Texas Fish & Game April 2015

Huntin

April 2015$3.95

Guns & Loads:GaugingGobblers

Lone Star Lakes:StriperSuperiority

Coastal Oddities:SaltwaterStrangeness

Catching Some’Rays at theJetties

High FenceHogHunting

THE TEXAS OUTDOOR AUTHORITY www.FishGame.com

Covert

TacticsTacticsBig Fish

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www.FishGame.comPublished by Texas Fish & Game Publishing Co., LLC.

TEXAS FISH & GAME is the largest independent,family-owned outdoor publication in America.

Owned by Ron & Stephanie Ward and Roy & Ardia Neves.

ROY NEVESPUBLISHER

CHESTER MOOREEDITOR IN CHIEF

C O N T R I B U T O R S

JOE DOGGETT • SENIOR CONTRIBUTING EDITOR DOUG PIKE • SENIOR CONTRIBUTING EDITOR TED NUGENT • EDITOR AT LARGE LOU MARULLO • HUNTING EDITOR MATT WILLIAMS • FRESHWATER EDITOR

CALIXTO GONZALES • SALTWATER EDITOR LENNY RUDOW • BOATING EDITOR STEVE LAMASCUS • FIREARMS EDITOR DUSTIN ELLERMANN • SHOOTING EDITOR KENDAL HEMPHILL • POLITICAL COMMENTATOR WILL LESCHPER • CONSERVATION EDITOR REAVIS WORTHAM • HUMOR EDITOR TOM BEHRENS • CONTRIBUTING EDITOR GREG BERLOCHER • CONTRIBUTING EDITOR PAUL BRADSHAW • CONTRIBUTING EDITOR CAPT. MIKE HOLMES • CONTRIBUTING EDITOR

DUSTIN WARNCKE • CONTRIBUTING EDITOR

STAN SKINNER • COPY EDITOR LISA MOORE • CONTRIBUTING PHOTO EDITOR JOHN GISEL • STRATEGIC ADVISOR

A D V E R T I S I N G

ARDIA NEVESVICE PRESIDENT/ADVERTISING DIRECTOR

LARRY DALTON • ADVERTISING COORDINATOR 1745 GREENS ROAD HOUSTON, TX 77032 PHONE: (281) 227-3001 • FAX (281) 227-3002

REPRESENTATIONTHE OMNI GROUP

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TEXAS FISH & GAME (ISSN 0887-4174) is published monthly by Texas Fish & Game Publishing Co., LLC., 1745 Greens Road, Houston, Texas 77032. ©Texas Fish & Game Publishing Co., LLC. All rights reserved. Content is not to be reprinted or other-wise reproduced without written permission. The publication assumes no responsibil-ity for unsolicited photographs and manuscripts. Subscription rates: 1 year $19.00: 2 years $34.75; 3 years $48.50. Address all subscription inquiries to Texas Fish & Game, 1745 Greens Road, Houston, Texas 77032. Allow 4 to 6 weeks for response. Give old and new address and enclose latest mailing address label when writing about your subscription. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: TEXAS FISH & GAME, 1745 Greens Road, Houston, TX 77032. Address all subscription inquiries to TEXAS FISH & GAME, 1745 Greens Road, Houston, TX 77032. Email change of address to: [email protected] Email new orders to: [email protected] Email subscription questions to: [email protected].

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APRIL 2015Volume 31 • NO. 12

COVER STORY:Covert Big Fish TacticsCovert Big Fish Tactics

STORY:

24 The F.L.E.X fishing system targets big fish of any species.

Story by Chester Moore

Photo of Steve Spalek and Mike Rutlege by George Knighten. Special thanks to Blue Wave Boats.

FEATURES

COVER STORY:

4 | A P R I L 2 0 1 5 | T E X A S F I S H & G A M E ®

GAUGING GOBBLERSTurkey hunters now have a greater selection—and some more challenging decisions to make—in finding the right gun and loads for the spring hunt.

by Dustin Warncke

CATCH SOME RAYS... and some big drum and bull reds at the jetties. If you’re looking for a fight, you’ll find one on the rocks this spring.

by Chester Moore

HIGH FENCE HOGS This excerpt from the book “Hog Wild” explores the opportunities and techniques for hunting feral hogs on game-fenced preserves of 50 to several thousand acres.

by Chester Moore

24

36

48

STRIPER SUPERIORITYLake Texoma retains its crown as the Queen Mother of the Lone Star State’s booming field of world class freshwater striped bass fisheries.

by Matt Williams

20

Table ofContents

Table ofContents

Table of

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE:

Saltwater StrangenessSaltwater StrangenessSTORY:

44 Pink dolphins and Port Mansfield manatee sightings prove that the

Western Gulf Coast is anything but ordinary.

by Chester Moore

Silence of the HamsSTORY:

54 Hunting hogs and predators with suppressed firearms.

by Mike Holmes



Phoning it In

A COUPLE OF ISSUES BACK, WE WROTE ABOUT the new digital editions that we are developing. Since this is a continuing process, we felt that continuing to update you on our progress was a good idea.

As of this issue—April—we have released a robust new App that man-

ages the digital issues for smartphones and tablets. The free app is available in the Apple and Android app stores (search Texas Fish & Game—or fi nd a link at www.FishGame.com).

If you are a print subscriber, you automatically get free access to the phone and tablet versions. All you need are the EMAIL ADDRESS and ZIP CODE associated with your subscription. If you haven’t given us your email address, the app has a link to our online subscriber service area where you can update it. This is a real-time link, so once you update your account, you can immediately access your digital issues.

If you are not already a print subscriber, you can get a digital-only subscription on our website, www.FishGame.com, for just $11.99 a year.

If you’re wondering WHY you would want to access the digital version when you already have a perfectly good old-fashioned dead tree version sitting on your coffee table, here are a few reasons:

First, these editions are completely mobile. We’ve taken extreme pains to create versions for your phone that fi t the size and operation of these smaller devices. So you can read an entire issue anywhere you can take your phone. By completely re-building the magazine for your phone, we made it simple to navigate and easy to read. If you are using a tablet, the experience is closer to what you see in the print magazine—just way cooler.

The second reason is that the digital versions have more features. All the references to emails and websites you see—such as our email address shown in hyperlink blue below—are live links. You can jump from a story or ad to the web page referenced immediately (assuming you have internet access). The dynamic digital features also include embedded videos, slide shows and zoom capabilities on photos—plus, there are many more photos in the digital version than we can fi t in our printed pages. We have also designed special new tools into some of our long-standing features, such as adding interactive maps to all of our Hotspots listings—with the ability to jump from a listing to that position on Google Maps for further exploring.

Then there’s your valuable time. You can get access to the digital version quicker than waiting for the mail or driving to a store to buy a single copy.

You may still prefer the print edition, and we have no problem with that. But take these digital versions for a spin—and let us know what you think. As never-ending works in progress, they will thrive on your feedback.

Email Roy and Ardia Neves atContactUs@fi shgame.com

by ROY and ARDIA NEVESTF&G Owners

InsideFISH & GAME

InsideInsideFISH & GAME

InsideFISH & GAME

COUPLE OF ISSUES BACK, WE WROTE ABOUT the new digital editions that we are developing. Since this is a continuing process, we felt that continuing to update you

ARDIA NEVES

FISH & GAMEFISH & GAME COLUMNS10 Editor’s Notes by Chester Moore TF&G Editor in Chief

14 Doggett at Large by Joe Doggett TF&G Senior Contributing Editor

16 Pike on the Edge by Doug Pike TF&G Senior Contributing Editor

18 Nugent in the Wild by Ted Nugent TF&G Editor At Large

19 Commentary by Kendal Hemphill TF&G Political Commentator

27 Texas Saltwater by Calixto Gonzales TF&G Saltwater Editor

35 Bare Bones Hunting by Lou Marullo TF&G Hunting Editor

39 Texas Freshwater by Matt Williams TF&G Freshwater Editor

51 Open Season by Reavis Wortham TF&G Freshwater Editor

56 Texas Boating by Lenny Rudow TF&G Boating Editor

60 Practical Angler by Paul Bradshaw TF&G Contributing Editor

62 Texas Guns by Steve LaMascus TF&G Firearms Editor

92 Texas Tasted by Kenneth Teal Special Guest Contributor

by Kendal Hemphill

by Calixto Gonzales

Bare Bones

Texas Freshwater

8 LETTERS

12 TF&G REPORT

32 TEXAS DEPT. OF DEFENSE

40 TRUE GREEN

64 INDUSTRY INSIDER

66 FISH AND GAME GEAR

68 HOTSPOT FOCUS

76 TEXAS HOTSPOTS

86 TIDES & PRIME TIMES

94 TF&G PHOTOS

DEPARTMENTS

Contents (continued)


www.FishGame.com

Look for this App icon

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8 LETTERS

12 TF&G REPORT

32 TEXAS DEPT. OF DEFENSE

40 TRUE GREEN

64 INDUSTRY INSIDER

66 FISH AND GAME GEAR

68 HOTSPOT FOCUS

76 TEXAS HOTSPOTS

86 TIDES & PRIME TIMES

94 TF&G PHOTOS

DEPARTMENTS


LETTERS to the EditorLETTERS LETTERS LETTERS LETTERS LETTERS to the Editorto the Editorto the Editorto the Editorto the Editorto the Editorto the Editorto the Editorto the Editorto the Editorto the Editorto the Editorto the Editorto the Editorto the Editor

Open Carry OpinionsMR. HEMPHILL’S COMMENTARY on open carry (February 2015) is very informative and insightful. Thanks for yet another good article.

I agree that carrying an exposed hand-gun can target the average citizen. It is also true that the sight of a pistol can be a deter-rent to confrontations. I’ve learned from experience that this depends on the situa-tion. I’m sure you can recall situations in which you were approached by a group of young men who suddenly changed direction when they noticed your piece. Concealed and open carry both have their places.

Preventing an aggressor from taking a weapon from one’s hands or holster is an important element of responsible concealed carry. It is critical to open carry, especially in a crowd or close encounter. In spite of the importance of retention skills, I don’t recall ever reading an article on this subject. Further, I don’t know any CHL holders, other than law enforcement offi cers, who ever received weapons retention training.

I’m sure TFG readers would appreci-ate an article on this subject. The Texas Department of Defense seems the most appropriate section of the magazine to pres-ent this topic.

Please consider publishing an article addressing handgun retention techniques and holster characteristics for open carry.

Jack MoisukRichardson, Texas

Your idea has much merit. I know that the Texas Department of Public Safety provides training in weapon retention, but I don’t personally know of any others that do. I never was given such training in the Bor-der Patrol, although I was involved in one altercation where a dope smuggler was trying to take my weapon from my holster while I was trying to pull his out of his waist band. Luckily for me, I won.

The problem is that trying to teach such tactics via correspondence course would be next to impossible. I would take at least a

chapter in a book with lots of photos, rather than an 800 word magazine article. Let me mull it over for a while and see if I can fi gure out any way of doing it so that it doesn’t sound like it was written by an idiot on speed.

As for open vs. concealed carry, I tend to come down on Kendal’s side. Texas law has always mandated that offi cers carrying their sidearms in plain view were required to “dis-play the badge of their authority.” Unless I’m hunting, fi shing, or just messing around in the pasture, I prefer to keep my handgun concealed.

Thanks again for your note and for read-ing TF&G.

—Steve LamascusTF&G Firearms Editor

The AwakeningI WAS READING “THE AWAKEN-ing” in the May 2014 issue this morning before work and I fi rmly agree with you. I know we are losing ground to development and pending reservoirs in the Piney Woods area but we’re also losing to two more predators. The clear cut logging industry and cattle farmers.

I live in Mt. Pleasant and everywhere I look someone is having their place raped (clear cut) or they are completely clearing it for cattle purposes. When I was a kid, people had their timber select cut. Meaning that the logger only cut trees big enough for a cross tie or lumber. That way it was ready to cut again in 3-5 years. When you clear cut a place, you’ll be lucky to have anything to harvest in 20 years. Cattlemen wanted their meadows but also wanted their woods so the cows had some cover for the weather. Now, everywhere you look, some-one is bulldozing their place off or having it clear cut. People don’t think about the long range benefi ts any more, they only want what’s easier for them now. I remember back in the early 80’s when I was in the Marines, you could fl y over the great state of Texas and it was mostly woodland. Now you fl y over it, it’s mostly pasture land.

We are losing ground and we need to raise awareness.

Johnny Applewhite

There is no question times are changing and unless the outdoors community wakes up we will lose things that will be impossible to get back. I believe people are waking up and I am glad to see those like you who are taking note and supporting true conservation.

—Chester MooreTF&G Editor-In-Chief

Tuna TalkMR. MIKE PRICE, I AM A LONG-time subscriber and fan of TFG. My wife and I are retired and make at least one trip to the coast a year. We’ve made several snapper trips, but have never caught a tuna. I have done some research on single boat charters in Texas and La. They are way out of our league fi nancially. I’ve also looked at several 24-36 hr. Trips out of Galveston and Port A. The price is much better, but I don’t know if my wife would enjoy a trip that long. The only thing I can think of is taking a 12 hour trip out of Port A During shrimping season and hope we get lucky. Enjoyed your article “Offshore Rewards.” Thank you very much.

Bob Mathews

Mike Price is a valued member of our staff and we enjoy his articles as well. The tuna trips can be hit and miss depending on whether but they will certainly give you a shot at some exciting fi shing farther in the Gulf than you normally go on a snapper trip.

—CM


Send Your Comments to:Texas Fish & Game1745 Greens RdHouston TX 77032

editor@fi shgame.com

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Killer Gar, Bees and Bulls

BACK AROUND 1997, I WAS running a trotline in a deep hole in the Sabine River. My cousin Frank Moore and I had trotlines about

200 yards apart and had been catching a few blue catfi sh.

This was in the middle of winter and we were targeting huge blue catfi sh. In previous days I had several large hooks straightened and had visions of 75-pound blues in my mind.

As I went to check my line, I noticed most of it was not parallel to the shore, but drifting out across the deep, instead of on the edge. The line had been cut (or so I thought).

Immediately not so kind words fl owed through my mouth to whomever cut the line, but then as I started to pull it in, something happened.

The line moved.I pulled in a little more and felt a great

weight at the end of the line and soon real-ized I had a seven-foot long alligator garfi sh on my line. In the Moore family, gars trump blue cats any day of the week, so I was excited and even more so when I saw the huge gar barely moving.

Gars will often drown on trotlines (serious-ly), and this one looked a little worse for the wear, so I thought it would be easy pickings.

I pulled the line up to the beast, hooked my gaff under the only soft spot on the fi sh, which is directly below the jaw. I jammed it in there good to make sure it would hold and to see how lively the fi sh was. It literally did not budge. The fi sh was alive but did not seem lively.

I then took a deep breath, mustered

up all the strength I had since this was a 200-pound-class fi sh and heaved the gar into the boat. That is when the big fi sh woke up.

It pulled back with full force and all of a sudden I found myself headed down into 30 feet of water with the gar. In an instant I real-ized one of the other hooks on the trotline had caught in my shoe and I was now attached to 200 pounds of toothy fury.

I had just enough time to take a breath and went under.

All I could focus on was getting back to the surface and toward the light. I am not sure how deep I went but according to my cousin who was just down the shore from me, I did not stay under very long.

A 200-pound gar and a 200-pound young man snapped the lead on the line, but the hook amazingly remained in my shoe as a reminder I was very near death. Make sure not to run trotlines alone. That was my fi rst mistake.

Also be careful to run the line along the side of your boat and not allow the hooks to fall in the boat. That was where I messed up. Catching fi sh on trot-lines is loads of fun, but it can be dangerous.

Just make sure your desire to catch fi sh does not override safety as it did for me in the heat of the moment.

Nothing frightens me more in the wilds of Texas than bees, particularly the deadly Africanized “killer” bees. These bees are spreading and have fi rmly es-tablished popu-lations in the Brush Country and part of the Trans-Pecos and Hill Country.

The sting of one bee might only cause some pain (unless you’re allergic), but the wrath of a swarm could spell death.

In the spring of 2003, I had a truly fright-ening bee experience. While using a box call to lure in a lonely gobbler, I heard what I literally thought was a low-fl ying plane in the distance. All of a sudden, a shadow passed overhead and I looked up to see a massive swarm of bees less than 30 feet up. I remained calm, said a little prayer, and watched the huge swarm pass by.

After talking with ranch offi cials, I learned the Africanized kind is present in the area, and thanked God the swarm did not sense how frightened I was. In fact, I was fi lming a segment for Keith Warren’s television program and once the bees moved a great distance, I told the cameraman to hit record.

“They see bees can smell fear,” I said.“That’s not true! I was just more fright-

ened than I have ever been and about 10,000 bees fl ew over our heads.”

In 2003, Marullo and I were hunting again but this time near Mason, and this time we ran into a very mean bull.

I was set up a few feet away from Marullo in a makeshift ground blind to fi lm him (hopefully) shooting an axis deer. A couple of hours into the hunt a big, black bull came in and stood about 20 feet in front of me. This thing looked like the Anti-Christ with a toothache.

The beast struck an enraged pose as it fi x-ated on me. I tried not to look scared, but it was too late. The bull had fi re and brimstone raging in its eyes. I did not know whether to remain still or stand up and let the bull know I was a human.

Just then, Marullo chunked a few rocks at the thing and broke its concentration. The ugly thing soon walked off and I breathed a sigh of relief. I could have sworn I saw three sixes on its hind end, but that could have been the heat getting to me.

After the hunt, I told Marullo I was glad the bull did not send me to the hospital for more than one reason. I can see the obituary now: “Chester Moore: dove with great white sharks in the Pacifi c, handled jaguars and waded through piranha-infested waters in South America—hospitalized by domestic cattle.”

A shark attack has a little romance to it, but a bovine bashing would be more than a bit embarrassing.

Email Chester Moore, Jr.CMoore@fi shgame.com

by CHESTER MOORE :: TF&G Editor-in-Chief

EDITOR’S Notes


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Bridge City brothers plead guilty to killing dolphinTWO BRIDGE CITY BROTHERS have pleaded guilty to federal wildlife viola-tions, announced U.S. Attorney John M. Bales today.

Cory James Moseley, 23, and Cade Ryan Moseley, 18, pleaded guilty to taking a marine mammal in United States waters on Feb. 17, 2015, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Keith F. Giblin.

According to information presented in court, on July 26, 2014, Cory Moseley and Cade Moseley were fi shing on Cow Bayou near Orangefi eld when they spotted two bottlenose dolphins strand-ed in the bayou. They shot at the dolphins with a com-pound bow and Cade

Moseley hit one of the dolphins. The dolphin swam away but was mortally wounded.

Wildlife agents were notifi ed by a fi sherman that there was a dead dolphin in the bayou. The deceased dolphin was recovered and an investigation resulted in federal charges against the Moseley broth-ers. The second dolphin was located in the bayou and rescued by wildlife agents and SeaWorld San Antonio personnel.

The defendants each face up to one year in federal prison and a $20,000 fi ne. A sentencing date has not been set.

“It is disheartening that individuals would kill a dolphin for the sport of it, especially in today’s age,” said Tracy Dunn, Assistant Director for NOAA OLE. “Without the determination and skills of the NOAA investigator, supported by CGIS and TPWD, this unnecessary death may have gone unsolved.”

“The Coast Guard is committed to pro-viding the highest level of service to protect-ing our nation’s valuable natural resources,” said Rear Admiral Kevin S. Cook, Com-mander, Eighth Coast Guard District.

“The cooperative sharing of professional knowledge and expertise among our inter-agency partners will ensure perpetrators of such horrible acts are held accountable.”

“We are extremely pleased that this case is being resolved,” said Colonel Craig Hunter, Texas Parks and Wildlife Depart-ment. “The dedication, professionalism, and teamwork demonstrated by investiga-tors from NOAA, CGIS, and TPWD proved to be successful in solving this egre-gious criminal act.”

This case was investigated by the NOAA Offi ce of Law Enforcement, U.S. Coast Guard Investigative Service and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph R. Batte.

BIG BAGS CATCHES

near Orangefi eld when they spotted two bottlenose dolphins strand-ed in the bayou. They shot at the dolphins with a com-pound bow and Cade

OLE. “Without the determination and skills of the NOAA investigator, supported by CGIS and TPWD, this unnecessary death may have gone unsolved.”

BIG BAGS CATCHESBIG BAGS CATCHESJoseph R. Batte.

BIG BAGS CATCHESBIG BAGS CATCHES

WHITETAIL

Houston County

JACK CREVALLE

Galveston

James Adcock caught and released this jack while fi shing at the Galveston North Jetty.

Ten-year-old Kyndall Sulewski with her 16-inch 9-point buck taken in Houston County. She said, “I’ve been hunting for a buck like that all my life.”


The TF G ReportTF GTF GTF GTF GTF G

Moseley hit one of the dolphins. The

TF GTF GTF GTF GTF GTF GTF GTF GTF GTF GTF GTF GTF GTF GTF GTF GTF GTF GTF GTF G Report Report Report Report ReportTF G ReportTF GTF G ReportTF GTF G ReportTF GTF G ReportTF GTF G ReportTF GTF GTF GTF GTF GTF GTF GTF GTF GTF GTF GTF GTF GTF GTF GTF GTF GTF GTF GTF GTF GTF GTF GTF GTF GTF GTF GTF G

Visit FishGame.com to upload your Big Bags & Catches Photos and Vote for our next Winners

BIG BAGS CATCHESBIG BAGS CATCHES

1504 TFG Report.indd 12 3/9/15 8:04 PM

Texas wardens seize Mexican shark boatTEXAS GAME WARDENS HAVE seized a Mexican shark-fi shing boat in state waters near the Texas-Mexico border. Wardens were patrolling the Gulf of Mex-ico earlier today for illegal fi shing activity when they spotted a Mexican fi shing boat moving northbound in Texas waters.

When the wardens, who were operating a 29-foot Safe Boat equipped with twin 250-horsepower motors, attempted to stop the boat its occupants ignored the state ves-sel and began racing back toward Mexican waters. After a brief pursuit, the wardens were able to pull alongside the boat and get it stopped.

Two fi shermen were arrested and taken to the US Coast Guard station on South Padre Island. The open boat, powered by a 75-horsepower outboard motor, was seized along with illegal long-line fi shing gear.

Sharks, the most common target of these vessels, are harvested not only for their meat, but also for their fi ns. Shark fi ns, used for soup, are considered some of the world’s most expensive seafood, and high demand for it supports a world-wide black market.

Marine interests spotting foreign fi shing

boats, gill nets or long lines in Texas waters are urged to call the Operation Game Thief hotline at 1-800-792GAME (4263), contact a game warden or notify the U.S. Coast Guard.

Poachers busted in New BraunfelsTEXAS GAME WARDENS HAVE arrested two adults and two juveniles for killing three deer and fi ring as many as 30 rifl e rounds in and around Landa and Prince Solms parks in the New Braunfels city limits.

“From the evidence we have, this appears to be a case of indiscriminate thrill killing,” says Capt. Jeff Carter, whose district com-mand includes Comal County. “On top of that, multiple rifl e rounds were being fi red at night in a populated area. The outcome could have been much worse.”

State involvement in the case began at 12:20 a.m. today when game war-dens Nicole Leonard and Brent Satsky responded to a call for assistance from the New Braunfels Police Department. When they arrived on the scene a short time later, they learned that local offi cers had stopped a pickup truck near Landa Street and Para-dise Alley while investigating a report of gunshots in the area.

Two dead bucks and one doe were found in the bed of the truck, which was occupied by two men and two teenage boys. When offi cers checked the vehicle for weapons, they discovered multiple empty shell casings on the fl oorboards.

The game wardens arrested the four sus-pects and took them to the New Braunfels Police Department for further questioning. After receiving permission to search the vehicle they found a .22 caliber rifl e hidden under the rear seat.

Charged with hunting deer at night and hunting from a vehicle on a public roadway, each offense a Class A misdemeanor, were Eric G. Johnston, 25 and Anthony E. Cas-tillo, 39, both of New Braunfels. Both men were booked into the Comal County Jail in lieu of $3,000 bond each. The two juveniles were released to the custody of their parents

—from Staff Reports

BASS

Lake Fork

Brian Cronin, left, caught his biggest bass to date while fi shing with his father-in-law James Blair and guide Mark Pack on Lake Fork. The lunker weighed 8-plus pounds and was taken with a Carolina rig in 30-feet of water.

T E X A S F I S H & G A M E ® | A P R I L 2 0 1 5 | 13

1504 TFG Report.indd 13 3/9/15 8:04 PM

Springtime Bass

THE FIRST HINTS OF SPRING and the fi rst runs of white bass go together. The timing is excellent, a great rod-bending exercise to erase the

doldrums of late winter.Aggressive numbers and plenty of pull are the

strong suits for the white bass (a.k.a. sand bass, speed perch, barfi sh). The white bass probably falls into the “panfi sh” category, with the typical fi sh being a few ounces either side of a pound.

But fi sh topping two pounds are not uncommon, especially in the East Texas drainages, and occa-sionally you hear of a three-plus.

Pure-strain whites (opposed to white bass/striped bass hybrids) in the four- or fi ve-pound class are extremely rare. They’ve been recorded, but I’ve never seen one. But the average white bass is plenty of fi sh for grownups and kids, especially on reasonably light tackle.

White bass live large; they strike hard and boast impressive speed and stamina. Whites don’t jump, but pound-for-pound, they are stronger than most native freshwater species.

Maybe this is because they are true bass (not sunfi sh, as are the various black bass), in the same family (Morone) as the saltwater striped bass.

White bass are poor candidates for stale water

such as small ponds and shallow sloughs. They thrive in deep, open reservoirs. And, like their larger cousins, they prefer to spawn in moving water. Rivers and creeks feeding the big lakes are prime intercept areas for early-season schools. The schools hold in deeper pools but spawn over bars of gravel and sand.

They are prolifi c, as refl ected by the statewide daily limit of 25 fi sh with a 10-inch minimum length. Sadly, they aren’t best on the table. They’re OK, but certainly not the class of crappie or channel catfi sh. But, once found, they are easy to catch.

White bass feed aggressively on small baitfi sh. The proven lures are two- to two-and-a-half-inch jigs, spoons, in-line and tailspinners.

Regardless of the offering, remember that

by JOE DOGGETT :: TF&G Contributing Editor

DOGGETT at Large

1504 Doggett.indd 14 3/11/15 10:01 AM

“minnow” usually trumps “frog” or “lizard” or “worm.” Excellent colors are whites and yellows, silvers and chromes, greens and blues�that sort of thing.

Having said that, I remember watching a guy absolutely kill Trinity River whites on a small, red/orange deep-diving crankbait that presumably imitated a crawfi sh. This was while several of us were chunking proven minnow-type spinners into the same water. What that was all about, I don’t know, but I stand true to the conviction that fl ashy baitfi sh offerings favor the percentages.

I fi shed the Lake Livingston drainage exten-sively during the ’70s and early ’80s, when it was one of the fi nest white bass fi sheries in the nation. It’s still good, but I doubt anything today can match that window of opportunity.

I remember ridiculous days above the main lake in the Trinity River and the various tributary creeks. River rats like guide Ken Huffman had the early-season whites wired.

And I remember sessions in the Trinity just below the spillway with Lloyd Hughes of Dam Site Marina, and in the main lake (the old Highway 190 roadbed) with Jack Segall of Kickapoo Marina. The no-limit tallies of whites were, well, I blush to recall.

One Livingston old timer, Jack Shandley, made a career out of putting family-type groups on ice chests of main-lake whites. If memory serves, he worked out of Big John Brightwell’s Marina.

One interesting thing: During the post-spawn months on Livingston, schools of white bass and black bass would gang together along the main-lake channels and feed on frantic threadfi n shad. You would chunk a Little George or a Slab out into the melee and never know which brand of bass you would hook. No one can accuse Livingston of being segregated.

Some of my fond recollections of white bass fi shing occurred during the spring of 1972, when I was in graduate school at UT in Austin. Several of us discovered the white bass run in the Pedernales River above Lake Travis. This was easy, drive-to fi shing, accessed via a token day pass on riverfront property known as “Reimer’s Ranch.”

The fee was nominal, something like 50 cents or a dollar, and you could leave the money in a mailbox by the gate. As I say, this was a long time ago.

The stretch at Reimer’s seldom was crowded on weekday afternoons and the property offered a short riffl e followed by a long, lazy pool of green water. Schools of whites pushing up from the lake would stage near the top of the pool.

The best water was on the far side (isn’t it always). The go-to rig was a clear plastic cast-

ing bubble rigged with a two-foot monofi lament dropper. The “killer bait” was a white or yellow 1/8-ounce bucktail jig.

You would cast out, angling slightly upstream, and work the rig in snappy yanks and twitches. When the bubble shot under, you came tight to a hard-pulling white bass.

These Hill Country whites were smaller, maybe 1/2- to 3/4-pound average, and during a good ses-sion you might string 12 or 15 fi sh. This doesn’t sound like so much now. But I remember it well.

The Navy and Vietnam were behind me and my career on the outdoor desk at the Houston Chronicle was just ahead, and the balmy spring afternoons and the scenic little stream and the schools of white bass helped defi ne the simple pleasures of fi shing.

Email Joe Doggett atContactUs@fi shgame.com

1504 Doggett.indd 15 3/11/15 10:01 AM

Speckled Records

SO, DID IT HAPPEN? DO WE have a new state-record speckled trout? I want to believe yes, the record fell between pen and publica-

tion, but odds say otherwise.As far back as this past October, confi -

dence ran high among some of Texas’ most experienced coastal fi shermen that this would be the winter during which someone topped Carl Rowland’s monster of a nearly 13-year benchmark, all 15.6 pounds and 37.25 inches�

that he caught on a fl y rod.For perspective, consider this: Rowland’s

fi sh was equal in length, in the average shrimp slinger’s box, to two “solid” keepers. To catch one speckled trout longer or heavier was/will be no simple task, and it was/is unlikely to be the result of luck.

