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08 Dolly All Over Again? Mike McBride12 The Foundation Kevin Cochran 14 Water temps, tagging surf trout... Billy Sandifer 18 The REWD CREW Martin Strarup20 Red Snapper Management Mike Jennings 22 Square Pegs, Round Holes, and... Chuck Uzzle 16 Coastal Birding Billy Sandifer29 Science and the Sea UT-Marine Science Institute32 Lets Ask The Pro Jay Watkins34 Fly Fishing Casey Smartt36 Bluewater Journal Bobby Byrd/John Cochrane38 TPWD Field Notes Tonya Wiley and Art Morris40 Conservation CCA Texas42 Kayak Fishing Scott Null46 According to Scott Scott Sommerlatte 48 Youth Fishing Jake Haddock50 Texas Nearshore and Offshore Mike Jennings

56 Dickie Colburns Sabine Scene Dickie Colburn58 Mickey on Galveston Mickey Eastman 60 Capt. Bills Fish Talk Bill Pustejovsky 62 Mid-Coast Bays with the Grays Gary Gray 64 Hooked up with Rowsey David Rowsey66 Capt. Tricias Port Mansfield Report Capt. Tricia 68 South Padre Fishing Scene Ernest Cisneros 06 Editorial 54 New Tackle & Gear 70 Fishing Reports and Forecasts 72, 74 Catch of the Month 76 Gulf Coast Kitchen80 Index of Advertisers

Offshore anglers will get a fall bonus as Gulf of Mexico Fisheries Management Council announces the opening of a supplemental season due to fishing closures during the Deepwater Horizon spill incident.Photo by Scott Sommerlatte

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4 October 2010 / www.TSFMAG.com Texas Saltwater Fishing Please use our Texas spotted seatrout resource wisely!

Although April holds a special place in this anglers heart; October is undoubtedly my favorite of all months on the Texas coast. Pleasant weather, generous tides and increased feeding activity are all a fisherman could ever want and October gives us plenty. I have been blessed with many great experiences in many waters but the lakes and marshes of Matagorda Island are my favorite haunts in October. Everything is alive in the almost surreal setting of Matagordas natural beauty. Redfish roam in hungry packs through the maze of marsh sloughs and the lakes become the seasonal home of specks gorging on everything they can swallow. It seems every year the teal show in much better number than we ever see in September and of course flights of pintail, gadwall and widgeon increase with the arrival of every front that makes its way to the coast. Speckled-bellies announce their arrival with their signature ha-lukka-luk and the final days of the month bring the first sightings of graceful whoopers. Surface lures disappearing in foamy rings from gamefish that seem as jubilant as anglers at the demise of summer are sensuously heightened as the canvas is filled with the backdrop of season change. That many fishermen are lured away to autumn fields has always caused me to wonder whether they have ever experienced the beauty of the sun rising or golden hue of an October sunset on a Texas bay. If any month comes as close to perfect for family outings or hardcore angling I have yet to experience it. On a more sober note news from down Baffin way has cast somewhat of a pall on the fishing scene at the west end of Texas most famous trophy trout venue. While the arrival of Tropical Storm Hermine brought much needed rainfall to the coastal plain and the long awaited coup-de-grace for dog days, the silver lining faded to gray in the form of a localized fish kill that included not just rough fish and forage species but also red drum and highly-coveted speckled trout. Coastal Fisheries biologists are citing a nontoxic algal bloom as the likely cause. Algal blooms occur naturally and are an essential piece of marine ecology. Like everything else, algae needs oxygen to live. However, sudden and expansive blooms have ability to deplete the available oxygen to levels below which some organisms can survive. Low dissolved oxygen content is always a problem during late summer given elevated water temperature and light wind that contributes little stirring at the surface where oxygen is primarily introduced. The bloom under investigation simply came at a bad time, we are told. Run-off through Petronilla Creek likely supplied the freshwater and nutrient load for the algae to explode and complete its dastardly trick. Whether the fish kill was of proportion to significantly diminish the spotted seatrout and red drum fisheries in the region will not be fully understood for some time, but suffice to say nobody would ever welcome such an event in the hallowed waters of Baffin. If we can learn but one thing from this it should be a lesson in conservation. Mother Nature provides and she also mysteriously takes away sometimes. As stewards of Texas coastal resources we are reminded that the more abundant the fisheries might be before such an event, the sooner they can recover. ecover.

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Length .............................................. 217Beam ................................................... 94Persons ...................................................6Capacity .....................................1750 lbs.Horsepower ........................................225Displacement .............................1700 lbs.

Self Bailing Deck Rear Casting Deck Aluminum Burn Bar 45 Gallon Fuel Tank In-Deck Front Storage (1) S.S. Pop Up Cleat Front & Rear Baitwells (1) Large Rear Storage Box Console w/Front Site Casting Platform Aluminum Leaning Post w/94 qt. cooler

Please use our Texas spotted seatrout resource wisely! Texas Saltwater Fishing www.TSFMAG.com / October 2010 7

We looked across the bay in silent awe. Here yet again lay frightening confirmation that Mother Nature always rules. Seemingly overnight the entire Lower Laguna Madre, normally a hyper-saline system, had gone totally fresh from an historic diversion of floodwaters down the Rio Grande. Nothing new for other parts of the coast, but supposedly nothing of this magnitude has ever happened to this country, not even in the memory of Port Mansfield old-timers.

Now what? we thought, imagining the absolute worst. Water running clear and green just a few short days before was now tannin-stained and smelled like nasty pond scum. Nobody had dreamed it would ever get this bad and there seemed to be no end in sight. However, as in any black cloud there can be a shred of silver lining, and hopefully a bright one is on its way.

We have already endured many of natures fickle personalities this past year alone; from a red tide

event to a brown one, from extreme drought conditions to an abnormally cold winter, to exceedingly high tides and now to this current historic freshwater inundation. Whats a fish, or a fisherman for that matter, to do? Personally, one of the biggest motivators in this whole fishing deal is discovering new things; especially things that work, and especially things that work during adversity. We now have a great new excuse to explore, dream and perhaps discover some of what we may not have known before. Thats what weve been doing lately, and not only has it been fun, its looking like we have something great to look forward to. Back to that initially shocking scene, the now what was discussed, and we figured we would just go for it and test some of these new nasty waters. We motored straight into the eye of the storm, right where floodwaters were noisily cascading over the ranch bank south of town. Interestingly, as we got closer, we could see birds of all sorts lined up along the walls of newly formed drains and colorfully scattered across the flooded marsh. They seemed busy, and while we watched we couldnt help but notice shrimp flying high above swirls and boils in the strong current. No way! We eased out of the boat knee-deep, and despite tasting no salt whatsoever, almost every cast with a plastic tail into the drain produced a tight string. Nothing big, but

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Trout weights seem heavier than normal for late summer.

