue mess of perch. where Dr. Bryce And in case you’ve never dined on Townsend set the sunfish, you’ve missed a platter full of pure new state record pleasure. We filet all of ours regardless for Guadalupe the size and, although I accuse my wife Photo courtesy Brandon Bray bass with a 3.71, of creating potato chip filets out of the Brandon Bray, a Lake LBJ fishing guide, holding a 9.51 pound bass 17.25-inch trophy small fries, I stow the sarcasm when it’s caught last September. while fly-fishing time to eat. with guide, Shea Dust ‘em with corn meal or Bisquick now,” Cook says. “The moss and other McClanahan on February 1, 2014. The and ease ‘em into a skillet of hot grease or vegetation that choked the river last largemouth record for the river is a olive oil. Yuuummm! summer are gone due to the rains that we’ve steadily had since October.” Those of us who complain incessantly about the heavy rains stopping at or a little east of I-35, just short of the Lake Travis and Lake Buchanan watersheds, can at least find a little solace in the fact that those same rains clean out the river downstream from Austin, making for a more enjoyable float trip … and much better fishing. And the fishing Photo by John Jefferson is some of the May and June are good months for fishing for panfish. There is plenty of bank fishing throughout Central Texas, especially best around here. along Lady Bird Lake. may 2015 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal 55 For information on guides mentioned, see Guides, Gear & Getaways on pages 67, 69, & 71
CoastWatch Danno Wise
May is one of the best months to be fishing on the Texas coast. Lighter winds, warmer weather, more active fish - these are just a few of the elements that make May an excellent month for inshore anglers. Speckled trout, redfish, flounder and snook will all be realistic possibilities for fishermen along the bottom half of the Texas coast. Plus it won’t just be inshore action that’s heating up. Offshore anglers will start getting more opportunities as well during May. Kingfish and tarpon will begin showing up off the beachfront along the southern portion of the Texas coast. Best of all, May is the last month without huge summer crowds, so fishermen should enjoy the relative light traffic while it lasts Billy Olson lands another fish while driftfishing with Capt. Gencho Buitureira Jr. Gencho says and spend every possible day on the way lots of good options will be available for anglers fishing the Lower Laguna Madre in May. this month. Laguna Madre is almost too easy during be thick along the edges of the channel. May. And, although almost everyone fishing LOWER COAST “In May, we’ll have good fishing all along the ICW will be focused on trout, over the bay. It is really just up to you there will also be flounder and black drum as to how long of a boat ride you want up there. to take,” said Buitureira. “We’ll still have “Another thing you can do is hit the lots of trout right out front of Port Isabel shacks up north for drum and trout. If in May, so it is really a continuation of you’ve got a slow moving tide and little April in that sense. As long as the wind wind, you can also fish the old causeway. is not too heavy, we’ll start out throwing You want to have some water moving if topwaters for big trout on top of the bars. you fish around there, but you don’t want If there is no wind or a really light wind, the current to be too strong. Port Isabel guide Capt. Gencho “JR” I’ll head further up north and fish along “Usually during May, I’ll save some Buitureira says fishing in the Lower the Intracoastal Waterway. The trout will skipjack if we catch them or take some
56 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal may 2015 fresh mullet and fish potholes on Gas Wells the ICW spoils north of town. May is also Upper Laguna. If we have a lot of big for redfish after we get our trout or after the time when Spanish mackerel, kingfish tournaments or busy weekends, those fish the wind picks up. You can also jump to and tarpon begin showing up around the will either move off the flats or be very west side and fish south of Cullen and do jetties lining the East Cut, giving anglers skittish. In that case, you need to look for the same thing. an additional nearshore option. them along the drops or along part of the “And, we also fish the color changes a Corpus Christi guide Capt. Allen shoreline where boats can’t run. If you lot in May. If you are bait fishing along the Sifford of Fish On Guide Service says he’ll find an area like a fence line or a point, color change, go to the dirty water side. If have plenty of options during May. you’ll find redfish holding real tight to it. you are lure fishing go to the clean water “We’ll kind of be doing a little bit of Also, if you go onto the flats later in the side or fish right on the color line.” everything in May,” said Sifford. “Once afternoon after things have settled down a The guides at Port Mansfield’s Get-A- our croaker get big enough, I’ll switch little, you’ll find a lot more fish on the flats. Way Adventures will be offering a wide over to croaker for bait. But, that’s usually “Overall, I’m looking forward to some array of trips in May. Anglers making the not until the second week or so of May. excellent trout fishing in Nueces and trip to Port Mansfield can expect a variety So, early in the month, I’ll be wading and Baffin and some great redfishing in the of good fishing options this month. throwing topwaters, mostly around the Upper Laguna. I think May’s going to be To begin with, the speckled trout bite reefs in Nueces. But, if it’s windy, I’ll fish a good month.” will still be hot. Anglers can expect a good the grass lines and drop offs. Later in the shallow water bite early, then will be able month, I’ll start concentrating on the to find fish throughout the balance of the backside of Baffin. MIDDLE COAST day hanging in three to four feet of water. “Another option in the early part of Beginning in May, grass will be the key May is the Land Cut. We can usually catch structure for trout, so potholes and the some really good trout in the Land Cut outside edges of grass beds will be the areas until after the full moon in May. When anglers need to key on. I’m fishing the Land Cut, I fish the west Redfish will also be active this month, bank. I start out throwing topwaters. with schools of spottails moving up onto Then, later in the morning I start fishing the sand flats over the next few weeks. deeper with Bass Assassins. The redfish There will also be plenty of reds around will be schooled up on the flats in the