Long-time guide Jay Watkins and I shared stories in February of trips each of us made years ago with legendary Baffi n Bay pro Cliff Webb. Watkins and I, years apart, each shared space in Webb’s boat on what amounted to two of the most incredible trout trips ever along the Texas coast.

Both took place under absolutely miserable winter conditions, on days when angler traffi c was nearly nil. Watkins had clients booked the day he and Webb fi shed, but they opted to

pass under forecasts of near-freezing tempera-tures and a good chance of rain.

Weather was no better when Webb and I left the marina that afternoon in January of 1993. It was cold the entire time. Whenever wind and rain stopped, fog hung so thick we couldn’t see our longest casts hit the water.

On both of those days, however, fi shing was nothing short of stupid, crazy, insane good. Watkins and I conceded openly that we’ve each had our “trip of a lifetime” for speckled trout in Texas. At least for us, it simply can’t get better. And we’re OK with that.

How good were those two runs? Between the pair, which were eerily similar, the three of us�Webb, Watkins and I�handled somewhere north of 55, maybe 60 fi sh. All but one, which I’ll acknowledge in a second, were heavier than

by DOUG PIKE :: TF&G Senior Contributing Editor

PIKE on the Edge

1504 Pike.indd 16 3/9/15 9:06 PM


eight pounds. Each trip produced numerous trout longer than 30 inches, and the last one I handled before Webb insisted we leave to beat darkness to port, was 32 and a quarter.

As for that one runt, Webb opted once, for giggles, to start a drift�we never left the boat�elsewhere than down the prime midsection of the fl at. My fi rst cast turned that fi sh, which was between four and fi ve pounds. Webb muttered something about not wasting time with little trout, and we moved quickly under electric power back into the land of the giants.

Not that it matters, but Watkins shared that Webb told him the fi sh Webb and I caught were a smidge bigger overall than those they caught. Not that it matters. Just thought I’d share.

What matters is that despite a staggering increase in pressure through recent years, despite improved navigation technology, despite faster boats and despite so much shar-ing of big-trout techniques, Baffi n Bay (and, quietly, some other bay systems that shall remain nameless for now) continues to spit out long, fat trout.

Sally and Aubrey Black, who keep excel-lent records and are no strangers to giant trout, watched their clients catch unprecedented numbers of “big” trout this past year. At the Houston Fishing Show in February, they reported averaging at least one fi sh longer than 30 inches weekly for the past few months. They forwarded photos all winter and, like the rest, waited for the record-setting hammer to fall.

Mostly likely, though, Rowland’s name and fi sh likely still occupy their longstanding place on the record list. And surely, a lot of fi shermen’s dreams didn’t quite come true on Baffi n Bay.

For most, it’s their own fault. As I’ve preached often on the radio and in print, if you want to catch a state-record trout, you’ve got to fi sh for nothing but state-record trout.

There’s a vast difference in fi shing for specks with hope of catching a record and actu-ally fi shing exclusively for the longest, heaviest speckled trout ever caught from hundreds of miles of prime water.

You might catch that fi sh on a little jig or suspending plug or standard-issue topwater, but if you’re any good at all, you’ll also catch quite a few smaller trout and maybe some reds on those baits.

Every minute passed fi ghting and releasing a fi sh smaller than 16 pounds or shorter than 37.5 inches is, in pursuit of the record, wasted.

That Rowland caught his fi sh on a fl y, whatever its size, only supports the notion that huge fi sh will eat anything. They will, it’s true, but those same fi sh also eat foot-long mullet and 14-inch trout. But fi ve- and six-pound trout do not.

Heave something big, something that hits the water so hard it scares the scales off two-pound specks.

If I ever devote myself to moving Rowland’s fi sh into second place, I’ll do it with a 10-inch topwater in the dead of winter, on one of a

bunch of days when I don’t really pay attention so much to wind or sky or tide as to how far I can sling my lure and how tempting I can make it look on the way back.

I’ll be out there with little or no company. Except maybe Cliff or Jay or Sally or Aubrey, if I can talk any of them into going. Knowing what they know, I’m betting it wouldn’t take much to get them out there again.

1504 Pike.indd 17 3/9/15 9:06 PM

Godspeed Texas and Greg Abbott

TIME FOR MORE NEVER END-ing massive celebration Texas! Our beloved Great Republic of Texas just went from Rick Perry, Ameri-

ca’s best governor, to Greg Abbott, America’s new best governor.

Godspeed governor Rick Perry, Godspeed Governor Greg Abbott, Godspeed Texas; We the people freedom BloodBrothers!

Us Texans should never fail to count our blessings everyday, and share them with the whole world, for there is no question that we here in the mighty Lone Star State have the best “we the people” representation of any state in the USA. From Governor Greg Abbott, to the Attorney General Ken Paxton, through most of the legislature and state reps, we surely have done a fi ne job seeking out, vetting and electing true statesmen who abide by the US Constitution and the Texas Constitution and the will of “we the people”.

Thank God Almighty and say Hallelujah like you mean it, and pass the ammo, and lots of it.

When it comes to real freedom, ultra-quality of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness as ultimately defi ned by our hunting rights and gun rights, our sensible wildlife regulations and the overall environment of individual liberties, the Nugent family found our home here in Texas as soon as we fi gured it out.

Though there are some great governors and great states across this grand country, I’m think-ing South Dakota, North Dakota, Louisiana, Arkansas, Arizona, Idaho and a few others come to mind, there are also genuinely bad regimes and states that spit in the face of the US Constitution where the citizens are dangerously, if not down-right insanely over-restricted by anti-American goons.

The poster child for sheer insanity has to go to California, where its subjects are not allowed to hunt mountain lions, but the state charges these very subjects’ outrageous amounts of tax dollars to hire government killers to kill their cougars for them.

Add to that the engineered tax waste for compensating farmers and ranchers for all the guaranteed destroyed livestock and you have a bizarre condition that is impossible to explain on any honest level.

And that’s not the worst of it! No! Not only can’t California residents hunt the fl ourish-ing cougar population in their own state, if a Californian goes out of state on a mountain lion hunting trip and kills a lion legally in another state, the hunter is forbidden to bring the lion home to eat or have mounted.

You heard that right. Jerry Brown and his gaggle of insane bureaucrats have got to be from another planet where honesty, logic, truth, com-monsense and science are banned.

Then there is the sheer goofi ness, and many of us believe to be the clear and present criminal infringement of our sacred 2nd Amendment guaranteed right to keep and bear arms, where a law abiding California resident can own an AR15 style rifl e, the most popular, commonly owned fi rearm in America, but not if it has standard AR features.

Can you in your wildest imagination fi gure out what sort of missing brain function must exist in what otherwise appears to be an upright humanbeing that would make a simple pistil type grip illegal?

What sort of mindless creature would actu-ally believe that a fl ash suppressor somehow makes a fi rearm more dangerous or crime prone?

Here’s a real doozy to test your tolerance for absurdity; not only have the braindead bureau-crats of California outlawed standard capacity magazines, but get this, California ARs are only legal if the magazine cannot be released with a fi nger. By law, California ARs are only legal if the magazine can be released with a “magazine release tool”.

Okay, I’ll give you a moment to pick yourself up from the fl oor and regain your composure

from that surprise bizzarro belly laugh, even if it really isn’t funny at all.

You ready? In the land of Oz California, a bullet qualifi es as a legitimate AR magazine release tool.

Feel safer yet, or just scared to death that such evil, nasty freedom hating weirdo’s exist in this otherwise great country?

God help us all.And I could go on.While good American citizens in New

York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Maryland, Massachusetts, Illinois and California are sub-jected to tragic over-regulation, we here in Texas know exactly why more freedom loving Americans are fl ooding to this Last Bests Place.

I know Governor Greg Abbott. This great man, great Texan, great American knows exact-ly who he is and lives his oath to serve his “we the people” employers. He has stated unam-biguously on many occasions that he takes his oath to heart and will not waver from the clear guidelines of the US Constitution.

As we throttle into 2015, those of us fortu-nate and smart enough to be Texans know that we are leading the way, and though we have it made with such great leadership, it is never a good time to take it easy and relax just because we have it so good here.

Our elected employees in Texas expect us to keep raising hell, they want us to increase and upgrade our communication with them so they never lose touch with the most important and powerful guiding force in the history of mankind; a free people who refused the evil control of kings, emperors, dictators and tyrants, where “we the people” call the shots, and that this sacred experiment in self-government came about by divine intervention from the very hand of God.

Texas is America my Spirit BloodBrothers. And if America wants to get back on track, there is no better guiding light than Texas.

Godbless America, Godbless Texas, Godspeed Texans.

Email Ted Nugent atTNugent@fi shgame.com

by TED NUGENT :: TF&G Editor-at-Large


NUGENT in the WildNUGENT NUGENT NUGENT NUGENT NUGENT NUGENT NUGENT NUGENT NUGENT NUGENT NUGENT

1504 Nugent.indd 18 4/3/15 6:08 AM

Crazy as a BATFE

THE BUREAU OF ALCOHOL, Tobacco, Firearms, Explosives, & Really Stupid Rules is, once again, on a tear. They have decided to

classify the most common, most ubiquitous type of ammo in the country, for the most common, most ubiquitous type of fi rearm in the country, as armor-piercing, in order to try to keep Americans from being able to defend themselves against tyranny in government (hereinafter referred to as ‘gubmint’).

Basic M855 .223/5.56 bullets are not, in any way, armor-piercing. And the BATFERSR knows this. But if a gubmint agency wants to curtail freedom, it only needs a reason. The reason does not have to be true.

This is not new, of course. The same fairy tale logic is being used in other attempts to restrict gun rights. For example, the BATFERSR defi nes a ‘Short Barrelled Rifl e’ as any rifl e with a barrel shorter than 16 inches. These rifl es are not illegal to own, but in order to possess or build one you have to pay the gubmint a $200 tax, subject yourself to an excessively extensive federal background check (and pass it), and get your mom to write a note for you. (OK, you don’t need a note from Mom�at least not yet.)

An example of an SBR would be a gun that looks like an AR-15, except it has, say, a ten-inch barrel, instead of the requisite 16 inches. This gun would be identical to a regular AR, but would be exactly six inches shorter. This lack of six inches of hollow steel tubing requires the aforementioned hoop-jumping, which takes about a year to com-plete, our gubmint being the well-oiled piece of massive, over-paid, under-achieving rusted machinery that it is.

This, on the surface, seems pretty silly, since the gun is no more dangerous and

hardly more concealable than if it was six inches longer. But if you delve deeply into the reasons behind the law, it becomes clear that our gubmint is buying crack by the fi ve-gallon bucketful. There is no conceivable reason for this rule.

Incidentally, the same background check applies to the process of buying a suppressor, and is administered by the same people. So if you already have a suppressor permit, you might think getting an SBR permit would be quicker. You would be wrong�because of rules, or something.

Now add another rule, the one that says a regular rifl e, with a legal barrel, has to have a shoulder stock. Remove the shoulder stock from your AR, and get caught, and you Go To Jail, Go Directly to Jail. Do Not Pass Go, Do Not Collect $200.

BUT! If you want an AR with a ten-inch barrel and no shoulder stock, you can legally buy one from a gun company that makes them that way. No law against it, no penalty, no tax, and no note from Mom.

You might say, “Well, these rules are about as messed up as rules can get. There’s no way the BATFERSR could possibly come up with a rule that made less sense than this.” Wrong again. Never underestimate the gubmint’s ability to unnecessarily complicate things.

AR type pistols have become popular

in recent years, and a lot of companies make them, and sell them legally as pistols, although if you, as a typical, bonehead con-sumer, alter your AR rifl e the same way, you’ll be a felon. But AR pistols are kind of hard to shoot with any accuracy one-handed. And since putting a shoulder stock on one is illegal, Sig came out with what they call an AR arm brace, which sticks out from the back of the AR pistol, and attaches to your forearm with velcro straps, so you can look like a Saturday morning cartoon character, and save the world from the evil forces of Zoltar, or whatever.

This brace, to be sold legally, requires the approval of the BATFERSR, so Sig applied for that approval, and got it. So the arm brace is legal�sort of silly, but legal.

But now comes the tricky part. Some Zoltar fi ghters, while they’re out battling the forces of evil, have committed the horrible sin of holding their AR pistol up and resting the Sig brace against their shoulder while fi ring it. These people, suddenly, have made them-selves Enemies of the State.

Well, the BATFERSR got wind of this heinous crime. (For some reason, no one in the gubmint seems to have ever had any idea this would happen.) And they recently issued a statement that says, and I quote: “You Zoltar fi ghters better quit it, or else.”

Seriously, the ATF has decreed, from on high, that holding an AR pistol up and shoot-ing it with the Sig brace to your shoulder is offi cially Against the Law.

So, the device they approved for sale and use is OK, but exactly how you hold it when you use it can be legal or not. The gun is no more dangerous, holds no more ammo, and is no more accurate or easier to load or anything. It’s just a matter of moving the gun about 12 inches that makes it legal or illegal.

And we trust gubmint people to regulate toilet water consumption?

Email Kendal Hemphill atContactUs@fi shgame.com

by KENDAL HEMPHILL :: TF&G Political Editor


TF&G COMMENTARY

“If a gubmint agency

wants to curtail freedom, it only needs a reason.“

1504 Commentary.indd 19 3/10/15 10:51 AM

CHRIS CAREY HAS one of those contagious personalities that breeds confi dence and bleeds with positive energy. I don’t know how he is off

the water, but standing elbow-to-elbow with the guy in his 23-foot Falcon you can’t help but get the feeling that you’re going to get bit.

“I love this stuff,” Carey said. “Some days I run around out here like a mad man. Every day brings a different

challenge, and some are easier than oth-ers. It’s me against the fi sh. They keep me motivated.”

Carey comes by his peppy demeanor naturally. He is the son of Bill Carey, a long-time Texas angler who founded one of Lake Texoma’s premier striper fi sh-ing guide services in 1983. Fittingly, it’s called Striper Express.

Chris took over the fi shing end of the business from his father several years ago and now oversees a fi ve-boat operation

that ranks

among the busiest on what is arguably one of the top striper lakes in the South and most certainly the best in Texas.

Interestingly, the elder Carey is a former largemouth nut, turned striper addict. The 63-year old Frisco native cut his fi shing teeth chasing largemouths on lakes Monticello and Bob Sandlin in eastern Texas.

Then, in 1977, he made the mistake of taking a guided striper fi shing trip on the 89,000-acre reservoir that straddles the Texas/Oklahoma border. I say it was

a mistake because

20 | A P R I L 2 0 1 5 | T E X A S F I S H & G A M E ® GRAPHIC IMAGE: TF&G

TexomaLeads a pack of World ClassLone Star Striper Fisheries

story byMatt Williams

Fea 4-StriperSuperiority.indd 20 3/9/15 8:33 PM



that one guide trip fueled an addiction that ultimately cost him a ton in guide fees.

“I went 33 times that first year,” Carey joked. “After that first trip I was hooked and never looked back.”

Catching big stripers can do that to a man ―or a woman.

Just ask Barbara Pope of Frisco. Last December, Pope and some lady friends were fishing on the Oklahoma side of the lake with Chris Carey when a heavyweight striper slammed her jig/Fluke rig.

The violent strike progressed into a seri-ous battle that had big fish written all over it. The powerful fish peeled line off the reel at will and Pope fought to regain it―a little at a time―every chance she got.

It took some doing, but she finally played the striper into the landing net. Carey is certain the fish lost significant weight between the time it was caught and weighed on certi-fied scales. At 24 pounds, 11 ounces, it still ranks as a new Texoma striper record for Oklahoma.

Pope’s big fish came near the start of the most remarkable run on trophy-class stripers that either of the veteran guides can ever

recall. During the final two weeks of January alone, Carey’s boats accounted for seven fish upwards of 20 pounds, including a 28.7 caught by David Walker of Lubbock and a 24.89 caught by Larry Murphy. Another noteworthy catch came on Jan. 31, when 12-year-old Mattie May of Rowlett landed a 17 1/2-pounder that should rank as a new junior angler Texas state record.

“The number of fish in the 10-to18-pound range we’ve seen this year has been out of this world,” Bill Carey said. “You hear a lot of old timers talk about the old days when they all they caught was 20 pounders on Texoma. But that’s just 20 years of embellishment talking.

“I’ve got 35 years under my belt and this past year was by far the best I’ve ever seen for numbers of big fish. It was absolutely incredible, and what is really encouraging is the stage is set for more great fishing over the next few years. We can’t wait see what we’ll have around the banks in late April. They’ll be like gangs of hungry teenagers at a buffet. They’ll crucify a topwater bait. It’s blind cast-ing and it’s blast.”

The Careys have carved out a niche on

Texoma in that they target outsize stripers exclusively using artificial lures. Their guides take an aggressive approach with their fishing and stay on the move to locate groups of feed-ing fish. Naturally, their tactics change with the season.

Translation: If you want to anchor and dunk live bait, it might be wise to check out a different outfit.

“We fish people who like to fish,” Chris Carey said. “Personally, it makes me nause-ated watching someone reel in a fish that ate a shad running around in a three-foot death circle. The fight is fun, but to me the thrill of striper fishing is tricking these big suckers into biting.”

Carey’s mantra obviously has been well received by a loyal customer base. His boat alone has averaged more than 300 fishing days during each of the last three years, and many clients are repeat customers.

Opinions vary as to why Texas’s top-ranked striper fishery is producing so many outsize fish these days. For starters, the lake is one of only a few in the world with a self-sustaining striper population. The Careys think the one-two punch of an ailing economy



and heightened worries over a potentially dangerous blue green algae bloom in 2011-12 may have been a silver lining in disguise for the fi shery.

“There wasn’t near as much fi shing pres-sure out there when all of that was going on,” Chris Carey said. “My guess is there were thousands of fi sh that made it to next level as a result.”

Texas Parks and Wildlife fi sheries sci-entists think the prolonged drought that has hampered annual spawning production up the Red and Washita rivers in recent years also may have played a role. Fewer fi sh means less competition for the available prey base. Nearly 40 percent of the fi sh collected during 2014 gill net samplings measured 20 or more inches, according to TPWD reports.

“Think of it like a herd of cattle on an acre of land,” explained Tom Robinson, a TPWD fi sheries technician based in Pottsboro. “When you remove some of those cattle, there is more grass for the others to eat, so they grow bigger at a faster rate. Plus, the Texoma limit restricts anglers to only two fi sh over 20 inches per day.”

Other Choices for Texas Stripers

Although the striper bite at Texoma in recent times been akin to something out of a fairy tale, it isn’t the only lake where anglers can get their strings stretched by these power-ful sport fi sh. TPWD hatcheries produce around three million striped bass each year that are divided among a nucleus of reservoirs best suited for the saltwater transplants.

TPWD Region 2 Director Brian Van Zee of Waco provided the following list of what he believes are the state’s top striper fi sh-eries behind Texoma. Van Zee pointed out that his No. 2 and No. 3 choices (Buchanan and Whitney) are “pretty similar in terms of their striper populations and fi sheries, so placing them into priority order is kind of like splitting hairs.”

•LAKE BUCHANAN: “Although water levels are down in Lake Buchanan the striped bass population is doing well,” he said. Van Zee added that the sunshine bass stockings (a cross between a white bass female and male striper) are supplementing that fi shery very well.

•WHITNEY: “Whitney was impacted by golden algae in 2010 and 2011, but since about 2012 it hasn’t had any big golden

algae blooms or fi sh kills,” he said. “With the striped bass stockings in 2013 and 2014 the population is rebounding nicely. In fact, there should be a lot of fi sh right at 18-inch minimum length limit this year.”

•TAWAKONI: “Lake Tawakoni is a fi sh factory but it is probably better known for its hybrid striped bass and blue catfi sh fi sheries than its striped bass fi shery,” Van Zee said. “With that said the striped bass population is doing well, and it offers anglers a chance to

catch something a little bigger than the hybrid striped bass.”

•CANYON: “The striped bass popula-tion in Canyon isn’t as strong or as big as the ones in lakes Buchanan and Whitney,” according to Van Zee. “But it has been producing some bigger sized fi sh and is another good location for striped bass anglers who want to fi sh somewhere other than Lake Buchanan.”


F.L.E.X. FishingSytem for Catching

Big Specksby Chester Moore

24 | A P R I L 2 0 1 5 | T E X A S F I S H & G A M E ® PHOTO AND INSET: CHESTER MOORE

Fea 1-Trout.indd 24 3/11/15 10:20 AM

SEVERAL YEARS AGO, I INTRODUCED THE F.L.E.X. FISHING system, a dedicated plan for catching big fish of any species.

F.L.E.X. stands for Focus-Learn-Eliminate-Experience and it has revolutionized my personal fishing. I am working on a giveaway for this system for TF&G readers that should be ready by the June issue.

The following are some of the notes from my F.L.E.X. Fishing ® speckled trout cheat sheets where I gathered the most detailed information available on giant trout. What you

are about to see is truly fascinating and are observations about big trout seldom if ever mentioned in print.

As trout grow larger they begin to eat larger prey. The largest trout eat the largest prey. Researchers in Texas and Mississippi have found mullet to be the preferred food of the biggest trout. Frequently the mullet is half or two-thirds the size of the trout.


Fea 1-Trout.indd 25 3/11/15 10:20 AM

Big speckled trout feed heavily on rib-bonfi sh (cutlassfi sh) when they move into bays from the Gulf. Find ribbonfi sh scurry-ing to the surface in panic and you will fi nd BIG trout. At a distance ribbbonfi sh can be spotted by their silver fl ashes as they breach.

Trout are not big on migration, but there is some movement between the near-shore Gulf and southern tier of bay and channel systems. Researchers at Louisiana State University say the biggest trout are found in the Gulf, particularly during summer and fall. Near-shore oil and gas platforms as well as boat wrecks can house true monsters.

Salinity can be a factor in locating trophy trout. Researchers with the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission have found that adult trout tend to prefer water that is close to seawater in salinity over more brack-ish water.

A study in Barataria Bay in Louisiana concluded larger trout are most likely to be found over shell or soft (mud) bottom when the water temperature is 75 degrees or higher.

Trout have a layer of tissue that allows them to see in low light conditions and be superior night feeders. Fishing the pre-dawn hours and using lures or baits with a luminescent quality or that create a stark silhouette can help you exploit this quality and score on big trout.

Sagittae are the sound receptors in fi sh, and trout have large ones. They are very keen to sounds made by humans and other fi sh. Throwing lures delicately and work-ing lures and popping corks in a fashion mimicking natural sounds can go a long way to helping anglers catch bigger, wary trout.

Since trout are sensitive both to sound and visual cues, the ability to make long, delicate casts is absolutely crucial in the pursuit of big trout.

Trout have clear, color vision and are super line-shy in clear water. The use of fl uorocarbon can help eliminate loss of potential big trout catches.

Trout have both a keen sense of smell and taste which work together simultane-ously. Making the right connection when a big trout takes a lure is important because the big fi sh can be sensitive to non-organic material like plastic.

Numerous anglers have observed a sym-biotic-type relationship between big trout and alligator gars during the winter in deep, isolated canals. Gars and trout are seen right next to each other seemingly hanging

together like a shark and remora.Could it be the trout are eating the gar’s

scraps? Are they simply sharing a similar habitat when their metabolism is low and the gar won’t eat them? Be mindful of gars in the backwaters during winter months.

Researchers in Louisiana have found that manmade reefs attract trout because they concentrate bait fi sh and help them conserve energy by not having to move much to feed. All big fi sh prefer not to move more than they have to.

Male trout make a “croaking” noise. If you catch a bunch of males in an area return there in the evening and prepare to fi sh late. Males will gather in a spawning aggregation and croak en masse to attract females. This is a highly overlooked time to fi nd big trout at their peak weight.

Big trout often suck topwaters under the surface instead of “blowing up” on it. If this happens to you, wait a second before setting the hook to give the trout a chance to take it in.

Of the 477 spotted seatrout tagged in a migration study in Alabama, 58 returns were received, and 53 percent exhibited no

movement. If you missed a big sow in a par-ticular spot, chances are she is still nearby.

It is a proven fact that a trout’s metabo-lism slows greatly in winter as its growth rate slows to a crawl. This is even more pronounced in big trout which are by their nature slower moving and more selective.

The biggest trout almost never school. A study conducted by researcher D.C. Tabb found that nearly all trout in excess of six years of age are large, semi-solitary females. These are the giants we dream of.

Big trout are truly elusive, strange fi sh that do not fi t into a particular mold. They are much like giant largemouth bass in that once they reach a certain size, their habits change dramatically. The angler who takes the time to study them and realize they will have to trade catching lots of trout for the chance to get one big trout will probably score on their personal fi sh of a lifetime.

26 | A P R I L 2 0 1 5 | T E X A S F I S H & G A M E ® PHOTO: GRADY ALLEN

Because speckled trout have sharp-eyed, color vision they tend to be extremely line-shy in clear water. Fluorocarbon can reduce the potential of losing a trophy catch.

Fea 1-Trout.indd 26 3/11/15 10:20 AM

Learning Curves

THE SCHOOL OF MULLET swam in one big shadow along the mangrove line. Occasionally, they’d ripple the water as they fl itted and

milled about nervously, sensing the large and hungry predator that was stalking them.

“There’s a big snook under them,” said Captain Larry Corbett. “Get your plug out there and go to work.”

I side-armed a cast, and my Top Dog landed directly in the middle of the school of nervous baitfi sh with a loud plop! The school of mullet suddenly erupted in panic and scattered in four different directions. The snook that had been cruising and strafi ng the school retreated back under the tree line, never to be seen again.

“Yup,” Larry said. “You might want to throw your topwater at the perimeter of the school, next time.”

I have often said that the 12 years I’ve been involved in outdoor writing have been akin to attending graduate school. I’ve learned more and grown more as a sportsman since I began this remarkable adventure, and I’ve endeavored to share as much of that knowledge with my readers as possible.

Some of the lessons I’ve learned are practical, such as not casting a noisy, heavy lure into the middle of skittish baitfi sh unless I fully intend to ruin the opportunity to catch a predatory fi sh. Other lessons have been—well—esoteric, to say the least. In the end, however, all these lessons combine to make the angler and writer that fi lls these pages every month.

LESSON 1: Live Bait Isn’t as Easy as You Might Think.

I’ve often heard the lament that there is no challenge to fi shing with bait. Just pin a shrimp, mullet, or (brace yourself) croaker on a hook, make your cast, and wait for some hapless fi sh

to eat it. The common adage is “You’re not fooling the fi sh, you’re feeding them.”

That is partially true. I’ve been on boats where I’ve seen anglers fi ll a cooler in no time by simply fi shing a live bug under a popping cork or tossing a croaker along a spoil bank.

There have been other times where I went out into the bay with a quart of live shrimp, and came back with a quart of live shrimp.

Contrary to the common school of thought, live bait does not guarantee a limit of fi sh, or even a single catch. Granted, there are times where all they want is meat, and even a specifi c type; but there are other times where the fl ash of a spoon, or the throb of a Cocahoe will out-fi sh live bait.

Even when live bait is effective, it isn’t as simple as throwing out the bait, and eating a bologna sandwich, while you wait for your trophy to strike. Sometimes even bait requires a little fi nesse in its application. Maybe your hook is too big, or you need less weight�or more. There is a degree of trial and error that goes into fi shing effectively.

LESSON 2: Not All Fishing Rods are the same

If you’ve been reading this column for any length of time, you know I am an unrecon-structed gearhead. I love the tools of fi shing as much as I love fi shing itself. I love the variety in appearance and function. Much to my wife’s chagrin, my collection of fi shing combos is as vast and as numerous as Isaac’s brethren.

I discovered that each rod manufacturer has a different idea of what a rod’s power and action are. My preference among rods is—remem-ber?—7- to 7-foot 6, medium action with a fast tip. Imagine my surprise at the range of differ-ence in feel and response in that seemingly tight classifi cation.

I’ve got some rods that were buggy whips whose “fast” tip bent all the way to the fore grip, and others that are absolute war clubs that have no action in them at all. Materials don’t seem to make a difference, because I’ll fi nd that range among the high-priced rods made of the best materials just as readily as I’ll fi nd them

in the mass-marketed, big-box-store specials. Unfortunately, my absolute favorite rod, the Fenwick Techna AV, is no longer available.

Many colleagues have told me there is no real industry standard for actions and powers. It is as much art as science, and revolves around anglers’ preferences as much as it does function.

There must be some truth to that; some of my fi shing buddies claim my rods are just too heavy and stiff to fi sh comfortably. I’ve often lamented that other anglers’ rods are two whippy and fl imsy for what I want to do.

What that ultimately means is that I have to keep buying and trying rods to make sure I get the ones I like.

Don’t tell my wife.

LESSON 3: One Person’s Folly is anoth-er’s Entertainment

I remember fi shing with a buddy who will remain nameless who caught a 29-inch speckled trout. There was a video camera on the boat, and a third person was fi lming my buddy admir-ing his trout and talking about it like he was Bill Dance or something.

On camera, he knelt down to ease the trout in the water, and a dolphin came out from under the drifting boat, grabbed the fi sh by the head, and swam off with his goody. On camera.

I laughed for 45 minutes.I don’t feel guilty about that at all, because I

know I’ve provided plenty of lazy moments for people who have shared boats with me.

Such as the time I stepped off a casting tower and into fi ve feet of water instead of two. Or the time I followed and cast a topwater at a school of tailing mullet, insisting it was redfi sh.

Or when I had the bright idea of going on a party boat the day after a tropical depression had blown by. Everyone gets a good laugh at another’s expense while fi shing sooner or later. It’s part of the fun.

And part of the learning curve.

