East Matty’s “Sergeant Saltwater” Top Texas Outdoor Magazine for 17 Years (see page 75, #1 for more information!) TEXAS“Texas’ Most Comprehensive OutdoorsOUTDOORS Publication” Journal March 2016 / $3.99 Set to Get Wet | Pop Up on Spring Gobblers Shed Antlers | Fish Attracting Sound + Vibration Reeling In A Record | What Was HOT at S.H.O.T. texasoutdoorsjournal.com CoastaL & LAKE FORECasts | TIDE & SOLUNAR taBLES TEXAS“Texas’ Most Comprehensive OUTDOORSOutdoors Publication” March 2016 Journal For Hunters . For Anglers . Freshwater Saltwater 18 Just Shooting 16 Bassology —Kerry O’Day 12 East Matty’s “Sergeant —MattWilliams How Bullets Are Made Saltwater”- One of Texas Upper State Record Spot Coast’s top guides explains why 24 Guns N Stuff 28 Just Fishing East Matagorda Bay is the perfect —Harold Gunn —Brian Hughes location for anglers to target spring What Was HOT at S.H.O.T. 2016 Leapin’ Lizards! trophy trout. —Nate Skinner Lake Roundups — Pros Forecasts 34 Shed Antlers- Overcome those 38 East – Matt Williams off-season, no-deer-hunting 40 North – Brian Hughes blues by searching for these calcified 56 Central – John Jefferson appendages. —Bob Zaiglin 62 South - Danno Wise 64 West – TOJ Staff 64 High Plains – TOJ Staff CoastWatch – Danno Wise 48 Reeling in A Record- TPWD An- 20 Upper Forecast gler Recognition Program is giving 22 Louisiana Forecast credit where credit is due 58 Lower Forecast —Matt Williams 60 Middle Forecast 26 Saltwater Journal 46 Just Handgunning —Mark Sosin —Mike Holmes The Light Wand Getting A Handle On Handgun Grips 30 Fish-Attracting Sound & Vibra- 52 Pop Up On Spring Gobblers- tion- Figure out the right combina- Harvesting a spring gobbler with a tion to catch plenty of fish this spring.—Danno Wise shotgun is certainly exhilarating, however, the rewards from taking one with stick and string are inde- 68 Tackle Tips & Techniques scribable.—Nate Skinner —Danno Wise White Bass Spawning Run 70 Field Tips & Techniques— Bill L. Olson & Danno Wise Early Spring Turkey Tips For Everyone . On the Cover . 4 Editor’s Insight – Bill L. Olson “ ” 42 Set To Get Wet- The good, bad, 6 TOJ Notebook – TOJ Staff Coastal Action and ugly of wade fishing while 10 Art, Books, & Collectibles - For more information on “Coastal doing it right.—Robert Sloan Bill L. Olson Action” and other fine works of art 67, 69, 71 Guides, Gear & Getaways by Calvin Carter, visit www.calvin- 66 Tackle Tips & Techniques 72 Outdoors Calendar carterart.com, on Facebook at Carter’s —Danno Wise Creations or call (409) 201-6685. Catching in Coastal Winds 74 Fishing & Hunting Times 75 Subscription Information MARCH 2016 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal 3 Editor’s Insight Bill L. Olson MARCH — march Interesting name for the third month of the year. We also know when written as a “Texas’ Most Comprehensive non-capitalized word it means to move forward. Outdoors Publication” March is the month in which spring both officially, and unofficially begins in Texas. The difference can be about three weeks or so depending upon recent weather trends. Publisher/Editor It is an event fill time, one to be optimistic and of a “new” beginning. For example Bill L. Olson March 2, 1836 is the day Texas delegates declared its independence from Mexico. March Administrative Assistant 6, 1836 is the day the Alamo fell after its 183 defenders had fought for 13 days buying Adala Ruhge precious time for the newly formed Republic. March 27, 1836 is the day of the massacre Contributing Outdoors Editors of 417 by Mexican forces at Goliad. All events were a part of Texas’ new beginning. Harold Gunn The botanical makeup of the Lone Star State’s landscape has certainly changed over Brian Hughes the decades, particularly since the post-Civil War era. One has to use their imagination Mike Holmes when driving through much of Texas to image what she looked like prior to the colossal John Jefferson Cody Koehler expansion of mesquite beyond riparian areas. Today the density of mesquite has Kerry O’Day increased to cover areas that were once massive grasslands stretching as far as the eye Bill L. Olson, Jr. could see. In the western and northern portions these grassy plains were where bison, Nate Skinner elk, and pronghorn antelope roamed. A contributing factor to the demise of native Robert Sloan Mark Sosin grasses that allowed mesquite to gain an even larger foothold was the over grazing of Matt Williams cattle during the huge cattle drives from Texas northward during Reconstruction. This Danno Wise was a change, but also a new beginning. For those that love the outdoors, and especially Texas, this is a most enchanting Whitetail Deer Editor Bob Zaiglin month and time. We celebrate our historic struggle for independence through April 21 when victory from Mexico was finally achieved at San Jacinto. I often ponder what Art/Production Editor those early Texans endured and if the beauty we leisurely enjoy today were even seen Sunni Gonzales or recognized during the Runaway Scrape. Advertising Sales Today, in modern Texas we long to escape the concrete and steel jungles of sprawling 713/957-3997, 713/957-3996 (fax) cities. Even rural communities don’t seem far removed from the chaos. Urbanites run from the metropolises to the country towns, where they are joined by others that just Subscription Information want to find that unencumbered piece of ground at the end of the road. Oh how we Call 1-800-222-4TOJ (4865); In Houston, love the tranquility outdoors. 