may 2015 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal 57 Aransas area anglers will certainly be in transition this month, as May usually signals the start of “croaker season.” Early in the month, most fishermen looking for speckled trout will be using plugs, plastics and live shrimp. Once croaker reach “bait size,” the vast majority of trout fishermen in the Coastal Bend region will switch from shrimp and plastics to croaker as their bait of choice. Most of the waters around Aransas Pass and Port Aransas will be holding good numbers of trout during May. Nueces, Aransas, and Corpus Christi bays will all have plenty of fish this month. For the most part, trout will be holding over mid-depth flats and along the drops. Later in the month, the fish will be found around the deeper structure. But, throughout the month of May, fishermen Back lakes and channels will afford protection on windy days, as well as some excellent can expect a good shallow water trout sightfishing when the winds are light along Texas mid-coast in May. bite early in the day. Redfish will also be a viable option for Aransas area anglers forefront in the Rockport area during trout. There will still be some big fish this month. There will be plenty of reds May. caught in May. Most of the bigger fish will on the flats and along the shorelines where “In May, our water will be quite a bit still be up on the flats, just like they were they can be taken with topwaters, spoons warmer and we’ll have plenty of active in April. But, we’ll also have some good or cut bait. fish,” said Capt. Ray Burdette of Rockport bird activity and plenty of keeper fish Trout fishing will also be at the Guides. “May will be a good month for holding in a little bit deeper water. There will also be plenty of redfish up on the flats, as well as along the edges of the flats and over the drops. Soft-plastics, GULP!, live shrimp, crabs and cut mullet will be top redfish baits this month. Will also see some black drum schooling on the flats this month. Shrimp are always the best bait for black drum.” Rockport guide Capt. Jay Nichols of Just Add Water Guide Service is also looking forward to some good trout fishing in May. “The month of May comes with great sense of anticipation,” said Nichols. “With the opening of Cedar Bayou in late September last year, the hopes of regenerating our bay complex along the central Texas coastline are high. I will be spending as much time possible wading along the shoreline between Mud Island and Carlos Bay, and even further into San Antonio Bay when time permits. If I’m using bait, live croaker, piggy perch, and finger mullet will be in my live well, but I will be using more artificial baits this year due to clientele request. My lures of choice are D.O.A 5.5 inch jerk baits in glow/holo flake belly, purple/chartreuse tail, Pink Ice, and watermelon/clear Holo. While searching for trout, I use them rigged like a plastic worm with no weight and also with
58 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal may 2015 a 1/16 ounce jig head unless the current is in the same areas most of strong, then I will go a little heavier to keep the year,” said Carter. “But, it in the water column just above the grass. the species we see change “If I am concentrating on redfish I with the seasons. We are like the D.O.A. CAL swim bait. This is a always targeting sheepshead fairly new product that I have great success and black drum. And, May with. My choice of colors include Golden is a good month for both Shiner, Rainbow Trout, and Morning of those species. But, in Glory. I generally will use a 1/16 to 1/8 May, we’ll start seeing a lot ounce shank weighted 5/O hook and more flounder along the slowly reel it in while pausing occasionally shorelines in the back bays. to let it drop. It can also be used like a And, there will be lots and jerk bait to resemble a wounded baitfish. lots of stingrays. So, we’ll “Fishing should be excellent in May. start shooting a lot more There are large schools of fish heading in flounder and stingray in from the surf with every tidal surge. Be May. careful out there and good luck.” “The other thing we’ll According to Capt. Jim Garrison of see in May is the big gar Redfish Roper Charters May is a good start moving out of the time to fish for trout in San Antonio Bay. rivers and into the shallows. “In May, I’ll spend most of my time So, we’ll be targeting gar fishing reefs in San Antonio Bay for a little more in May. We’ll trout,” said Garrison. “I’ll be out on the be seeing lots of different reefs every day the wind allows. There are species in May, but the still some high wind days in May when I highlight will be getting a won’t be able to work the reefs, but every shot at some of those six to Bass pro Dennis Lala of Victoria shows off a nice speck he time the conditions are right, that’s where eight foot gar.” caught this spring while wadefishing out of Rockport. Look for I’ll be. good fishing to occur this month along the shorelines of St. Jo “When I’m fishing the reefs in San Island in May. Antonio Bay, I’ll be working with the current. I’ll work all around each of the reefs until I find a fish. Once I find the fish, I’ll sit there with a popping cork More Fish. More Fun. and with either live shrimp or plastics shrimp underneath. If I’m using plastics it’s usually going to be a curly tail GULP! Grub in either chartreuse, lime green or pink. When we’re fishing with shrimp around the reefs, we’ll also pick up quite a few drum and even some sheepshead every now and then. “If it’s windy, or if we’re chasing reds, we’ll get in the back lakes or along protected shorelines in the bay. If I’m fishing for trout, I’ll use the same baits — either plastics or shrimp under a popping cork. If I’m fishing for reds, I’ll use cut mullet or crabs with a slip sinker. “Although I’ll be fishing mostly in San Antonio Bay in May, the whole Seadrift area can be productive. I’ll spend some time in Shoalwater and other bays in the area. Usually, May is a real good month, especially if we have light winds.” Port O’Connor bow fishing guide More food, festivals & fun. Capt. Craig Carter of Outlaw Guide www.rockport-fulton.org Service says May is when he starts seeing Call 1-800-242-0071 @ visitrockportfulton a greater variety of species. “Because of our style of fishing, we are Photo by Dawn Huff may 2015 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal 59 JUST HUNTING | Mike Holmes
Euro Mounts For Euro Hogs?