Email Calixto Gonzales atContactUs@fi shgame.com

by CALIXTO GONZALES :: TF&G Saltwater Editor


Texas SALTWATER

1504 Saltwater.indd 27 3/10/15 10:58 AM

NOT TOO LONG AGO, all turkey hunters

had was some spare squirrel loads or even

duck and goose BB loads. We’ve come a long

way since then. We have seen great strides in

the pursuit of effectively and efficiently hunt-

ing gobblers.

With the growing popularity of the sport of turkey hunting came

innovation in products designed specifically for serious turkey hunters.

Among these innovations are specialized shotgun configurations and

premium high-performance shotshells.

In conversations with fellow hunters, I often say we are in the Golden

Age of firearms and ammunition—especially with modern day “turkey

guns,” shotguns built with the turkey hunter in mind.


Finding the Right Gun and Load for

Spring Turkey

story byDustin Vaughn Warncke

PHOTO: CANSTOCK

Fea 3-Turkey.indd 28 3/11/15 10:25 AM



At no time in our rich history of fi re-

arms and ammunition have we had so many breakthroughs with

the incredible technology available today. Gun and ammunition manufactur-

ers now have the ability to push the envelope

on what can be done.Finding the perfect blend of gun and load

takes a little fi ne tuning. But with so many options available today, it is not hard to

fi nd the right shotgun paired with the right shotshell load.

First off, let’s talk about the shotgun. The fi rst rule for buying a new or used shotgun is to fi nd one that fi ts you properly. Visit a local sporting goods or gun store and try some shotguns out for size.

You want to make sure the weight is comfortable and that you can easily mount the gun into shooting position without

Two of the author’s favorites: Mossberg 935 and Remington 870 12 gauges.

comfortable and that you can easily mount today. Gun and ammunition manufactur-ers now have the ability to push the envelope

fi nd the right shotgun paired with the right

First off, let’s talk about the shotgun. The fi rst rule for buying a new or used shotgun is to fi nd one that fi ts you properly. Visit a local sporting goods or gun store and try some shotguns out for size.

You want to make sure the weight is


First off, let’s talk about the shotgun. The fi rst rule for buying a new or used shotgun is to fi nd one that fi ts you properly. Visit in our rich history of fi re-


the incredible technology available on what can be done.

Finding the perfect blend of gun and load

a local sporting goods or gun store and try some shotguns out for size.

You want to make sure the weight is


fi rst rule for buying a new or used shotgun is to fi nd one that fi ts you properly. Visit a local sporting goods or gun store and try

Mossberg 935 and Remington 870 12 gauges.

in our rich history of fi re-arms and ammunition have we

had so many breakthroughs with the incredible technology available

fi nd the right shotgun paired with the right

in our rich history of fi re-

fi nd the right shotgun paired with the right Two of the author’s favorites: Mossberg 935 and Remington 870 12 gauges.

At no time in our rich history of fi re-


the incredible technology available

Two of the author’s favorites: Mossberg 935 and Remington 870 12 gauges.

Fea 3-Turkey.indd 30 3/10/15 1:25 PM

PHOTOS: BIGSTOCK; MOSSBERG; REMINGTON

undue movement or effort. It’s no secret that turkeys have great eyesight, so keeping movement down to a minimum while shoul-dering your gun is a must.

Is the gun suited for you to hold it steady for a long period of time? How does the shotgun carry for the long distances that tur-key hunting sometimes demands? These are all good questions to

consider when choosing the right gun. One of my personal favorites in the turkey

shotgun realm is the Mossberg 935, which is a semi-auto, camo-clad shotgun. It has a great balance of weight, fi t, and excellent performance and also has an option for a barrel specially designed for turkey hunting.

I also own a Mossberg 835 shotgun which is a pump shotgun that has also proved its worth as an excellent shotgun for turkey.

Just about every major gun manufacturer in the fi rearms industry that makes shotguns makes some models with turkey hunters in mind. Other shotguns on my all-time favor-ites list are the Remington 870, Remington 11-87, Benelli Super Black Eagle, Ithaca 37 Turkey Slayer, Winchester 1300, and the Beretta Xtrema 2.

With all of the competition in the fi rearms industry, it is hard to fi nd any shotgun that isn’t well made. Consider a shotgun an investment, not simply an expense of hunt-ing, and don’t be afraid to spend a little more money for extra features that will aid you in your hunting success.

Remember, the standard rules with shot-guns have changed because of the more pow-erful ammunition available today. Bigger does not always mean better. With the new high-powered turkey loads and choke tubes available today, 12-gauge shotguns aren’t the only main player on the fi eld anymore.

Many hunters feel that 20-gauge shot-guns are a better fi t for their spring turkey adventures and I am one of them. I highly recommend the 20-gauge shotgun espe-cially for young shooters and adults just getting started in the turkey hunting world, largely due to the recoil and weight factors. Although effective range of a 20-gauge

might be less than a 12-gauge, the chances of getting a hunter started on the right path are far better.

Take time to pattern your shotgun with premium turkey loads. Try different shot sizes and even choke constrictions. Also, consider some of the aftermarket choke tubes as many of them have shown excellent pat-tern performance in the fi eld.

For ammunition, my favorite load is the Winchester Supreme in 12 gauge which packs a hefty load of two ounces of No. 5 shot. Other ammo I highly recommend is the Winchester Long Beard XR and Double X, Remington Premier and Nitro Turkey, Kent Ultimate Diamond Shot, Federal Premium Heavyweight Turkey, and Heavi-Shot Magnum Blend and Hevi-Metal.

The only way to determine what ammo to shoot is to shoot a variety of shot sizes and brands from multiple distances to fi nd the best combination of shotgun and ammo. Pick the one with the most consistent pat-tern.

I recommend patterning your turkey gun at 25 yards for 20 gauges and 40 yards for 12 gauges. The ideal pattern is 100 pellets in a 10-inch circle. For initial patterning tests, use a large piece of butcher or craft paper.

Consider a shooting rest like the Hyskore DLX Precision Shooting Rest, which you can fi re remotely after you set up the shot on target. You can also use a regular gun rest and a recoil pad that goes around your shoulder to help reduce potential recoil anticipation since turkey loads pack a mag-num punch.

Know the limitations of your fi rearm and, if coaching a young hunter or adult begin-ning hunter, consider the limitations of the hunter as well. This will help you in decid-ing what shots to take and when to wait or pass on a shot.

We can learn what those limitations are by practicing and experimenting with dif-ferent loads and chokes as well as practic-ing real hunting scenarios while at the gun range. Be safe, have fun, and enjoy the outdoors this spring turkey season!

To learn more about Dustin Warncke’s work, visit www.dustinsprojects.com.



Self Defense by STEVE LAMASCUSTactical :: Concealed Carry & DUSTIN ELLERMANN

TEXAS Dept. of DEFENSEby &

Dept. of Dept. of Dept. of Dept. of Dept. of Dept. of Dept. of Dept. of Dept. of Dept. of Dept. of Dept. of Dept. of Dept. of Dept. of Dept. of Dept. of DEFENSEDEFENSEDEFENSEDEFENSEDEFENSE

Big or Little

IN THESE COLUMNS WE HAVE several times spoken of the different cartridges available in handguns and their relative abilities in life and death

situations. After each of those pieces I got emails from individuals some criticizing what I had written and some agreeing with my observations.

One of the last such emails was from a gentleman who carried a small .380 auto in his pants pocket. He stated that he could draw his little .380 from his pocket and put three bullets in the target before I could draw my big .45 and hit it once.

There are several problems with his thinking. One is that he has no fi rsthand knowledge of my abilities, and I doubt very

much that he can do what he says. I have been practicing almost daily for more than 40 years, so he had better be damned good.

Carrying a fi rearm in a pocket has several disadvantages. The handgun tends to wander around in the pocket, putting the grip in positions that slow down the shooter’s ability to grasp the grip properly. Carrying a gun in that way also tends to allow the clothing to catch on the gun and slow down the draw.

I carry my .45 in a leather or Kydex holster that keeps the gun in the proper position for drawing. When I reach for it I know that the grip is going to be in the correct position, and I don’t have to feel around for it and juggle it around to get a

proper grip.Also, to be ready to draw, he has to

keep his hand in his pocket and on the grip of his handgun all the time. Furthermore, he cannot carry anything else in that pocket or he will be faced with the possibility of an accidental discharge, or, he will end up with his gun tied up with his keychain through the trigger guard.

On top of all this, he will probably need those three rounds from his little .380 to put his adversary down, whereas I will probably get it done with one shot from my .45.

I don’t always carry a .45. However, when I am carrying something of less power, I understand I may have to shoot

Qualifi edIF YOU PLAN TO OWN A GUN FOR self-defense, I’m a huge proponent of fi rearms training. Not just the “once upon a time” fi rearms course, and defi nitely not the short Concealed Handgun License class, but ever expanding, personally challenging, diverse training courses that will give you confi dence and advantage should you need to defend yourself.

One benchmark we can use to audit our defensive skills is to look at law enforcement. I spent the day with the Angelina County sheriff department for their annual fi rearms requalifi cation to see how they train and qualify their offi -cers.

The Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) sets minimum standards for fi rearms profi ciency that every state agency must meet annually.

Before heading to the fi ring line every service weapon was completely stripped, cleaned and inspected. Every offi cer is required to show profi ciency in care and cleaning of their weapons.

Then I participated in a short training exercise that more resembled a small 3 Gun match. Shooting against a timer, we

fi red their AR15 rifl es at 50-yard steel targets in various positions using the VTAC barricades with limited ammuni-tion.

The limited round count was challeng-ing to me since I’m used to the luxury of missing if I fi nd myself running a gun too fast. However, when a law enforcement agency trains personnel for public law enforcement it’s great to ingrain the idea that every bullet is a liability and must fi nd its appropriate mark.

32 | A P R I L 2 0 1 5 | T E X A S F I S H & G A M E ® PHOTOS: DUSTIN ELLERMANN

A deputy runs through the rifl e portion of the training with Captain Lenderman timing the course.

1504 Tx Dept of Def.indd 32 3/9/15 8:07 PM

1504 Tx Dept of Def.indd 33 3/9/15 8:07 PM

my opponent a number of times to get the required result. This is why I am a fi rm believer in carrying the largest caliber hand-gun you can handle and you can carry in whatever the circumstances are.

Sometimes carrying a full-sized gun such as a Colt Commander is simply not practical. However, several handguns are available that fi re a full-power 9mm rather than the .380 and which are only slightly larger. I recommend these guns, such as the Kimber Solo and the Kahr PM9, over any of the smaller guns in the less-powerful .380.

New, small 9mms are coming on the market all the time. Sig Sauer just started marketing a sweet little 9mm that is just about as small as such a gun can be made..

Loaded with the best self-defense ammo on the market, the little .380 is right at the bottom of what I consider viable calibers. It is certainly better than no gun at all, and if your situation dictates it is the largest gun you can carry, then, please, carry it. However, if you can carry a more powerful weapon there is no reason to go with the less powerful gun.

I have seen with my own eyes what can happen when a man is shot with an underpowered weapon, or with inadequate

ammunition. In some instances they simply run away and then go to a hospital to get attention for the gunshot wound.

If they run away that’s fi ne, your gun has ended the confl ict, which is the result you were looking for. However, what about that marauder who is hyped up on drugs and decides not to run off? You may shoot him full of little holes and he may still beat you to death before he wanders away or bleeds to death.

If you don’t believe me, read the report of the Miami FBI shootout. I don’t know about you, but I want all the power I can handle and shoot well, just in case I run into the one who decides to stay and fi ght.

Only a few decades ago, most police offi -cers were armed with .38 Special revolvers fi ring 158-grain, round-nosed lead bullets. In those days the police reports were fi lled with stories about a police offi cer shooting a bad guy with every bullet in his gun, then beat-ing him into submission with the gun barrel, only to have to take them to the hospital for treatment. Today, with better ammo and bullets, the .38 Special is a better weapon, but it is still very near the bottom of the pile of self-defense cartridges.

I carry a .38 Special a good deal of the

time, but I only carry it when circumstances don’t allow me to carry something more powerful. When I do, you can bet the ranch I have the best ammunition I can beg, bor-row, or steal. I generally carry Federal 147-grain Hydra Shok +P+ loads, even in my little Smith and Wesson Model 36.

All kinds of information can be found on the internet about the so-called knock-down or stopping power of various cartridges. I suggest you fi nd such a site and study the differences between the cartridges you are considering before you make your decision.

I do not, ever, recommend carrying a gun loose in the pants pocket. Just too many things can interfere with getting the gun into action in the least possible time. With the plethora of good holsters on the market you have no valid reason not to use one of them.

The best possible end to a gun fi ght is for you, the defender, to put your opponent down with one well-placed shot. That takes a powerful weapon and a lot of practice. Like the old Texas Ranger said when asked why he carried a .45 Colt: “ ‘Cause Sam Colt don’t make a .46.”

—Steve LaMascus

After the rifl e refresher we shot pis-tols from the holster at various steel tar-gets. The last event, the pump shotgun stage, involved knocking down some heavy steel plates that demanded a well-placed shot to neutralize them.

The TCOLE minimum handgun quali-fi cation standards are pretty straight-forward. This requires the course of fi re to include at least 50 rounds, with fi ve rounds fi red at ranges from point-blank to at least 15 yards and a minimum of 20 rounds fi red from at least seven yards, including at least one timed reload. The rest is up to each agency’s instructor’s preference and discernment to train and challenge their offi cers.

The qualifi cation course that the sher-iffs’ offi ce used required a minimum of 70 percent hits on a TQ19 target with the following:

• From Contact Distance, within fi ve seconds, shove the target and shoot two to the chest, one to the head. For the second string shove and shoot one to the chest and two to the head.

• From the two yard line, with one hand, shoot one shot center mass, on the second string fi re three shots center mass

• From the four yard line, within fi ve seconds, fi re two shots to the chest, on the second string, two shots to the head.

• From the seven yard line within 30 seconds, fi re 12 rounds including a reload.

• From the 15 yard line, within 40 seconds, fi re six shots with strong hand,

perform a tactical reload retaining the magazine, then fi re six shots with sup-port hand.

• From the 25 yard line, within 60 seconds, fi re three shots standing, strong hand; three shots kneeling, strong hand; three shots standing, support hand; three shots kneeling, support hand.

The Captain explained that this is just a starting point; and as the offi cers improve, the target size will decrease and the standards will become more challenging. So, I challenge you to test yourself with these minimum standards, fi nd training, and improve your skills to be the best shot you can be.

—Dustin Ellermann—Dustin Ellermann


TEXAS Dept. of DEFENSE

1504 Tx Dept of Def.indd 34 3/11/15 10:29 AM

Here Turkey, Turkey!

MY COUSIN AND I ARRIVED at our favorite turkey spot early�VERY early. I eased out of the truck to make as little noise as

possible, and my companion was getting out of the passenger seat. I closed the door with a whisper. My hunting buddy did not have the same thought as he slammed his door shut. Immediately, a loud and very aggres-sive gobbler sounded off. Well, I thought, we both know we are here now, so let the games begin!

If you are new to the sport of turkey hunt-ing, you will learn that to be able to call in a tom turkey is of prime importance. The key to success is whether you can sound exactly like a hen bird ready to mate. But that is only one key. There are plenty of others.

No two birds sound alike. It may sound the same to our ears, but believe me, not to the bird. A turkey can distinguish between the boss hen and any other turkeys that might be in the same vicini-ty. I am always astonished at how well a turkey can pinpoint ex-actly where a call came from.

Once, years ago, I set up my decoys in a fi eld alongside a wood-lot. I heard gobblers sounding off at pre-dawn. At fi rst, I was tempted to move in closer, but knowing how good the eyes of a turkey are, I decided to stay right where I was and take my chances. It soon was light enough to see my sights and I made a very quiet tree call.

After a few minutes, I yelped softly. Immediately a tom answered me. I yelped again followed by an excited cackle except I cupped my mouth and turned my head away from the roosted tom turkey as I cackled. I was letting the tom know that I was a lonely hen looking for a boyfriend, but was fl ying off the roost away from him.

“Gobble, gobble, gobble” was the imme-

diate response. I thought that this turkey was REALLY ready for some action, and I was ready to oblige. It just was not the same action that he had in mind.

After a few more gobbles from my very excited friend that went unanswered, the frustrated tom fi nally fl ew down from his roost and landed just a few feet from me. Now, don’t you wish it could always be that easy?

Unfortunately, as the season progresses and the turkeys have more and more encoun-ters with hunters, they get wise to all of the calls that they hear and exercise caution before coming into your decoy set up. That’s why we need some tricks up our sleeves.

First of all, practice your calling tech-niques. Learn how a turkey sounds like and the different calls that they might use. The yelp is the most common call you would use to lure that tom. A real turkey does not yelp loudly nor does she yelp over and over again.

A common mistake that hunters make is calling as loud as they can with the assump-tion that a turkey in the next county over will come into your call.Not going to happen. Try to sound like a real bird. Soft calling with much patience is the key to success here.

At fi rst light, once you are able to see your sights, yelp very soft-ly. This is called a tree call and is used to sound like a hen is just waking up. I like to turn my head from side to side each time I call. That is what a real turkey will do.

The next call I use is called a cackle. Sometimes a hen will make this sound as she fl ies down from her roost. As I said earlier, I like to cup the side of my mouth (if I am using a diaphragm call), and turn my head as I cackle to simulate a bird fl ying down in one direction. I even take my hat off and rapidly slap it back and forth on my knee to simulate the wings of a bird. Don’t laugh… it really does sound good.

A “purr” call is used when the bird is too cautious and is hung up and will not make that fi nal commitment to come in to your de-coy. It is like the hen is saying “Hey, come on. I am ready!” I en-vy the guys that can

purr with a mouth call. I still have not per-fected that. For me, a slate call works best for the purr.

Another call that has proved successful is called the ki-ki-run or lost turkey call. It works much better in the fall when the birds are more concentrated in a group, but I have had it work during the spring hunts as well. I use it after a few morning yelps that have gone unanswered.

There are many types of turkey calls on the market and my ad-vice is to try to use as many of them as you can. The sound that comes out of the calls you use does not have to be perfect. Most are good enough to bring a curious turkey in.

The most common and easiest to use is the box call. There are many of them on the market and they all have a unique tone to them. Soon you will fi nd your favorite one. The mouth or dia-phragm call is harder to use because it tickles your mouth, but it also involves less movement. Turkeys have very good eyesight and will bust you in a heartbeat if you move.

A slate call sounds very good to my ear. Sometimes it comes with a slate side and a glass side for wet weather. I could never get the glass side to work, but that is just me. Last but not least is the wing bone call. This one is not used by a lot of hunters, and it might be exactly what you need to sound different in the woods.

Turkey hunting is statistically the most dangerous type of hunt-ing. Too many hunt-ers think they can sneak up on a turkey if they hear one calling. Hunters are dressed in full camo to blend into our surroundings and that is how accidents can happen. Please remem-ber this fact and be safe. That’s why I always close my column with this little phrase.

Have fun and hunt safe out there.

Email Lou Marullo atContactUs@fi shgame.com

by LOU MARULLO :: TF&G Hunting Editor


Bare Bones HUNTING

1504 Bare Bones Hunting (2).indd 35 3/9/15 8:48 PM

ANGLERS WANTING TO CATCH SOMETHING THAT FIGHTS super hard should venture south of their favorite bay system and hit the jetty systems of the Texas coast.

At various points in the channel and at the jetties anglers are catching fish big enough to destroy your tackle right now.

Cool, huh?

Stingrays come in two size categories right now: large and extra-large. And the best places to start are at any boat or safety cut on the jetty wall. The tidal flow can be

incredibly strong in these spots, because a huge amount of water is trying to move through a small space in a short time.

Rays lie on the edge of this flow to mop

36 | A P R I L 2 0 1 5 | T E X A S F I S H & G A M E ® PHOTO: CANSTOCK

...and Some Big Drum andBull Reds at the

story by Chester Moore

Fea 2-Stingrays.indd 36 3/9/15 8:32 PM

up on the crabs and baitfish that move through. Another great location is the deep holes at the southern tip of the Gulf side of jetties. These areas are especially important during the period between March and early July when the big rays are most common.

I prefer to fish for rays with tackle, in the 50-pound class. Cut bait like mullet or croaker is best.

On stingray quests, I generally put out several lines with a slip egg weight and swivel, finished off with a wide gapped hook. It is best to use a steel leader at least three feet in length, as it will help to avoid break-ing off if the ray runs to the rocks.

Rays usually take the bait and run with it, especially if they are extra-large ones. A few

years back, some friends of mine and I were catching bull reds and rays and had what we assume was a big ray give us an experience we will never forget.

It took a very expensive rod and reel out of the boat by ripping the rod in the holder out of the fiberglass.

That increased my respect for rays tre-mendously.



Giant Drum: Hard to Beat

The big, over-sized black drums are also present in the system right now.

At the jetties in particular, drums will gather and feed as the forage moves through the boat cuts and around the southern tip of

the rocks and around any deep

holes.They also gather up over shell in

the channel and around big drop-offs in the ship channel areas.I prefer to fi sh for drum with heavy

tackle, in the 30- to 50-pound class. Crab is the best choice for bait. Broken in half, and hooked through the carapace, this stuff has a long hook life and is irresistible to a drum.

Drums are a pecking fi sh, and sometimes they will not just take your bait and run with it. When you see something pecking on your line, pick it up and wait until you feel pres-sure on the other end. At that point, pull back and brace yourself.

Bully for Big Reds There are plenty of bull reds around now

as well, and they will take the same baits as a drum, although the absolute best bait is live croaker.

Anglers can catch oversized redfi sh in the exact same spots as they do the big bull drums and in fact will probably hang into a mixture of both.

Another option for late spring fi shing is targeting the surf from a boat looking for small schools of redfi sh feeding on mullet and crab up shallow. Days calm enough to do this can be rare, but the redfi sh are there. Keep in mind that small schools of redfi sh move quickly.

In water three feet deep and greater, schooling reds often surface, send baitfi sh into the air for 10-20 seconds and then go down. Anglers unprepared to fi re into the fracas are often disappointed they missed the fi sh. How could no fi sh bite when they were just feeding so aggressively?

The answer is the fi sh were probably 100 yards away by

this point. This is often true of reds,

not just in the surf but in the open bay.

Reds on the prowl move super-fast, and anglers must be prepared to strike quickly if they want to seize the oppor-tunity. Preparation for this kind of fi shing begins at home.

Make up a tackle box or bag with some key lures for targeting fast moving reds. Start with spoons. A gold or bronze spoon is arguable the best overall redfi sh lure, and they offer the advantage of being easy to cast accurately at long distances. For most settings a 1/2-ounce is perfect.

Next go to topwaters. There is nothing more exciting in local waters than watch-ing big reds attack a topwater. When they are feeding on the surface, they are suckers for surface lures. Walking lures are great but do not overlook chuggers. They can be extremely effective on reds.

Rig these up on a spinning rod rigged with braided line and keep them handy.

The spinning rod is to save you from frus-trating backlashes, which can occur when you are trying to hit fi sh at long distances in a very short time window.

If you, for example, are working a plastic, put down that stick, grab your spinning rod and chunk the spoon or topwater right where you saw the action. If the fi sh are already under, then throw it as far as you can down current of the spot and work it back up. The reds usually follow the tidal fl ow.

If you keep missing the time window and want to make blind casts, con-

sider using one of the numerous redfi sh ready spinnerbaits on the market. Everyone from Strike King

to Bomber Saltwater Grade has solid product out at this point.

Throwing the spinner is a great way to cover lots of water and will keep small trout off your line if they are in the area. Spinners are very effective for reds, but catch few specks.

Finally, your soft plastics can come in handy.

If the school pops up right in front of you, the reds will gladly hit just about anything that mimics a baitfi sh or shrimp. If someone in the boat gets hooked up, there might be reds following the one on the line. If you see them, chunk a plastic in their direction and hold on tight.

A redhooked close to the boat has a habit of running under it or expending all of its energy on a mind-boggling run of pure power and intensity.

Start seeing redfi sh with a game plan and your odds of catching them increase dramatically.

Prepare and then be prepared for a fi ght —a Texas-sized one.

gather and feed as the forage moves through the boat cuts and around the southern tip of

the rocks and around any deep

holes.They also gather up over shell in

the channel and around big drop-offs in the ship channel areas.I prefer to fi sh for drum with heavy

tackle, in the 30- to 50-pound class. Crab

The answer is the fi sh were probably 100 yards away by

this point. This is often true of reds,

not just in the surf but in the open bay.

Reds on the prowl move super-fast, and anglers must be prepared to strike quickly if they want to seize the oppor-tunity. Preparation for this kind of fi shing

you saw the action. If the fi sh are already under, then throw it as far as you can down current of the spot and work it back up. The reds usually follow the tidal fl ow.

If you keep missing the time window and want to make blind casts, con-

sider using one of the numerous redfi sh ready spinnerbaits on the market. Everyone from Strike King

to Bomber Saltwater Grade has solid product out at this point.

Throwing the spinner is a great way to cover lots of water and will keep small trout off your line if they are in the area. Spinners are very effective for reds, but catch few specks.

Finally, your soft plastics can come in handy.

If the school pops up right in front of you, the reds will gladly hit just about anything that mimics a baitfi sh or shrimp. If someone in the boat gets hooked up, there might be


There are plenty of bull reds around now as well, and they will take the same baits as a drum, although the absolute best bait is

Anglers can catch oversized redfi sh in the exact same spots as they do the big bull drums and in fact will probably hang into a

Another option for late spring fi shing is targeting the surf from a boat looking for small schools of redfi sh feeding on mullet and crab up shallow. Days calm enough to do this can be rare, but the redfi sh are there. Keep in mind that small schools

but do not overlook chuggers. They can be extremely effective on reds.

Rig these up on a spinning rod rigged with braided line and keep them handy.

A P R I L 2 0 1 5 | T E X A S F I S H & G A M E ®


Falcon Gar Results In

I DON’T KNOW HOW YOU FEEL about alligator gars, but I think they are cool.

With gaping jaws full of razor teeth, armored bodies and devilish-looking eyes, ‘gator gars are fi erce-looking predators with a mysteri-ous past and an uncertain future.

Thirty years ago nobody knew very much about these prehistoric throwbacks other than they grew extremely large, made good targets for bow fi shermen and were decent table fare for anybody willing to go to the trouble to clean one and prepare the meat right.

Nobody really gave a crap about their future, and just about any angler you asked called them an ugly rough fi sh with no real merit in freshwa-ter compared to more hallowed fi sh like bass, crappie and catfi sh.

Things are different now. Here in Texas, the fi rst law to help protect alligator gar was passed in 2009, a statewide daily bag limit of one fi sh per day, per angler. In spring 2014, the TPW Commission made the law even more restrictive, giving the TPWD Executive Director the authority to temporarily suspend fi shing for alligator gar on specifi c water during the spring spawn.

I’m not sure who was the fi rst to hint around that these ancient-looking fi sh might need some protection, but I’m pretty sure the ball got roll-ing on the Trinity River in eastern Texas.

That’s where some fi shing guides started advertising bow fi shing and rod and reel fi shing trips offering clients a shot at a trophy-sized alli-gator gar. Success rates were high. Likewise, an increased interest in taking out-sized fi sh began taking shape.

Known for achieving weights well over 200 pounds, the alligator gar is among the largest fi sh swimming in freshwater. The unrestricted state record weighing 302 pounds was caught

from the Nueces River and the bow fi shing record for the Trinity is 290 pounds.

Fish that size eat lots groceries, and what they eat has sparked some concerns over the years. A 2001 study conducted at Lake Guerrero in Mexico showed largemouth bass comprised 50 percent of their diet on that lake. Conversely, a Sam Rayburn study in the 1980s showed a much lesser number of bass in the bellies of gars.

Other Texas studies conducted since the restrictive limit went into effect have shown that an alligator gar can live beyond 50 years. They usually don’t reach sexual maturity until age 10-14 and may take up to 30 years to reach six feet.

Scientists also know populations have declined across many of the 14 southern states where they once thrived, largely because of fl oodplain manipulation and, in some cases, overfi shing. The American Fisheries Society has considered the fi sh at risk of imperilment since 2008.

Texas populations are doing better than most. In fact, the belief is that Texas maintains one of the last strongholds of alligator gars in the nation. TPWD’s inland fi sheries division wants to keep it that way, which is why the department took a proactive approach and provided the fi sh some protection before anything potentially bad could happen.

Findings from Texas’s most recent study on these piscatorial titans shows that TPWD may have jumped the gun when it blanketed the entire state with the same restrictive regulation on alligator gar. In other words, what’s good of the goose may not be so good for the gander. The gander, in this case, is Lake Falcon.

TPWD biologists spent several months at Falcon last summer and fall learning all they could about the toothy predators fi nning around in the fabled bass lake. Among other things, they looked at population dynamics, spawn-ing habits, angler harvest impacts and forage preferences.

The study was carried out largely because of public outcry over concerns that alliga-tor gar might have played a role in the sig-

nifi cant decline witnessed in Falcon’s world class bass fi shery over the last few years. In 2010, Bassmaster Magazine ranked Falcon the nation’s No. 1 bass fi shery.

It is worth noting that Falcon has seen some excessive fl uctuations in water level since then, which also can impact fi sh populations. The lake was nearly 26 1/2 feet low in January 2015 and 36 1/2 feet low in July 2013.

At the time the study began in summer 2014, the bass population was down about 65 percent from what it was in 2011, according to TPWD fi sheries biologist Randy Myers of San Antonio, who oversaw the study.

The study revealed some interesting discov-eries about Falcon’s gars. Not only did biolo-gists learn the gar population is signifi cantly higher than it was fi ve years ago, but they also determined that the fi sh tend to grow at a rate much faster than they do in other lakes.