And to think the water smelled like nasty pond scum; who would believe it?


there were plenty enough three pound trout in there among all of the smaller ones to make it a worthy stop. What was even more worthy was something else totally unexpected. Several new wide, deep guts were being aggressively etched into this normally featureless flat. It was exciting to think about what this might mean for winter. I think I know what it means. We left there and checked a nearby spoil bank along the ICW. It looked like brown paper crap, but there were a few mullet swirls along the edge of the grassline, and again, the birds looked animated. We walked for a distance with nothing to show for it, but after switching to quarter ounce tails, rods began to bow. An old lesson from Trinity Bay daysthe water was fresh and nasty on top, but in the depths lay heavier saltwater and the fish were still there and hungry under that brown canopy. This might not be so bad after all if they are stacking up. A few days later, with even more fresh water pouring in and reports of it all the way to the Land Cut, we decided to run extremely shallow on the east side just to see. Perhaps the southeast wind had blown the top layer of freshwater out into the bay and left some salt in the skinny. At first we didnt believe what we were seeing, but then the fantasy became reality. There were black-backed 2X4s gliding off in all directions, many in water too shallow for even a flats boat to shut down; very unusual during mid-day summer heat. We exited and walked among them, marveling at how many trout we were seeing and how big they appeared, but alas it was to no avail. These fish were simply not catchable, not now anyway, but it did suggest that large groups of solid trout were moving together ahead of the fresh water, and it especially suggested that this fall and winter might bring another epic season. After Hurricane Dolly dumped twenty-five inches of rain on this watershed back in 2008, fish moved towards the Mansfield area in force, presumably to saltier waters adjacent to the East Cut. It was by far the best big trout year I had ever experienced. Hopefully something similar is again in the works. We also began to marvel at the abnormally abundant juvenile shrimp and crabs we were seeing. As in rain on a desert where everything suddenly springs to life, could it be that our aquatic life was also responding in a grand way to this adversity? The fish we were finding seemed much heavier than normal for deep summer, and it was apparent that there was some serious gorging going on with all of this available forage. Another good sign. However, one serious sign not so good, and starting to become quite obvious, were the vast amounts of dead seagrasses starting to

Texas Trout Killer II on 1/4 ounce jigs have been producing very well.


show. While wading areas normally knee deep in vegetation, much of the bottom had become mushy with thick layers of it blanched and dead. Kyle Spiller, TPWD Ecosystem Leader, recently commented in a news video that even small salinity swings in either direction can cause our fragile seagrasses to stress and die, and that no one knew how this prolonged event would play out. We will eventually see, but it is apparent that we are in for a new deal this season, whatever that might be. Spot fishing, for example, where everybody just goes to their favorite GPS locations, may need to be re-defined for a while. In fact, many things may need to be re-defined, but what an excuse to get out

there and search for the best of it all. Yes, Mother Nature will always rule. She giveth and she taketh away, and one always has to wonder whats coming next. However, in knowing that she has a wonderful way of rejuvenating herself for the better, that silver lining we are looking for in all of this will hopefully be reflected off the backs of some incredible fish this fall and winter. I am excited, as that now what may easily turn into get down here now! Newness in anything is what keeps inspiration alive, so lets just gear up and imagine the absolute best. Maybe dj vu; Dolly all over again. Cant wait.

Co

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t Mike McBride is a full time fishing guide based in Port Mansfield, TX, specializing in wadefishing with artificial lures.

ContactSkinny Water AdventuresTelephone956-746-6041

[email protected]/Three_MudSkateers.wmv

Mike Mcbride

Only time will tell what the full effect of all the freshwater will be on our seagrass.


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W W W . B O M B E R S A L T W A T E R G R A D E . C O M


Many structural similarities exist among sports of all kinds. I see a particularly strong connection between two of my favorites: light tackle lure fishing and the game of golf. In both endeavors, success is achieved first and foremost through the purposeful application of sound fundamentals.

Fundamentals lay the foundation for a solid game; when done correctly, they result in more bites and better shots. Success in any sport (even one that isnt competitive at its core) is quantifiable in some way or another, either by score, number of points accumulated, fish caught, etc.

Sports are about results, outcomes and products. Winning, or putting up big numbers is the ultimate goal, but optimal performance comes from focus on process, not product. Staying in the moment and concentrating on the task at hand is critical to success. When studying and playing golf in my teens and twenties, I learned that grip, rhythm and alignment are the most important aspects of the swing, because they set up all well-executed shots.

It might come as a surprise to some, but I believe the same fundamentals are critically important in light tackle angling with artificial lures. Of the three, grip is probably most important in golf, while alignment might be more significant in lure fishing. Its debatable which is number one on the list of prominent principals, but all three of these fundamentals affect where shots wind up and how many fish are caught.

Grip is important to a golfer or angler because its where one physically contacts the tool with which the scoring is done. A proper grip sets up all other aspects of the swing, or cast and retrieve, leading to a better chance for good shots or presentations. When lure fishing

for trout, I use a low-profile, level-wind reel mounted on a feather-light rod between six and seven feet in length, the best tool for this kind of fishing, in my opinion. I hold my rod and reel in a manner which is most comfortable to me and which gives me greatest control over the movements of the tool, cradling the reel just above the center of my palm, with my thumb lying along the upper edge of the side plate. The trigger at the base of the rods reel seat is clutched between my ring and pinky fingers, with my ring finger contacting the exposed portion of the blank to better facilitate detection of light strikes. My index finger extends forward along the small piece of cork fronting the reel seat. All of this creates a snug, secure connection to the rod and reel, without placing my hand in a cramped position. As I was taught to do in golf, I maintain light, steady grip pressure when fishing. The best analogy Ive heard to describe this pressure is that its like holding a small bird in your hand, with enough pressure to prevent its escape, but not so much as to harm it. Too much grip pressure will create tension in the forearms, causing fatigue over time and making it more difficult to execute rhythmic presentations. A poorly placed grip will also cause unnecessary fatigue and/or reduce control of the tool. I believe that placing the hand too far back on the rod, with only the index finger forward of the trigger will do both. Certainly, placing the hand too far forward, with the palm on the cork in front of the reel, is an awkward and inefficient grip. Executing great shots and presentations generally doesnt involve anything awkward or stiff. Rhythm in the golf swing is best achieved when the muscles in the hands and arms are relaxed. Similarly, rhythmic movements of the rodtip are easiest to create and maintain

when the hands are set properly on the rod and reel and grip pressure is light. Ive observed that expert lure chunkers mainly use rhythmic presentation styles, no matter what type of lure they are using. The presentations do vary, but most share a common characteristic; they involve repetitive and rhythmic movements of the rodtip. Also, the tip of the rod rarely, if ever, moves behind the butt of the rod. Keeping the tip of the rod between the reel and the lure allows for the maintenance of tension on the line. Some experts use radical presentations that involve throwing slack in the line, but when executing those presentations, they almost always keep the rods tip forward of the butt. Conversely, Ive observed numerous novice anglers making presentations with long, sharp jerks that move the butt of the rod forward, causing a loss of tension in the line. Loss of line tension results in loss of lure control and dictates a longer lag time for hooksets. Slack in the line also creates

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Cradling the rod and reel in the hand in the manner shown here prevents fatigue and allows for maximum control of presentations.


difficulty in detecting bites. Anglers whose presentations techniques create slack in their line are likely missing some fish that take the lure and reject it before they can react. Poor alignment can have a similar effect on the ability to elicit and detect strikes. In golf, alignment refers to the placement of the feet, hips and shoulders in relation to the target line. In fishing, the position of the body and rod in relation to the line can and will vary greatly. Alignment in this sport refers more to the direction of the fishing effort, not so much to how one physically sets up that effort. In other words, alignment in lure fishing describes the direction the lure is cast and moved through the water in relation to underlying structures and direction of wind or current. Keeping a lure moving along structural edges rather than across them is generally more productive. Also, its usually best to move a lure crossways or directly with wind or current, especially if the wind and/or current is strong. Fish tend to face or swim into a current, and moving a lure toward them from out front is often more effective than bringing one into their scope of vision from behind. Predatory fish which feed primarily by sight are accustomed to looking forward (and up in the case of trout) when scanning for potential prey. Moving a plug into their field of vision gives them time to prepare to strike, and fits into their natural feeding patterns. Prey moving into sight from behind them is not likely a phenomenon which often occurs naturally. Similarly, it seems unnatural that a

wounded baitfish would struggle against a current or swim directly over the top of windswept waves. Controlling the specific direction of the movement of the lure plays a critical role in tricking a fish into mistaking a plastic plug for easy pray. Presentations which make the plug appear to be a real, distressed fish will

trigger more strikes. Those presentations

result from the combination of the direction, speed and movement patterns of the plug. Presentations are to an angler what shots are to a golfer. In golf, consistently executing quality shots allows one to move precisely and efficiently around a course and shoot a low score. In lure fishing, presentations metaphorically replace those shots and dictate how many fish are caught. Effective presentations are most consistently produced by those whove mastered three critical fundamentals: grip, rhythm and alignment.