above fireplaces than full head mounts, and in more recent times the European style of skull mount has become popular. The cleaned and bleached skull of a boar also makes a memorable mount that can be had for less expense than a full head mount from a taxidermist – and for even more savings, a hunter can prepare his own. The first step in a do-it-yourself Euro boar mount is the most fun part – collecting the boar. Once a trophy specimen has been harvested more than a little work is involved in getting your prize ready for exhibiting. A big feral boar with a lot of European blood can be very impressive, with a larger head and The boar whose skull was used to massive shoulders compared to a domestic hog, slender hips with a pronounced slope towards illustrate this article was not huge by feral the rear, longer mane of hair on the neck, straight tail, shoulder “shield”, and larger tusks. boar standards, but he was impressive enough for me to want to preserve his Folks sometimes give me strange the boar’s trademark “shield” of thick memory in some way. I did not get to looks when I talk about a “good looking” skin and tissue which protects it in fights weigh him, but from how difficult he was hog outside of the context of a livestock with other boars or from a hunter’s bullet. to move I think a weight of well over 200 show. Of course, hogs are sort of ugly The old adage that a big boar exists only pounds is very reasonable. – especially when compared to “pretty” to breed, feed, and fight is very true. Of The primary, or cutter, tusks were 2 game animals like a nice whitetail buck, a course, though, to hog hunters and the ½ inches in length – again, not a record, majestic elk, or a trim pronghorn. general public alike, the tusks are what a but worthy of consideration. Unlike with A big boar, however, whether of “trophy” boar is measured. a deer head, where most hunters will European descent or even a feral hog It appears that more mounted boar do little more than cape the head and whose ancestors have been on their own heads are showing up on hunters’ walls neck before turning the project over to in the wild for many generations, does every year, and have attributes that make it worthy of this trend should notice – and consideration as a trophy continue as hog animal. Sheer size alone makes a big hog hunting becomes impressive, since they can reach weights even more popular. approaching and sometimes exceeding Such full head 300 pounds on the hoof – and even more mounts are eye- on the internet. Their physical makeup is catchers, but some very different than even a domestic swine might question if raised for judging especially when some they are worth the “Euro” breeding is present. expense? Interestingly the Eurasian Men have been characteristics show up more frequently collecting trophies in feral hogs than many people realize. of some sort from This is because of the cross-breeding of the animals they domestic hogs gone wild with escaped hunt for as long as hogs of pure European bloodlines from thet have hunted game ranches and private breeding – long before programs over the years. modern methods The Euro traits are noticeable with of taxidermy were more massive shoulders, trimmer hips, a developed. Even longer mane of hair on the neck – and the with deer, there outsized tusks that mark a hog in the wild. are still more sets Boiling the skinned skull in a peroxide solution helps to remove Those big shoulders also are armored by of antlers hanging remaining flesh.
60 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal may 2015 than if it were left uncoated. The norm for Euro mounts is probably to leave the skull in it’s natural state, with the eye sockets empty and unadorned. On the skull pictured with this story, I was so impressive with the size of the boar as we saw it in the dim red glow from my shooting lights that I aimed for the sure kill spot at the juncture of the spine and skull. Although it did drop the boar literally in his tracks – he almost crushed a couple of piglets feeding nearby - The 180 gr soft nose bullet from my .300 Savage made a bit of a mess of the rear portion of the skull, so I elected to fill the eye sockets with some eyes sold for the amusement of children at Halloween – which were the perfect size. Possibly a shoulder shot would be best when the head might end Several coats of white marine epoxy give the skull a more “polished” look, and also help to up being mounted. preserve it. At this point, the tusks are the original length. The sad state of my skull also was a factor in the type of display I ended up a professional, the boar’s head must be they may have loosened during the boiling with. Without all that damage to the rear completely skinned out if you intend to and bleaching. It is best to reposition them portion, the skull simply could be placed prepare it yourself, and then all traces of and glue them in place properly. on a shelf or in a bookcase – even possibly meat and other tissue must be trimmed An interesting development is that the on a living room or den coffee table. and scraped away. main tusks can become very loose, even to There are also mounting frames used by For further cleaning, boiling in a large the point of being fairly easy to completely professional taxidermists to hang such pot or other container with a hydrogen remove from the jaw. If you do this, you a mount directly from a wall, or with a peroxide solution will help remove, or will discover that a 2 ½ inch “cutter” is stylish wooden plaque behind the skull. at least loosen any remaining tissue and actually as much as 6 inches in length – I elected to fashion a backdrop plaque of also begin the whitening process. This is with most of that length protected inside wood, with a shelf base forming an “L” to not a procedure to be carried out on the the jaw. This is part of what makes the sit the skull on, and then hang this fixture kitchen stove, at least, not if you intend tusks so formidable, along with being on a wall. Earlier I mentioned that the to keep living in that home. Checking the kept sharp by honing against the upper tusks can be pulled out of the skull after progress periodically will help determine tusks, they have a very solid foundation boiling. When I discovered this, I thought just how long this step is going to take, – allowing the boar to make effective use I might have found the answer to several and the final cleaning will likely still need of them as tools or weapons. mounts of boars with exceptionally long to be done with some sort of hand tool. The lower jaw will normally separate tusks I had seen exhibited! Without An alternate method