Myers said they collected fi ve-year old gars at Falcon that weighed as much as 120 pounds and that females reached sexual maturity by age 7. They also found females carrying nearly 30 pounds of eggs.

The study also showed that Falcon gars for-age mostly on common carp, tilapia and gizzard shad. Largemouth bass made up eight percent of their diet; catfi sh, 10 percent; drum, three percent; and crappie, two percent.

Myers said all of this, along with strong angler opinion favoring an increased daily bag, was taken into consideration before making a proposal in January 2015 to raise the alligator gar limit at Falcon to fi ve fi sh daily.

He added that the angler success rate on Falcon gars is currently very low, and that the population would be able to maintain at its current structure with a harvest rate up to seven percent.

Following the public hearing process, the regulation change was set to go before TPW Commissioners for approval, amendment or rejection in March.

Email Matt Williams atContactUs@fi shgame.com

by MATT WILLIAMS :: TF&G Freshwater Editor

Texas FRESHWATER


1504 Freshwater Col.indd 39 3/10/15 12:27 PM


True GREENTrueTrueTrueTrueTrue GREENGREENGREENGREENGREENGREENGREENGREENGREENGREENGREENGREENGREENGREENGREENGREENGREENGREENGREENGREEN

Still dealing with the BP Oil Spill

THE LARGEST OFFSHORE oil spill in our country’s history will spark the greatest conserva-tion initiative that Texas–and by

default, the world—has ever seen.It seems like the most contradictory of

statements, especially when countless lives were cut short as a result, right?

The April 20, 2010, blowout of BP’s Deepwater Horizon oil well, killed 11 workers and dumped more than three mil-lion barrels of oil into the Gulf of Mexico off the Louisiana coast. It already has been a boon to numerous state entities as mil-lions of dollars have poured into the coffers of cash-strapped research and restoration organizations.

The oil giant still faces a gargantuan civil fi ne that is estimated to total more than $10 billion, on top of more than $40 bil-lion it has paid for cleanup, other fi nes and compensation to those affected.

The timeline on that ruling by a federal judge in New Orleans remains unclear.

BP also forked over $2.5 billion to cre-ate the Gulf Environmental Benefi t Fund as part of plea agreements designed to aid the world’s most diverse and economically benefi cial ecosystem. The fund overseen by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation already has paid dividends for the Lone Star State, which ultimately will receive more than $200 million to be spent on projects designed to improve our natural

resources.A chunk of that money already has

helped secure the greatest land acquisition in Texas history.

In August the Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation, The Nature Conservancy and The Conservation Fund acquired the 17,000-acre Powderhorn Ranch near Port O’Connor in Calhoun County with the assistance of a diverse coalition and using $34.5 million from the fund. The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation will provide that money during the next three years as part of an overall $50 million project aimed at restoration and stewardship efforts for the ranch bordering Matagorda Bay that will become a state park and wildlife man-agement area unlike any the state has ever seen.

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation, a nonprofi t that raises pri-vate funds for Texas Parks and Wildlife Department projects, already has raised millions of dollars in matching funds to make up the difference in project costs.

The Powderhorn’s location near the eastern section of the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge and other areas vital to protecting habitat increasingly being encroached upon by humans and develop-ment made it a prime real estate target for the past four decades. However, fi nding the funding necessary to secure the pristine location, including more than 11 miles of some of the best tidal bayfront habitat along the Texas coast, proved to be impossible.

Enter the BP disaster fueled by the modern-day robber baron with limitless pockets and a realization by conservation groups and state and federal offi cials that now was the time to strike, and you’ve got the recipe for an unprecedented transac-tion that will allow multiple generations to escape civilization and provide increased support for wildlife and wildscape protec-tion.

The ranch’s boundaries also include thousands of acres of wetlands, tidal marsh-

Edited by WILL LESCHPER TF&G Conservation Editor

Continued on page 42 u

1504 TrueGreen.indd 40 3/10/15 9:33 AM


es, bayous and prairie habitat that support waterfowl, shorebirds and wading birds. In addition to the fi shing opportunities, the site is going to become the best public bird-ing site in Texas, with a growing audience seeking out undiscovered prospects to get

closer to nature.The Powderhorn acquisition is merely

the largest jewel in the overall conserva-tion push for a state hungry to provide and maintain our outdoor landscape. The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation has awarded more than $56 million from the Gulf Environmental Benefi t Fund for more than a dozen projects with direct input from Texas Parks and Wildlife, the Texas

Commission on Environmental Quality, the General Land Offi ce, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Email Will Leschper at

[email protected]

es, bayous and prairie habitat that support

t Continued from page 40

True GREEN

Oil Spill

New Rules from NOAANOAA FISHERIES IN FEBRUARY released a new agency policy on saltwater recreational fi sheries aimed at serving as a guide to the agency’s actions and responsibilities under the law. It outlines its commitment

to provide for sustainable saltwater recreational fi sheries resources, to promote recreational fi sheries through science-based conservation and management, and to support participation in recreational fi shing today and for future generations, according to the agency. The policy includes six core principles which will be followed.

The agency also is developing a

complementary national recreational fi shing implementation plan, which will outline the specifi c actions and activities it will take to further the policy.

The saltwater fi shing policy can be found online at http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/sfa/management/recreational/docu-ments/noaa_recfi sh_policy.pdf.



“The fishing stops until I get a picture of

THAT!”

Just as those words left my mouth,

a pink bottle-nosed dolphin breached

the tea-colored waters of Lake

Calcasieu in Southwest Louisiana.

Yes, it was pink, Pepto-Bismol pink in fact.

The school of redfish we were on seemed insignificant as

an opportunity to photograph this ultra rare creature pre-

sented itself. Dubbed “Pinky” by locals, it had been photo-

graphed by several Calcasieu fishing guides over a span of

a few years, and I could not have been more excited to get

my chance.

44 | A P R I L 2 0 1 5 | T E X A S F I S H & G A M E ® IMAGE GRAPHICS: TF&G:

Fea 5-Saltwater.indd 44 3/9/15 8:35 PM



This beautiful creature is the only known albino adult bottle-nosed dolphin on the planet and is a brilliant reminder that some of nature’s greatest mysteries inhabit our waterways.

When I was around fi ve years old my late father, Chester Moore, Sr., had his own mysterious aquatic encounter. While fi shing with a friend on Conway Bayou on the Louisiana side of the Sabine River, a gigantic gray-colored creature surfaced next to their aluminum boat and inspired them to head home.

He immediately called a local game war-

den and was shocked to fi nd out a manatee had been seen in that very location a few days earlier. This was in the days before multiple television networks dedicated to animals and, of course, no Internet so this sighting came as a shock to the system.

Last year a manatee was captured on video near Lake Calcasieu, and in the last few years there have been sightings near Port Mansfi eld (where there are manatee warning signs in the harbor) and Corpus Christi. In fact, TF&G contributor Eddie Hernandez saw one at the Sabine Jetties last summer.

According the wildlife offi cials at

Louisiana State University (LSU), the manatee is a marine mammal of the order Sirenia, derived from the Latin word “siren” or “mermaid.” Many people believe sailors mistook manatees for the mythological mer-maid.”

Manatees have a body form similar to a seal, but they are much larger, reaching 13 feet in length. Manatees can live to be 50 years old. The average manatee is 10 feet long and weighs roughly 1,000 pounds. Females are usually larger than males.

According to LSU offi cials, manatees spend six to eight hours a day in shallow

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Manatees have been spotted as far down the Texas Coast as Port Mans-fi eld.

“Pinky,” the only known albino adult bottle-nosed dolphin is colored a Pepto Bismal-shade of pink.


water grazing grass beds consuming roughly 100 pounds of food each day which equals four to nine percent of body weight.

“They can hold their breath for up to 20 minutes and have been known to sprint for short distances at 15 mph. Manatees will communicate through sound, sight, taste, and touch. Manatees can hear very well even though they do not have external ear lobes.”

My wife Lisa and I have snorkeled with manatees on two occasions in Florida’s Crystal River and were amazed at how friendly these giants can be. It was sad to see the prop scars lining their back,but it’s inter-esting to know Florida is the epicenter of the U.S. population. Some individuals travel up and down the Intracoastal Waterway and end up in Texas and Louisiana.

A few years back my friend Bill Killian and I were fi shing on a super-hot and per-fectly calm day at one of the nearshore gas platforms out of Sabine Pass. High baro-metric pressure gave the fi sh a good case of lockjaw but things did not stay dull for long.

A huge head surfaced out past the rig. At fi rst it looked like images of the Loch Ness Monster or some other sea serpent but then

a distinctive tear drop-shaped body rose and revealed a leatherback sea turtle.

This was not just any leatherback, but a huge specimen that was at least seven feet long, perhaps larger. These are not common sights on the Texas coast, particularly only three miles from shore. It swam around for a couple of minutes and then dove back under never to be seen again by Killian and me.

Turtles can live for incredibly long peri-ods and I cannot help but wonder what that great creature had seen over the years. How many boat hulls had it swum under? How many brushes with tiger and bull sharks did it have through the years?

Fascinating, isn’t it?Occasionally a tarpon will show up in

strange places like the north end of Sabine Lake. I saw one in Old Rove destroying a school of mullet one hot August day in 1996, and we did a story somewhere around 2001 about an angler who caught a six-footer on the Louisiana side of the Sabine Jetties.

Although not a truly unusual catch, many anglers are surprised to catch big jack creval-les in places like the San Bernard River.

Some of those anglers had never seen this fi sh before. They are caught more frequently in the surf and at the jetties.

Every couple of years someone will call and tell me they caught a “yellowfi n tuna” somewhere in Trinity Bay, and I have to break it to them that it’s not a tuna, but a jack crevalle. They have similar coloration and are roughly the same shape.

Luckily, for the anglers most of them either released the fi sh or called me before they ate it.Yellowfi n is one of the tastiest fi sh in the world and jack is one of the oiliest and nastiest.

Texas is blessed with hundreds of miles of coastline and thousands of miles of rivers as well as hundreds of reservoirs. There are still mysteries to uncover below the surface.

The children of our Kingdom Zoo proj-ect have started a project gathering sightings reports of “Pinky” the dolphin, manatees in Texas and Louisiana as well as large sharks. If you have any such photos, email them to cmoore@fi shgame.com or [email protected]. The kids appreciate it.


48 | A P R I L 2 0 1 5 | T E X A S F I S H & G A M E ® PHOTO: VLADIMIR S., DPC

From HOG WILD by Chester Moore

Fea 6-HighFenceHogs.indd 48 3/9/15 8:34 PM

HIGH-FENCED hunting operations, often called “preserves,”

are a major force in the hog-hunting world. Some people have ethi-cal concerns about any

kind of hunting behind the confines of a high fence,

but to do a complete trea-tise on hunting feral swine, discussing their pursuit on preserves is necessary.

These operations can be as large as 40,000 acres to

as small as 50 acres with the average probably in the

300-500 range. The fences are put up to confine hogs

to the acreage contained within and greatly increase a

hunter’s chances of getting an opportunity to harvest one.

With hogs, these ranches are typically stocked frequently

in response to hunting pressure, which in some cases can

be intense, and many also include exotic animals such as

Corsican sheep, axis deer and aoudad. A growing trend is

small to medium size ranches that specialize in hogs and

cater mainly to bowhunters who will find this style of hunt-

ing much more challenging than with a rifle.

I have hunted high fenced operations for hogs a number

of times and have always found the experience to be lots of

fun and in some cases quite challenging. I have done all of

my high fenced hog hunting with either a compound bow

or crossbow and would like to use this chapter to give you

an edge on taking hogs in these unique situations. As far

as I know there has never been anything written on how to

specifically target hogs in these kinds of ranches so I will

gladly use this space to delve into this territory.



First, let us talk about feeders.The number one way to hunt hogs on

these ranches is to hunt in tree stands over feeders. It is an effective way to shoot eating-sized hogs that will gladly come in to a free offering of food. The problem is the hogs that have been on these preserves for a long time—in particular the really large boars—will avoid them during daylight hours.

On a number of occasions, I have watched young hogs come in and just out of bow range and seen big boars waiting until nightfall to feed. It does not take them long to fi gure out that something bad happens around the feeders and to avoid them during daylight hours if at all possible. There are several ways to overcome this problem.

The fi rst is to look at a map (if there is one available) of the property and fi nd the most remote feeder. Ask the rancher if there is one that receives little hunting pressure or that perhaps is diffi cult to get to and you can bet that will be the feeder that offers the best chance at taking a big hog over the feeder itself. Hunters are typically lazy and most will go to the fi rst stand they can get to and will probably pull their four-wheeler right up under the stand and climb on up. When I have used four wheelers on these types of ranches, my mode of operation is to drive 150-200 yards away from the stand and then quietly walk in. When you have animals living in close quarters and they constantly hear motors in relation to hunting pressure it doesn’t take them long to fi gure out what is going on. In fact, I have in the past parked a four-wheeler at another stand that no one was hunting and walked to the others to fake out the hogs. I cannot say for sure that it worked but I did take nice hogs on those occasions.

The second viable option is to ask the rancher if you can bring your own climbing tree stand or ground blind to set up and to avoid the feeders themselves.

Hogs are not shy about making trails and you can usually fi nd where the big ones are coming up and staging behind the feeders so a good method to use is to set up 20 yards from one of these trails, throw out some corn yourself and wait it out.

The worst-case scenario is that you will have a shot at some smaller hogs moving through and the best is the monster hog no one has been able to kill will fall to you. The diffi cult part of this is fi guring out where to set up. If you the wind is blowing from a major trail to a feeder, you could endanger

your hunt by blowing your scent to the hogs coming to the feeder, them winding you and retreating. What that does is that it tells the other hogs that the feeder is not safe and you will not get a shot.

If, however, you are extremely careful with your scent, wash your clothes in scent free detergent, use scent killer and clothes that have a silver or charcoal lining, are mindful of your boot scent and even use scent-killing gum, you can do this without spooking the hog. This might seem extreme but these mature preserve hogs are extremely smart and anything that can send them pack-ing will.

One thing to keep in mind is not to set up on the trail itself. Most of the time these pre-serve hog trails will be well defi ned so make sure and set up within shooting distance off of the trail and get at least 15 feet into the air if you are hunting from a tree stand. I know hogs are not supposed to look up but they do. I guess they did not read the rulebook.

The other option is to avoid hunting anywhere near the feeders and locate trails between them. Some of these places will set up feeders pretty close to one another and the hogs will make the rounds. You can get into some serious action by setting up along these trails and waiting to see what comes along. A helping of corn on the ground will help to stop them in their tracks and you to get a shot.

Some proponents of high fenced opera-tions will tell you that fences never come into play in hunting but that is simply not true. Think about any kind of hunting you do for hogs or deer and how often fences lines come into play.

Animals follow fence lines as travel routes whether they are on a low fence 100,000-acre ranch, in a city park or a 100-acre hog hunting preserve. The difference with high fenced ranches, particularly smaller ones fences literally surround a location and they create a frequent travel route. Most ranches clear a good 30-yards out from a fence so that falling trees cause no problems so when this happens they create an instant “edge” effect that animals are drawn to due to the diversity of plant matter that will grow there and access to feeding in relation to thicker areas.

If you have the opportunity to scout one of these places before you hunt it, take a walk down the fence lines and pay close attention to hog rooting activity on the edge of the fence clearing and also trails just

inside the tree lines. You can bait up the smaller hogs quite easily by putting corn out upwind of your location and using a tree stand or a natural brush blind. They will gladly come out into the open to feed. The bigger ones however are much more shy and tend to travel the inside of the tree lines much more frequently and will often make a route around smaller ranches or at least stake out a territory along some of the thicker zones near fence corridors. The wise hunter takes advantage of this and will check these zones out carefully.

If there are major water sources on the ranch like a pond or a creek, make sure to check those areas out thoroughly. Hogs have to be near a water source and during hot weather in particular stalking or setting up around water is extremely productive. If hunters are stalking the animals and pushing them around they are going to get over-heated and come for water throughout the day so you can score big by simply claiming a water hole as your spot. A problem can be deciding where to set up over a waterhole. Obviously, the wind can be an issue but so can shooting distance if you are hunting with a bow or crossbow. One ingenious hunter I spoke with set up a 15-foot tall tripod in a shallow tank with a hard bottom wore his hip boots and climbed up into it to hunt. He said his friends thought he was crazy but he saw hogs all day and they did not mind their being something in the middle of the tank and ended up shooting a fat 225-pound white/black boar.

A great option for hunting preserves is to fi nd the thickest part of the property, slowly enter with the wind in your face and bring along some brush clippers.

If you sit on a stand all day on these prop-erties, you will often hear hog activity in the thickets and the reason is they feel safe mov-ing around in there because hunters seldom dare enter. I would take the shears and make a natural ground blind along some of these trails particularly if you fi nd an opening in a thicket and wait. You might be surprised what you run into.

An excerpt from Chester Moore’s book, Hog Wild, available from Texas Fish & Game at 1-800-750-4678, online at FishandGameGear.com, or at Academy Sports + Outdoors stores around Texas.



Primitive Weapons

ONE WARM SPRING DAY IN the late 1960s, Cousin and I decid-ed to pursue the use of primi-tive weapons. We’d been shooting

everything we could fi nd on Grandpap’s farm with our BB guns, but we ran out of ammo.

When we went to Uncle Claude’s country store, he shook his great white head. “Sorry boys. I’m all out of them yellow tubes full of BBs. Y’all want to buy some candy instead?”

A great salesman, we returned home with cheap straw hats and cheeks full of jawbreakers, but we still didn’t have any BBs. On the way to the house, I saw a nice, relatively straight limb that had fallen over a bobwire fence.

I hauled it to the house and plugged in the old grinding wheel. “What’s that?” Cousin asked.

“It’s going to be a spear.”“It looks like a stick.”“You’re right. But when I’m fi nished grinding

all the bark off, it’ll be a spear.”Grinding wheels aren’t designed to construct

spears, but I bet if Cro-Magnon man had found one plugged in and ready in someone’s garage 30,000 years ago, he would have used it.

The process was slow.�Hold the edge of the stick against the wheel until the bark stripped off and smoke billowed. Then, turn the stick, grind again, breathe some more smoke.

I was proud of the fi nished product. About four and a half feet long, the surprisingly straight shaft was much wider at the base than the very sharp tip.

“Ow!”“Pretty sharp, huh?”Cousin rubbed his stomach. “Don’t poke

me with that. Besides, it isn’t a real spear. The Indians used spearheads.”

“That’s because it’s a primitive weapon,” I said, with authority. “Spear points were modern weapons. I just need to harden this in a fi re.”

We found an open spot in the pasture, not far

from a plum thicket and gathered a small stack of wood. Fifty matches later, we still couldn’t get a fi re started, probably because everything was the size of a stick of stove wood.

I had an idea, and returned with a cup of gasoline in an empty peach can. “I saw the Old Man start a fi re like this once.”

After pouring it onto the wood, I lit our last match and leaned close.

“Those eyebrows will grow back,” Cousin said half an hour later. “Now that you have a good hard point, what are you going to poke besides me?”

“Well, we’re fresh out of buffalo. Let’s go stick something made of meat.”

After an hour of hiding in the leafl ess plum thicket, we got bored and decided to practice throwing the spear. The only problem was the weapon’s balance.

The fi rst time I threw it, the spear fl ew end over end.

“That’s how you throw knives,” Cousin com-mented. “I know, because I saw a guy throw a knife on Bonanza last night.”

We hiked up to the hay barn. I threw the spear again, and this time the point buried half-way into a bale of alfalfa. “See?”

“You were three feet away!” Cousin com-mented harshly.

“But it worked!” I replied.“It won’t work on a deer, Cousin said. “There

ain’t no deer in the county that’ll let you walk up three feet away and fl ing that thing at them.”

A calf took that moment to walk past.“No!” Cousin shouted.I frowned at the lost opportunity. “All right.

I’ll let you carry the spear while I make us a bow and arrow.”

“With what?”I pulled a string out of my pocket. “This is

a start.”We tugged a branch off a plum tree, carved a

notch into each end, and fi nally bent it enough to attach the string. “Now all we need are arrows.”

Nothing straight came to mind, but I had an idea when I saw our grandmother’s mop hanging on the side of the house. With a little work, the mop head came right off and the handle turned out two fi ne “arrows.” Unfortunately, the new

arrows’ thickness was too much for the bow, which snapped in half when we drew it.

Disappointed, we sat on the porch to think.“We can practice throwing a hatchet,” Cousin

suggested.“Naw, I broke the handle of the Old Man’s

hand axe last weekend when I used it to lever some big rocks. My butt’s still sore over it, too.”

I had an idea. “Up north the loggers throw double-bit axes.”

“Nope,” Cousin said. “I broke the head off the axe chopping on that old bodark tree behind the house day before yesterday.”

I was staring at the side of the smokehouse when I had an idea. I went inside and came back out with Grandma’s butcher knife. I tested the edge. “Ow, that’s sharp!”

“She keeps it that way,” Cousin said, watch-ing blood drip from my fi nger. “What are you going to do with her knife?”

“We’re gonna practice throwing it against the smokehouse. All the old trappers knew how to throw knives. Remember, you saw it on televi-sion.”

“He wasn’t using a butcher knife,” Cousin pointed out.

“It’s all we have.” Using the knife tip, I chipped a small hole for a target in an asphalt shingle covering the smokehouse wall.

“Ow!” I said as I gripped the point. “It’s still sharp,” Cousin pointed out.“You have to throw it,” I said. “My fi ngers

hurt too much.”We backed up and Cousin drew back to

throw.“I wouldn’t,” came a deep voice behind us.We turned to fi nd the Old Man standing

there. “Here. Trade with me and take these.” He handed us each a cylinder containing several hundred BBs. “Now, y’all go on and quit mess-ing around here.”

“It’s called the barter system,” I told Cousin when we were out of earshot. “It was a primitive way to buy stuff.”

“I’m tired of primitive,” he said.“So were the primitives,” I said. “That’s why

we have BB guns now.”

by REAVIS Z. WORTHAM :: TF&G Humor Editor


Open SEASON

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Hunting Hogs, Exotics & Predators with Suppressed Firearms

STORY BY MIKE HOLMES

54 | A P R I L 2 0 1 5 | T E X A S F I S H & G A M E ® COMPOSITE IMAGE: TF&G

1504 Almanac (1).indd 54 3/11/15 12:03 PM

MOST SERIOUS HOG hunting takes place at night, and anyone who has hunted at night knows that a rifl e shot seems much louder

than during daylight hours, when there is more activity to mask the sound. The use of a suppressor on a hog rifl e can help dampen that sound considerably, although it will not completely eliminate it.

Suppressors on TV and in the movies are not real – far from it – and the sonic “crack” from a center fi re rifl e will still be quite noticeable.

A suppressor used on rifl es fi ring anything that has a muzzle velocity over the speed of sound will normally be quiet enough to shoot without hearing protection for the shooter and close companions. Recoil will be less, muzzle fl ash almost eliminated, and barrel harmonics might be improved enough to help accuracy. To get that gun really quiet, however, means shooting sub sonic ammo.

Killing big game cleanly with sub sonic ammo means choosing a caliber that shoots a heavy, round or fl at nosed bullet close to the speed of sound with enough energy to penetrate muscle and bone. The best choice is also a caliber that doesn’t normally shoot at a muzzle velocity much over 1100 fps, so the drop in power is less dramatic. The speed of sound varies according to elevation, humidity, and temperature, but a good rule of thumb with temperature is at 32F, it will be 1087 fps, at 50F - 1100 fps, at 70F - 1128 fps, and at 90F - 1150 fps. When looking for the ideal sub sonic caliber, large bore pistol cartridges are possibly the best, .30 caliber rifl e cartridges among the worst. A 300 gr .44 magnum bullet fi red at 1000 fps will have half again as much muzzle energy as a 220 gr .308 bullet at the same speed and the fl at nosed bullets are less prone to tumble or yaw. Also, sub sonic ammo will often not

cycle the action on semi-autos, so it is not a good choice for those who hunt with AR type rifl es. The most effi cient action types, to get the most from a suppressor, are single shots, bolt actions, and suitable lever actions.

Because of the reduced velocity, no sub sonic round is going to be a long range sniper cartridge. With the .44 magnum in a suppressed rifl e, 75 yards is going to be about the maximum effective killing range on an animal the size of a feral hog, and neck shots would probably be most effective. My own suppressed .44 magnum is a Thompson Contender which started out as a pistol, with a 14” barrel. I had Jim Rodgers of Class III Arms in Longview ([email protected]) build a titanium suppressor 12” in length and weld it to my barrel. This gives me a total barrel length, allowing for some overlap of 19”, meaning when I use it with a shoulder stock, a Short Barreled Rifl e permit is not needed. Only the original 14” are rifl ed with a 1-12 twist, but the heavy, blunt nosed bullets are very accurate out to 75 yards. I have experimented with 300 gr jacketed bullets from Speer, Sierra, Nosler and Barnes, using Universal, H-110, and Trail Boss powders. The best accuracy I got was with the Barnes all copper Buster and

H-110, but since that powder performs best with magnum primers, it was the least silent. Trail Boss and solid lead bullets at just over 900 fps sound like a BB gun and would be fi ne for predators. My favorite hog load right now is a 355 gr hard cast lead bullet from Montana Bullet Works with Universal powder and standard Large Pistol primers. This combination is reasonably quiet, and I recently killed two hogs with one shot with it, and failed to recover the bullet, so the penetration is there.

A good way to decide if a suppressor is for you is to book a trip with Randy Tausch and Gerald Hollub of Night Hogs in Seguin, Texas (www.nighthogs.com). These guys use .44 magnum Ruger 77 bolt action rifl es with fully integrated suppressed barrels that are very quiet. Gerald loads their sub sonic ammo using 300 gr Hornady XTP bullets, and they have killed hundreds of hogs with this setup, often getting complete pass-throughs but sometimes recovering bullets showing considerable expansion. They also use Gen III Night Vision scopes and goggles as well as thermal imaging equipment and


CONTINUED ON PAGE 56 u

TF&G’s Dustin Ellermanndemonstrates the versatility of suppressors by frying bacon with one while on a hog hunt.

1504 Almanac (1).indd 55 3/11/15 12:03 PM

Should You Run a Bass Boat in Saltwater?

THE BASS BOAT IS ONE OF the most highly-specialized types of fi shing boats on the water, and if you own one, chances are you

spend the bulk of your fi shing time going for largemouth.

But even the most die-hard basser will be tempted when he or she hears about a red-hot speckled trout bite, or an off-the-hook run of redfi sh. When that happens, should you run your bass boat in saltwater?

The bottom-line answer to this question is “yes,” and the chances are that most of you bass boaters have already done so a time or two. Sure, it takes a toll, but we buy boats to use them, not to leave them sitting in the driveway—so I say go for it.

A few qualifi ers are in order.Before you decide to make this move in

the fi rst place, naturally, you need to pay close attention to the weather and the size of the seas you’re likely to encounter. Most bass boats are extremely well-built, but they’re small boats with low freeboard, nonetheless.

That means 15- to 20-knot winds on an open bay are going to present a danger.

In fact, the same is true on large, open lakes. Can your boat handle it? Probably. Can you? That’s a completely different ques-tion. Do you mind taking a pounding, getting soaked to the skin, and/or slowing down to make some accommodation for the condi-tions?

Again, these are questions you need to answer on open bodies of freshwater as well as when going out on the bay. Generally speaking, the move to saltwater compounds the potential problems.

For all of these questions, unfortunately, there’s no one-size-fi ts-all answer. As with any fi shing boat or any boat design at all for that matter, a knowledgeable and experienced owner-operator—that’s you—is the only one who can make these kinds of judgment calls.

You should always err on the side of cau-tion for safety’s sake, especially when you take a small boat out on waters that are larger than you usually deal with.

Aside from seaworthiness and the gen-eral abilities of you and your boat, you need to consider the boat’s long-term well-being. Remember that saltwater takes a serious toll in the form of corrosion, especially on boats that aren’t really intended for use outside of freshwater.

True, many if not most bass boats are built every bit as tough as boats intended for saltwater, but the pieces and parts aren’t necessarily designed for the impending salt bath. Metal fi ttings, wiring, seat bases and hardware, and hinges are just a few of the items that can age prematurely when exposed to saltwater. By “age” I mean turn into a hunk of rusty orange crud, overnight.

The most important thing to keep in mind after a saltwater dunking is treat your boat to a thorough freshwater wash-down. Soak it down good, soap it up thoroughly, and make it a long, long rinse. Be sure to get plenty of freshwater anywhere the salty stuff went, including into the bilge.

In fact, it’s a good idea to put the drain plug in, put the hose in the bilge, and let it fi ll until the pump kicks on and cycles some freshwater through the system. Do the same for livewells, wash-downs, and any other systems that sucked in saltwater through the course of the day.

After that wash-down, be sure to take a

only hunt “spot and stalk,” getting as close to the hogs as possible and using shooting sticks. Not only have they invested in the best equip-ment so their customers don’t have to, but they will skin, gut and quarter the kill as part of their service. Using suppressed rifl es and sub sonic ammo allows them to hunt multiple spots on the same property without chasing off the hogs for the night with their fi rst shot.

Even with sub sonic ammo, don’t expect to wipe out an entire “sounder” of pigs with-out spooking them. Often the sound of the

bullet whacking a hog is loud enough to alarm the others. Hogs are also very intelligent animals and the sight of one or more of their companions falling to the ground, bleeding and kicking, generally gets them moving. In the event of a missed shot, however, a sup-pressed rifl e gives the shooter a better chance at a second shot.

For serious predator hunting, a suppres-sor on a varmint caliber rifl e shooting full power loads not only helps reduce the need for hearing protection, but can confuse the sound of the shot so that its source is hard for the quarry to pinpoint. In calling, where shots might be close enough for a shotgun at times, a suppressed .44 or .45 rifl e shooting 240 gr

lead bullets can make the hunter a truly silent killer. Having both options available would make for a very interesting hunt.