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Co

nt

ac

t Kevin Cochran

Trout Tracker Guide ServiceTelephone361-688-3714EmailKCochran@stx.rr.comWebsitewww.FishBaffinBay.com

Kevin Cochran is a full-time fishing guide at Corpus Christi (Padre Island), TX. Kevin is a speckled trout fanatic and has authored two books on the subject. Kevins home waters stretch from Corpus Christi Bay to the Land Cut.

Given the conditions shown on this drawing, optimal alignment of presentations would involve casting from the bottom of the picture toward the top and retrieving the lure from top to bottom, preferably along the edges of the sand bar, grass beds and/or rocks.


Every now and then I write about the cold offshore currents that impact the beaches of Padre Island National Seashore. The cold water is pushed downward by the warmer water of the surf zone and it stirs up the sand on the second sand bar. Its often quite visible and all too often turns the surf off-colored and on the worst days to the color of chocolate milk. These impacts are not new and have been documented over time. Some reference sources say as many as thirteen currents can impact the shoreline of Padre Island at any given time. Over the past eighteen months they have become increasingly more common than I ever remember and to tell you the truth this same time frame has been some of the poorest overall catching I ever remember on PINS.

Currently NOAA says the water temperature is 82 at Port Aransas and Port Isabel while Bob Hall Pier reports 78 and another source says the water temperature is 86.4 at Port Mansfield. What has always troubled me is that other than Bob Hall Pier, these temperature gauges are in deep ship channels. If the tide is coming in they are more apt to be indicative of the true seawater temperature but, obviously, if the tide is going out its going to be more reflective of bay water temperature which is always quite a bit warmer.

For the past two months the water has been cold along the lower twenty miles of the PINS beachfront. Cold enough my customers wont wade very deep even though it is a calm and hot bluebird day. My guess is that the water temperature is running in the lower 60s some days. We have learned the hard way that the trout and reds avoid this cold

water and have given up fishing the lower end of PINS on account of it. Harte Institute has promised a high-quality thermometer for measuring water temperature and I will soon be logging water temperature every five miles as I travel the beach. This could provide valuable data that has never been available to beach anglers planning fishing trips to PINS and also the scientific community as they seek to unravel the mysteries of climate change and other things. Itll probably be a couple of months before I get this program up and running but when I do I will start providing it to the public on my web site www.billysandifer.com. Boy, I sure would want to know what the water temperatures are along the shoreline the day before Sharkathon. On 11 August, Dr. Greg Stunz, Laura Bivins, and their crew from Harte Institute - Texas A&M Corpus Christi, fished with us to capture

surf-run spotted seatrout for their tagging program. We stayed north of the 20-mile beach due to the colder water there.

We also brought in some ringers: Capt. David Rowsey, Jeff Wolda of Bulverde and Bob Beckett of Boerne. Jeff is a tough, hardheaded, ex-Navy Seal who has been fishing with me for several years and has become a brother to me. Well, THEY caught twenty seven speckled trout and eight redfish on topwaters and MirrOdine lures. I took quite a bit of teasing as I was the only

person who never caught a fish. Of course I was quick in my reply, Its not my job to catch fish; thats your job. My job is to take you where they are and figure out the color preference and pattern for the day. Privately, I thought back to Ralph Wade, who was in his sixties at the time, fine tuned me in the art of surf trout fishing. I was in my early 40s. It wasnt long till I beat him daily and it really got his goat. I told him, Mr. Ralph all Im doing is what

you taught me. Im just younger and can work at it harder than you. That perked him up and he was alright with it after that.

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Eric Oz Ozolins has been having a ball trolling Sebile lures behind his kayak along PINS.


Now Rowsey is a natural phenomenon, but Jeff kept right up with him and I have done a lot of fine tuning with Jeff. So, Im not particularly disappointed when they beat me. Actually it makes me proud to know I had a hand in the knowledge and skills theyve acquired and Im also reminded that now the shoe is on the other foot. Im in my sixties just as Ralph was and they are in their forties. Looking at it from the perspective of a long time fishing guide, I cant think of any higher compliment than teaching others till they beat you now and then. Sounds like Ive been earning my money. The conditions were exactly the same as theyve been since mid-July and yet this one day doubles any other day during that time frame. Its obvious that the fishermens skill levels are what made the difference. Nothing but study, observation and time with a rod in our hands increase our skill levels. On 25 August I watched the beginning of the upcoming change of the seasons. By early September shoals of dusky anchovies will show in the surf and several species of predators including tarpon, sharks and mackerel will be feeding on them steadily. The first couple of cold fronts will bring millions of finger mullet migrating from the bays to the Gulf and slot and oversized reds as well as hoards of jack crevalle will be in pursuit of them. September and early October are the time of the frenzies and the surf zone will become a killing field as some species migrate south. Florida pompano will arrive and become readily available through

the end of December. There will be sharks working the immediate area of frenzy and it is paramount that anglers remain on guard for them at all times. Trust me on that one. There are some unexplained events of concern going on at PINS. On 04 August I found no fewer than sixty six dead or dying stingrays in the last twenty miles of PINS. I collected a specimen which was turned over to TPWD but nothing has been heard back on it yet. Also ten white-tailed bucks and one doe have been found dead in the past few months. Normally I see three or four dead deer in an entire year; so this is an unusually high number. Coyote necropsies after the red tide showed unusually high mercury contamination although the red tide toxin from fish they were eating caused their deaths. The larger concern is where this mercury is coming from. PINS Natural Resources Division put in for funds to study where the mercury was coming from but didnt get the requested funding.

The upcoming Environmental Assessment on the appropriate speed limit on PINS requested by an organized visitor group is making deep inroads in the Natural Resources funds available. So, well just have to wait and see what happens from here but suffice to say something sure isnt as it should be down island. And its awful tough to try to come up with funds from

benefactors for needed projects when there is so much animosity between the visitors and NPS management groups. For me: personally, it never changes. Im not mad at anyone. Im on the side of Padre Island and all its inhabitants. I hope generations of humans are allowed to continue to visit there and that NPS is able to do a good job of managing and protecting the resources. The worst of summer is behind us and the best three months of fishing are ahead. What a hoot. If we dont leave any there wont be any. -Capt. Billy L. Sandifer

Co

nt

ac

t Capt. Billy Sandifer

Billy Sandifer operates Padre Island Safaris offering surf fishing for sharks to specks and nature tours of the Padre Island National Seashore. Billy also offers bay and near-shore fishing adventures in his 25 foot Panga for many big game and gamefish species.

Telephone361-937-8446Websitewww.billysandifer.com

Ten year old Sammy Seltzer with a big PINS skipjack. They were made for each other.


Length: 18 inches Wingspan: 44 inches

Weight: 11 ounces

Jimmy Jackson photos

BILLY SANDIFERS

Black Skimmer-Rynchops niger-

A tern-like seabird characterized by light graceful flight on smooth and steady beats of their long wings. Black

skimmers forage (often in flocks) for small finfish, insects, crustaceans and mollusks, primary during low light and

at night by flying low over shallow water with lower mandible (bill) slicing the surface. Lives on spoil islands

and sandbars of primary and secondary bays. Some remain in our area all year. Bottom mandible unhinges

when heavy object is encountered to avoid injury. Upper bill, legs and feet are bright vermilion; lower half of bill is black. Crown, nape and hind neck are black. Upper body

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Bodie sat in his truck at the boat ramp, well out of the way of those using it, anxious for a particular boat to show up. Rumor had it that the previous day three yahoos in a red and white custom go-fast with The Rewd Crew stenciled on the side had caused a ruckus with some friends of his as well as with the bait camp owners. As the story was related, an elderly couple was having some problems getting their boat on the trailer in the crosswind and made the mistake of asking for some help from the trio. What they got instead was a dressing down from the group that covered everything from the mans ability to be out on the water to the ancestry of the family dog that was along for the ride. Bodie heard that one of them was snide enough to ask the old man who might be his wifethe dog or the old woman he had with him?