of preparing from the upper during this preparation, intending to deceive, merely as a way of a skull consists of leaving it “in the but when it is re-positioned for the letting my trophy show the full potential woods”, where insects and the elements final mount, the lower and upper tusks of those remarkable teeth, I pulled mine will reduce it to only bone. Sometimes – “cutters” and “whetters” – should be out to something approaching an African this will result in damage from animals, back in their natural complimentary wart hog’s dental gear in length in relation or the complete loss of the skull, but it relationships. The almost constant working to skull size and then glued them in place. everything goes well, all that would be of the these two is a self-sharpening effect With his out-sized tusks and those left is to bleach the bone. There is also a not often found in nature, and not unlike frightening Halloween eyes, Boris – as breed of commercially reared beetles that using a stone to “whet” an edge on a knife. I call him in deference to his Russian will eat all the flesh and cartilage from a Of course, at this point it might be decided heritage – is, I think, to the shoulder skull. Some taxidermists use these, and to just remove the tusks from the skull mount of the nice eight point buck I they can be purchased from the internet. permanently and use them as stand-alone harvested off my property not far from When the skull is as “clean” as you fixtures, either mounted on a board or where this hog went down. Worthy can get it, it should be rinsed and allowed hung on a necklace. of respect and admiration in perhaps to thoroughly dry. This will reveal which With time, bleaching can be pretty different ways, yet worthy all the same. spots require the most attention in the effective, but for my own use painting the Some day I may have a taxidermist do a bleaching step. dried skull with several coats of marine full head mount of an exceptional boar, A chlorine based bleach can be used epoxy gave it the bright white pigment and but in the meantime I hope to collect but I recommend a peroxide solution. shine I desired. This paint will also help several of Boris’s cousins to join him in Clean the teeth well, and be aware that to preserve your trophy for much longer my collection. may 2015 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal 61 For information on guides mentioned, see Guides, Gear & Getaways on pages 67, 69, & 71 Lake Roundup
produce good early in the morning stable weather month - no more late fronts around the points. However, that topwater like in March and April. It is also a warmer SOUTH TEXAS bite usually doesn’t last long once the sun month, but not quite so hot that it makes comes up. If you get an overcast day or the fish go deep like what happens in the something like that, they may stay on the summer. So, we usually have a little bit topwaters a little longer, but usually it’s more ‘easy fishing’ in May. That is to say, over pretty early. our fish are a little shallower and a little “Any fish that are still hanging around more aggressive. the points later in the day might whack a “We tend to have a pretty good spinnerbait. But, I usually start working topwater bite in May. And, it lasts for a the outside edge of the grass once the sun good part of the day. Again, it’s not like is up good. Most of the time, your best bet summer when the topwater bite is over is usually a Carolina-rigged worm, lizard at first light. or soft-plastic jerk bait on the outside In May, you might have a topwater bite By Danno Wise edge of the grass. The worms you can rig that lasts all morning. But, you still need straight or wacky style. I prefer throwing to throw small plugs. The fish on this lake For anglers on lakes across South a Power Jerkshad. just don’t hit big baits. So, stick with the Texas, May is the final month before “I usually like fishing a pretty short downsized lures, even though the fish are reservoirs across the region will be leader on my Carolina rigs. I’ll typically more aggressive. covered with boats. With temperatures use a ¼ or 7/16 ounce weight. You can also “When the topwater bite stops, start now consistently balmy, it is only a matter use a Texas rig, if you prefer. When I do focusing on the main lake and secondary of time before South Texas lakes become use a Texas rig, I use a 3/16 ounce sinker points. Spinnerbaits, crankbaits, worms - overrun with jet skis, ski boats, and and throw it right up against the grass and this time of year, it really doesn’t matter. swimmers. But, thanks largely to Texas let it fall off the edge. You can pretty much throw whatever public schools running through the end “This time of year, our fish are really you want, so long as it’s small, and catch of May, this month gives fishermen a rare concentrated. If you catch one in a grass plenty of bass. warm weather month with relatively little bed, there is probably at least one more in “That’s really what makes May so good traffic on the water. there with them. So, I make plenty of casts on this lake. You can fish however you Most South Texas anglers have learned along the edge of the grass when I do find want and still do alright. We’ve got a lot of to get out on the water as often as fish. And, make sure you don’t waste any fish up shallow, around visible structure, possible during May. Not only is it the time. If you catch one, cast back in there so they’re easy to find. May is probably last opportunity for fishing without as quick as you can. Sometimes you can the best month to fish Medina, especially crowds, May also represents one of the catch several from one hole. if you’re unfamiliar with the lake. You final chances for fishermen to find fish “We should also have some good can catch fish on Medina year around if relatively shallow. crappie fishing in May. Most of the crappie you know what you’re doing, but May is Although fish will be transitioning to will be stacked up and suspended around a time that anybody can come over here deeper water as the month goes on, there deep structure. You can do pretty well and do real well.” should still be plenty of bass along the with small jigs and plugs but, you just CHOKE CANYON — May is generally shorelines and shallow structure. Once absolutely can’t beat a live minnow for when Choke Canyon first starts seeing its summer gets in full swing, most of these crappie. hydrilla beds reaching the surface. Having fish will more than likely be deep for good. “Catfish will also be pretty good in experienced a relatively warm winter and So, the combination of good fishing and May. Most of them will be caught along early