When I was a kid in East Texas, land-owners would often allow night hunting on their property with shotguns only, as even a .22 LR could kill or injure livestock with an errant shot or a ricochet. When seeking permission to hog hunt at night from someone who already wants the hogs taken out, the safety factor of a suppressed rifl e shooting sub sonic ammo that has a shorter effective range and most likely will not ricochet might be a convincing factor.

SUPPRESSED HUNTSt CONTINUED FROM PAGE 55

by LENNY RUDOW :: TF&G by LENNY


Texas BOATINGTexasTexasTexasTexasTexasTexasTexasTexasTexasTexasTexas

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1504 Almanac (1).indd 57 3/9/15 5:24 PM

rag, soak it down with a corrosion inhibitor like Boeshield T-9 or CorrosionX, and wipe down all the boat’s metal parts and pieces. Give a spritz or two behind the dash, too, wherever you see exposed wires. And then grease the fi ttings of your steering and tilt systems.

While you’re back there greasing those fi ttings by your engine: the outboard is also going to need some special attention. Those who regularly run their boats in freshwater often aren’t in the habit of fl ushing their motor after each and every use, but after a dip in the brine, this is an imperative maintenance chore.

You need to remind yourself to do the fl ush the moment you return home, and let the freshwater fl ow for a minimum of fi ve minutes. Not only does a good freshwater fl ush help keep the engine’s cooling passages clear and prevent corrosion, it also prevents salt from crystallizing inside the lower unit, around the water pump impeller. Fail to take

this measure, and on the next initial start-up, those crystals can grind and chew on the neoprene, shortening the impeller’s life-span.

Don’t forget about your trailer, either, especially if it’s steel. Most trailers intended for saltwater use are aluminum but in the freshwater world, tubular steel is a possibility. Let those tubes sit full of saltwater for a week, and serious corrosion is bound to set in.

So, as you rinse down the trailer be sure to thoroughly blast out any openings you can get to, and also pay special attention to light assemblies, the brakes (blast them off with your hose from underneath and behind,) roll-ers, and even the winch.

Just what do I mean, when I say to do this trailer wash thoroughly? Every time I launch my boat in saltwater, I spend about 15 min-utes rinsing off the trailer alone—and that’s after it gets a pre-rinse via the hour-long boat wash-down. This may sound excessive, but it can mean the difference between replacing a trailer every fi ve to seven years, versus a trailer

lasting for decades.Finally, don’t forget about your fi shing

tackle. If it’s geared towards bass fi shing, it’s probably not designed for saltwater use. The moment you start spraying down the boat, also spray, soap, and rinse your rods, reels, and any freshwater lures you may have used while casting into the brine.

Does all this post-fi shing washing sound like a chore? Sure it does. But when you catch a brace of gator trout or bull reds, you won’t mind doing it one bit. In fact, after a good day of fi shing there’s almost always a smile on my face, the entire time I’m holding the scrub brush and hose.

Email Lenny Rudow atContactUs@fi shgame.com

Texas BOATING


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Spooning

THIS MONTH WE’RE GOING to talk about something that every one of you should fi nd benefi cial at some point in your life�spooning.

No, I’m not talking about the sleeping position. Get your mind back on track. I’m talking about using spoons for reds and

specks while you are wading the saltmarsh-es and fl ats along the coast.

Even if you never fi sh saltwa-ter and just stick with chasing

bass you can still use this same technique to go after them in shallow struc-ture fi lled coves. So pay

attention, there might be a test at the end.

This is the April issue of the magazine so I’ll go out on a limb and make the assump-tion you’re reading this in the spring. I know, I’m a genius.

During this time of the year the bait fi sh being chased by predatory fi sh (trout, redfi sh, and bass) are typically smaller than they are later in the year when they have had months to grow. Because of this you need to think small when you are selecting a spoon in order to match the bait.

Keep the ½ or ¾ ounce spoons in your tackle box and dig out the little ones you bought in Arkansas on a trout fi shing trip because your wife thought they were cute. Don’t act like that hasn’t happened to you too.

A ¼ ounce spoon is a good place to start and even using something as small as 1/8th or 1/16th ounce isn’t out of the question. Spoons are very basic baits. Some of them are so simplistically designed that they only consist of a hunk of steel with a hook on one

end and a hole punched in the other to tie your line to.

If you are fi shing one of these (not that there’s anything wrong with that) then your fi rst task is to add a split ring to the line tie-hole. These punched holes can have sharp edges which will easily cut your line and make you scream really loud when you lose a fi sh. The split ring allows you to tie the line to it instead of directly to the spoon.

If you are fi shing a spoon that already has a split ring (or have added one yourself as advised by a wise and handsome man), you might think you’re ready to tie it onto your line�but you’re not.

If that were the case, this would be the shortest article ever. Instead of tying it straight to your main line we’re going to add a little something else to make the spoon move more freely and eliminate line twist commonly asso-ciated with spoon fi shing.

Some people think this next part isn’t necessary. Realistically, it takes very little time and could potentially be the difference

between landing or losing a fi sh, so it is worth the additional

effort. Between your main

f i s h i n g l i n e

a n d t h e spoon, we’re going to add a short leader.

How short? Glad you asked. Your leader should be no more than six to eight inches long, and even shorter is better.

The main purpose behind the leader being this short is to aid in casting accuracy. With an over-long leader (a foot or longer) you lose the ability to control the cast. Plus, it makes casting while standing in waist-deep water more diffi cult.

If you have some sitting around it doesn’t hurt to make your leader out of 20-pound fl uorocarbon since it is less visible underwater. If you don’t have any, don’t worry about it. Build the leader out of whatever 20-pound monofi lament you have. Take one end of the leader and tie it to the split ring on the spoon. Take the other end of the leader and tie it to one side of a barrel swivel.

This is the part that will help eliminate line twist. A spoon isn’t supposed to barrel roll while being retrieved, but it probably will happen a few times. Even if the bait only rolls once per cast, that can add up during an entire day of fi shing.

For the barrel swivel, don’t choose a bright fl ashy stainless or brass one. You want all the fl ash and attraction to come from the spoon, so pick up a few black ones to use on this rig. Tie your main line to the other side of the swivel and you’re done. Now you can start fi shing.

Email Paul Bradshaw atContactUs@fi shgame.com


by PAUL BRADSHAW :: TF&G Contributing Editor

The Practical ANGLERThe PracticalThe PracticalThe PracticalThe PracticalThe PracticalThe PracticalThe PracticalThe PracticalThe PracticalThe PracticalThe Practical

ILLUSTRATION: PAUL BRADSHAW

Tsome point in your life�spooning.No, I’m not talking about the sleeping

position. Get your mind back on track. I’m talking about using spoons for reds and

specks while you are wading the saltmarsh-es and fl ats along the coast.

Even if you never fi sh saltwa-ter and just stick with chasing

bass you can still use this same technique to go after them in shallow struc-ture fi lled coves. So pay

attention, there might be a test at the end.

This is the April issue of the magazine so I’ll go out on a limb and make the assump-tion you’re reading this in the spring. I know, I’m a genius.

During this time of the year the bait fi sh being chased by predatory fi sh (trout, redfi sh, and bass) are typically smaller than they are later in the year when they have had months to grow. Because of this you need to think small when you are selecting a

Keep the ½ or ¾ ounce spoons in your

freely and eliminate line twist commonly asso-ciated with spoon fi shing.

Some people think this next part isn’t necessary. Realistically, it takes very little time and could potentially be the difference

between landing or losing a fi sh, so it is worth the additional

effort. Between your main

f i s h i n g l i n e

going to add a

How short? Glad you asked. Your leader should be no more than six to eight inches long, and even shorter is better.

1504 Almanac (1).indd 60 3/11/15 12:03 PM

1504 Almanac (1).indd 61 3/9/15 5:25 PM

by STEVE LAMASCUS :: TF&G Shooting Editor

Bullets 101

THE LADS WHO SLAVE FOR the ammunition factories started battling this bullet design business in a serious way almost 50 years

ago, and they are still at it.Their task is complicated by the fact that

the average rifl e user wants an all-around bullet, and “There ain’t no such animal and never will be.” Jack O’Connor, The Big Game Rifl e, 1952

This past deer season I had a conversa-tion with a landowner who was really down on the .243 Winchester as a deer cartridge. He had just fi nished trailing not one, but three deer, two whitetails and an axis.

They were wounded by a young hunter using a .243. He eventually found two of them�both hit in the chest�in spite of the fact that they were leaving no blood trails, but the third escaped, almost certainly to die later of infection, starvation, or predators.

He said the .243 was a bum deer car-tridge, and he would never have another on his place. I thought this passing strange, since the results the youngster got were dia-metrically opposed to my experience with the .243.

When I asked him what type of ammuni-tion the hunter had been using he didn’t know, but said he would fi nd out. Turns out, as I expected from his description of the wounds, it was an 85-grain Hornady V-Max, a bullet that is intended for preda-tors and varmints.

The bullets had blown up before they had penetrated suffi ciently to cause a quick death. I explained that it wasn’t the cartridge that was the problem, it was the choice of bullet, but he wasn’t convinced.

I have seen this same thing happen over and over again through the years. A person

who does not know the difference goes out to hunt deer with the same bullets that worked so well on coyotes or prairie dogs and has a bad experience. He is then convinced that he needs a bigger gun to hunt deer.

This usually turns into a rip-roaring magnum that the inexperienced hunter is scared of and shoots poorly. This almost always exacerbates the problem, as he then fl inches, shoots the deer in the guts or shoots off its legs, rather than putting the bullet in the chest where it will kill quickly. What he really needed was the right bullet in his smaller caliber.

Today there is a bewilderingly large selection of different loads with different bul-lets for nearly every cartridge you can think of. In the .243 Winchester, for example, you can buy bullets that weigh from 55 grains to 105 grains in everything from V-Maxes, Ballistic Tips, Partitions, X-Bullets and soft points, to bonded core big game bullets.

This immense selection confuses the nov-ice�if not everyone�and causes him to make bad selections. The day when you went to the local hardware store, asked for a box of “aught-sixes,” and got a box of cartridges that would work for almost anything is long past.

A perfect example of the need to choose wisely is the .22-250 Remington. The .22-250 is one of the most powerful of the centerfi re .22s. It will push a 55-grain bullet above 3,650 feet per second. It can, when used by a cool, competent shot, drop a deer in its tracks.

However, I have seen it fail on deer when the shot was where it should have been for an instant kill. Why?�bullet selection.

The .22-250 is primarily considered a varmint caliber. If you walk into a sporting goods store and ask for a box of cartridges for your .22-250, you are almost certain to be sold cartridges containing bullets intend-ed for varmints. Varmint bullets will blow up after penetrating only a couple of inches, especially if bone is struck.

I have seen the .22-250 loaded with

45-grain super-explosive bullets fail on coy-otes hit in the brisket from head-on. The bul-let blew up and failed to penetrate through the tough bone. Personally, I never use bullets lighter than 55 grains in a .22-250.

Because the ammunition and bullet man-ufacturers know the .22-250 is going to be used on deer they, also, furnish ammunition with bullets intended for big game. Federal, for instance, loads some of their offerings with bullets especially for deer. One such is the 55-grain Trophy Bonded Bear Claw, a wonderful deer bullet in the .22 calibers.

Nosler makes the Partition in .22 caliber, and this bullet, also, works for deer; and I just received a sample box of the new Nosler 64-grain Bonded Performance bullet in .22 caliber that should be a real honey for shoot-ing deer. (I have since tried the 64-grain Bonded Performance on deer with my .222 Remington Magnum Ackley Improved, and it works, very well.)

However, the unsuspecting and ill-informed shooter who has been told the .22-250 is a good deer round, could just as easily head out to hunt deer with a 45-grain super-explosive bullet that will fragment into a million pieces if it hits a rib, and especially if it hits the shoulder blade. The secret to a successful hunt is to know the difference and buy the ammunition that is best suited for the game you are hunting.

On the other side of the coin, it is possible to get a bullet that is too heavy and too tough for deer. For instance, I have a .35 Whelen that was built for me by Hill Country Rifl e Company on a Fabrique Nationale Mauser action. It is a real sweetheart and I shoot it a lot, especially for wild hogs.

My son-in-law once used it to kill an ancient Cape buffalo that had gotten old and crotchety and was terrorizing one of the local ranches. He killed it with one shot through the lungs as it stood in a stock pond, glaring at him with the malevolent look that Robert Ruark described so well.

The Cape buffalo is renowned the world


Texas GUNS


1504 Almanac (1).indd 62 3/11/15 12:03 PM

1504 Almanac (1).indd 63 3/11/15 12:03 PM

Costa on a Mission to Rid Oceans of Plastic A SWIRLING, FLOATING, MELTING mess of plastic trash and debris roughly the size of Texas spins in an ever-growing orbit in the North Pacifi c ocean, known as the “Great Pacifi c Garbage Patch.” Discarded plastic cooks in the sun’s rays, and oozes into miniscule pieces too small to be col-lected and removed from the water.

This plastic sea soup continues to grow and threaten the globe, with similar garbage patches spotted in oceans around the world. Already, more than one million sea birds have been killed as a result, and two-thirds of the world’s fi sh now test positive for plas-tic in their system.

Disposable items like plastic water bot-tles are huge contributors to the problem. Humans produce more than 200 billion plastic water bottles per year, with at least 10 percent ending up in the ocean.

Costa, a company committed to sustain-able sport fi shing practices and ocean con-servation, launched a campaign this week to educate its customers about the growing

ocean trash issue, and encourage them to kick the plastic habit.

“Our hope is that we can spark real conversations within our own fi shing and outdoor communities about the grave dan-

gers facing our oceans,” said Perkinson. “This isn’t some distant problem, this is an issue that directly impacts all of us in the sport fi shing industry. Simple changes such as carrying a reusable bag to the store, drinking out of a permanent water bottle and recycling the plastic we do use can sig-nifi cantly reduce the amount of trash mak-ing its way into our oceans.”

The company produced a short animat-ed video to more simply explain the plastic problem. To watch the clip, go online to:

Industry INSIDERIndustryIndustryIndustryIndustryIndustry INSIDERINSIDERINSIDERINSIDERINSIDERINSIDERINSIDERINSIDERINSIDERINSIDERINSIDERINSIDERINSIDERINSIDERINSIDER

over as a tough customer that soaks up high caliber bullets like a sponge soaks up water. The bullet Wacy used was a 250-grain Nosler Partition. The buffalo never got out of the stock tank.

On the other hand, if I hunt deer with the Whelen, I use a lighter, softer bullet. My favorite is a 225-grain Nosler Ballistic Tip, which in this caliber almost always gives complete penetration on a deer. In the .22-250, the Nosler Ballistic Tip will fail as often as not. Also good is the 225-grain

Sierra Game King.If Wacy had tried to kill the buffalo using

Ballistic Tips, he might have shot it a dozen times without getting the desired result.

The tough 250-grain Nosler Partition, intended for elk and moose which can weigh from 800 to as much as 1,500 pounds is not a good choice for shooting deer that may weigh only 140 pounds. With this large caliber I get great penetration and quicker kills using the softer bullets. So, again, bullet choice is critical.

If you do not choose carefully you will eventually, like the lad in the beginning of

this story, lose an animal that could have been killed quickly had you been using the right bullet. Those are the facts. I know this from many years of experience, both good and bad. Take my advice, or eventually you, or rather the deer, will pay the price.

Email Steve LaMascus atContactUs@fi shgame.com

Sierra Game King. this story, lose an animal that could have

TEXAS GUNS

over as a tough customer that soaks up high

t CONTINUED FROM PAGE 62


IMAGE: COSTA

1504 Almanac (1).indd 64 3/11/15 12:03 PM


bit.ly/kickplasticvid.Costa also dedicated a page on its

website to the “Kick Plastic” campaign, complete with news articles cover-ing the issue, tips on ways people can reduce their own plastic habits, and showcasing people already making changes to clean up their acts. The hash tag #KickPlastic connects conver-sations happening on social media.

The company is currently evaluat-ing its own operational procedures,

and developing short and long-range plans on how it can reduce the amount of plastic it uses in its produc-tion process.

For more information on Costa’s Kick Plastic message, or to join in the global movement, visit bit.ly/kickplastic.

As the leading manufacturer of the world’s clearest polarized performance sun-glasses, Costa offers superior lens technol-ogy and unparalleled fi t and durability. Still handcrafted today in Florida, Costa has created the highest quality, best performing

sunglasses and prescription sunglasses (Rx) for outdoor enthusiasts since 1983.

For Costa, conservation is all about sustainable fi shing. Many fi sheries that should be vibrant and healthy are all but devoid of native fi sh because they have fallen victim to poor fi shing practices, unregulated development, lack of watershed protection or all of the above. Costa works with partners around the world to help increase awareness and infl uence policy so that both the fi sh and fi shermen of tomor-row will have healthy waters to enjoy. Costa encourages others to help in any way they can.

For more information, contact 1-800-447-3700 or visit the company’s web site at www.costadelmar.com.

Join the conversation on Facebook at www.facebook.com/costasunglasses or on Twitter @CostaSunglasses.

TEXAS GUNS

The Great Pacifi c Garbage Patch, roughly the size of Texas, swirls in the northern Pacifi c Ocean

GOOGLE MAPS

1504 Almanac (1).indd 65 3/11/15 12:03 PM

66 | A P R I L 2 0 1 5 | T E X A S F I S H & G A M E ® PHOTOS: LINE CUTTERZ; LIVINGSTON LURES;WINDHAM WEAPONRY

This Will Change the Way you Fish ForeverTEXAS ANGLER VANCE ZAHORSKI was fed up with rusty and ineffi cient line-cutting tools. After 35 years of cutting line with his teeth or fumbling for scissors, clippers or knives, Vance was ready for a better way.

After surf fi shing at a friend’s wedding in Florida and almost stepping on his knife in the sand, Zahorski spent the entire way home inventing a cutting device that he could keep on his fi nger.

His fi rst prototype was made out of a dental fl oss cutter and welding putty. Three years, and many prototypes later, Line Cutterz was complete.

The Line Cutterz ring is a sleek, fully-adjustable ring featuring an integrated double-sided blade perfect for quick and effi cient cutting of mono-fi lament and

braided fi shing line.The Line Cutterz ring is the ideal solu-

tion for all types of fi shing, including surf, kayak, off-shore, night fi shing and even for relining reels at home. The ring can be used buy men, women and children, and has been extremely popular with fi shing guides.

Zahorski started a successful funding campaign on Kickstarter in October after putting everything he had, literally, into his campaign. He sold his house, moved his family to Texas and hasn’t looked back.

He is currently selling globally on his website, www.linecutterz.com. He is also in independent tackle shops around the United States, and soon to be the world.

Zahorski prides himself in his grassroots social media marketing, and credits his loyal group of followers to his success.

Want to see the ring in action? Fol-low Zahorski on Facebook, Youtube and Instagram to watch the ring effortlessly cut 80-pound braid, among others.

Classic-Winning Howeller Lures Smarter than EverLIVINGSTON LURES INTRODUCES the Howeller DMC Plus with exclusive EBS MultiTouch Technology. An expan-sion of the Classic winning Electronic Baitfi sh Sound Technology, the new Team Livingston series of lures introduces pro-designed body styles and actions with the advantage of EBS MultiTouch Technolo-

gy. EBS MultiTouch takes it even further, now allowing anglers to “program” the sounds their baits make, with four differ-ent settings that change the sounds emitted from EBS Original (gill plate compres-sions) to EBS Craw (snapping shellfi sh) to EBS Shad (Schooling Shad) to a fourth “stealth” setting with no baitfi sh sounds.

The “smart bait” is born. EBS Multi-Touch allows anglers to bring a whole new level of selectivity and precision to their

Fish and Game GEARFish and GameFish and GameFish and GameFish and GameFish and GameFish and GameFish and GameFish and GameFish and GameFish and GameFish and GameFish and GameFish and GameFish and GameFish and GameFish and GameFish and GameFish and GameFish and GameFish and Game

Line Cutterz ring

Livingston team member Randy Howell.

1504 Almanac (1).indd 66 3/11/15 12:03 PM

presentation. Instead of artifi cial beads and rattles, Livingston packs the natural biologi-cal sounds baitfi sh make reeling in more fi sh, even in the darkest waters.

“It’s already been proven to us that sound technology is a game-changer, but adding additional sounds to the arsenal to make the bait even more natural to preda-tor fi sh is an incredible benefi t,” says 2014 Bassmaster Classic champ Randy Howell. “The ability to change sounds from a pan-icked shad to a crawfi sh without having to tie on another bait is really useful. You sim-ply touch it, cycle through the sounds and cast. You’re right in the same school of fi sh, but with a different sound.”

The Howeller DMC Plus is the big brother of the Classic Winning Howeller DMC. With a slightly larger body style and bill, the medium wobble and larger bill allow the lure to dig, roll, and defl ect off of cover such as rock and timber with ease. Pair that with the advanced sound technology, and you have the perfect lure for fi shing structure in that 8-10’ depth range.

This is ‘The Way of the Gun’FRANK PROCTOR, OWNER AND lead instructor at “Way of the Gun” and a noted 3 Gun Competitor, asked Windham Weaponry to build a 3 Gun Competi-tion Carbine to his specifi cations. Per his direction, the rifl e we assembled includes these fi ne features: a Midwest Industries Key Mod 15” Forend; a Magpul MOE Telestock; a BCM Pistol Grip, Charging Handle & Com-pensator; and a CMC

Trigger. Frank’s Way of the Gun DVD & Sling are included with the rifl e, and the lower receiver is laser engraved with the Way of the Gun logo.

As with all of our fi ne AR platform rifl es, only highest quality US

made parts built to

the strictest quality standards are used and

lovingly assembled by a team with decades of experience building

the AR15. It is backed by a Lifetime Transferable Warranty – the best in the

industry.See them all at: www.windhamweaponry.com

made parts built to

the strictest quality standards are used and

lovingly assembled by a team with decades of experience building

the AR15. It is backed by a Lifetime Transferable Warranty – the best in the

industry.See them all at: www.windhamweaponry.com

pensator; and a CMC

and bill, the medium wobble and larger

This performance carbine is ready to go, right out of the box.

1504 Almanac (1).indd 67 3/9/15 5:25 PM

April Arrives at Last

WE’VE ALL WAITED LONG enough but April has fi nally swaggered into town. After a fairly cold, fairly wet winter

and a few spring teasers during March, it is fi nally here.

With dominant southerly winds and bull tides bringing pretty green water deep into the far reaches of the Sabine ecosystem, this month could possibly be the one with the largest coast-wide welcoming committee. New crops of baitfi sh will hitch a ride with these big tides, which have been virtually uninhibited for the last few months, thus bringing new opportunities for predator fi sh

and anglers alike.We can now venture with confi dence into

places we haven’t seen in a while. Sand and grass will once again be players as water

temperatures below the mid 50s should no longer be a factor. Mud bottoms will hold fi sh year-round, but as the water tempera-tures continue to rise, more and more fi sh will follow bait to sandy fl ats and shorelines.

It’s been a while since we’ve felt good about our chances at the jetties and the surf. A lot of these yellow-mouthed beauties will stage here for a while before making their way down the channel and into the bay.

We like to throw topwaters early to help locate the fi sh, then switch to whatever is getting the best results. Both the north and south revetment wall on Pleasure Island will be in full swing at some point this month.

Topwaters, soft plastics and jerk baits will all produce big time. Also, be on the lookout for bird activity to steadily increase on the south end and main lake as large schools of trout and redfi sh will begin to push pods of helpless shrimp to the surface.

THE BANK BITE

LOCATION: Concrete steps (North Levy Road, Pleasure Island)

SPECIES: Redfi sh, fl ounder, and croaker

BAITS/LURES: Live mud minnows, fresh dead shrimp

BEST TIMES: Moving tides

TIPS: Walk slowly while dragging mud minnows next to concrete steps. Give fl ounder ample time to take the bait. Set the hook hard and have your net handy.

Email Eddie Hernandez atContactUs@fi shgame.com

Hotspot Focus :: by Capt. EDDIE HERNANDEZ

SABINE Area


“New crops ofbaitfi sh will

hitch rides withbig tides, bringing new opportunities for predator fi sh

and anglers alike.“

1504 Almanac (1).indd 68 3/11/15 12:03 PM

April Is the Kick-off Month

APRIL IS THE FIRST REAL month of spring, time for warmer coastal waters; high, cleansing Gulf tides; and abundant forage

species for game fi sh to gorge on after a hun-gry winter. Because nature does not adhere strictly to a calendar, improved fi shing will probably be gradual.

Jetties and beachfront piers nearest to deeper Gulf waters will see everything from “Bull” reds and big, black drums to speckled trout beginning to feed around rocks and pil-ings, and under lights at night. The milder weather conditions that encourage fi sh will have the same effect on fi shermen, making time on or near the water a lot more enjoy-able than when an angler might have to break icicles from his nose.

Although my best “early catches” in the surf seem to have begun in May, April is not too soon to start putting in time on the beach. I remember seeing a jack crevalle caught in April surf, on the same day I beached an eating-sized (30 pounds or so) bull shark.

In the Galveston Bay system, April, in most years, will see fi sh such as speckled trout and redfi sh beginning to move from the shel-ter of deeper water areas and feeding along the edges at least of shallow reefs and fl ats. If live shrimp is available for bait, it usually pro-duces best, but other live critters like croaker, fi nger mullet, or mud minnows are normally better than dead bait.

Until the water warms considerably, how-ever, dead bait can be used without being sacrifi ced as often to crabs and hard heads�and fi sh feeding by scent will eagerly track it down. Dead shrimp, cut bait from various fi sh species, and even squid will draw strikes.

Bumping soft plastic jig tails near under-water structure�which in the bays usually means a fairly sharp rise or fall of water depth, maybe a reef, piling, or oil platform�can pay off, especially if the lure is worked slowly. Flounder will join the list of possible “custom-ers” here. It may be a bit early for the various sinking plugs and spoons, but a fella never really knows until he has spent some time try-ing them on a given day.

In the Gulf proper, close-in structure could harbor Gulf trout or red snappers�and of course snappers are legal to catch inside of nine miles from shore, in “Texas waters”. Bluefi sh is an over-looked bonus that can provide sport and eats.

Spanish mackerel are also under-utilized. Either will take small jigs or small, baited hooks, except the hooks do not need to be so small for blues. Both are toothy fi sh, and are best taken with light wire or heavy monofi la-ment leaders. They are often found in large schools, sometimes in the same school, even mixed with some bonito that you really don’t want to eat, but which are a whole lot of fun

to catch.April is most important as the month to

seriously get back into coastal fi shing, with a very real chance of being rewarded for your efforts.

THE BANK BITELOCATION: Galveston and Freeport jetties, beachfront piers and rock groins, the beachfront, and coastal bayous.SPECIES: Speckled trout, redfi sh, fl ounder in the bays, and joined by Spanish mackerel and bluefi sh in the surf.BEST BAITS: As usual, live or “fresh dead” shrimp and small forage species like mullet, shad, even squid are standard fare. Soft plastic artifi cial lures worked deep and slow can pay off, and those with infused natural scents would be worth a try.BEST TIMES: Target tidal movement, if possible. Water currents move bait and trigger feeding times for predator species.

Email Mike Holmes atContactUs@fi shgame.com

Hotspot Focus :: by Capt. MIKE HOLMES

GALVESTON AreaGALVESTON GALVESTON GALVESTON GALVESTON GALVESTON GALVESTON GALVESTON GALVESTON GALVESTON GALVESTON GALVESTON


1504 Almanac (1).indd 69 3/11/15 12:04 PM

Baitfi sh & Big Trout

PAT TOLLETT AND I launched our kayaks into East Matagorda Bay as fi rst light start-ed to create a glow in the eastern

sky. The water was very calm as we went out of Vincent’s Bayou and into the lake that connects to the bay.

I cast a red and white Bass Assassin well ahead of me, felt a thump on the retrieve, set the hook and the fi ght was on. The redfi sh zoomed away from me, and the lightly set drag on the reel buzzed. Then the fi sh came back at me, causing me to reel like mad, then it darted to one side and back to the other side of the kayak, pulling the kayak in which-ever direction the fi sh was headed.

I fi nally worked the red up to the net and lifted it onto my lap in the kayak. With my

right hand I reached for the stringer and my left hand reached for the 24-inch redfi sh. I was thinking of how good it would taste when grilled instead of concentrating on the process of putting it on the stringer, and the redfi sh leaped out of the kayak. “No prob-lem” I thought, it is well hooked, I will just reach over with my hand and grab it; this caused slack in the line, allowed the fi sh spit the hook, and it fl ipped me off with its tail and swam away.

Pat caught a 15½-inch fl ounder at the point where the lake meets the bay. We both fi gured this was just the start of catching many fi sh, but after catching those two, the fi sh had lock jaw. They just weren’t eating, and we did not get any more bites.

So it goes in April, sometimes you fi nd the fi sh and sometimes you don’t, but you can have really good fi shing by lining up as many positive factors as possible, and by being patient.

The primary condition that is likely to contribute to a good day on the water is a strong-moving tide. Also, you can have a

good day in all kinds of weather, but my logs show that I have had more action when winds are from the south or southeast.

In April, water temperatures go above 60°F, and the days grow longer. Under these conditions trout and redfi sh don’t feel threatened by cold water and no longer feel the need to stay near deeper, warmer water, so they roam the bays in search of prey. Typically water temperatures at the begin-ning of April in East and West Matagorda Bays are around 65°F and they go up to about 73° by the end of the month.

My wife Janet and I were in Boiler Bayou in East Matagorda Bay in early April on a warm, sunny day. There was a strong incoming tide, water temperature was 65°F and the wind was light from the south.