Bill Brewster, who would be turning eighty on his next birthday, had been fishing the area all his life and when he retired they bought a house and moved down here. He donated time and money to everything worthwhile and was a friend to all. For Bill and Helen to

have to endure such nonsense went against everything Bodie stood for. He was itching to meet these toughs and maybe teach them the error of their ways. A knock on the passenger window and Tommy Meyers face pressed against the glass made him gasp. Whatcha doing down here and whatcha doin in the truck Bodie? Tommy yelled. Bodie unlocked the door and Tommy slid into the truck. Howd you do at the bayou today, Tommy Boy? Bodie asked. I didnt make it cause my outboard wouldnt start and I ran the battery down trying, so I went home, took a nap and decided to come down here and watch folks load their boats. Tommy replied. Im down here looking for a few guys who werent very nice to Mr. Brewster and Miss Helen yesterday morning. Bodie said. You mean those guys in the red and white boat with the stupid name? Heck Bodie, I just cruised by Toadies ramp not ten minutes ago and they were loading as I drove by, Tommy said. So is this official deputy stuff


or just you wantin to talk to those boys? Frowning, Bodie drawled back, Nah, nothing official, maybe just me and those three for a little meeting of minds so to speak. Bodie now had what his grandma use to call a genuine conundrum. He couldnt be at three boat ramps at the same time so he was going to have to have some help if he was to visit with these guys. Tomorrow morning Tommy, I want you here at this ramp to keep watch for those three yahoos and if you see them drive up I want you to call me on my cell phone. Bodie ordered. Where are you going to be Bodie? Tommy asked. Ill be up at Klerks ramp and Ill get Monroe to watch Toadies. Bodie assured him. Eloisa slid three frosted mugs down Haddons bar and the mugs seemed to magically separate and continue their slide toward three outstretched hands. How does she do that Bodie, I mean thats just plain spooky the way she can slide mugs together and they part like that and go in the right direction. Just plain spooky I tell ya. Tommy said. Rumor has it she used to be a voodoo queen, Monroe offered with a grin and a wink toward Bodie. If she gets mad at ya shell make one of those voodoo dolls and stick pins in it just to torture you, he continued. Tommy sprayed cold beer out both nostrils and started choking. And, just as always, Bodie was there to slap him on the back and get him breathing again. Voodoo is some bad stuff yall and I mean some real bad stuff. Tommy sputtered, wiping his nose on his sleeve and staring at Eloisa, I know a guy who has a neighbor with a cousin from over in Louie-sanna and he said those voodoo queens are not to be trifled withwhere in Louie-sannas she from anyway? Tommy cried. El PasoI think, Bodie managed trying to hide his grin. Tommy threw a glare towards Monroe who now had tears in his eyes while Bodie turned in his seat to regain his straight face and continue the ribbing. Thats when Ol Red walked in. Howdy Red, buy you a beer? Bodie asked. Lord knows I need one; preciate it Bodie. Red grumbled. Sounds like you got a burr under your saddle tonight Red, problems at home? Bodie asked. Naw, everythings good at home, but theres three old boys actin up around here lately that I wish I couldve met forty years ago. I would

have taught em how to act right, Red growled. Hows that? Bodie asked, encouraging him to continue. I was just starting a wade across Harpers Flat when three idiots in a red and white boat came roarin across, not a hundred yards in front of me. Then to make matters worse they circled back and ran so close I could have hit em with my lure. Really made my blood boil. Red said. Im telling you that was the sweetest spot, shrimp and mullet flippin all around me. They knew exactly what they were doing and it made so mad all I could do was stand there and shake my head. How do you know they done that to you on purpose Red? Tommy asked. Because, you ignorant freak of nature, they gave me the single finger salute as they passed by me the second time. Red snarled.Bodie told Red about the incident with Mr. Brewster and his wife and during the conversation people close who overheard what was being said chimed in about their incidents with the trio. Later at home Bodie called Stan Wigginton, the game warden, and told him what he knew about the Rewd Crew and about his plan to cover the three ramps the following morning. Tell you what Bodie, keep your plan with Monroe and Tommy and lets you and me cover Klerks ramp ourselves and you wear your badge too. the warden said. Stan, I hear what youre saying, but I was pretty set on teaching those boys a lesson the hard way, Bodie replied.

Be sure and join Bodie and friends again next month for the conclusion of this adventures...

Co

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t Martin Strarup

[email protected]

Martin Strarup is a lifelong saltwater enthusiast and outdoorsman.Martin is also a collector and dealer of vintage fishing tackle and lures, especially those made in Texas.


Red snapper, long prized as table fare by fishermen and non-fishermen alike, have been one of the most popular and economically important reef species in the Gulf of Mexico for nearly 150 years. Seafood lovers almost invariably mention snapper in the list they enjoy most frequently. Sow snapper, the name given to larger mature specimens, are targeted all across the Gulf for their hard fight as well as their delicious fillets.

Commercial utilization of the Gulf red snapper fishery began along the Florida coast near Pensacola in the latter half of the nineteenth century and it is documented that by 1880, 2.0 million pounds were being taken annually. Bringing fresh snapper to market meant keeping them alive in those days and baffled live boxes tied alongside the boats earned them the nickname smacks as the boxes smacked constantly against the hull. The advent of ice plants changed the complexion of the industry and it wasnt long before the commercial harvest grew to 8.0-10.0 million pounds. Working the snapper banks along the Florida coast became unprofitable and the search was expanded to locate more productive fishing grounds. The Pensacola Ice Company sent boats as far west as Galveston, Texas but this too proved unprofitable given the scarcity of suitable reef habitat discovered. The era of sportfishing was also dawning and what we now call the recreational headboat industry began to emerge around the turn of the twentieth century.

Perhaps the largest boost to red snapper biomass in the Gulf

came on the heels of oil and gas production that began off Louisiana and Texas in the early 1940s. Vast mud flat bottom with almost none of the hard substrate that attracts reef fish was soon to be dotted with production platforms and snapper took to them as though they were natural. The population exploded as did fishing effort.In the several decades that followed it was widely believed that this fishery was inexhaustible. However, the lack of regulations to specify the size and number of fish that could be taken, coupled with the rapid rise in recreational offshore fishing, resulted in what we now look back on as wholesale slaughter by recreational and commercial fishermen alike. Opinions vary on just how close we came to seriously harming this fishery, but I think most will agree that we underwent a period of overfishing the species and many of us were witness to its changes. We all have seen the photos of the good old days, mountains of snapper heaped upon the decks of local headboats with smiling anglers gathered round. These very headboat owners and anglers were more than likely the first to see the downturn in size and numbers of our Gulf red snapper. The Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act is the primary law governing fisheries management and was enacted in 1976. NMFS (National Marine Fisheries Service) took action with the first Reef Fish FMP (Fisheries Management Plan) in 1984. This FMP established the first minimum length regulation for red snapper at thirteen inches.