spring, this year the hydrilla beds are relatively light crowds means fishermen the deep channels. There will be some rod fairly well formed as May begins. should spend every possible day on the and reel caught cats, but most of those fish While the grass beds still aren’t as water in May. will be coming off jug lines.” dense as they will be later in summer, COLETO CREEK — According to MEDINA — According to Jim Gallagher there will plenty of visible grass at or near Victoria bass pro Dennis Lala, May will of Jim’s ReBait Tackle, May is generally the surface. And, the edges of the beds signal the beginning of bass being in a the final month of “easy fishing” before are well defined. This means it is time for warm water pattern on Coleto Creek. fish move into their summer pattern on fishermen to start focusing on the grass “May will see us getting into our Medina. beds for big bass. warm water pattern,” said Lala. “We will “May is usually a pretty good month Early in the day, anglers will be able to have some topwater action, but it will be on this lake,” said Gallagher. “A lot of that experience an excellent topwater bite over early. Baits like the Frenzy Popper should has to do with the weather. May is a pretty the grass beds. Choke Canyon bass usually
62 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal may 2015 prefer noisy topwater lures like buzzbaits the denser portions of brush. Later in the of the month the lake had caught some and Pop Rs. Stanley Ribbit Frogs are also month, anglers should spend more time runoff and was only 37 feet low. Just for effective and, when rigged weedless, can concentrating on points, ledges and deep the record, at the start of April this year, be worked directly over the beds without structure. Ivie was 43 feet low. fouling. Deep cranks, jigs, lipless cranks, Regardless of lake levels, this is the time This is particularly effective as grass creature baits and jumbo soft-plastics to chase post spawn bass up the rivers and beds reach the surface. These soft-plastic all produce plenty of big bass over deep on the north end of the lake. frogs can also be weighted to dive into structure in Falcon. In the main lake everyone will be doing pockets and holes in the grass beds if fish the “Ivie Drift.” That is where reference are hesitant to rise to the surface. markers are set out and 10 inch Power For most of May, anglers should see Worms are dredged behind a drifting boat the topwater bite last well into mid- WEST TEXAS over deep flats in water at least 25 feet morning. But, as the month wears on and deep. Once a drift is finished just set over the temperature continues to climb, the and do it again. effective time for topwater baits will be BROWNWOOD — Conditions on this shorter and shorter. popular lake are within a couple of feet to Many fishermen mistakenly believe where they were last year. that when the topwater bite slows the fish At the beginning of April Lake have left the grass beds. In fact, they spend Brownwood was a little over 12 feet low. the entire day on the hydrilla beds, they At the start of May 2014 the lake was right will simply relocate elsewhere on the bed, at 11 feet below pool. moving deeper as the temperature rises. Look for some bass to still be on beds as As the fish transition to depth, anglers can the spawn runs a little lake. There will also work the outside edges will spinnerbaits By TOJ Staff be some post spawn bass as well. Anglers and crankbaits. Later, jigs and Texas rigs should concentrate on water from the will be the best bets. They can also use bank out to about six feet deep. The fish punch jigs to drop straight through the AMISTAD — As of early April “Big will tell you where they are and the what canopy of hydrilla to reach the bass hiding Friendly” was just under 29 feet low and stage of the spawn is underway through beneath. on a slow rise. Recent rains in March the month. While the grass beds will be the along with some downstream flow out Jigs, crankbaits, and spinnerbaits are primary structure for bass during May of New Mexico was offsetting the spring a good trio to catch some good fish this and into summer, humps, tank dams and drawdown for agricultural purposes. month. points will also be holding plenty of fish. Based on records, last May this popular Texas rigged plastics, crankbaits and jigs big bass producer was about 45 feet low are the most effective baits for fishing so there is a lot more lake, and cover for points and offshore structure. anglers to fish. HIGH PLAINS FALCON — Falcon Lake’s resident Even with conditions having run a bit largemouth bass will also be working late, look for bass to be catching up at the shallow during much of May. But, unlike start of the fifth month of the year. There other South Texas lakes, which see will still be a few spawning fish in the main largemouth bass relating to grass beds, lake and over deep flats. anglers on this border lake will find most Up the rivers and creeks post-spawn of the bass hanging around flooded brush. fish will be eager to take most offerings. Anglers can catch bass by picking their ‘Traps, spinnerbaits, as well as Texas rigs way back through the densest of flooded are good options to work around flooded brush or by fishing along the outside edge grass and brush. of the brushline. Stripers will be in the deep water And, although most of the biggest bass in front of the dam. Look for surface By TOJ Staff will be holed up in hard to reach areas, commotion as well as bait balls and fish there will be plenty of easy-to-access areas on your electronics. These fish will be in ALAN HENRY — Look for bass to be in holding solid bass as well. this general area all summer long. all phases of the spawn. A few pre-spawn Early in the day, fishermen can expect Catfish will be spawning or just bass will be in deeper water with buck bass a steady topwater bite. When the surface starting to move out to slightly deeper active along shorelines and shallow ledges. bite subsides, fishermen should continue water. Look for catfish in water five to Those same areas will also have females working around the flooded brush. 15 feet deep. that have moved up to deposit their eggs. Spinnerbaits and crankbaits are effective O.H. IVIE — Anglers fishing this big And there will be a few post-spawn bass for when worked along the outside face of bass producer can only hope for a repeat those that spawned early. Lipless rattling the flooded brush. Jigs and Texas rigged of 2014. At the start of May last year the crankbaits, spinnerbaits, jigs, and Texas plastics can be worked back into some of lake was about 44 feet low. By the end rigs are good go-to baits.