The water level was low. and the sun refl ected off shiny red dorsal fi ns and tails with black spots. Redfi sh with their heads down were eating something on the oyster reefs. I threw my gold spoon in front of a 23-or-so-inch red, and it showed no interest. I swam the spoon behind the fi sh and to the side; I even jigged the spoon up and down when the redfi sh swam within two feet of my kayak, but obviously it was not interested in a spoon.

Janet was doing much better working a four-inch Fire Tiger Salt Water Assassin over the oyster reef and sand. She caught a couple of 22-inch keepers and two under-sized reds.

On a mid-April day with a light south wind and a strong incoming tide helped along by a full moon, Jeff Wiley and I tried fi shing in Crab Lake off the Intracoastal Waterway north of West Matagorda Bay.

Mullet move into the bays in large num-bers in April, and usually when you fi nd large schools of bait fi sh you will fi nd preda-tors. There was a lot of bait fi sh activity, but we only caught one little redfi sh, so we moved to the south shore of West Bay.

Using a Bass Assassin pumpkinseed/chartreuse paddle-tail soft plastic, Jeff scored a Texas Triple, catching a 21-inch redfi sh,

Hotspot Focus :: by MIKE PRICE

MATAGORDA AreaMATAGORDA MATAGORDA MATAGORDA MATAGORDA MATAGORDA MATAGORDA MATAGORDA MATAGORDA MATAGORDA MATAGORDA MATAGORDA

70 | A P R I L 2 0 1 5 | T E X A S F I S H & G A M E ® PHOTO: JOHN N. FELSHER

1504 Almanac (1).indd 70 3/11/15 12:04 PM

a 17½-inch fl ounder, and a 19-inch trout. Jeff was fi shing a spot where two islands fun-neled fast-moving water over shallow oyster

reefs, through a nar-row opening between the islands and into a hole that was three feet deep.

Large loner trout tend to hunt the south shoreline and oyster reefs of East Matagorda Bay in April. One memo-rable foggy morning I swam a Morning Glory (black and yellow) Saltwater Assassin close to the cord grass shoreline near Hog Island and a 27-inch trout took the lure and treated me to a fi ne fi ght before I landed and released it. Big trout spook easily

so fi sh quietly when seeking them.Prior to April, fi shermen and women

tend to look for concentrations of fi sh in or

near deep water, but in April fi sh disperse throughout the bays and you have to look for schools of bait fi sh�preferably bait fi sh get-ting busted�to fi nd the predators.

THE BANK BITE

GRASSY POINT IN PALACIOS: Grassy Point Bait and Marina is at 529 E. Bayshore Dr. in Palacios, Texas 77465. They sell live shrimp and bait fi sh, have parking, a launch ramp suitable for launching a small john boat or a kayak, and you can fi sh from their property. Fishing Tres Palacios Bay from the bank at Grassy Point has really good potential. If you intend to kayak or boat fi sh from there, it is best to go on a light southeast wind, or a light northwest wind.

Email Mike Price atContactUs@fi shgame.com

April is prime time for big specks.

1504 Almanac (1).indd 71 3/9/15 5:25 PM

April’s Flat Trout

THERE ARE A NUMBER OF different ways to go about catching speckled trout along the inshore coastal regions of the Gulf of Mex-

ico, with even more tackle combos that will catch trout.

Naturally, particular methods and styles work diversely in certain situations, and in different scenarios under varying conditions. But when it comes to hunting big trout in early spring, coastal anglers who are willing

to put forth the extra effort of getting into the water with the fi sh stand a good chance at impressive results.

Even anglers who may not own a boat, or who are unable to travel far from their home, can still enjoy this fantastic sport. The key is trying to determine when and where to go, and then to decide the right thing to do once you get there.

The middle portion of the Texas coast is primarily made up of Matagorda Bay, Espiritu Santo Bay, and San Antonio Bay. This encompasses miles upon miles of top-notch wading waters that are relatively close to the coastal towns of Port O’Connor and Seadrift.

Just like most other coastal regions, these bay systems offer an abundance of fi shing choices that include tapering shorelines, mid-bay reef systems, secluded back-lakes, deep-water scenarios, and countless fl ats areas. But now that springtime is here, anglers wading for larger trout will want to begin focusing on the fl ats areas located within fairly close proximity to some deeper water.

Any time you happen upon trout, there’s generally a reason why you found them there. Some of the more common reasons include a comfortable water temperature, an adequate food source, and a sense of protec-tion. Trout typically like water temperatures in the 70s, and they will often move around until they fi nd it.

Later on, in the hotter part of the year, the trout will move off the shallows and into deeper water in the heat of the day because the depths tend to hold cooler water. Now in April, water temperatures along shallow fl ats will often be warmer than the deep waters where the trout have spent most of their time the past few months.

However, it is spring, and the weather won’t be completely void of northerly-infl u-enced frontal passages. Regardless of how minor these fronts may be, they will still drop tide levels and water temperatures, thereby sending the fi sh (once again) in search of deeper water.

A couple of days after the front passes, winds will subside and bright sunlight will follow. Shallow water warms much more quickly than deep water, so area fl ats will again have some of the warmest water tem-peratures of any place in the bay. As the shallow waters warm, the trout will begin moving back onto the fl ats as the tide levels continue to rise.

Because a good food source is so vitally important to the trout, any fl ats areas that contain large numbers of baitfi sh should offer great promise. As water temperature and the tides start rising, small baitfi sh in search of protection from predators will almost always seek out the shallowest water, often retreating into only a few inches of water in the grasses that line marshy areas and shallow back-lakes.

As tidal waters continue to rise and fall, the baitfi sh are continually moving in and out of these locations. The trout know this, and they instinctively position themselves at proper places across the fl at or just outside area drains or bayous that empty baitfi sh out of a back-lake and onto the fl ats during a falling tide. So, shallow fl ats areas situated adjacent to deep water that may be connect-ed to other remote bodies of water via small channels or ditches should provide April’s wading anglers with good opportunities for prime trout action.

The two things to remember this month while looking for trout are:

First, the trout will be seeking higher water temperatures atop fl ats areas due to the warming characteristics of the springtime transition period.

Second, the baitfi sh atop fl ats areas are driven by tides and current. So anglers who make it a point to know the tide schedules on the fl ats will be those get the greatest satisfac-tion from their wading efforts.

Contact Capt. Chris Martin at bayfl [email protected] visit bayfl atslodge.com

Hotspot Focus :: by Capt. CHRIS MARTIN

UPPER MID AreaUPPER MID UPPER MID UPPER MID UPPER MID UPPER MID UPPER MID UPPER MID UPPER MID UPPER MID UPPER MID UPPER MID


1504 Almanac (1).indd 72 3/11/15 12:04 PM

Tow Stub

YOU HAVE READ MULTIPLE articles in our magazine and oth-ers that the slow fi shing timeframe of winter is a really good time to

perform maintenance on your boat, motor and trailer. You have a checklist and have diligently covered all the items on your fi shing rig to ensure a trouble-free fi shing season. You may have even put a coat of wax on starved gel coat so your boat will slip effortlessly through the water.

All your rods and reels are ready to go, and at the fi rst sign of spring you jump at the chance to chase whatever predators are prowling in the still-chilled waters of our beloved bays. As luck would have it there is not a soul at your favorite boat launch and the thought of virgin waters (those not fi shed by others that day) just adds to your excite-ment, but yet, deep inside, a small voice is saying it would be kinda nice if there were just a few anglers out for company’s sake, just in case something happens.

You quickly dismiss the thought and plow full steam ahead with visions of a lot of pole-bending action. The day is beautiful and you can’t imagine why no one else is tak-ing advantage of such a break from winter’s cold grasp.

The boat slips off the trailer like a dream, a testament to the extra coat of wax you put on the underside of the hull. The old Mercury leaps to life when you hit the key and grabs a prop full of water as you back your rig up and ease it to the dock. You’re in a hurry (for one should not tarry on a boat ramp) � thinking “get the hell outta the way” so as not to impede others.

You then look up and there isn’t ANY other boat or angler around, just you and your well readied rig. This is fantastic, but yet, for some instinctual reason you hesitate�can’t quite put your fi nger on it. That’s just silly, you tell yourself... onward you go!

You’re under way now, up on plane and

the old Merc. Is running better than ever. The 10-year-old six-banger (six cylinder) doesn’t need to be replaced. Those guys at the boat shop are full of it, you think, a new motor indeed....HMPFF! You experience that oh so magical moment we all feel the fi rst 10 minutes or so when on the water where life is OHHHHH SOOOOOO GOOOOOD!

You’re headed to your farthest fi shing spot and will make your way back just because you can. The fi ve cups of coffee have kicked in so you are motivated.

About 16 miles from the boat ramp you hear what must be your cell phone beeping. Digging into your pocket you realize it’s not your cell phone�it’s still on the console of your truck where you left it.

As you back off of the throttle the beeping gets exponentially louder and seems to be coming from your boat. You shut the motor off and begin a halfhearted effort to diag-nose. At this point your brain is clicking at twice the speed of light and you recall from reading the manual (as well as what your

boat mechanic/shop person said) it’s more than likely an oil injection alarm.

You pull the cowling and sure enough there’s not enough oil in there to run a weed eater much less your 175hp outboard. Salvation lies in the gallon of EXTRA oil you keep on the boat for just this reason but, suddenly you realize, the oil is sitting on the workbench back in your garage, a victim of your steadfast boat cleaning. After all, you never needed it before.

At this juncture you’ve now experienced the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. You take inventory of your situation: you are 16 miles from the boat ramp, your outboard is out of oil, the extra oil is back in your garage, there’s not a soul in sight where you are and not one single person at the boat ramp where you launched, as you recall.

Your cell phone is fully charged sitting on the console in your truck. You’re going to miss your dinner engagement because at current pace you envision spending the night on your expertly waxed boat. At this point the $600 to $1,000 Sea Tow charges

Hotspot Focus :: by Capt. MAC GABLE

ROCKPORT Area


1504 Almanac (1).indd 73 3/11/15 12:04 PM

looks pretty good to you and you wish you had opted to spend the day easing in your recliner.

The above story is true. Names were left out to protect one’s vanity. This time of year, after fi ve or six months of a fi shing rig sitting idle, is the ideal time for such mishaps to occur. Luckily most call a tow service or fl ag down a nearby boat for assistance.

I have a towing endorsement that allows me to tow for pay, but it’s one of my least favorite things to do. My boat is just not outfi tted for towing. Still, one cannot say no to a stranded angler.

The things the gremlins can do to cause such misfortune are too numerous to men-tion. I’ve seen things from a fl ipped kill switch to a piston sticking out the side of a cowling. Regardless of what it is, they all add up to needing help.

Like many of us who make our living on the water, sooner or later you’re going to fi nd yourself in need of a tow or some type of assistance. There are a few simple things one can do to stop the above situation from turning into an overnight stay or worse yet, a life-threatening circumstance.

File a fl oat plan so someone knows where you’re going to be. Have two sources of communication — a marine radio and a cell phone, or better yet a satellite phone and a 12V outlet for charging.

Get a list of numbers for marine assis-tance. GPS coordinates are very helpful as well when a tow boat is trying to locate you. In my opinion a GPS built into your depth fi nder is cheap insurance. Some have an emergency locator built in as well.

If you are not mechanically inclined, talk-ing to a reputable boat mechanic about your specifi c motor can save the day. Ask them if it’s possible to add oil to the gas tank to get you back to the dock. Many motors now have a Self-Protect Mode that will shut the engine down to an idle and allow one (be it slowly) to idle back to the dock.

Always carry extra water and clothing in case you fi nd yourself sleeping at the Hilton on the bay (your boat). Be familiar with the alarms on your boat and know what they mean and what the limits are when they go off.

One such alarm, for example, is a low

water pressure beep which sometimes can be caused by trash blocking the infl ow of water into the water pump. Many times simply shutting the motor off clears the blockage or running the engine in reverse for a few seconds clears the debris.

If you should need to be towed, I rec-ommend someone who does it for a living. Towing can be very dangerous and should not be put in the hands of a novice. If you have never been towed then you probably can’t relate to how helpless one is in his/her boat while being towed.

You have little or no control if you’re in a boat being towed. I personally use a quick disconnect if I am being towed such that if things get out of hand I can quickly free myself and my boat from the tow boat. If you are going to be towed and the person towing is by him/herself ask them to keep a close eye on you while underway.

Better yet, if you are with a buddy recom-mend s/he get in the tow boat so s/he can relay any issues you might have while being towed. Suffi ce it to say a boat is designed to be pushed from the stern by a motor not pulled from the bow. The physics involved in this are different on every boat and under the right conditions a towed craft can get into trouble very quickly.

Most boats tow better with a portion of the skeg (the bottom most fi n on the lower unit) in the water as it tends to hold the boat on track and keep it from roaming side to side. If you fi nd yourself being asked to tow make sure your boat and motor can handle it.

The strain this puts on your boat motor cannot be emphasized enough. I have seen transoms torn out and towing motors burned up because they just weren’t engineered for such tasks.

In my opinion anything less than a 200hp outboard should not be used to tow unless it’s in an emergency. This does not mean you leave some poor soul stranded. Instead, offer to take the occupants to safety where they can then make arrangements to recover their vessel.

Getting towed by a commercial tow boat is not cheap, but they bring unique skills to the table that are worth it. If by chance you get help from someone other than a commer-

cial tower, offer to pay them and be generous if you can afford to be. After all, they have disrupted their day to assist you.

• • •

APRIL BRINGS FLOWERS, SHOW-ers and strong tides. The strong tides are usually accompanied by bait that has been missing during winter months. This infl ow of bait is followed by the predator fi sh we like to catch. Live bait works well now, but don’t put away your soft plastics because they, too, are very effective this time of year.

COPANO BAY — Lap Reef is good for trout using live shrimp either free-lined or on a light Carolina rig. The northwest shoreline close to Turtle Pen is a good place for reds using cut mullet or fi nger mullet on a light Carolina rig.

ARANSAS BAY — The grass lines just off the north end of the new LBJ causeway is a good place for trout using Gulp mud min-now/croaker in camo and nuclear chicken colors. The pot holes in front of Mud Island are a good place for reds and trout using free-lined live shrimp.

ST CHARLES BAY — Drifts across Egg Point using top waters in bone and red and speckled trout colors are good for reds. If you get a hit, set the anchor and keep. Find some small keeper black drum up inside Cavasso Creek using peeled shrimp under a cork. Fish as close as you can to salt grasses found in the area.

CARLOS BAY — On the warmer days target the shell reefs on the east side of Carlos Lake for trout and black drum. Live shrimp is the ticket under a loud popping cork. On colder days, Carlos Dugout is the place to be using crank baits in bone, white, chartreuse and clear colors.

MESQUITE BAY — The south side of Ayers Reef is a good place for reds using mud minnows or fi nger mullet on a free line. High tide is best here. East Pocket is good for black drum using peeled shrimp on a light Carolina rig. Resist a lot of reeling in


Focus ROCKPORTFocusFocusROCKPORTROCKPORTROCKPORTFocusROCKPORTROCKPORTROCKPORTROCKPORTROCKPORTROCKPORTROCKPORTROCKPORTROCKPORTROCKPORTROCKPORT


1504 Almanac (1).indd 74 3/11/15 12:04 PM

A Little Shelter

APRIL CAN BE ONE OF those months that can drive an angler to consternation.

The fi erce south/southeast winds that make March an absolute night-mare to drift fi sh can either fi nally slack off into mild to moderate breezes that optimize fi shing conditions, or they can malinger well past Easter and continue the suffering a while longer, as they have the past few years. After two years of dredging up and down the Lower Laguna Madre, those winds can turn otherwise clean saltwater into something akin to chocolate Faygo.

One thing that April means, however, is that water temperatures continue to climb from winter lows. This means that speckled trout and redfi sh shake off the winter blues and start feeding on fresh, young-of-the-year forage. The fi sh become so aggressive, in fact, that even the gnarliest of water condi-tions can produce an excellent day of fi shing for the stalwart angler with a a strong heart and a solid game plan.

With the newfound activity, fi shermen should look for areas with clean, sandy bottoms and plenty of grass lines. Plenty of anglers look to the East Shoreline around Gaswell Flats and the Drum Boats for such an environment.

Even when the wind is really pumping out of the Southeast, this area holds rela-tively clean water. The angler with a couple of good drift socks to slow his drift down can sharp shoot at potholes where trout will lie in ambush. The days on either side of the full moon are best for this area, but you’d do well any day during spring.

Another good spot to start is the Cullen House area. When conditions are right, this area is full of hungry trout and redfi sh just

waiting for hapless prey to swim by.The waters tend to muddy up more easily

when the wind is up, and it can be a long and bumpy ride when a low pressure system is passing through, but the fi shing can be well worth the effort, even in unfriendly conditions.

Small bays such as Cullen are prone to tidal movement more than Laguna Madre proper. Flood tides push a lot of water into these areas. The higher tides increase the overall depth of Cullen Bay, thus providing access to areas for both fi sh and fi shermen that were out of reach during winter’s ultra-low tides.

The infl ux of fresh water can also give anglers access to cleaner water that may be sheltered by the shoreline of the spoil islands on the east side of the bay.

The aggressive nature of fi sh in an early-spring pattern means that live or fresh bait is effective. Live shrimp under a popping cork will fi nd a lot of fi sh, but you will be culling plenty of short trout in the process of catch-ing a limit. Cut ballyhoo, or even fresh mul-let, will target larger trout and redfi sh, and also eliminate a lot of bait-thieves (with the exception of some sizeable hardhead catfi sh that also roam the area).

Grinders do well around Cullen during early spring. Gold weedless spoons such as the venerable Johnson Silver Minnow or Sprite will always be the traditional weapon for redfi sh up and down the Laguna. The ¼ ounce variety is standard, but if the wind is a little stiff, a 3/8 or ½ ounce spoon may be called for when casting into the wind.

Topwaters such as the Livingston Lures Pro Sizzle or Pro Sizzle, Jr. (which may be preferable when trout and reds are feeding on young-of-the-year prey) work well for both trout and redfi sh, with blue/orange and bone the most effective colors. Don’t be timid about throwing these plugs in choppy water. Fish can pick up the sound from a good distance in spite of the hydro-interference.

Soft baits can also be effective during

April, especially eel-type plastics such as the Z-Man scented Pogyz. Whether you swim the lures on a 1/8 to ¼ ounce head or under a noisy fl oat (which is a simple, effective, and successful way to introduce neophytes to fi shing with lures), plastics can do a number on trout and redfi sh in this area.

Gulp! Baits such as the Shrimp in New Penny or Glow have become increasingly popular among LLM fi shermen, especially when live shrimp are sold out. Fish them the same way you would a live shrimp�under a popping cork or free-lined when fi shing the depth breaks.

Don’t be surprised to see a few chunky black drums still prowling around. The warmer water hasn’t pushed the slot-sized fi sh out of Laguna, and they are still foraging between grassbeds and grubbing up shrimp, worms and crabs to keep their fi gures.

The same shrimp/cork rig that you are using for trout and reds will snare these whiskered grubowskis. They’ll also hit a Gulp! Or Z-Man Shrimp if they are in a particularly aggressive mood.

April can be an iffy time weather-wise on the Lower Laguna Madre, but the most stal-wart of fi shermen will always fi nd some solid fi sh. They just have to go house-hunting once in a while.

THE BANK BITE

LOCATION: Community Bar SPECIES: Speckled Trout, Redfi sh

TIPS: Use soft plastics in red/white, purple/char-treuse or live shrimp under a popping cork. Fish the deep water between the shoreline and the bar.

Email Calixto Gonzales atContactUs@fi shgame.com

Hotspot Focus :: by CALIXTO GONZALES

LOWER Area


1504 Almanac (1).indd 75 3/11/15 12:04 PM

UPPER COAST

by TOM BEHRENS

East Galveston Trout on a Roll

LOCATION: Galveston East BayHOTSPOT: RolloverGPS: N 29 30.4973, W 94 30.0282 (29.5083, -94.5005)SPECIES: Speckled troutBEST BAITS: Bass Assasin or MirrOlure soft plasticsCONTACT: Capt. Paul [email protected] shgalveston.comTIPS: Wade the south shoreline of East Bay when you have a southerly wind fl ow, anywhere from Rollover to Stingray. Capt. Paul Marcaccio

LOCATION: Galveston East BayHOTSPOT: Little Pasture BayouGPS: N 29 31.254, W 94 32.3179 (29.5209, -94.5386)SPECIES: Speckled trout

BEST BAITS: Bass Assasin or MirrOlure soft plasticsCONTACT: Capt. Paul [email protected] shgalveston.comTIPS: Key on drains and bayous on outgoing or incoming tides, looking for nervous bait activity.

LOCATION: Galveston East BayHOTSPOT: Fat Rat PassGPS: N 29 28.462, W 94 38.6729 (29.4744, -94.6446)SPECIES: Speckled troutBEST BAITS: Bass Assasin or MirrOlure soft plasticsCONTACT: Capt. Paul [email protected] shgalveston.comTIPS: Start skinny water fi rst, foot-and-a-half up to three feet, and slowly move to deeper water. Capt. Paul Marcaccio

LOCATION: Galveston East BayHOTSPOT: Siever’s CutGPS: N 29 26.5619, W 94 42.1379 (29.4427, -94.7023)SPECIES: Speckled troutBEST BAITS: Bass Assasin or MirrOlure soft plasticsCONTACT: Capt. Paul [email protected] shgalveston.com

TIPS: If you can get 65 degree water temperature throw a topwater. Marcaccio says color doesn’t matter.

LOCATION: Galveston East BayHOTSPOT: Pig PenGPS: N 29 25.1759, W 94 44.116 (29.4196, -94.7353)SPECIES: Speckled troutBEST BAITS: TopwatersCONTACT: Capt. Paul [email protected] shgalveston.comTIPS: Fish react to three things - sight, sound, and smell. If you can get them to react to the sound of a topwater bait, they will get all over it. Capt. Paul Marcaccio

LOCATION: Galveston Trinity BayHOTSPOT: Hodges ReefGPS: N 29 34.963, W 94 44.574 (29.5827, -94.7429)SPECIES: Speckled troutBEST BAITS: Bass Assasin or MirrOlure soft plasticsCONTACT: Capt. Paul [email protected] shgalveston.comTIPS: After a late winter cold front, wait a couple of days befor fi shing again. If you have to fi sh before the two day wait, fi sh 8-10 feet of water. Capt. Paul Marcaccio

LOCATION: Matagorda East BayHOTSPOT: Raymond ShoalGPS: N 28 40.449, W 95 53.898 (28.6742, -95.8983)

Texas HOTSPOTS

here because you’ll probably hang up. Wait for bites then give it a two count before set-ting the hook.

AYERS BAY – Southside shell of Second Chain is a good place for trout using jerk shad in new penny as well as punk prawn

colors. The shell just off Rattlesnake Island is a good spot for reds using cut mullet either free-lined or on a light Carolina rig.

THE BANK BITE

LONG WADES to Newcomb Point are good for trout and reds using Berkley Gulp Swimmo paddle

tails in pumpkinseed and sardine colors. This is a long wade so pack some water along.

Contact Capt. Mac Gable at Mac Attack Guide Service,

512-809-2681, [email protected]

colors. The shell just off Rattlesnake Island is tails in pumpkinseed and sardine colors. This is a

HOTSPOT FOCUS: ROCKPORT

here because you’ll probably hang up. Wait

t CONTINUED FROM PAGE 74

GPS COORDINATES are provided in two for-mats: “Decimal Degrees” (degrees.degrees) and “Degrees and Minutes” sometimes called “GPS For-mat” (degrees minutes.minutes). Examples (for Downtown Austin): Decimal Degrees: N30.2777, W97.7379; Degrees and Minutes: N30 16.6662, W97 44.2739. Consult your manual for information specifi c to your GPS device.


UPPER COAST

East Galveston Trout on a RollTrout on a RollTrout on a RollTrout on a Roll

TIPS: If you can get 65 degree water temperature throw a topwater. Marcaccio says color doesn’t matter.

LOCATION: Galveston East BayHOTSPOT: Pig PenGPS: N 29 25.1759, W 94 44.116

TexasTexasTexasTexasTexasHOTSPOTSHOTSPOTSHOTSPOTSHOTSPOTSHOTSPOTSHOTSPOTSHOTSPOTSHOTSPOTSHOTSPOTSHOTSPOTSHOTSPOTSHOTSPOTSHOTSPOTSHOTSPOTSHOTSPOTS

GPS COORDINATES are provided in two for-mats: “Decimal Degrees” (degrees.degrees) and “Degrees and Minutes” sometimes called “GPS For-mat” (degrees minutes.minutes).

1504 Almanac (1).indd 76 3/11/15 12:04 PM

Texas HOTSPOTS

HOTSPOT FOCUS: ROCKPORT

SPECIES: Speckled troutBEST BAITS: TopwatersCONTACT: Capt. Tommy [email protected] shing.comTIPS: If I’m drifting, I will be pretty much in two areas - Raymond Shoal and St. Mary’s Bayou. Capt. Tommy Countz

LOCATION: Matagorda East BayHOTSPOT: St. Mary’s BayouGPS: N 28 39.7829, W 95 57.4309 (28.6631, -95.9572)SPECIES: Speckled troutBEST BAITS: Norton Sand Shad or Bull MinnowCONTACT: Capt. Tommy [email protected] shing.comTIPS: Out in front of St. Mary’s Bayou is scattered shell. I use some type of swimming shad along with a quarter ounce lead head to get the bait down. Capt. Tommy Countz

LOCATION: Matagorda East BayHOTSPOT: Bird IslandGPS: N 28 43.86, W 95 45.6169 (28.7310, -95.7603)SPECIES: Redfi shBEST BAITS: Norton Sand Shad or Bull MinnowCONTACT: Capt. Tommy [email protected] shing.comTIPS: In April we start getting some bigger tides. A lot of times I’m working some of the shallow shore-lines for redfi sh. Capt. Tommy Countz

LOCATION: Matagorda West BayHOTSPOT: Cotton BayouGPS: N 28 30.45, W 96 12.3816 (28.5075, -96.2064)SPECIES: Speckled troutBEST BAITS: Norton Sand Shad or Bull MinnowCONTACT: Capt. Tommy [email protected] shing.comTIPS: In April I’ll be wade fi shing along the grass beds and looking for bait movement and slicks pop-ping. Capt. Tommy Countz

LOCATION: Matagorda West BayHOTSPOT: Palacios PointGPS: N 28 34.7329, W 96 13.665 (28.5789, -96.2278)SPECIES: Speckled trout

BEST BAITS: Topwaters or live shrimp under a popping corkCONTACT: Capt. Tommy [email protected] shing.comTIPS: A new man made reef is located about half-a-mile off of Palacios Point. Look for the white markers showing the location of the reef.

LOCATION: Sabine LakeHOTSPOT: JettiesGPS: N 29 40.0301, W 93 49.8768 (29.6672, -93.8313)SPECIES: Speckled troutBEST BAITS: Lil John hard plastic or Provoker soft plasticCONTACT: Capt. Bill [email protected] shsabinelake.comTIPS: Green surf, light wind, the trout should be along he jetty. Capt. Bill Watkins

LOCATION: Sabine LakeHOTSPOT: SurfGPS: N 29 40.356, W 93 53.3189 (29.6726, -93.8887)SPECIES: Speckled troutBEST BAITS: Lil John hard plastic or Provoker soft plasticCONTACT: Capt. Bill [email protected] shsabinelake.comTIPS: Favorite colors are Opening Night or Watermelon Red. All good colors with right water color conditions. Early in the morning I like the Lil John best. Capt. Bill Watkins

MIDDLE COAST

by TOM BEHRENS

Throw Dagger for Aransas Reds

LOCATION: Aransas Pass/Redfi sh BayHOTSPOT: Dagger IslandsGPS: N 27 50.1019, W 97 10.2659 (27.8350, -97.1711)SPECIES: Redfi shBEST BAITS: Live or cut mulletCONTACT: Capt. Jack McPartland

361-290-6302treblejcharters@yahoo.comwww.treble-j-charters.comTIPS: Cut mullet wil work, but by this time of the year menhaden would be better if you can fi nd them.

LOCATION: Aransas BayHOTSPOT: Traylor IslandGPS: N 27 56.6849, W 97 4.4609 (27.9448, -97.0744)SPECIES: Speckled troutBEST BAITS: Live shrimp under a popping corkCONTACT: Capt. Jack McPartland361-290-6302treblejcharters@yahoo.comwww.treble-j-charters.comTIPS: I stay with live shrimp even if the croaker are beginning to show up because the croaker are too small. Capt. Jack McPartland

LOCATION: Corpus Christi BayHOTSPOT: Pelican IslandGPS: N 27 49.2679, W 97 9.2659 (27.8211, -97.1544)SPECIES: Speckled troutBEST BAITS: Down South soft plastic luresCONTACT: Capt. Jack McPartland361-290-6302treblejcharters@yahoo.comwww.treble-j-charters.comTIPS: I use two colors all year long - Chicken of the ‘C’ and Spicy Pumpkin Seed with a 1/8 ounce chartreuse jig head. Capt. Jack McPartland

LOCATION: Corpus Christi BayHOTSPOT: Berry GPS: N 27 49.8529, W 97 13.974 (27.8309, -97.2329)SPECIES: Speckled troutBEST BAITS: Gold Spoons or topwatersCONTACT: Capt. Jack McPartland361-290-6302treblejcharters@yahoo.comwww.treble-j-charters.comTIPS: McPartland has no favorite when it comes to the best topwater bait as long as it is either bone or black head/chartreuse body.