The first Red Snapper Stock Assessment was completed in 1988 and deemed the species significantly overfished and called for mortality reductions as high as 70%. This assessment set the stage for amendment one of the FMP in 1990. This first amendment set objectives to stabilize the population and form the framework for the first annual TAC (Total Allowable Catch). This TAC would allow for management changes to ultimately begin a rebuilding program for all reef species in the Gulf of Mexico. Amendment-1 set a rebuild target date for the year 2000 and we were

Scott Sommerlatte photo


told that if we followed the regulation and restrictions set forth we would see a rebuilt fishery by the turn of the next century; bringing this fishery full circle. The Sustainable Fisheries Act of 1996 would place more emphasis on NMFS to implement a more defined rebuilding plan for the Gulf of Mexico, and resulted in moratoriums to address overcapitalization, attempts to reduce shrimp trawl by-catch, and the elimination of the use of fish traps for harvesting reef fish. What we didnt know at the time was that NMFS would be plagued with lack of funding, mixed data, conflicting scientific studies, political agendas, lawsuits based on flawed data, and a long list of obstacles that would result in the science then available showing this fishery to remain overfished long after the original targeted rebuilding date. As the year 2000 passed, and approaching Amendment 17 of the FMP, NMFS was still struggling with lack of critical data and what many felt was a lack of desire to stop overfishing in general. The Magnuson-Stevens Act was reauthorized in 2006 setting the stage for the most restrictive regulations to date, with the most notable change being that it now called for a hard deadline to end overfishing. Eventually, NMFS could no longer just push the rebuilding target date into the future when they realized they werent going to meet the current goal. Thus began the extreme cuts in season lengths due to what many have viewed as NMFS entering panic mode over the hard deadlines combined with the past twenty years of failed red snapper management. This all brings me to October 2009. I sat in the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council meeting in Corpus Christi and was witness to NMFS publicly declaring that the Gulf red snapper fishery was no longer deemed overfished, and for the first time since a recreational TAC had been established, we were granted an

increase in the TAC for the following year. What this really means for the foreseeable future is still debatable but for this old fisherman it was at the very least an indication that the days of going backward in our ability to utilize this fishery may have finally come to a close. That in itself is a huge victory for the fishery and the fisherman.

In a day of sharply reduced bag limits and shrinking seasons, the Gulf of Mexico Fisheries Management Council has stepped up and given us the opportunity to enjoy a fall red snapper season this year. The reason for this supplemental season, as it is being called, is due to the Deepwater

Horizon oil spill which closed down all fishing in a large portion of the northern Gulf of Mexico for the entire summer season. This closure resulted in a dramatic reduction in fishing effort leaving the red snapper recreational quota or TAC unfilled. NOAA Fisheries has determined that approximately 2.3 million pounds of the 3.4 million pound recreational quota remains available. To us, this means we get to fish out our quota, and rightfully so. The season set by the council is as unique and unprecedented as the reopening of the fishery itself. Our fall season will open beginning 12:01 a.m. October 1, 2010, to be open Friday, Saturday and Sunday only, through 12:01 p.m. November 22, allowing an addition twenty-four fishing days. Although the weekend-only season was somewhat controversial, to me it made the most sense for the average recreational fisherman, especially when you consider the kids are in school and few families are able to fish during the week. This late unexpected season offers a chance to fish for red snapper at a time of year that we havent had for quite some time and I hope everyone takes the opportunity to enjoy the fantastic fishery that waits just off our shores.

CO

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Captain Mike Jennings is a professional charter captain with more than 25 years offshore experience. Mike is the owner/operator of Cowboy Charters in Freeport TX and is known locally for running further and fishing harder for his clients.

Telephone979-864-9439Emailtexassportfishing@gmail.comWebsitewww.cowboycharters.com

Scott Sommerlatte photo


Okay before we do anything I have just one thing to say, Man am I glad to see October! All that ridiculous heat we had this summer was absolutely crazy. I swear you could look at the electric meter on the side of your house and you would have thought it was a Skil saw blade the way it was spinning. Right now the world gets a little better every day; my lawn has slowed down from growing right before my eyes, there are teal showing up in the marsh, and yes the fishing is good. Our water conditions are excellent both in the lake and also in the Neches and Sabine Rivers so there are more than enough options to satisfy any angler.

Speaking of any angler, its always a joy to watch fishermen convert in front of your eyes, and the fall months are perfect time for this metamorphosis to occur. Okay cue the creepy Rod Serling Twilight Zone music and follow along for with me for a few minutes. Picture if you will three well-dressed coastal pluggers, decked out from top to bottom in Ex Officio, Magellan, Columbia or whatever. The latest and greatest polarized eyewear draped across the bill of a tried and true fishing cap. An arsenal of tackle that would make Fishing Tackle Unlimited blush with envy and a clutch of high-dollar rods and reels in their hands. Quite an imposing sight; look out fish, these boys dont play around. All the Gucci gear in the world cant

make the wind quit blowing, now can it? Whats a well-dressed angler to do? Well if youre in my boat we retreat to a more protected environment and that means we head for the Sabine River. Were going to fish where? is heard often in these situations. You mean no waist-deep grinding for all those big trout you always talk about. No twitch, twitch reel. No solunar tables or bowing to the gods of the Corky knock-offs? Not today boys, is my standard answer as I grab a castnet and proceed to fill the livewell. You see I absolutely love to fish and in my book that means just about any method is okay by me. Sure, I love the thrill of hustling stud trout at daylight and dusk on magnum topwaters, who doesnt? I will hustle school trout under the birds with the best of them, you betcha! Pushing a skiff around in the skinny water for just one good shot at a copper bruiser showing his tail, absolutely! But those are not the only games in town by a long shot. Many a well dressed angler has been reacquainted with his fishing roots in my boat, and nearly all of them left with a smile. I dont care who you are, when that redfish thumps the end of that line and decides to jerk your arms out of the socket, at that moment it doesnt matter what you are fishing with because its fun and thats what its all about. Is it the particular method or way

you prefer to fish? Maybe not. But it certainly beats the heck out of getting your brains beat in when the wind blows and it dang sure beats being at work. In my book thats a win-win right there. Case closed. A typical on-the-water conversion starts slow, most resist at first. You go ahead Im going to throw this soft plastic for a while is a common attempt to not stoop to using live bait. After about the third redfish and a handful of trout even the most diehard plugger eventually gives in to the urge. The first awkward cast is usually followed by a look all around to make sure nobody has seen them actually throw out live bait. Once the coast is clear the angler very tentatively appears to engage in the technique. If the angler is so fortunate to get a bite right immediately we could be headed for a quick and full conversion.

Square Pegs,Round Holes,

and Surprises


Most folks just about lose their minds if the fish really cooperate; sitting on anchor catching trout and redfish one after another somehow has that affect on people. And for the grand finale, the angler that happens to catch a career fish using this method finds themselves in the most awkward of positions. Do I tell everyone about my fish and risk having to admit I didnt catch it on an artificial lure? Oh the irony gets so thick you could cut it with a circle hook. Regardless of which side of the fence you fall on, one can always appreciate an alternative method that produces fish when others wont and thats exactly what the Sabine and Neches Rivers provide us. At times the fish that show up will leave you scratching your head wondering is this guy lost or how the heck did this fish get here? Perhaps one of the most unusual river catches I ever witnessed was a thirty pound jack crevalle ten miles up the Sabine River from the main body of Sabine Lake. I had two customers in the boat and we were just wearing out the fish when the jack showed up and took me for a ride. After about a twenty or thirty minute fight the fish showed itself alongside the boat and we were all blown away. Jacks, Spanish macks, and bull sharks will all make appearances in the rivers when the conditions are right, no big freshwater run off and plenty of salt are usually pre-requisites. As of this writing we have those very conditions right now, in fact just recently, I caught three dozen small Spanish macks in my castnet while gathering bait. Talk about surprised, I had never seen that before. This trend toward an increasing number of saltwater species coming farther up the rivers will continue provided we dont get pounded by a bunch of rain. The water in the bayous and river are in excellent shape and there is bait on just about any bank you look at. The short drive to fish these areas is another added bonus for many anglers. The guys in the little boats with lesser range or ability to take rough water are most often the first to retreat to the safety or protection of the river. The guys in the bigger boats will often times just blow right by guys sitting on anchor and say to themselves that poor guy doesnt know what hes missing as they head out for parts unknown and far away. At the same time the guy in the small

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boat just shakes his head, grabs another fish, and says that poor guy doesnt know what hes missing. Now that we have entered the really prime months it would be wise to start watching for the first cold fronts to arrive,

they will begin to purge the marshes of the shrimp and the bird activity over schooling fish will go nuts. The ability right now to hustle just about any kind of pattern rarely gets better than in late-September and October. From the shallow stuff all the way

out to the short rigs, it will all be happening as we make that big turn towards the winter months. Take advantage of every opportunity you can because cabin fever will be here before you know it.