64 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal may 2015
TACKLE TIPS & TECHNIQUES | Danno Wise
More Than One Way To Rig a Bait
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may 2015 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal 67 TACKLE TIPS & TECHNIQUES | Danno Wise
Surface to Subsurface - Fishing Through the Day
68 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal may 2015 Guides, Gear & Getaways
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may 2015 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal 69 FIELD TIPS & TECHNIQUES | Bill L. Olson & Danno Wise
Spring Squirrel Hunting Tips
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may 2015 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal 71 Deadline for the June calendar is April 25, 2015
Outdoor Calendar
THROUGH MAY 3, Workshop, Bass Pro Shop, San An- information call (830) 232-6132, x236 Spring Turkey Season — South Zone, tonio. Become a TPWD certified An- 54 counties. For more information gler Education Instructor . This free MAY 5, consult the TPWD Outdoor Annual, workshop is open to anyone 18 or Islander Chapter Ducks Unlimited or call (800) 792-1112. older interested in teaching fishing Fundraiser Banquet, Corpus Christi. skills in their communities. The pro- For tickets and reservations call (361) THROUGH MAY 17, gram provides the curriculum, equip- 207-1770. Spring Turkey Season — North Zone, ment, materials and support to help 101 counties. For more information volunteers successfully introduce MAY 6, consult the TPWD Outdoor Annual, youth and their families to fishing. West Houston Chapter Ducks Unlim- or call (800) 792-1112. SBEC credit available for teachers. ited Fundraiser Banquet, Houston. 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. The workshop is For tickets and reservations call (713) THROUGH MAY 14, free, but preregistration is required, 724-2237. Eastern Turkey Season, available please call (512) 389-4472. counties. For more information con- MAY 7, sult the TPWD Out-door Annual, or MAY 2, 6, 9, 13, 16, 20, 23, 27, 30, Cottonwood Creek Chapter National call (800) 792-1112. Learn to Tie a Fly, Cabela’s on High- Wild Turkey Federation Fundraiser way 75, Allen. TPWD volunteers from Banquet, Frisco. For tickets and res- MAY 1-3, the Dallas Flyfishers Club will be on ervations call (972) 436-4179. Texas Outdoor Family, Lake Mineral hand to show you how easy and fun Wells, Mineral Wells, Come for a fun- it is to tie a fly. This free demonstra- MAY 8, filled weekend designed to help your tion is open to beginners and novice Brush Country Chapter Ducks Unlim- family discover the joys of camping fly fishers. Equipment and materials ited Fundraiser Banquet, Floresville. and Texas State Parks. All camping provid-ed, or bring your fly tying For tickets and reservations call (210) gear and equipment required for tools if you have them. For more 487-1665. an overnight stay at the park are information call (972) 618-6714. included with each reservation. For MAY 9, more information and specific details MAY 2, 30, 19TH Annual Open House/Outdoor (512) 389-8903. Kayak Basic Course, Purtis Creek Education, Lake Brownwood State State Park, Eustace. Instructional and Park, Brownwood. Join us for numer- MAY 1 – 31, hands-on training program to learn ous activities and programs: Kid Fish Spring squirrel season, 51 counties. proper safety, functionality and pad- Tank, Archery Intro, Angler Ed, Buf- For more information consult the dling of kayaks. Play games and get falo Soldiers, Wildland Firefighting, TPWD Outdoor An-nual, or call (800) familiar with the use of our kayaks or Texas Wildlife, Civilian Conservation 792-1112. bring your own. Wear clothing you Corps in Texas State Parks, Venomous can get wet in. Reservations are re- Snakes in Texas, and more. For more MAY 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, quired since the class size is lim-ited. information and reservations call Angler Academy, Garner State Park, Please contact the headquarters at (325) 784-5223 Concan. Learn the basics (ages 7 and 903-425-2332 for reservations. up). Whether you’re a child or an MAY 9, adult, beginning anglers can learn MAY 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, Go Fish! Learn-To-Fish Event, Eisen- how to assemble basic tackle, tie Angler Academy, Garner State Park, hower State Park, Denison. Equip- fishing knots, and cast safely with a Concan. Learn the basics (ages 7 and ment and bait provided or bring your spin-cast rod and reel combo. Explore up). Whether you’re a child or an own. No license necessary. Adults Texas freshwater species, aquatic adult, beginning anglers can learn must accompany children. Bring sun habitats, and fish ecology.PLUS! how to assemble basic tackle, tie protection and water. Regis-tration is Borrow equipment through our FREE fishing knots, and cast safely with 9:00 a.m. For more information and Tackle Loaner program and try fishing a spin-cast rod and reel combo. reservations call (903) 421-4984. on your own. For more information Explore Texas freshwater species, call (830) 232-6132, x236 aquatic habitats, and fish ecology. MAY 14, PLUS! Borrow equipment through Comal County Chapter Ducks Un- MAY 2, our FREE Tackle Loaner program and limited Fundraiser Banquet, New Angler Education Instructor Training try fishing on your own. For more Braunfels. For tickets and reservations