LOCATION: Corpus Christi BayHOTSPOT: Mustang Island FlatsGPS: N 27 41.5159, W 97 11.437 (27.6919, -97.1906)SPECIES: Speckled troutBEST BAITS: Down South soft plastic luresCONTACT: Capt. Jack [email protected]


1504 Almanac (1).indd 77 3/11/15 12:04 PM

Texas HOTSPOTSTexasTexasHOTSPOTSHOTSPOTSHOTSPOTSTexasHOTSPOTSHOTSPOTSHOTSPOTSHOTSPOTSHOTSPOTSHOTSPOTSHOTSPOTSHOTSPOTSHOTSPOTSHOTSPOTSHOTSPOTSwww.treble-j-charters.comTIPS: The reason I like the Down South soft plas-tics is because of the good action you get out of the tail. Cast and reel, cast and reel. My customers don’t have to jig it like you would with a straight plastic. Capt. Jack McPartland

LOCATION: Corpus Christi BayHOTSPOT: Shamrock FlatsGPS: N 27 45.369, W 97 9.733 (27.7562, -97.1622)SPECIES: FlounderBEST BAITS: Live mud minnowsCONTACT: Capt. Jack McPartland361-290-6302treblejcharters@yahoo.comwww.treble-j-charters.comTIPS: Use a Kahle hook for live bait; cut bait on a Circle hook. Capt. Jack McPartland

LOCATION: Redfi sh BayHOTSPOT: Stedman IslandGPS: N 27 53.3509, W 97 6.7489 (27.8892, -97.1125)SPECIES: Speckled troutBEST BAITS: Down South soft plastic luresCONTACT: Capt. Jack McPartland361-290-6302treblejcharters@yahoo.comwww.treble-j-charters.comTIPS: The trout want to be some place where there is access to deeper water close by in case we have a late norther.

LOWER COAST

by CALIXTO GONZALESand TOM BEHRENS

Speck-Fight at Baffi n’s Coralles

LOCATION: Baffi n BayHOTSPOT: Los CorallesGPS: N 27 14.869, W 97 30.22 (27.2478, -97.5037)SPECIES: Speckled troutBEST BAITS: TopwatersCONTACT: Capt. Tommy [email protected] shing.comTIPS: We will be throwing a lot of topwaters while fi shing over the rocks in Baffi n…a lot better than getting hung up with a Corky. Capt. Tommy Countz

LOCATION: Baffi n BayHOTSPOT: Black BluffGPS: N 27 13.7029, W 97 31.8829 (27.2284, -97.5314)SPECIES: Speckled troutBEST BAITS: TopwatersCONTACT: Capt. Tommy [email protected] shing.comTIPS: If it’s a south wind I’m going to be on the Kennedy shoreline in some of the rock areas like Los Coralles, Black Bluff, and South Rocks. Capt. Tommy Countz

LOCATION: Baffi n BayHOTSPOT: East Kleberg PointGPS: N 27 16.603, W 97 30.4489 (27.2767, -97.5075)SPECIES: Speckled troutBEST BAITS: TopwatersCONTACT: Capt. Tommy [email protected] shing.comTIPS: If the winds out of the north I’ll be over on the north side of Baffi n working East Kleberg Point, Tide Gauge and Cat Head. Capt. Tommie Countz

LOCATION: Baffi n BayHOTSPOT: Tide GaugeGPS: N 27 18.2479, W 97 27.5929 (27.3041, -97.4599)SPECIES: Speckled troutBEST BAITS: TopwatersCONTACT: Capt. Tommy [email protected] shing.comTIPS: I might make a stop on my way from Corpus to Baffi n at Night Hawk and concentrate on redfi sh. Capt. Tommy Countz

LOCATION: Baffi n BayHOTSPOT: Cat HeadGPS: N 27 18.382, W 97 26.263 (27.3064, -97.4377)SPECIES: Redfi shBEST BAITS: Norton Sand Shad or Bull MinnowCONTACT: Capt. Tommy [email protected] shing.comTIPS: Look for bait action to fi nd the trout.

LOCATION: Lower Laguna MadreHOTSPOT: Unnecessary IslandGPS: N26 13.81098, W97 16.34202

(26.230183, -97.272367)SPECIES: redfi shBEST BAITS: live shrimp, live or dead mullet, topwaters, gold spoons, Logic Tandem Rigs in Gold/metalfl ake, black/chartreuseCONTACT: Captain Mike Hart361-985-6089, 361-449-7441captmike@brushcountrycharters.combrushcountrycharters.comTIPS: If March is true to form, weather will start warming up, and the redfi sh will start spreading out on the shallow fl ats. You can fi sh more aggres-sively and work lures faster than normal for reac-tion strikes. Live bait or tandems are good with a Mauler.

LOCATION: Lower Laguna MadreHOTSPOT: Stover CoveGPS: N26 13.93002, W97 19.39002 (26.232167, -97.323167)SPECIES: speckled troutBEST BAITS: live shrimp, Logic Solo or Tandem rigs in Pearl/chartreuse, pearl/pink, black/chartreuseCONTACT: Captain Mike Hart361-985-6089, 361-449-7441captmike@brushcountrycharters.combrushcountrycharters.comTIPS: Fish the windward shoreline where the waves start to push bait into the shallows. Fish your lures or bait in a frantic retrieve. Use live shrimp on cloudy days or in stained water.

LOCATION: Lower Laguna MadreHOTSPOT: Horsehead BayGPS: N26 20.87298, W97 19.70802 (26.347883, -97.328467)SPECIES: redfi shBEST BAITS: Topwaters, gold spoons, Logic Tandems in gold/glitterCONTACT: Captain Mike Hart361-985-6089, 361-449-7441captmike@brushcountrycharters.combrushcountrycharters.comTIPS: This is very, very skinny work; best suited to technical skiffs, tunnel boats, and kayaks. If you get in there, look for mud boils or tailing reds. Keep your rod tip high while retrieving to keep your lure visible.

LOCATION: Lower Laguna MadreHOTSPOT: Coast Guard StationGPS: N26 4.36002, W97 10.03098 (26.072667, -97.167183)SPECIES: sheepsheadBEST BAITS: live shrimp, fresh shrimp


1504 Almanac (1).indd 78 3/11/15 12:04 PM

1504 Almanac (1).indd 79 3/9/15 5:25 PM

CONTACT: Captain Mike Hart361-985-6089, 361-449-7441captmike@brushcountrycharters.combrushcountrycharters.comTIPS: Fish the channel drop-offs and channel markers in the boat channel that passes in front of the Coast Guard station with live shrimp or fresh shrimp on free line rigs. The bigger fi sh are on the edges.

LOCATION: Lower Laguna MadreHOTSPOT: Coast Guard StationGPS: N26 4.36002, W97 10.03098 (26.072667, -97.167183)SPECIES: black drumBEST BAITS: live shrimp, fresh shrimpCONTACT: Captain Mike Hart361-985-6089, 361-449-7441captmike@brushcountrycharters.combrushcountrycharters.comTIPS: Black drum are available along the channel edges, especially when tidal fl ow is pushing water off the fl ats. Use a 1/2-ounce egg sinker on fi sh fi nder rig with large shrimp. Most will be 14-20-inch fi sh, but there will be some big bruisers, too.

LOCATION: Port Mansfi eldHOTSPOT: King RanchGPS: N26 46.30602, W97 28.35198 (26.771767, -97.472533)SPECIES: speckled troutBEST BAITS: Soft baits in Pearl/chartreuse, glow/chartreuse, purple/chartreuse Topwaters in baby trout, mullet, BoneCONTACT:Captain Steven Devries956-289-3631TIPS: Fish the deeper water near the spoils with soft plastics. If there has been a warm stretch, try topwaters in shallower water early in the morning. Look for weedlines and fi sh them thoroughly.

LOCATION: Port Mansfi eldHOTSPOT: The SaucerGPS: N26 27.64002, W97 22.24992 (26.460667, -97.370832)SPECIES: speckled troutBEST BAITS: Soft baits in Pearl/chartreuse, glow/chartreuse, purple/chartreuse Topwaters in baby trout, mullet, BoneCONTACT: Captain Steven Devries956-289-3631TIPS: This area offers both a chance to put some good solid trout in the box, and a shot a truly big fi sh. Fish topwaters slowly near spoils for the big-

ger trout, or the weed and potholes with plastics for chunky trout hungry after the winter.

PINEY WOODS

by DUSTIN WARNCKE

McDonald’s Filet o’ White Bass

LOCATION: Toledo Bend NorthHOTSPOT: McDonald’s BendGPS: N 31 24.288, W 93 39.5459 (31.4048, -93.6591)SPECIES: White BassBEST BAITS: Slab spoons, Rat-L-Traps and shallow diving crank baitsCONTACT: Greg Crafts, Toledo Bend Guide Service and Lake Cottages936-368-7151gregcrafts@yahoo.comwww.toledobendguide.comTIPS: The White bass will be moving back into the main lake returning from the river after their spawn. Work the north end sand bars. Use your electronics to locate the bait fi sh and you will fi nd the Whites. Try to locate a number of schools and practice rotate fi shing those areas so as not to over fi sh one location. The Whites will remain in those locations unless we have a weather change or the location is over fi shed.

LOCATION: Caddo LakeHOTSPOT: Clinton AreaGPS: N 32 44.9039, W 94 7.2599 (32.7484, -94.1210)SPECIES: Largemouth BassBEST BAITS: V&M Wild Thang 8.5 or 10 inch worm, V&M Lizzie lizard 6 or 9 inch, 5 inch V&M Chopstick(senko)CONTACT: Caddo Lake Guide Service/Paul Keith [email protected] shing.comTIPS: Use colors like June Bug, Watermelon/Red, and Blue Flex with 1/4 to 1/2 oz weights Texas rigged. Fish around the base of the cypress trees in 2-4 ft of water.

LOCATION: Lake ConroeHOTSPOT: Main LakeGPS: N 30 27.222, W 95 34.4099 (30.4537, -95.5735)SPECIES: Hybrid Stripers

BEST BAITS: Live shad, Storm Swim ShadCONTACT: Richard Tatsch 936-291-1277admin@fi shdudetx.comwww.fi shdudetx.comTIPS: The hybrid stripers will begin to school on the surface in the morning and will be easy to catch on surface baits and swim shad. They will be all around the lake on main lake points that have shal-low sandy bottoms. Find the schools of shad and you will fi nd the Hybrids. This time of year they will run shad up on these points early and late and dur-ing mid day they will move deeper. Find the depth the bait are in and you will fi nd the fi sh. Live shad will be the bait of choice in deeper water but the swim shad will be the one to catch bigger fi sh in the shallower water. Bank Access: Stowaway Marina

LOCATION: Lake LivingstonHOTSPOT: White Rock CreekGPS: N 30 58.326, W 95 20.2254 (30.9721, -95.3371)SPECIES: CrappieBEST BAITS: Live Minnows and Black/Chartreuse Jigs CONTACT: David S Cox, Palmetto Guide Service936-291-9602dave@palmettoguideservice.comwww.palmettoguideservice.comTIPS: Fish north of the marina in brush and on cut banks.

PRAIRIES & LAKES

by DUSTIN WARNCKEand DEAN HEFFNER

Tawakoni Striper Action Shallow

LOCATION: Lake TawakoniHOTSPOT: Shallow Main Lake PointsGPS: N 32 52.248, W 96 0.03 (32.8708, -96.0005)SPECIES: White Bass and StriperBEST BAITS: 4 Sassy Shad swim bait with a 3/4oz headCONTACT: Tony Parker’s Guide Service903-348-1619tawakonifi [email protected] shingguideTIPS: The hybrids stripers and white bass will be full swing into there spawn. Look for them to be using shallow main lake points and windy banks to spawn on due to low water this year. Sun Point and

Texas HOTSPOTSTexasTexasHOTSPOTSHOTSPOTSTexasHOTSPOTSHOTSPOTSHOTSPOTSHOTSPOTSHOTSPOTSHOTSPOTSHOTSPOTSHOTSPOTSHOTSPOTSHOTSPOTSHOTSPOTS


1504 Almanac (1).indd 80 3/11/15 12:04 PM

the riprap on the damn will be great places to start. I will use a cast and steady retrive, moving it fast enough to keep it off the bottom. Also keep an eye open for schooling action. The birds will point the way to the schooling fi sh.

LOCATION: Cedar Creek LakeHOTSPOT: Retaining Wall PointsGPS: N 32 10.8359, W 96 4.2779 (32.1806, -96.0713)SPECIES: Catfi shBEST BAITS: Fresh ShadCONTACT: Jason Barber903-887-7896kingscreekadventures@yahoo.comwww.kingscreekadventures.comTIPS: Use fresh shad for bait under a fl oat in 1 to 3 feet of water along all retaining wall points on the main lake.

LOCATION: Cedar Creek LakeHOTSPOT: Main LakeGPS: N 32 18.1919, W 96 8.6519 (32.3032, -96.1442)SPECIES: Catfi sh

BEST BAITS: Cut ShadCONTACT: Rodney Stuart, Go Fish Guide [email protected]: Big blue catfi sh are being caught all over the lake from 2 to 37 feet of water. The catfi sh are just on fi re drifting deep water or ballooning two feet of water and at the time this report was written, trips are averaging about 300 to 500 pounds per trip.

LOCATION: Fayette CountyHOTSPOT: Dam RocksGPS: N 29 55.044, W 96 44.598 (29.9174, -96.7433)SPECIES: Catfi shBEST BAITS: Punch bait, wormsCONTACT: Weldon [email protected] shtales-guideservice.comTIPS: Anchor 50-100 feet off shore, still over dam rocks, chum around the boat. Fish straight down using #6 treble hook, with tight line.

LOCATION: Gibbons Creek

HOTSPOT: Crappie HoleGPS: N 30 36.678, W 96 3.9959 (30.6113, -96.0666)SPECIES: Catfi shBEST BAITS: Minnows, funky chicken jigsCONTACT: Weldon [email protected] shtales-guideservice.comTIPS: There are trees and stumps close to the rocks. Fish are in the rocks and stumps spawning. Use minnows under corks or Funky Chicken jigs close to structure.

LOCATION: Lake GranburyHOTSPOT: Decordova SubdivisionGPS: N 32 24.8699, W 97 41.3159 (32.4145, -97.6886)SPECIES: White BassBEST BAITS: Live Shad and Jigging slabs in silver and chartreuseCONTACT: Michael Acosta, Unfair Advantage Charters817-578-0023www.unfairadvantagecharters.com

Texas HOTSPOTSTexasTexasHOTSPOTSHOTSPOTSHOTSPOTSTexasHOTSPOTSHOTSPOTSHOTSPOTSHOTSPOTSHOTSPOTSHOTSPOTSHOTSPOTSHOTSPOTSHOTSPOTSHOTSPOTSHOTSPOTS

1504 Almanac (1).indd 81 3/11/15 12:04 PM

Texas HOTSPOTSTexasTexasHOTSPOTSHOTSPOTSHOTSPOTSTexasHOTSPOTSHOTSPOTSHOTSPOTSHOTSPOTSHOTSPOTSHOTSPOTSHOTSPOTSHOTSPOTSHOTSPOTSHOTSPOTSHOTSPOTSTIPS: Best tactic is bouncing slabs off the bottom near schools of baitfi sh. Look for whitebass schools around 15 to 25 feet down right near humps and channel ledges. Granbury levels continue to be low, so call to make sure access is available. Access continues to be available at the Hilton/City Beach launch and Pecan Plantation private launch. Water temperatures are back in the 60’s and the spring patterns are dominating. The sandbass have com-

pleted their spawn and are back in their main lake locations and are good on slabs.

LOCATION: Lake GrangerHOTSPOT: Main Lake FlatsGPS: N 30 42.6618, W 97 20.6999 (30.7110, -97.3450)SPECIES: Catfi sh/CrappieBEST BAITS: Cut Shad/JigsCONTACT: Tommy Tidwell(512) [email protected]: Now is the best time to load up on the plentiful blue cats that are all over the lake. Jug lines work best for the blue cats. Use 11/0 Mustad circle hooks and put 2 on each jug line. Space one hook about 6 feet from the top and one about 6 feet off the bottom. April is the time to catch some of the largest crappie of the year. The large females are out in the deeper water brush piles all over the open lake. The smaller males will be in shallow water protecting the nests and can also be caught in large numbers. My best crappie fi shing day last year was on April 26 on which we ended up with 86 with being less than 12 inches. Jigs fi shed vertical over the brush is the ticket to getting a limit of the big crappie.

LOCATION: Lake LavonHOTSPOT: Main LakeGPS: N 33 5.268, W 96 28.614 (33.0878, -96.4769)SPECIES: Largemouth BassBEST BAITS: Deep diving crankbaits in Crawfi sh, Sexy Shad, Fire Tiger; Soft plastic worms in Motor Oil or Chartreuse/Watermelon Green, Watermelon Red, Sinko’s, creature baits in soft plastic. CONTACT: Carey Thorn469-528-0210thorn_alex@yahoo.comTexasOklahomaFishingGuide.com TIPS: Fish the rocks along the rip rap in 12 to 18 foot of water with deep diving crankbaits. Texas rig when fi shing the rocks. Carolina rig and fi sh any humps you can fi nd in between the power plant and the dam.

LOCATION: Lake PalestineHOTSPOT: Main Lake PointsGPS: N 32 13.5719, W 95 29.1239 (32.2262, -95.4854)SPECIES: Largemouth BassBEST BAITS: Bomber BD7 crankbait in Shad color, Carolina rigged with a Mister Twister Sensation worm in Watermelon RedCONTACT: RICKY VANDERGRIFF903-561-7299 OR 903-530-2201

[email protected] TIPS: Fish the main lake points with a Carolina rig.

LOCATION: Lake Ray HubbardHOTSPOT: East Fork on the West Bank, North of I-30 BridgeGPS: N 32 53.6639, W 96 30.8639 (32.8944, -96.5144)SPECIES: Largemouth BassBEST BAITS: Gold Rouges or similar jerkbaits, spinnerbaits in green/white or green/blue with two number four Colorado bladesCONTACT: The Cajun Guide/Johnny Procell (972) [email protected]: Black bass will be scattered up and down the rip-rap along I-30 on both sides of the cause-way. It is spawning time and one can expect more eight to twelve pound largemouths to be caught than at any other time of the year! The secret spot will be the area north of I-30 on the western bank on the East Fork side of the lake. This is where the majority of the ‘hawgs’ will spawn. This is also where one can expect to see bedding bass.

LOCATION: Lake Ray RobertsHOTSPOT: State ParkGPS: N 33 23.647, W 97 0.4818 (33.3941, -97.0080)SPECIES: Largemouth BassBEST BAITS: buzzbaits, spinnerbaits, swimbaits, Senkos, Biffl e BugsCONTACT: Dannie Golden, Get Bit Guide Service817-228-5999www.get-bit.comTIPS: April is probably the best month of the year for chasing largemouth bass on Lake Ray Roberts. One of the reasons, there will be bass in all differ-ent stages of the spawn. The ones that spawned in March will have their feedbags on by now. They will be looking to put back on some weight from the spawn. This is also the time that we usually have our fi rst shad spawn of the spring. . Look for bait early in the morning to be pushed right up on the bank, spawning on the shallow vegetation. The fi sh won’t be far behind. Also look for birds to be lined up on banks and points.

LOCATION: Lake Ray RobertsHOTSPOT: Pond Creek PointGPS: N 33 22.6458, W 97 3.1656 (33.3774, -97.0528)SPECIES: White BassBEST BAITS: Chrome/Blue RatLTraps, Gene Larew Rally Grub CONTACT: Dannie Golden, Get Bit Guide Service


1504 Almanac (1).indd 82 3/11/15 12:04 PM

Texas HOTSPOTSTexasTexasHOTSPOTSHOTSPOTSHOTSPOTSTexasHOTSPOTSHOTSPOTSHOTSPOTSHOTSPOTSHOTSPOTSHOTSPOTSHOTSPOTSHOTSPOTSHOTSPOTSHOTSPOTSHOTSPOTS817-228-5999www.get-bit.comTIPS: The white bass are going to be in different stages as well. We will still have spawning fi sh in April and those that are done will be trying to take advantage of the shad spawn as well. Main lake points early in the morning can be great. Birds are key. If you see a group of birds lined the bank, you better stop. The sand bass will be stacked up there. The best points are usually a point with the wind blowing in on it. Chrome blue rattletraps, swimming a spoon and a Gene Larew Rally Grub rigged on a swimbait head will all work. Some morning you may even be able to get them on topwater. They won’t be schooling like during July, but you will see a fi sh bust or even just a shad jumping out of the water. Those are the signs that tell me the fi sh are really aggressive and you can get them to chase. It is a good month to put some fi sh in the cooler.

LOCATION: Lake Sam RayburnHOTSPOT: 147 BridgeGPS: N 31 13.77, W 94 19.326 (31.2295, -94.3221)SPECIES: Largemouth BassBEST BAITS: Flukes and SenkosCONTACT: Lynn Atkinson(979) [email protected]: Fish the deer stand and canyons in the mid-lake area around 147 bridge. Use fl ukes and senkos fl ipping the buck brush.

LOCATION: Lake SomervilleHOTSPOT: Big Creek Pavilion ShoreGPS: N 30 19.752, W 96 33.942 (30.3292, -96.5657)SPECIES: Catfi shBEST BAITS: Cut Shad, CJ’s punch baitCONTACT: Weldon [email protected] shtales-guideservice.comTIPS: Lake is full, anchor close enough to shore that you can cast to the bank. Fish under corks using #6 treble hook. Large blues frequent this shore during this period. So cut shad cast deep can be good too

LOCATION: Lake TexomaHOTSPOT: Flats and Main Lake PointsGPS: N 33 52.056, W 96 38.2859 (33.8676, -96.6381)SPECIES: StriperBEST BAITS: 3/4oz to 1oz Coho minnows and Sassy Shad jigs in White Glo and chartreuse colorsCONTACT: Bill Carey

903-786-4477bigfi [email protected]: In April large schools of stripers are roaming the lake. You can locate stripers on the fl ats, and main lake points in 5’ to 30’ depths. Mid month, try casting topwater plugs and stick baits on the banks for great topwater action. You can land some egg ladened sows that will tip the scales at 20 lbs.

April is the beginning of the great spring fi shing at Lake Texoma.

LOCATION: Lake WhitneyHOTSPOT: Striper PointGPS: N 31 57.1139, W 97 25.2119 (31.9519, -97.4202)SPECIES: Stripers and White BassBEST BAITS: Swim baits and live shad

1504 Almanac (1).indd 83 3/11/15 12:04 PM

CONTACT: Randy Routh817-822-5539teamredneck01@hotmail.comwww.teamredneck.netTIPS: The big stripers are running shallow. Start early throwing chartruese swim baits and ripping them back to the boat in 3 to 10 of water. The big sow stripers are up shallow gorging on shad. Small swim baits and Rat’L’Traps will put a lot of white bass in the boat in the same area as well. After the sun comes up, back off and anceor up and use a Carolina rig and cast live gizzard shad up shallow along the grass and hang on! Big sow stripers are roaming fl ats and will pick up the bait and run!

LOCATION: Richland Chambers LakeHOTSPOT: Creeks Tributaries and CovesGPS: N 31 56.256, W 96 7.41 (31.9376, -96.1235)SPECIES: CrappieBEST BAITS: Small Jigs or MinnowsCONTACT: Royce [email protected] shin.bizTIPS: April is normally a very good month for catching really big spawning crappie. Concentrate jigs or minnows in 1’-3’ of water around the many Coves and Creek Tributaries on both the Richland Arm and Chambers Arm of the Lake. Look for grassy areas in the backs of the Coves and any laydowns or timber that is visible along the shoreline. Bank Access: Coves at Fisherman’s Point Marina.

PANHANDLE

by DUSTIN WARNCKEand DEAN HEFFNER

Island Life for PK White Bass

LOCATION: Possum KingdomHOTSPOT: Costello IslandGPS: N 32 54.57, W 98 27.939 (32.9095, -98.4657)SPECIES: White BassBEST BAITS: live shad, jigs, RatLTrapsCONTACT: Dean [email protected]: The shad will be spawning and every spe-cies will be eating them as they try to spawn. There`s some topwater action on and off but we

mostly fi sh jigs this month and, of course, live fresh-caught shad. We also troll RatLTraps and crankbaits for white bass this time of year. With the live shad, if we are not real deep, we just split shot them. If fi shing normal structure we just hook them thru the eyes but in heavy cover and for topwater, we double hook them thru the tail so they swim to the top for some fast adrenaline pumping action.

LOCATION: Lake Alan HenryHOTSPOT: Main Lake CreeksGPS: N 33 1.7579, W 101 6.4139 (33.0293, -101.1069)SPECIES: Largemouth BassBEST BAITS: Senkos, crankbaits, jigs, or spin-nerbaits.Use Senkos, crankbaits, jigs, or spinner-baits. Main colors red and shad.CONTACT: Norman Clayton’s Guide Services806-792-9220nclayton42@sbcglobal.netwww.lakealanhenry.comnorman_clayton.htmTIPS: April will fi nd the bass starting to move up the creeks. The creeks that I would check fi rst is Gobbler, Ince, and Big Grape. Rocky Creek would also be a good place to check. Also check the northern, north west coves. If the bass have not started moving up the creeks, I will back off in the creek channels watching my electronics for schools of shad or bass. I will use a spin jig or a spoon to attract the bass. Both of these lures will have a shad or perch colored fi nish.

BIG BEND

by DUSTIN WARNCKE

Bass Explore Amistad Canyons

LOCATION: Lake AmisteadHOTSPOT: Main Lake Canyons and CovesGPS: N 29 30.828, W 100 58.056 (29.5138, -100.9676)SPECIES: Largemouth BassBEST BAITS: Jerk baits, belly weighted fl ukes, swim baits, swim jigs, jerk baits, big spinners and medium running crank baits, Top water luresCONTACT: Ray Hanselman(830) [email protected] shingguide.comTIPS: April should be the turn around point for Amistad. The past few years we haven’t had any aquatic vegetation to hold fi sh for any amount of

time during and after the spawn. The lake has good grass in several areas now and that should help hold the bass up shallow enough to catch.I expect several typical spring patterns will work during April such as sight fi shing in the protected canyons and coves. I would look out on some of the main lake fl ats and drains from marker 5 to 10 on both sides of the Rio Grande as there are acres of fl ooded duck weed and hydrilla out there from 15 to 20 ft. Try deeper suspending lures out on those fl ats. As always a light Texas rig with a 3/16th to 1/4 oz weight. Keeping an eye on the water temp will also dictate whether or not to pick up a top water bait. I will start throwing the top water when water temps reach the mid 60s.

HILL COUNTRY

by DUSTIN WARNCKE

Buch Stripers Stay Shallow

LOCATION: Canyon LakeHOTSPOT: Canyon Park AreaGPS: N 29 54.0959, W 98 14.1659 (29.9016, -98.2361)SPECIES: Largemouth BassBEST BAITS: Flick Shake, 1/8oz Picasso Shakey Head, Trick Worms Zoom Baits, 1/32 Creame Whaky Sticks, Jewel Jig in Texas Craw color, 1/2oz spinnerbaits in whiteCONTACT: KC’S Bassin’ Guide [email protected] TIPS: Fish 5-10 feet deep. Concentrateon backs of creeks as the Bass are on the move where the sun warms the water early. Some Bass may be on the beds during the fi rst part of April. Check the bluff wall on the right after the point. Jig early and slowly.

LOCATION: Canyon LakeHOTSPOT: River ChannelGPS: N 29 54.468, W 98 17.3759 (29.9078, -98.2896)SPECIES: Striped Bass, White Bass and CrappieBEST BAITS: Radar 10 in Chrome Blue or char-treuseCONTACT: Steve Nixon, Fishhooks Adventures210-573-1230steve@sanantoniofi shingguides.comwww.sanantoniofi shingguides.com



1504 Almanac (1).indd 84 3/11/15 12:04 PM

TIPS: Troll the Luhr-Jensen Radar 10 in the main river channel from the rapids of the river to the mouth of the lake until you locate the fi sh and then fi sh the area of the river you fi nd them in. This is one of my favorite times of year on Canyon Lake, on any cast you may catch a White Bass, Striped Bass, Largemouth Bass, Crappie or even Catfi sh.

LOCATION: Canyon LakeHOTSPOT: Up-River AreaGPS: N 29 54.5339, W 98 19.326 (29.9089, -98.3221)SPECIES: CrappieBEST BAITS: Small crankbaits, small spinner-baits, minnow or jigs with minnows.CONTACT: Teach ‘Em to Fish Guide Service-Barry Dodd210-771-0123barry@teachemtofi sh.netwww.teachemtofi sh.netTIPS: This is the time of year that some bass and crappie will have already spawned and some still in the spawning stage. Look for prime areas for spawning in shallow water. This is one of the best times of the year to fi sh shallow. However, due to low water lake level conditions, do not discount bass spawning a little deeper than usual. Also, bass and crappie that have already spawned will be moving back to deeper water to rebuild their strength by eating. If you cannot fi nd the fi sh in shallow water, move out to a little deeper water and you just might fi nd both spawned and ready to spawn fi sh. For this Hotspot, look for areas with fl ats near the river channel.

LOCATION: Lake AustinHOTSPOT: Creek OpeningsGPS: N 30 27.42, W 97 55.6559 (30.4570, -97.9276)SPECIES: Largemouth BassBEST BAITS: V&M Wild Craw, Pacemaker Flatline Jig, Picasso Double Barrel UnderspinCONTACT: Brian Parker - Lake Austin Fishing817-808-2227lakeaustinfi [email protected] TIPS: April is one of the better months to catch largemouth bass going to and coming from their bedding areas. I try to focus my efforts on their highway running into and out of the creeks. I’ll tie on a Picasso Double Barrel Underspin with a V&M Thunder Shad trailer and work the entire channel. If the water is calm, I’ll tie on a Pacemaker Flatline Jig with a V&M Twin Tail trailer and slowly work from shallow to deep with the jig. Keep in mind that there will be fi sh coming and going. If you catch a smaller male, throw right back in and see if you can get the female to bite with the male out of the way.