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Co

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Phone409-697-6111Emailcuzzle@gt.rr.comWebsitewww.chucksguideservice.net

Chuck fishes Sabine and Calcasieu Lakes from his home in Orange, TX. His specialties are light tackle and fly fishing for trout, reds, and flounder.


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www.ScienceAndTheSea.org The University of Texas Marine Science Institute


I dont think youre going to find a fisherman in the Gulf of Mexico any more skeptical than Ive been over the years about that data thats been used to regulate for-hire saltwater fishing when we can fish, what our customers can catch, and what they can keep. But all the years of talking, arguing, advocating and meeting (and meeting and meeting) to figure out better ways to get that data looks like its finally starting to pay off. Now its time for us for-hire owners and captains to step up to the plate.

A new approach to a longstanding problemStarting September 1, a select group of Gulf of Mexico charter boat operators, myself included, will be the first to participate in a new project that could fundamentally change the way NOAA Fisheries collects data about the number of fishing trips we take, or what they call effort, and the number, size and types of fish our customers land, keep and release, or the catch. The exact methods differ depending on what state you operate in, but since the 1970s, these numbers have been gathered through a combination of random telephone surveys of for-hire captains and random dockside intercepts. My fellow Texas captains are likely

familiar with the post-trip interviews that are part of the Marine Sport Harvest Monitoring Program. Regardless of how its collected, the information gathered from these samples are then put into mathematical formulas, which are used to estimate the total catch and effort for the whole fleet. As Ive learned more over the years about the lengths to which NOAA goes to get these numbers as good as they can be, Ive come to appreciate what this data can tell us. But Ive also experienced as I know many others have what I believe the shortcoming s are. Thats why Ive been such a strong advocate for a move away from random sample surveys, and toward collecting logbook data from all for-hire operators. The thinking behind logbook reporting is that NOAA will get a much more complete, accurate and timely report of our catch and effort. And that should mean better data about whats actually being caught, and ultimately more sound management of the resource.

Doing our partThe pilot project Gulf charter boat operators are participating in is the first step in a process to see whether the promise of electronic logbook reporting holds true. Working together with fellow fishermen, state agencies, NOAA scientists and others, well be

Captain of the charter vessel WrecklamationPresident, Port Aransas Boatman AssociationFor-Hire Electronic Logbook

Reporting Pilot Project


helping to answer a few key questions, like: Can you really get better data from logbooks entered on a weekly basis than you do from telephone calls and dockside sampling? Will the burden of reporting the cost to the government and the time we have to spend entering the information be worth the tradeoff? What can we learn from this first, small-scale project that we can apply to other for-hire fisheries?

I personally think I know the answers to these questions, but I also recognize the need to really kick the tires on the new system to make sure it works as well as possible before making wholesale changes. And for that to happen, we charter boat operators have to do our part. We have to enter our data regularly, and we have to give feedback on how the process is working. We have to look at what the new numbers are showing us, and point out areas for improvement. We have to recognize that our oceans are changing, and that for our industry to survive we need to focus our energies on advocating for the best possible management practices based on real data, whether the numbers work to our advantage or disadvantage.

What we need from NOAAFor its part, the government also needs to make sure that the process stays as simple, efficient and focused as possible. From what Ive seen so far, Im hopeful that will be the case. Using the computer program thats been developed for entering our weekly catch and effort is about as easy as buying new tackle online.

The other reason that Im hopeful is that this is not some lone project trying to address a single issue while leaving other problems to languish. Rather, its part of the Marine Recreational Information Program, or MRIP, an initiative that has been underway since 2007 to overhaul the way NOAA collects and reports recreational fishing data. And you can look no further than electronic logbook reporting to see this in action. This system came about thanks in large part to input and strong support from the for-hire industry, and weve been instrumental in getting this project off the ground.

Why now? Even with the BP well capped, I know there are a lot of owners and captains out there who feel that the last thing we should spend time on right now are some pie-in-the-sky projects that we hope will one day lead to better management of a fishery whose immediate future seems so uncertain. But by the same token, if we dont start now when we have the resources, expertise and commitments from across the board we wont ever get there. The recovery from this spill will be hampered by the same arguments weve had for years about the quality of the data were using to set the rules. And well be in the same position we were in this summer the next time disaster strikes. They always say you cant fight city hall. Well, it turns out you actually can. For sure, electronic logbook reporting is not going to solve all the problems or end all disagreements when it comes to fisheries management. But its a start. And, as the people who got the ball rolling, its up to us right now to keep up the momentum.


What started as a novel way to do some winter boating has morphed into one of the largest charitable events on the Gulf coast. The Freeport to Port OConnor Toy Run was founded by Houston boater Jerry Karnes years ago when he was looking for something fun to do on the water during the winter.

He called the Chamber of Commerce in Port OConnor and asked if they had a Christmas toy drive that the boaters could support with toy donations. This led to discussions with the Angel Tree program leaders in POC and the event was on. The Angel Tree is a non-profit group that provides Christmas food, clothing and toys for needy kids every year. Their usual area was just Port OConnor and nearby Seadrift but they stated they could certainly use more toys and also donations of food and clothing.

Over the past years the event has grown to encompass the Port OConnor Lighted Boat Parade, great stops along the way at Sargent Beach and Matagorda Harbor, a lot more boats and toys galore. The toy run now provides enough toys to meet the needs of nearly seven Gulf coast counties and this year will likely see that expand

to nine or more. The first year all the toys were loaded into a van. It now takes two or more large trailers to move the toys to the POC Community Center where they are wrapped and labeled for distribution by the Angel Tree folks.

Along the way the Toy Run has received help and money from many individuals and a few companies. The Toy Run itself is not a true organization. It is just a group of like-minded boaters who do this out of the joy of giving. However, the Angel Tree is a proper non-profit organization and all donations go directly to them. The Toy Run folks solicit donations of toys for boys and girls ages 2 through 16 and theyll come to you to collect the toys if you cant make the event. They do want to stress though that no gift is too small.

They only ask that it be new and unwrapped. Jerry also noted that more participants are needed to haul toys from Freeport. Last year we had eighteen boats and could use double that number. This years the event will leave from the Bridge Bait ramp in Freeport on December 04 at 9:00 AM. The event stops at Sargent to allow other boats to join and to pickup more toys. They then head to Matagorda Harbor for lunch at the Waterfront Restaurant and then on to West Matagorda Bay crossing to Port OConnor. The run typically arrives at POC around 3 PM, unloads all the toys and then prepares the boats for the parade. Over the past years the event has

grown to encompass the Port OConnor Lighted Boat Parade. The big party is held at Hurricane Junction and features door prizes, live auctions, great food and plenty of cold drinks. We then have a party and spend the night at The Inn At Clarks at POC. The Toy Run event organizers may be reached at the numbers listed below and please remember that no donation is too small:

Jerry Karnes, Founder, 281-558-4696Andrew Coker, Co-Founder, 713-256-7289Bill Barr, Chairman/Event Coordinator, 713-416-1082Kyle Cunningham, Donations Coordinator, 832-407-5551Patrick Martin, Event Leader (Rudolph), 713-907-5122


Pure Fishing has partnered with the American Breast Cancer Foundation (ABCF) to help with early detection of breast cancer in women and men. Shakespeare began the program in 2007 and Ugly Stik joined the program one year later. Future donation plans have expanded to encompass Pure Fishing Brands like Berkley, PENN and Stren. Donations from the company to the ABCF to date exceed $150,000.

Pure Fishing is a proud supporter of the American Breast Cancer Foundation and its mission to provide individuals in financial need, their families, and their loved ones with education, support and access to the early detection of Breast Cancer, said Mike Phillips, Shakespeare Product Manager. Since choosing American Breast Cancer Foundation as our charity of choice, Pure Fishing has donated over $150,000 to the organization and will continue to support ABCF, which provides life saving breast cancer screening assistance through outreach events.