72 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal may 2015 call (830) 609-8172. and Texas State Parks. All camping Rodney Atkins and Joe Nichols on gear and equipment required for Monday, May 25. Tickets are available MAY 14, an overnight stay at the park are online at ToyotaTexasBassClassic. Lone Star Longbeards Chapter Na- included with each reservation. For com or at your local Toyota dealer- tional Wild Turkey Federation Fund- more information and specific details ship, Academy Sports + Outdoors, raiser Banquet, Bryan. For tickets and (512) 389-8903. Brookshire’s Grocery Stores and Kim’s reservations call (979) 219-0286. Convenience Stores throughout East MAY 16, Texas. Tournament proceeds benefit MAY 15, Texas Outdoor Family, Guadalupe Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Corpus Christi Chapter National River State Park, Spring Branch, Come fishing programs. For information Wild Turkey Federation Fundraiser for a fun-filled weekend designed to call (512) 389-4855. Banquet, Robstown. For tickets and help your family discover the joys reservations call (361) 331-1227. of camping and Texas State Parks. MAY 28, All camping gear and equipment DU Houston Chapter Ducks Un- MAY 16, required for an overnight stay at the limited Spring Fundraiser Banquet, Hopkins County Longbeards Chap- park are included with each reser- Houston. For tickets and reservations ter National Wild Turkey Federation vation. For more information and call (713) 685-5835. Fundraiser Banquet, Sulphur Springs. specific details (512) 389-8903. For tickets and reservations call (903) MAY 28, 885-627. MAY 21, Permian Basin Upland Game Bird Plano Chapter Ducks Unlimited Chapter National Wild Turkey Federa- MAY 16, Fundraiser Banquet, Plano. For tickets tion Fundraiser Banquet, Stanton. For Four Hour Guided Kayak Trip, Mar- and reservations call (940) 230-6054. tickets and reservations visit www. tin Dies Jr. State Park, Jasper. Join a nwtf.org. ranger for a four-hour, six-mile long MAY 21, guided kayak trip through the park’s Greater Houston Area – Fort Bend MAY 29, back country sloughs and the Neches Chapter Chapter Mule Deer Founda- Texas Fly Fishing Expo 2015, New River. While paddling, we will be on tion Fundraiser Banquet. For tickets Braunfels Civic Center, New Braun- the lookout for wildlife such as bald and reservations call (713) 412-3067. fels. “Destination Texas – All Fish All eagles, belted kingfishers, herons, Waters”. Adult and youth activities turtles and alligators. This trip is from MAY 23, to learn more about fly fishing. The 8:30 am to 12:30 pm in the afternoon Houston Chapter Rocky Mountain Texas Council hosts a fly fishing expo and costs $30 per kayak; which can Elk Foundation Big Game Banquet, for the novice or experienced fly fit one adult. For this trip kayak ex- J.W. Marriott – Westchase, Houston. fisher. Youth activities, Women’s Fly perience preferred, but participation For tickets and reservations call (713) Fishing Breakfast and Programs, Cast- is available to anyone capable of 607-6522. ing Clinics, IF4 Film Show, demon- the moderate exertion of paddling strations, workshops, presentations, for half a day. Space is limited so MAY 23, exhibits, shopping and more! Visit please call our headquarters office Go Fish! Learn-To-Fish Event, Mc- www.txflyfishexpo.com for more in advance to make your reservation. Kinney Falls State Park, Austin. Take details call (972) 567-4155. (409) 384-5231 away a fishing fun pack and enter the drawing for prizes. Equipment MAY 30, MAY 16, and bait provided or bring your Dripping Springs Chapter Ducks Un- Go Fish! Learn-To-Fish Event, Galves- own. No license necessary. Adults limited Spring Fundraiser Banquet, ton Island State Park, Galveston. Take must accompany children. Bring sun Dripping Springs. For tickets and res- away a fishing fun pack and enter protection and water. Regis-tration is ervations call (512) 496-8333. the drawing for prizes. Equipment 9:00 a.m. For more information and and bait provided or bring your reservations call (512) 751-5418. MAY 30, own. No license necessary. Adults Panola Coounty Chapter National must accompany children. Bring sun MAY 23-25, Wild Turkey Federation Fundraiser protection and water. Registration is Toyota Texas Bass Classic, Lake Fork. Banquet, Carthage. For tickets and 9:00 a.m. For more information and The top 35 professional bass anglers reservations call (903) 754-4635. reservations call (847) 780-6474. will compete for the world cham- pionship. Attendees can enjoy a MAY 16, variety of games and activities, dine Mail your Outdoor Calendar Texas Outdoor Family, Brazos Bend on food, shop for fishing gear and items to: 1706 W. Sam Houston State Park, Needville, Come for a fun- accessories. Concerts headlined by Pkwy North, Houston TX 77043 filled weekend designed to help your Billy Currington on Saturday, May Fax: 713.957.3996 family discover the joys of camping 23; Lee Brice on Sunday, May 24; and Email: [email protected] may 2015 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal 73 Tide Tables Fishing & Hunting Times