LOCATION: Lake BuchananHOTSPOT: Main LakeGPS: N 30 46.752, W 98 26.7599 (30.7792, -98.4460)SPECIES: Catfi shBEST BAITS: Cut ShadCONTACT: Clancy Terrill512-633-6742centraltexasfi [email protected] shing.com TIPS: Fishing for big blue cats is excellent on rod and reel. Fish rock piles, rocky ridges, and coves near trees. I only fi sh for them if the wind is low. Concentrate on 15 to 25 ft of water, early and late. Try to use big enough bait that will cast without weights.

LOCATION: Lake BuchananHOTSPOT: Main Lake Points and ShallowsGPS: N 30 44.988, W 98 26.664 (30.7498, -98.4444)SPECIES: Striped BassBEST BAITS: Topwater lures in all colors and sizes,CONTACT: Ken [email protected]: April Striper fi shing on Lake Buchanan is awesome. Stripers will be in the shallows along points and cover. Concentrate on areas where you can fi nd threadfi n shad running and you are most likely going to fi nd the fi sh!

SOUTH TEXAS

by DUSTIN WARNCKE

Choke Catfi sh with Cheese

LOCATION: Choke Canyon Res.HOTSPOT: Main Lake PointsGPS: N 28 28.2059, W 98 18.312 (28.4701, -98.3052)SPECIES: Catfi shBEST BAITS: Cheese/Stink bait, cut buffalo or carpCONTACT: Charlie Brown830-780-2162TIPS: April is a great time to fi sh Choke Canyon for catfi sh as the fi sh like to move shallow. You can fi nd them in less than a foot to two feet of water

many times which makes fi shing off right of the bank with or without a boat very easy. When fi shing shallow, suspend bait under a cork and wait for the action. If the fi sh aren’t shallow, look for them in 40-50 feet, fi shing 2-3 cranks off the bottom.

LOCATION: Coleto Creek LakeHOTSPOT: Main Lake Shallow AreasGPS: N 28 44.4959, W 97 10.8299 (28.7416, -97.1805)SPECIES: CrappieBEST BAITS: Jigs and crappie niblets in char-truese, small minnowsCONTACT: Rocky’s Guide Service 361-250-3959 www.coletocreekguidefi shing.comTIPS: April can be a great time to be on the lake. Warmer water means more active fi sh. I get excited about the crappie spawn. I love trolling the shallow water with a crappie jig and long ultra lite rod and reel. I use 8lb braided line, perferability white. I troll along the banks and drop it in every nook and cranny. Some prefer minnows with small split shot. The females get up along the banks where the water is a little more clear to hatch their eggs. The reason I use white or other colored line is because I watch my line drop and a lot of times I see the bite before I feel it.

LOCATION: Falcon LakeHOTSPOT: US Side Creeks and Secondary PointsGPS: N 26 52.962, W 99 15.822 (26.8827, -99.2637)SPECIES: Largemouth BassBEST BAITS: 6 red lizards, 5 Watermelon Red Senkos, Watermelon Red Magic Brushogs, big and small Jo Baby spinnerbaits - 3/4 oz chartruese/white double gold willow blades, and 1/2 - 3/4 oz War Eagle in Mouse color, medium-deep diving crankbaits, Power Worms in Motor Oil Red Flake or PlumCONTACT: Falcon Lake Guide Service - Timothy Griffi n(956) [email protected] www.falconlakeguideservice.comTIPS: Fish creeks mainly on the US side of the lake. In April, nearly all of the Mexico side creeks will be spawned out and this will result in the US side creeks bing loaded down with fi sh. Post-spawn, most fi sh will be found on secondary points coming out of creeks. Fish spinnerbaits, Texas-rigged Power Worms, and medium deep div-ing crankbaits in these areas as well as main lake humps and ledges which should be loaded with fi sh which have spawned in January-March.



1504 Almanac (1).indd 85 3/11/15 12:04 PM

Tides and Prime Times APRIL 2015

USING THE PRIME TIMES CALENDAR

SPORTSMAN’S DAYBOOK IS SPONSORED BY:

The following pages contain TIDE and SOLUNAR predictions for Galveston Chan-nel (29.3166° N, 94.88° W).TIDE PREDICTIONS are located in the upper white boxes on the Calendar Pages. Use the Correction Table below, which is keyed to 23 other tide stations, to adjust low and high tide times.

SOLUNAR ACTIVITY is shown in the lower color boxes of the Calendar pages. Use the SOLUNAR ADJUSTMENT SCALE below to adjust times for points East and West of Galveston Channel.

TIDE PREDICTIONS are shown in graph form, with High and Low tide predictions in text immediately below.

SOLUNAR ACTIVITY data is provided to indicate major and minor feeding periods for each day, as the daily phases of the moon have varying degrees of infl uence on many wildlife species.

AM & PM MINOR phases occur when the moon rises and sets. These phases last 1 to 2 hours.

AM & PM MAJOR phases occur when the moon reaches its highest point overhead as well as when it is “underfoot” or at its highest point on the exact opposite side of the earth from your positoin (or liter-ally under your feet). Most days have two Major Feed-ing Phases, each lasting about 2 hours.

PEAK DAYS: The closer the moon is to your location, the stronger the infl uence. FULL or NEW MOONS provide the strongest infl unce of the month.

PEAK TIMES: When a Solunar Period falls within 30 minutes to an hour of sunrise or sunset, anticipate increased action. A moon rise or moon set during one of these periods will cause even greater action. If a FULL or NEW MOON occurs during a Solunar Period, expect the best action of the season.

T1T2

T3T4

T5T6

T7

T8

T9T10

T11T12

T13

T14T15

T16

T17

T18

T19

T20

T21

T22

T23

NOT TO BE USED FOR NAVIGATION

TIDE CORRECTION TABLE

Add or subtract the time shown at the rightof the Tide Stations on this table (and map) to

determine the adjustment from the time shown for GALVESTON CHANNEL in the calendars.

KEY PLACE HIGH LOW Sabine Bank Lighthouse -1:46 -1:31 Sabine Pass Jetty -1:26 -1:31 Sabine Pass -1:00 -1:15 Mesquite Pt, Sab. Pass -0:04 -0:25 Galveston Bay, S. Jetty -0:39 -1:05 Port Bolivar +0:14 -0:06

KEY PLACE HIGH LOWGalveston Channel/Bays Texas City Turning Basin +0:33 +0:41 Eagle Point +3:54 +4:15 Clear Lake +6:05 +6:40 Morgans Point +10:21 +5:19 Round Pt, Trinity Bay +10:39 +5:15

KEY PLACE HIGH LOW Pt Barrow, Trinity Bay +5:48 +4:43 Gilchrist, East Bay +3:16 +4:18 Jamaica Beach, W. Bay +2:38 +3:31 Alligator Point, W. Bay +2:39 +2:33 Christmas Pt +2:32 +2:31 Galveston Pleasure Pier -1:06 -1:06

KEY PLACE HIGH LOW San Luis Pass -0.09 -0.09 Freeport Harbor -0:44 -1:02 Pass Cavallo 0:00 -1:20 Aransas Pass -0:03 -1:31 Padre Island (So. End) -0:24 -1:45 Port Isabel +1:02 -0:42

T1T2T3T4T5T6

T7T8T9T10T11

T12T13T14T15T16T17

T18T19T20T21T22T23

KEYS TO USING THE TIDE AND SOLUNAR GRAPHS

AM Minor: 1:20a

AM Major: 7:32a

PM Minor: 1:45p

PM Major: 7:57p

Moon Underfoot: 9:15p

Moon Overhead: 8:50aTime Moonis at its Highest Point in the Sky

SOLUNAR ACTIVITY:

Time Moon is DirectlyUnderfoot (atits peak on opposite sideof the earth)

AM/PM Timeline

MAJORFeedingPeriods(+/- 2 Hrs.)

MINORFeedingPeriods(+/- 1.5 Hrs.)

TIDE GRAPH:

BEST:5:30 — 7:30 AM

Yellow: Daylight

Light Blue:Nighttime

AM/PMTimeline

Blue:Rising Tide

Gold Fish:Best Time

Blue Fish:Good TimeRed Graph:

Fishing Score

Green: Falling Tide

Tab: PeakFishing Period

Sportsman’s DAYBOOKSportsman’sSportsman’sSportsman’sSportsman’sSportsman’sSportsman’sSportsman’sSportsman’sSportsman’sSportsman’sDAYBOOKDAYBOOKDAYBOOKDAYBOOKDAYBOOKDAYBOOKDAYBOOKDAYBOOKDAYBOOKDAYBOOKDAYBOOKDAYBOOKDAYBOOKDAYBOOKDAYBOOK


12a 12a6a 12p 6p

12a 12a6a 12p 6p

1504 Almanac (1).indd 86 3/11/15 12:04 PM


TID

E L

EV

EL

S


Fishing Score Graph

Day’s BestScore

2ndBest

= Peak FishingPeriod

BEST:7:45-9:40 AM

= FALLING TIDE= RISING TIDE= DAYLIGHT HOURS= NIGHTTIME HOURS

DIGITAL EXTRATap for

CustomizedTide Charts

30

High Tide 12:56 AM 1.07 ftLow Tide 8:24 AM 0.18 ftHigh Tide 3:26 PM 1.15 ftLow Tide 9:12 PM 0.82 ft

31


Apr 1


2 «


3 «


4 ¡


5 «


AM Minor: 2:26a

AM Major: 8:37a

PM Minor: 2:48p

PM Major: 8:59p

AM Minor: 3:05a

AM Major: 9:16a

PM Minor: 3:27p

PM Major: 9:38p

AM Minor: 3:43a

AM Major: 9:54a

PM Minor: 4:05p

PM Major: 10:15p

AM Minor: 4:22a

AM Major: 10:32a

PM Minor: 4:43p

PM Major: 10:54p

AM Minor: 5:02a

AM Major: 11:12a

PM Minor: 5:23p

PM Major: 11:34p

AM Minor: 5:44a

AM Major: 11:55a

PM Minor: 6:06p

PM Major: -----

AM Minor: 6:29a

AM Major: 12:18a

PM Minor: 6:51p

PM Major: 12:40p

+2.0

+1.0

0

-1.0

FEET FEET

+2.0

+1.0

0

-1.0

BEST:5:00 — 6:00 PM

BEST:6:00 — 8:00 PM

BEST:7:00 — 9:00 PM

BEST:4:30 — 6:30 AM

BEST:4:00 — 6:00 AM

BEST:3:30 — 5:30 AM

BEST:3:00 — 5:00 AM

MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY

SO

LU

NA

R A

CT

IVIT

Y SO

LU

NA

R A

CT

IVIT

Y

Sunrise: 7:04a Set: 7:39pMoonrise: 8:57p Set: 7:47a







TID

E L

EV

EL

S

l = New Moon

º = First Quarter

l = Full Moon

» = Last Quarter

« = Good Day

n = Best Day

SYMBOL KEY

Moon Underfoot: 10:00a Moon Underfoot: 10:44a

Moon Overhead: 11:05p Moon Overhead: 11:48p Moon Overhead: None Moon Overhead: 12:31a Moon Overhead: 1:14a Moon Overhead: 1:58aMoon Overhead: 10:22p

Moon Underfoot: 2:20pMoon Underfoot: 12:52pMoon Underfoot: 12:09p Moon Underfoot: 1:35pMoon Underfoot: 11:27a

12a 12a6a 12p 6p 12a6a 12p 6p 12a6a 12p 6p 12a6a 12p 6p 12a6a 12p 6p 6a 12p 6p 12a 12a6a 12p 6p

1504 Almanac (1).indd 87 3/11/15 12:04 PM



Fishing Score Graph

Day’s BestScore

2ndBest


BEST:7:45-9:40 AM


6 «

High Tide 6:56 AM 1.37 ftLow Tide 12:11 PM 0.90 ftHigh Tide 5:17 PM 1.15 ft

7

Low Tide 12:05 AM 0.18 ftHigh Tide 7:51 AM 1.37 ftLow Tide 12:46 PM 1.01 ftHigh Tide 5:17 PM 1.17 ft

8


9


10


11 »

Low Tide 3:24 AM 0.09 ftHigh Tide 12:23 PM 1.41 ft

12

Low Tide 4:33 AM 0.11 ftHigh Tide 1:13 PM 1.41 ft

AM Minor: 7:17a

AM Major: 1:06a

PM Minor: 7:40p

PM Major: 1:29p

AM Minor: 8:09a

AM Major: 1:57a

PM Minor: 8:33p

PM Major: 2:21p

AM Minor: 9:03a

AM Major: 2:51a

PM Minor: 9:28p

PM Major: 3:16p

AM Minor: 9:59a

AM Major: 3:46a

PM Minor: 10:25p

PM Major: 4:12p

AM Minor: 10:56a

AM Major: 4:43a

PM Minor: 11:23p

PM Major: 5:10p

AM Minor: 11:53a

AM Major: 5:40a

PM Minor: -----

PM Major: 6:07p

AM Minor: 12:21a

AM Major: 6:35a

PM Minor: 12:48p

PM Major: 7:02p

+2.0

+1.0

0

-1.0

FEET FEET

+2.0

+1.0

0

-1.0

BEST:12:00 — 2:00 PM

BEST:12:00 — 2:00 AM

BEST:12:30 — 2:30 AM

BEST:9:30 — 11:30 PM

BEST:9:00 — 11:00 PM

BEST:8:30 — 10:30 PM

BEST:8:00 — 10:00 PM


TID

E L

EV

EL

S TID

E L

EV

EL

SS

OL

UN

AR

AC

TIV

ITY S

OL

UN

AR

AC

TIV

ITY

Sunrise: 6:56a Set: 7:43pMoonrise: 2:17a Set: 1:27p


Sunrise: 6:59a Set: 7:41pMoonrise: 12:34a Set: 11:30a

Sunrise: 7:00a Set: 7:41pMoonrise: None Set: 10:38a




l = New Moon

º = First Quarter

l = Full Moon

» = Last Quarter

« = Good Day

n = Best Day

SYMBOL KEY

13

Low Tide 5:47 AM 0.15 ftHigh Tide 1:50 PM 1.39 ftLow Tide 7:36 PM 1.03 ftHigh Tide 11:58 PM 1.18 ft

14

Low Tide 6:58 AM 0.22 ftHigh Tide 2:20 PM 1.36 ftLow Tide 8:01 PM 0.83 ft

15


16


17 «


18 l

High Tide 5:05 AM 1.58 ftLow Tide 10:54 AM 0.78 ftHigh Tide 4:06 PM 1.30 ftLow Tide 10:45 PM -0.07 ft

19 «

High Tide 6:09 AM 1.62 ftLow Tide 11:46 AM 1.08 ftHigh Tide 4:33 PM 1.30 ftLow Tide 11:32 PM -0.17 ft

AM Minor: 1:14a

AM Major: 7:28a

PM Minor: 1:41p

PM Major: 7:55p

AM Minor: 2:04a

AM Major: 8:18a

PM Minor: 2:32p

PM Major: 8:46p

AM Minor: 2:53a

AM Major: 9:07a

PM Minor: 3:21p

PM Major: 9:34p

AM Minor: 3:41a

AM Major: 9:55a

PM Minor: 4:09p

PM Major: 10:23p

AM Minor: 4:31a

AM Major: 10:45a

PM Minor: 4:59p

PM Major: 11:13p

AM Minor: 5:24a

AM Major: 11:38a

PM Minor: 5:52p

PM Major: 12:06p

AM Minor: 6:20a

AM Major: 12:06a

PM Minor: 6:48p

PM Major: 12:34p

+2.0

+1.0

0

-1.0

FEET FEET

+2.0

+1.0

0

-1.0

BEST:5:30 — 7:30 PM

BEST:12:00 — 2:00 PM

BEST:1:00 — 3:00 PM

BEST:4:00 — 6:00 AM

BEST:3:00 — 5:00 AM

BEST:2:00 — 4:00 AM

BEST:1:00 — 3:00 AM


TID

E L

EV

EL

S TID

E L

EV

EL

SS

OL

UN

AR

AC

TIV

ITY S

OL

UN

AR

AC

TIV

ITY









TIDE CORRECTION TABLE

Add or subtract the time shown at the rightof the Tide Stations on this table (and map) to determine the adjustment from the time shown for GALVES-

TON CHANNEL in the calendars.

KEY PLACE HIGH LOW

Sabine Bank Lighthouse -1:46 -1:31

Sabine Pass Jetty -1:26 -1:31

Sabine Pass -1:00 -1:15

Mesquite Pt, Sab. Pass -0:04 -0:25

Galveston Bay, S. Jetty -0:39 -1:05

Port Bolivar +0:14 -0:06

KEY PLACE HIGH LOW

Galveston Channel/Bays

Texas City Turning Basin +0:33 +0:41

Eagle Point +3:54 +4:15

Clear Lake +6:05 +6:40

Morgans Point +10:21 +5:19

Round Pt, Trinity Bay +10:39 +5:15

KEY PLACE HIGH LOW

Pt Barrow, Trinity Bay +5:48 +4:43

Gilchrist, East Bay +3:16 +4:18

Jamaica Beach, W. Bay +2:38 +3:31

Alligator Point, W. Bay +2:39 +2:33

Christmas Pt +2:32 +2:31

Galveston Pleasure Pier -1:06 -1:06

KEY PLACE HIGH LOW

San Luis Pass -0.09 -0.09

Freeport Harbor -0:44 -1:02

Pass Cavallo 0:00 -1:20

Aransas Pass -0:03 -1:31

Padre Island (So. End) -0:24 -1:45

Port Isabel +1:02 -0:42

T1

T2

T3

T4

T5

T6

T7

T8

T9

T10

T11

T12

T13

T14

T15

T16

T17

T18

T19

T20

T21

T22

T23

Moon Overhead: 3:30aMoon Overhead: 2:43a Moon Overhead: 4:19a Moon Overhead: 5:10a Moon Overhead: 6:02a

Moon Underfoot: 3:54p Moon Underfoot: 4:44p Moon Underfoot: 6:29p Moon Underfoot: 7:23p Moon Underfoot: 8:18pMoon Underfoot: 5:36pMoon Underfoot: 3:06p

Moon Overhead: 6:56a Moon Overhead: 7:51a

Moon Underfoot: 9:14p Moon Underfoot: 10:09p

Moon Overhead: 9:41a Moon Overhead: 10:36a Moon Overhead: 11:31a Moon Overhead: 12:26p Moon Overhead: 1:22p Moon Overhead: 2:18pMoon Overhead: 8:46a

Moon Underfoot: 1:50aMoon Underfoot: NoneMoon Underfoot: None Moon Underfoot: 12:54aMoon Underfoot: 11:03p



Sportsman’s DAYBOOK



1504 Almanac (1).indd 88 3/11/15 12:04 PM

1504 Almanac (1).indd 89 3/9/15 5:26 PM



Fishing Score Graph

Day’s BestScore

2ndBest


BEST:7:45-9:40 AM


20 «

High Tide 7:12 AM 1.62 ftLow Tide 12:40 PM 1.08 ftHigh Tide 5:01 PM 1.31 ft

21 «

Low Tide 12:20 AM -0.20 ftHigh Tide 8:16 AM 1.59 ftLow Tide 1:41 PM 1.18 ftHigh Tide 5:28 PM 1.29 ft

22

Low Tide 1:11 AM -0.15 ftHigh Tide 9:22 AM 1.54 ftLow Tide 3:06 PM 1.24 ftHigh Tide 5:51 PM 1.26 ft

23

Low Tide 2:05 AM -0.04 ftHigh Tide 10:31 AM 1.48 ft

24

Low Tide 3:04 AM 0.09 ftHigh Tide 11:37 AM 1.43 ft

25


26


AM Minor: 7:20a

AM Major: 1:06a

PM Minor: 7:48p

PM Major: 1:34p

AM Minor: 8:21a

AM Major: 2:07a

PM Minor: 8:49p

PM Major: 2:35p

AM Minor: 9:22a

AM Major: 3:09a

PM Minor: 9:49p

PM Major: 3:36p

AM Minor: 10:21a

AM Major: 4:08a

PM Minor: 10:47p

PM Major: 4:34p

AM Minor: 11:16a

AM Major: 5:04a

PM Minor: 11:41p

PM Major: 5:29p

AM Minor: -----

AM Major: 5:55a

PM Minor: 12:07p

PM Major: 6:19p

AM Minor: 12:31a

AM Major: 6:42a

PM Minor: 12:53p

PM Major: 7:05p

FEET FEET

+2.0

+1.0

0

-1.0

+2.0

+1.0

0

-1.0

BEST:10:00P — 12:00A

BEST:10:30A — 12:30P

BEST:12:30 — 2:30 AM

BEST:9:30 — 11:30 pm

BEST:9:00 — 11:00 PM

BEST:8:30 — 10:30 PM

BEST:2:00 — 4:00 PM


SO

LU

NA

R A

CT

IVIT

Y SO

LU

NA

R A

CT

IVIT

Y





Sunrise: 6:46a Set: 7:49pMoonrise: 10:07a Set: None



TID

E L

EV

EL

S TID

E L

EV

EL

S

Moon Underfoot: 2:46a Moon Underfoot: 3:42a Moon Underfoot: 4:37a

Moon Overhead: 5:56p Moon Overhead: 6:46p Moon Overhead: 7:33p

Moon Underfoot: 7:56a

Moon Overhead: 8:19pMoon Overhead: 5:04p

Moon Underfoot: 7:10a

Moon Overhead: 3:14p

Moon Underfoot: 6:21aMoon Underfoot: 5:30a

Moon Overhead: 4:10p

l = New Moon

º = First Quarter

l = Full Moon

» = Last Quarter

« = Good Day

n = Best Day

SYMBOL KEY


Sportsman’s DAYBOOK


1504 Almanac (1).indd 90 3/11/15 12:04 PM


TID

E L

EV

EL

S


Fishing Score Graph

Day’s BestScore

2ndBest


BEST:7:45-9:40 AM


DIGITAL EXTRATap for

CustomizedTide Charts

27 º

Low Tide 6:37 AM 0.49 ftHigh Tide 1:43 PM 1.29 ftLow Tide 8:17 PM 0.88 ft

28


29


30


May 1


2 «


3 «


AM Minor: 1:14a

AM Major: 7:25a

PM Minor: 1:36p

PM Major: 7:47p

AM Minor: 1:54a

AM Major: 8:05a

PM Minor: 2:16p

PM Major: 8:26p

AM Minor: 2:32a

AM Major: 8:43a

PM Minor: 2:53p

PM Major: 9:04p

AM Minor: 3:10a

AM Major: 9:20a

PM Minor: 3:31p

PM Major: 9:42p

AM Minor: 3:47a

AM Major: 9:58a

PM Minor: 4:09p

PM Major: 10:20p

AM Minor: 4:27a

AM Major: 10:39a

PM Minor: 4:50p

PM Major: 11:01p

AM Minor: 5:10a

AM Major: 11:22a

PM Minor: 5:34p

PM Major: 11:45p

+2.0

+1.0

0

-1.0

FEET FEET

+2.0

+1.0

0

-1.0

BEST:4:30 — 6:30 PM

BEST:5:30 — 7:30 PM

BEST:6:30 — 8:30 PM

BEST:3:30 — 5:30 PM

BEST:10:00A — 12:00P

BEST:2:00 — 4:00 AM

BEST:1:00 — 3:00 AM


SO

LU

NA

R A

CT

IVIT

Y SO

LU

NA

R A

CT

IVIT

Y








TID

E L

EV

EL

S

l = New Moon

º = First Quarter

l = Full Moon

» = Last Quarter

« = Good Day

n = Best Day

SYMBOL KEY

Moon Underfoot: 8:41a Moon Underfoot: 9:24a

Moon Overhead: 9:45p Moon Overhead: 10:28p Moon Overhead: 11:11p Moon Overhead: 11:54p Moon Overhead: None Moon Overhead: 12:40aMoon Overhead: 9:02p

Moon Underfoot: 1:03pMoon Underfoot: 11:32aMoon Underfoot: 10:49a Moon Underfoot: 12:17pMoon Underfoot: 10:06a



1504 Almanac (1).indd 91 3/11/15 12:04 PM


Boiled Crawfi sh, Made Easy

CRAWFISH SEASON 2015 IS upon us. In just a few short weeks crawfi sh will be at their optimal size: number one select. Our fool-

proof cooking method is sure to be a hit at your next crawfi sh boil.

You are going to need a few things to get started:

Ingredients30 pounds of (live) number-one “select”

crawfi sh15-20 medium red potatoes10 ears of shucked corn snapped in half.6 pounds Craw Crush Premium Boil;Quality link sausage (optional)

Additional Items10–20 gallon pot with drain basket.Extra large ice chestone bag of iceoutdoor propane fi sh fryerStir paddlewater hose nearby.

Cooking InstructionsOnce you have the propane tank con-

nected to the fryer and tested, place the pot on the fryer and fi ll up two thirds with cold water. Bring to a boil. Add 4 pounds Craw Crush premium boil. Make sure you place the basket into the water and then add the potatoes.

Boil for 10 minutes.Now add the corn and boil for another

fi ve minutes.

If you are adding sausage put them in now.

Add the entire sack of crawfi sh to the pot and return to a boil. Cook for seven minutes, stirring occasionally all the while.

Add the entire bag of ice and stir it in well. Soak for 10 to 30 minutes—the lon-ger the hotter the crawfi sh will be.

Remove crawfi sh and drain well, then layer in the the ice chest, sprinkling Craw Crush boil generously between layers.

Close the lid on the ice chest and allow to steam from 10 to 20 minutes.

Pour out onto a table covered in news-paper and enjoy.

Kenneth Teal’s company, Swamp Dust, makes and markets a variety of seasonings

including Craw Crush Premium Boil and other tasty Cajun products.

Check them out at www.SwampDust.com.Email Kenneth Teal at

[email protected]

Texas TASTEDTexasTexasTASTEDTASTEDTexasTASTEDTASTEDTASTEDTASTEDTASTEDTASTEDTASTEDTASTEDTASTEDTASTEDTASTEDTexasTexasTexasTexasTexasTexasby KENNETH TEAL :: Special Guest Contributor

Pour onto a table & enjoy!

Four pounds of Craw Crush Premium Boil goes into the pot, but save the rest for a liberal sprinkling while steaming in an ice chest.

PHOTOS: KENNETH TEAL

1504 Almanac (1).indd 92 3/11/15 12:04 PM


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320 Pages, Full ofinformation on 56

Fresh and Saltwater Destinations

2,500 Fishing Hotspots,with GPS, tips & more

18-Month Tide Forecast

ORDER NOWwww.FishandGameGear.com

NEW 2015 EDITION

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LAKE TEXOMA

1504 Almanac (1).indd 93 3/9/15 5:26 PM


WHITETAIL

East TexasAryssa Womack, 12, of Danbury shot this 97-pound doe at 204 yards while hunting on the Dolan Ranch in East Texas. It was her fi rst deer.

FLOUNDER

Sabine PassSeven-year-old Lexy Ousley shows off her fi rst fl ounder. She gigged the 24-inch fl at-fi sh in Sabine Pass.

REDFISH

Bastrop BayRoxanne Walch is pic-tured with one of two redfi sh she caught on the same spot at Bas-trop Bayou, exactly one month apart. They were the same size, and she was wearing the same clothes.

REDFISH

Nueces BayZachary Gisler caught this 32-inch redfi sh while wadefi sh-ing with his dad, Craig Gisler, in Nueces Bay at Corpus Christi.

REDFISH

Copano BayAbby Lane caught this 28-inch red fi sh while fi shing in Copano Bay last summer.

BASS

Lady Bird LakeThirteen-year-old Mac Surles landed his fi rst bass off a kayak whild fi shing with his dad, Jeff Surles on Lady Bird Lake in Austin.

WHITETAIL

Trinity CountyPaul Folsom, Sr. shot this 11-point buck in Trinity County with his .308 caliber AR10. It had a 16 ½-inch inside spread and aged 4 1/2 years old.

1504 Almanac (1).indd 94 3/11/15 12:04 PM


MAIL TO: TFG PHOTOS1745 Greens Rd, Houston TX 77032NOTE: Print photos can not be returned.

EMAIL: [email protected] best results, send MED to HIGH quality JPEG digital fi les only, please.

BOBCAT

New BraunfelsFifteen-year-old Caro-line Gekas shot this bobcat on her grand-father’s hunting lease while on a Christmas hunt.

FLOUNDER

East Galveston BayA.D. “Skipper” Harvell caught a nice early-run limit of fl ounder while fi shing on East Galves-ton Bay last October.

JACKFISH

GalvestonJasper Palermo and Zane Wong, both fi ve years old, helped land this 37-inch yellowtail out of the surf along Galveston Island. The yellow-tail was caught on 12-pound test line.

SPECKLED TROUT

GalvestonThree generations of Fred Finchers show off two 28-inch and 24-inch specks they caught with guide Kurt Sauers in Galveston.

BLACK DRUM

Dickenson BayouTwelve-year-old Gage Fowlkes caught this nice black drum while fi shing from the shore-line of Dickinson Bayou.

BREAM

Lake ConroeFive-year-old Jackson (Jax) Romeo shows off his fi rst fi sh, a bream he caught at Lake Conroe. Grandpa Michael Romeo

shared the photo.

No guaran-tee can be made as to when, or if, a submitted photo will be published.

1504 Almanac (1).indd 95 3/11/15 12:05 PM

1504 Almanac (1).indd 96 3/9/15 5:26 PM

C3_Johnson/Minnkota.indd 3 3/10/15 5:55 PM

C4_Columbia Sportswear.indd 4 3/10/15 5:56 PM

Documents

Texas Fish & Game April 2015