The Shakespeare Ladyfish series was created using lightweight actions and lengths, sleek grips, and reels specifically for women anglers. The Shakespeare Ladyfish series includes five spinning combos, spincast combos, rods and reels. The Ladyfish series offers a wide range of actions and lengths designed to help women tackle any fishing challenge. For 2011, Shakespeare is also offering a new womens specific Catch More Fish combo a spincast reel and rod complete with line, hooks and bait. Also new for the coming year is a Ladyfish combo rod and reel and two new Ugly Stik LadyFish kits available in a spincast or spinning rod and reel with bait, line and terminal tackle.

For more information or the location of the nearest Shakespeare, Berkley, PENN or Stren Authorized Dealer call 1-803-754-7000 or visit the website at www.purefishing.com. To donate to or learn more about the American Breast Cancer Foundation please visit their website at www.abcf.org.

About Pure Fishing, Inc.Pure Fishing, Inc. is a leading global provider of fishing tackle, lures, rods and reels with a portfolio of brands that includes Abu Garcia, All Star, Berkley, Fenwick, Gulp!, Mitchell, Penn, Pflueger, SevenStrand, Shakespeare, SpiderWire, Stren, Trilene and Ugly Stik. With operations in 19 countries and a dedicated workforce conversant in 28 languages, Pure Fishing, Inc. is part of Jarden Outdoor Solutions, a leader in developing outdoor and active lifestyle products and a subsidiary of Jarden Corporation. Additional information can be found at www.purefishing.com.

About Jarden CorporationJarden Corporation is a leading provider of niche consumer products. Jarden operates in three primary business segments through a number of well recognized brands, including: Outdoor Solutions: Abu Garcia, Berkley, Campingaz, Coleman, Fenwick, Gulp!, K2, Marker, Marmot, Mitchell, Penn, Rawlings, Shakespeare, Stearns, Stren, Trilene, Vlkl, and Zoot; Consumer Solutions: Bionaire, Crock-Pot, FoodSaver, Health o meter, Holmes, Mr. Coffee, Oster, Patton, Rival, Seal-a-Meal, Sunbeam, VillaWare and White Mountain; and Branded Consumables: Ball, Bee, Bicycle, Billy Boy, Crawford, Diamond, Dicon, Fiona, First Alert, First Essentials, Forster, Hoyle, Kerr, Lehigh, Leslie-Locke, Lillo, Loew Cornell, Mapa, NUK, Pine Mountain, Spontex and Tigex. Headquartered in Rye, N.Y., Jarden has over 25,000 employees worldwide. For more information, please visit www.jarden.com.

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on Select Models from Your Yamaha Dealer

*Offer Valid from September 15th November 8th, 2010. See your authorized participating Yamaha Outboard Dealer today for details! Other restrictions and conditions apply.*PROGRAM TERMS AND CONDITIONS: Consumer benefit for purchasing an eligible Yamaha Outboard is choice of either a 36-month Yamaha Extended Service contract (choice offered in Florida is a 36-month Yamaha Limited Warranty), or a credit, on select eligible models, based on M.S.R.P. towards thepurchase of goods and/or services at the authorized participating dealer that sold the outboard, at no extra cost to consumer. NO BENEFIT SUBSTITUTIONS. Yamaha Outboard eligibility is new (unused not previously warranty registered) Yamaha outboard models as defined in the charts above. To be eligible, outboards must also have been manufactured since April 2005. Promotion is only applicable from authorized participating Yamaha Outboard dealers in the U.S.A. sold to purchasing consumers residing in the U.S.A. Promotion is limited to available stock in dealer inventory that is sold, PDI completed, deliveredand warranty registered on Y.M.B.S. by the dealer in accordance with Yamahas Promotion and warranty registration requirements during applicable dates. No model substitutions, benefit substitutions, extensions or rain checks will be allowed. Outboards sold or provided for commercial, camp, resort, rental, promotional/demo, government agency, competition, tournament or sponsorship use are not eligible. This promotion cannot be used in conjunction with any other Yamaha offer. Some exceptions may apply. See authorized participating Yamaha dealer for complete details. Yamaha reserves the right to change orcancel this Promotion at any time. Other restrictions and conditions apply. Remember to always observe all applicable boating laws. Never drink and drive. Dress properly with a USCG-approved personal floatation device and protective gear.

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ELIGIBLE OUTBOARDS

FOUR STROKES300-350 hp 5.3 Liter V8250-300 hp 4.2 Liter V6250 hp 3.3 Liter V6200-225 hp 4.2 Liter V6200-225 hp 3.3 Liter V6150 hp115 hp60-90 hp30-50 hp20-25 hp8-15 hp2.5-6 hp

Free! A $3000 ValueFree! A $2700 ValueFree! A $2700 ValueFree! A $2250 ValueFree! A $2250 ValueFree! A $1500 ValueFree! A $1080 ValueFree! A $960 ValueFree! A $550 ValueFree! A $420 ValueFree! A $198 ValueFree! A $198 Value

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$2500 based on MSRPnot available$2500 based on MSRPnot available$1500 based on MSRP$1000 based on MSRP$500 based on MSRP$400 based on MSRP$300 based on MSRP$150 based on MSRP$150 based on MSRP$125 based on MSRP

Y.E.S. CONTRACT OR DEALERSHIP CREDIT

3-YEAR Y.E.S. CONTRACTYamaha Extended Service Contract

Value Based on MSRP

DEALERSHIP CREDITTowards the Purchase of Goods/Services

on Select Models from Your Yamaha DealerOR

ELIGIBLE OUTBOARDS

H.P.D.I TWO STROKES300 hp250 hp225 hp200 hp150-175 hpCARBURETED TWO STROKES150 hp115 hp60-90 hp30-50 hp8-15 hp

Free! A $2700 ValueFree! A $2700 ValueFree! A $2250 ValueFree! A $2250 ValueFree! A $1500 Value

Free! A $1500 ValueFree! A $1080 ValueFree! A $960 ValueFree! A $550 ValueFree! A $198 Value

ororororor

ororororor

$3500 based on MSRP$3000 based on MSRP$2500 based on MSRP$2000 based on MSRP$1000 based on MSRP

$1000 based on MSRP$500 based on MSRP$400 based on MSRP$300 based on MSRP$150 based on MSRP

Y.E.S. CONTRACT OR DEALERSHIP CREDIT

Typically I write about patterns as these are what I feel most qualified to discuss. This month Im going to try something different. We will still discuss patterns, how to identify

and take advantage, but Im going to try to be more creative. Were going fishing together as I explain them. Come join me on a late-August wade in search of better than average speckled trout. We are leaving the dock in the first grey light of morning. Im not much for running 40-plus in the dark; we have folks out there fishing at night and one tiny error could spell disaster. Besides, even though I have caught some good trout at night, every 10-plus I have ever taken has been in daylight and many during midday hours. Only one of these came in August and believe it or not, from a school of oversized reds. August has to be the toughest month to pattern and target trophy trout. While science helps me predict where the fish might be, its the rod and reel that confirms the educated guess, and since Im no scientist I stay within the realm of rod and reel. It is true that knowing preferred food sources, structure, and the effects of moon, sun and tide, all play a role in angling success but; bottom line is, can you catch her when you find her? Better yet, do you know when you have found her before you have actually caught her? I have always believed seasoned anglers can sense big fish presence and, make no mistake, they sense our presence too. The approach must be quiet. I like to give myself at least a 200 yard cushion. Those that fish with me often know that I comment constantly on how far we will be from the boat before we get the first strike from the best fish in the area. It is usually a minimum of 150 yards. When trophy hunting I prefer secluded areas where trout have easy access to nighttime feeding zones. Quiet coves or pockets, no matter the size, are prime areas at daybreak and we will try one today. During a regular day of fishing I take constant note of bait activity and fish location. Numerous slicks popping in out-of-the-way pockets tell me theres feeding going on. A large push of water minus the mud boil as I hastily wade back to the boat through a pocket stacked with bait, even though I received no bites, is a sure sign shes there. The gull that hovers but never dives is another. Maybe the bird cant make up its mind, or maybe what he sees is too big to tackle, in either case it deserves investigation. Perhaps the surest sign is a great kawoosh that leaves a sudsy ring, you can bet something big just found dinner. Any of the above tells me I have an area holding big fish. Now I am thigh deep, seeking the largest bait concentration over the given structure. Next I confirm wind direction to get a better read on local current that could influence feeding. My science homework already equips me with weather info, tide movement and major-minor feeds.