US TIME ZONES MAY 2015 PACIFIC MOUNTAIN CENTRAL EASTERN < (+) (-) > < (+) (-) > < (+) (-) > < (+) (-) > SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT H5:01A 1.4 H4:08A 1.4 H4:54A 1.5 L10:16A 1.1 L9:55A 0.9 L10:30A 1.0 H1:58P 1.2 H3:02P 1.3 H3:17P 1.3 L9:39P -0.1 L9:44P 0.4 L10:08P 0.2 31 1 2 H5:38A 1.5 H6:22A 1.6 H7:07A 1.6 H7:54A 1.6 L12:19A 0.0 L1:03A 0.0 L1:52A 0.0 L11:03A 1.1 L11:37A 1.2 L12:13P 1.2 L12:51P 1.3 H8:46A 1.6 H9:41A 1.6 H10:36A 1.6 H3:31P 1.3 H3:42P 1.3 H3:48P 1.3 H3:52P 1.4 L11:35P 1.3 L10:36P 0.1 L11:07P 0.0 L11:41P 0.0 H3:58P 1.4 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 L2:48A 0.2 L3:54A 0.3 L5:10A 0.5 H12:40A 1.2 H2:13A 1.3 H3:28A 1.5 H4:32A 1.6 H11:27A 1.5 H12:10P 1.5 H12:45P 1.4 L6:34A 0.6 L7:55A 0.8 L9:08A 0.9 L10:13A 1.1 L6:53P 1.0 L7:14P 0.8 H1:15P 1.4 H1:44P 1.4 H2:11P 1.4 H2:39P 1.4 H10:33P 1.1 L7:49P 0.6 L8:28P 0.3 L9:08P 0.0 L9:50P -0.1 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 H5:30A 1.7 H6:24A 1.8 H7:177A 1.8 H8:09A 1.7 L12:40A -0.2 L1:24A 0.0 L2:09A 0.1 L11:12A 1.2 L12:09P 1.3 L1:07P 1.3 L2:17P 1.2 H9:01A 1.6 H9:53A 1.5 H10:43A 1.5 H3:07P 1.4 H3:36P 1.4 H4:02P 1.4 H4:22P 1.3 L10:32P -0.3 L11:14P -.03 L11:67P -0.3 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 L2:58A 0.3 L3:52A 0.5 L4:59A 0.7 H1:12A 1.0 H2:33A 1.1 L3:32A 1.2H H4:19A 1.3 H11:26A 1.4 H12:01P 1.3 H12:28P 1.3 L6:19A 0.8 L7:37A 0.9 L8:41A 1.0 L9:33A 1.1 L7:48P 0.8 L7:59P 0.7 H12:51P 1.2 H1:10P 1.2 H1:28P 1.2 H1:43P 1.2 120° 115° 110° 105° 100° 95° 90° 85° 80° 75° H11:22P 0.9 L8:13P 0.5 L8:30P 0.3 L8:49P 0.2 L9:12P 0.0 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 MAY 2015
JUNE 2015 SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT H5:40A 1.5 H6:20A 1.6 H7:01A 1.6 H7:45A 1.6 L12:02A -0.3 L12:46A -0.2 L10:52A 1.2 L11:24A 1.2 L11:57A 1.2 L12:34P 1.2 H8:30A 1.5 H9:14A 1.5 H2:11P 1.3 H2:26P 1.3 H2:45P 1.3 H3:12P 1.3 L1:22P 1.2 L10:09P -0.2 L10:43P -0.3 L11:21P -0.3 H3:46P 1.3 1 2 3 4 5 6 L1:34A -0.1 L2:27A 0.1 L3:28A 0.3 L4:41A 0.6 H1:23A 1.1 H2:50A 1.2 H3:57A 1.4 H9:57A 1.4 H10:36A 1.4 H11:10A 1.3 H11:42A 1.3 L6:14A 0.8 L7:51A 1.0 L9:14A 1.1 L5:21P 0.8 L6:07P 0.6 L6:50P 0.3 H12:12P 1.3 H12:42P 1.3 H1:12P 1.3 H9:06P 0.9 H11:30P 0.9 L7:32P 0.1 L8:14P -0.2 L8:56P -0.3 7 8 9 10 11 12 13
Times are for Galveston, Galveston Channel
TIME DIFFERENCES High Low Calcasieu Pass, Louisiana -2:14 -1:24 Sabine Pass Lighthouse -1:46 -1:31 Sabine Pass Jetty -1:26 -1:31 Sabine Pass -1:00 -1:15 JUNE 2015 Mesquite Point, Sabine Pass -0:04 -0:25 Galveston Bay ent. south jetty -0:39 -1:05 Port Bolivar +0:14 -0:06 Galveston Bay Texas City, Turning Basin +0:33 +0:41 Eagle Point (1) +3:54 +4:15 Clear Lake(1) +6:05 +6:40 Morgan Point (1) +10:21 +5:19 Round Pt.,Trinity Bay (1) +10:39 +5:15 Point Barrow, Trinity Bay +5:48 +4:43 Gilchrist, East Bay +3:16 +4:18 Fish, game and all wildlife move in search of food in cycles relative to the moon’s location to the earth. Jamaica Beach, West Bay +2:38 +3:31 The time spans listed above are the prime times to start each day at and along each time zone meridian Alligator Point, West Bay +2:39 +2:33 of longitude 75 degrees (Eastern) 90 degrees (Central) 105 degrees (Mountain) and 120 degrees (Pacific) during Standard time and Daylight Saving during the time it is in effect. To determine the feeding cycle Christmas Point, Christmas Bay +2:32 +2:31 time for best fishing and hunting in the area you plan to fish or hunt advance the sum of 4 minutes for Galveston Pleasure Pier -1:06 -1:06 each degree west and back up 4 minutes for each degree east. The next prime feeding cycle (not listed on the calendar) will be approximately twelve and one-half hours later. There are minor periods that occur San Luis Pass -0:09 -0:09 between the prime or major periods. The minor periods are typically fair periods and last only about half Freeport Harbor -0:44 -1:02 as long as the prime periods.
Pass Cavallo 0:00 -1:20 Feeding Times by Dan Barnett have been proven by analysis of 124 – 3 day bass tournaments between Aransas Pass -0:03 -1:31 1967 through 1983 to be reliable and accurate in predicting wildlife feeding activity. The Feeding Times are not a cure-all. Weather and other environmental conditions affect wildlife feeding activity. Annual vest Padre Island (South End) -0:24 -1:45 pocket books, which show all the major and minor periods, can be ordered by sending a check or money Port Isabel +1:02 -0:42 order for $15.00 per book. For S&H, please add $4.00 to an order of 1 to 4 books. Make check or money Tidal adjustments are not predictable for Port O’Connor, Matagorda Bay; Port order payable to: Feeding Times. Send to: Feeding Times, P.O. Box 2240, Covington, GA 30015. After Oct. Lavaca, Matagorda Bay; and Riviera Beach, Baffin Bay since they are driven by wind 1, please indicate book year. For questions or comments, you can call 404-373-7151. and weather. — NOAA Over 60 Years in Print Feeding Times by Dan Barnett 17 Years Test Proven
74 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal may 2015
Managing Comfort in Port Aransas, TX For Over 30 Years