713/957-3997 to charge your subscription by phone. Subscription prices: one year $18.95, This month we hear yelps and gobbles of turkey. With the drought having two years $29.95, three years $39.95. Mail momentarily been checked, resulting in a good hatch of Rios we can also anticipate inquiries/changes of address to: the colorful hillsides covered with wildflowers that will serve as our hunting backdrop. TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal Inland lakes over much of the state are at or near conservation pool for the first time 1706 West Sam Houston Parkway North in years. Great anticipation is written on every anglers face at the launch ramp wondering Houston, Texas 77043 what awaits and will flourish in the abundant waters and new habitat. Coastal anglers also benefit from the rains that helped terrestrial critters and once TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal (ISSN 1082-5940) is a pub- again have creeks and rivers flowing. Rich nutrients flow into brackish backwater marshes lication of Texas Outdoors Journal, Inc. Editorial and that serve as the nurseries for every thing cherished in salty estuaries. advertising offices are located at 1706 West Sam Houston Parkway North, Houston TX 77043. Phone (713) 957-3997. While marveling at the abundance this March it is incumbent on each to march Fax (713) 957-3996. forward as teachers and solicitors — to pass on the knowledge of our history (factually E-MAIL ADDRESS: [email protected] TOJ Online: www.texasoutdoorsjournal.com and accurately) as a Republic, a state, and as a part of a Nation. We also pass on our TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal is published monthly. Photo- rich hunting, fishing, and outdoor heritage. The future of all we love cannot afford for graphs and manuscripts for publication consideration are welcomed, but the publisher assumes no responsibility the next generations to loose touch with the land and all of its frailties or challenges. for such material while in transit or in the office of the Until next month: Pursue all of your outdoor activities in a safe and ethical manner. publication. Copyright 2016 with all rights reserved. Reproduction or use of editorial or graphic content in any manner without permission is prohibited. Views expressed by TEXAS OUT- DOORS Journal contributors do not necessarily express the views of Texas Outdoors Journal, Inc. Publication of CAUTION: All technical data in this publication, especially for handloading, reflect the limited experience of individuals using specific advertising in TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal does not con- tools, products, equipment and components under specific conditions and circumstances not necessarily reported in the article and over which Texas Outdoors Journal has no control. The data have not otherwise been tested or verified by Texas Outdoors Journal. Texas stitute endorsement of products or services advertised. Outdoors Journal, its agents, officers and employees accept no responsibility for the results obtained by persons using such data and Volume 25, Number 3 disclaim all liability for any consequential injuries or damages. 4 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal MARCH 2016 Your New Generation Lures TOJ Notebook Fishing Boasts Universal Appeal, Attracts Participants from All Walks of Life While the image of the modern Amer- and thus lifestyles, common to anglers Families, both within the Top 10 Tap- ican angler is often portrayed in adver- of all skill levels and types of fishing. By estry™ segments, include busy young tising as a strong looking, middle-aged understanding the types of people who professionals with families who value their white male, new research by Southwick enjoy recreational fishing, it’s possible to time together. The latter group is one of Associates conducted for the American determine where additional clusters of the fastest growing markets in the country. Sportfishing Association (ASA) reveals existing and potential anglers live. The This group is younger than the stereotyp- a much broader-and more accurately report can even help determine the types ical angler and has smaller children and is detailed-view of today’s “typical” angler. of gear and brands of equipment certain more ethnically diverse. Rural workers, soccer moms, retired anglers may be more apt to purchase. •The Ethnic Enclaves and Next Wave DESIGNED TO THE GILLS! professors, young auto mechanics, busy This information is particularly re- LifeModes (suburban and urban commu- young parents and wealthy empty-nesters vealing as conservation groups and state nities with ethnically diverse populations, who own multiple homes are all part of agencies seek to recruit, retain and reac- particularly Hispanics) currently have PAUL’S UNFAIR NEW RADICAL Lures that Match the SHRIMP today’s angling community.