When I am searching for one particular fish I am seldom able to fish more that one location in a morning. This is especially true during our hottest and calmest months. My casts are many and my steps few as I probe with the best lure for the conditions. It goes without saying that a 5 Bass Assassin on a 1/16 ounce jig is on my line quite often. A MirrOlure topwater or one of their Paul Brown Originals (Corky) might also qualify. Slow and deliberate actions with great concentration on my part are evident this morning. Trophy-sized fish require total concentration and you must be keenly aware of every detail around you. This morning the winds are calm

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and the water is slick. Suddenly the damp air carries the strong scent of mature trout. I recognize it from the many times I have removed hooks from fish with mouths the size of softballs. Mullet, menhaden, or maybe the combination of both in their stomach, its a distinct smell I associate with big fish. It is not the sweet watermelon smell we associate with lesser trout. I cant see the slick due to the mirror surface on the water but I know from the slight breeze on my face it is coming from southwest, inshore from my position. I need to turn into the wind and locate the nearest underwater structure on that line. Grassbeds are todays structure and I have several located in the line of the scent. The long overnight calm has allowed the shallow water along the shoreline to clear but it holds enough algae to remain sandy green. It is the perfect shade of green in my opinion. Ive chosen a Cajun Croaker 5 Bass Assassin; a pale-greenish bait with silver glitter. The base color and silvery shine is the ticket for todays sky and water conditions. Cast after cast are made but no takes. After ten minutes I ease slightly to the side and parallel to the line I believe the fish to be holding on. More submerged grass ahead; maybe she is easing into the wind searching for one last morsel before slipping back to deeper and cooler water nearby. Two hours later the wind has increased, breaking the surface glare and enabling me to see through the water. I look back about 75 yards and slightly inside my line is a small slick growing with the wind. The fish has not moved far from where I first got her scent. I start back that way. Only a few trout have been caught thus far, all solid 20-plus but not the big fish I sense is present. Thirty minutes of slowly easing along brings me within casting range of the grassbeds where I believe she is holding. I suddenly feel the urge to check my leader and knot. Tugging sharply I nod to myself that all is good. The cast hits just beyond the grassbed closest to shore and a mullet shoots out of the water. Thats her, I mutter under my breath, she moved toward my lure and spooked that mullet. As soon as the lure slips to my side of the grassbed I burn it the rest of the way in and fire right back on the same line. The braid telegraphs the sharp thump

and then the line goes slack. Crank down fast Jay, shes coming right at you. Get the rod flat to the water; keep cranking until it loads up. Now stick her hard, dont worry about the knot, the leader or the drag, youve done this right. Remember its the hookset lets her know who is in charge. The surface erupts breaking the mornings long silence with a foam ring and streaking wake as the fish heads for deeper water. Shell turn back suddenly and try me, I say to myself. Sure enough, she turns and runs straight at me again. Rod down if she comes up, up if she goes down, and whatever you do Jay, DONT let off on the drag. Its her will against yours, break her will and shell tire quicker and be in hand in no time. I dont know whether I say these things aloud but they certainly race through my mind. Minutes later I am rewarded with a 30-plus trout, not winter-heavy but still of age and length to be considered a trophy. She pulls near seven and three-quarters on the Boga and we get her photographed and released as quickly as possible. As she slides back into the water I am overwhelmed with emotion. So many years of trudging these shorelines and so many disappointments why was I so blessed to have this truly magnificent fish allow me this moment? With my rod across my shoulders and my arms resting on its stiffness I spend a moment to take in all that was around me, knowing a fish like that may never come my way again. I hope you enjoyed this mornings wade half as much as I enjoyed taking you. May your fishing always be catching. Guide Jay Watkins

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Jay Watkins has been a full-time fishing guide at Rockport, TX, for more than 20 years. Jay specializes in wading year-round for trout and redfish with artificial lures. Jay covers the Texas coast from San Antonio Bay to Corpus Christi Bay.


Squinting against the blistering South Texas sun, my friend Larry pointed to a large expanse of tan-colored water that stretched out ahead of our idling boats. Thats all shallow sand, Casey. It runs for about a mile to the south. The fish will be up there this evening. Youll see them. Well meet you back at the cabin at dark. Good luck. Larry pulled away and I watched as it slowly shrunk into the distance, bound for Baffin Bay.

I eased my skiff up to the foot of the giant sand flat and gently beached it on a high spot. The bottom of the flat was clean and hard, with wind-carved ripples firm enough to feel through the soles of my boots. Several light green veins snaked across its center, revealing subtle dips and pockets. Looking toward the horizon I could see the curved green boundaries where shallow sand abruptly dropped to deeper water. To the east were the weathered white dunes of Padre Island and to the west was the thorny King Ranch shoreline. I just stood there for a few minutes, taking it all in.

The expansive feeling of this place was wonderful. The sky was broad and full, and the vast stretch of tan and green water before me held so much promise. A steady Gulf breeze pushed across the shallow water and seeped through the sleeves and collar of my shirt. It felt good to be there at that moment. It was a feeling of freedom.

I grabbed my fly rod and a couple of flies and I started walking. The terrain was different from the soft olive bottoms and oyster reefs I was accustomed to farther north. Stark but pristine banks of sand rose up along the shorelines and the shallow bottom had pancake textures that were smooth and clean. The whole place was shaped

by relentless winds

and baking sun, and it fit perfectly with raw beauty of the surrounding Brush Country. It looked like terrific land to explore but an awful place to be stranded. I waded a few hundred yards down the flat, wondering if I would see any fish. I could clearly make out hundreds of tiny worm holes scattered over the bottom, so surely a big lumbering fish would be visible in the skinny clear water. And then my eyes caught something moving across the sand. At first it appeared to be a shadow cast by a bird flying overhead, but moments later I could see the outline of a large purple torpedo-shaped object. It was a redfish a big redfish. He was swimming slowly and deliberately in my direction. I could see the crosshatch pattern of scales on his exposed back in the ankle-deep water. As he approached, his body arched and his large blue tail rose up slowly from the shallow water. It hung in the air for a moment and then gently folded over and wiggled as his jaws crunched down on something hidden in the sand. In contrast to his bleached surroundings, the redfishs silvery blues and crimson reds were unnaturally vibrant in the evening sun. Drifting over the pale sand, he looked as colorful and preoccupied as a big tom turkey strutting at close range. I froze and watched him for a few minutes. Finally, I

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decided to toss a fly out in front of him. As I flicked out a short cast I was almost certain he would spot my arms moving, but he didnt. My fly landed a few feet in front of the redfish and settled to the bottom. I gave it a twitch and he accelerated and then stopped abruptly, nearly running over the fly. His rear end lifted out of the water, almost as though inertia alone had carried it upward. A small fiery flash of bronze sparked from his gills and I knew he had grabbed the fly. My line pulled tight and he tore for deeper water, leaving behind a trail of sandy froth. Although large and strong, he tired quickly in the warm shallow water. In a few minutes I slipped my hand under his belly and lifted him up to remove the fly. He was healthy and fat, with broad shoulders and gold-rimmed eyes that were clear and alive. At that moment I did something I had not done in a very l

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October 2010