Show some Courtesy to Fellow Sportsmen

How many times have you said, “Man, I wish they would show some courtesy when pulling out of or into my favorite fishing spot”?

It’s an event that takes place too often on Galveston Bay, and for that matter, every other body of water. We are all trying to enjoy the outdoors. I am not without fault. I have made mistakes, rarely on purpose, but nonetheless; I have caused problems in our sport. Remember the old adage, “Been there, done that”.

Respect the other fellow on the water. He deserves a space in which to fish without interference. Our obvious selfishness frequently overrides good judgement. We all have the right to fish public waters. Just try to be courteous and set up your drift or wade fishing patterns without interfering with the other fishermen already in position.

Following this rule for the most part will keep you out of trouble most of the time.

The next rule of thumb is to move slowly and quietly either leaving or entering an area already being fished by other anglers. So many times, fishermen blast into an area criss-crossing patterns already set up by other fishermen. When leaving the area, drift out of the other’s way if you can.

Maybe use your electric trolling motor. Realizing this may take a little longer, in the long run your courtesy will be appreciated by other fishermen who may reciprocate next time for you. If you intend on another drift pattern in the same area do not power up and go around. The wake you just made will definitely interfere with other anglers’ ability to catch fish and will hamper your next drift.

Give wade fishermen a wide berth as you run the shoreline of Galveston Bay. Pushing a two-foot wake onto a chest deep fisherman is a dangerous insult and one that is repeated every weekend.

Wade fishermen are visible from a great distance. Give them as much bay as you would want if you were in their position. If you must pass closely – Because of a channel or shallow water, at least slow down. They will appreciate the gesture.

Interfering on areas that are already taken can cause awkward apologies; none of which are appreciated and the damage has already been done.

Check the wind and current and note the angle at which other boats are riding at anchor. Ease out and around up current and slip the anchor. Use a long line and drift into position.

Courtesy should exist among waders, too. Usually, a line is formed in an angle with the wind at your back, if you decide to join them, slip in at either end – not in the middle where others are already having a well-deserved rodbowing bonanza. Remember that they were there first. Take up the rear or find another spot to fish.

Some waders move faster than others, A guy soaking live shrimp is casting and retrieving at a deliberate pace, while a person throwing a spoon is trying to cover as much water as possible. If you intent on going around, announce your intentions and wade in closer to the shoreline.

Another good suggestion is that strangers catching fish do not need help as sometimes this writer has witnessed first hand. The temptation to crowd a bent rod is overwhelming, but those guys, not you, found the fish. Remember that the angler deserves a fish without interference. These guys have earned their success.

Fish move. Hold your position near them and you may get lucky as the school of trout or reds passes in your casting range. Sometimes, successful fishermen may appreciate your courtesy and wave you in. It does happen.

Some savvy anglers know that several rods can hold a hot school better than one rod. But, again, it is their decision.

Following these suggestions will keep most weekend anglers out of trouble. And, the water around us becomes a lot less crowded.

As always, have fun outdoors and good luck fishing.

See y’all on Galveston Bay.

Capt. Paul Marcaccio

Sunglasses are Essential Part Of fisherman’s Gear

Fishermen and women alike take great pride in having the proper equipment for fishing the bay system and offshore. Sometimes, the little thinks will make a difference on the outcome of what we consider a good day’s fishin’ (catchin’).

What items of equipment would you say are the most often overlooked part of your fishing gear? Maybe an extra reel, monofilament line, sunscreen or even an extra cap? Wrong, it is your sunglasses.

I can relate to the obvious benefits of comfort, as well as helping preserve the long-term health of your eyes. Wearing sunglasses will also protect the night vision following a bright day on the water.

Studies show that exposure to strong ultra-violet light will slow your eyes’ adaptation to the dark, meaning you might not have normal night vision until several hours after the sun sets.

Intense sun bleaches the chemicals out of your retina that you use for night vision. The chemicals do recharge, but it takes time, especially if your eyes have been exposed to strong light over a period of days.

Shielding your eyes from ultra-violet (UV) rays can also slow the development of cataracts, essentially a clouding of the lens. Cataracts are caused by a host of factors, including heredity and poor nutrition. Studies indicate long-term exposure to bright sun and glare can make folks already predisposed more susceptible.

U V Standards

You can hold a sunglass lens up to the sky to see how much visible light it factors out, but you’re dependent on the manufacturers word regarding the most important aspect of sunglass performance: filtration of UV light.

Ultra-violet rays are the invisible light rays that cause sunburn and can jump start cancer and cataracts. There are three types: UVA, UVB, and UVC. UVC has the potential for causing eye damage.

The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends sunglasses that block 99 percent to 100 percent of UV light. UV absorption up to 400 nm, a measure found on some labels, is the same thing as 100 percent UV absorption.

A wide variety of coating types and colors can also filter out UV rays. Glasses that don’t seem especially dark can still provide complete or near complete UV protection.

Even sunglasses with 100 percent UV blockage can’t seal out all UV light. Moving a pair of standard sunglasses one-quarter of an inch from the forehead increases UV exposure by 4 percent, depending on the design of the glasses.

Side panels will prevent light bleeding into your eyes, but depending on the shape of your face, you’re always going to have some bleeding at the top and bottom of the lenses.

Polarization

Polarized glasses are famous for letting you see structure just below the water and fish. Polarized lenses contain microscopic mesh to diffuse reflected glare. You get a little less depth of field and contrast because of the way the light is diffused in the lens.

A higher price can buy you better optics and more durable frames. Fashionable colors and frames may also boost the price of a pair of shades, as do special features like polarization.

A quick test of lens distortion is to look through the glasses at a straight horizontal line, and then turn your head from side-to-side. If the lines seem to wobble and stretch, the lens quality is poor. Good quality sunglasses tend to have lenses made either of glass or a plastic called CR-39 or polycarbonate.

In general, glass in the most scratch resistant; plastic are lighter and more shatter resistant. CR-39 is naturally more scratch resistant than polycarbonate, which wins in the impact resistant category. Both CR-39 and polycarbonate lenses can be molded and polished to achieve a superior optical surface, neither is cheap and the CR-39 lenses tend to be expensive.

For those who still insist on tossing their glasses into the tackle box with the car keys, manufacturers have mixed up special ultra hard coatings. Always

Ask about scratch resistant coatings when you purchase that pair of sunglasses.

Remember, you have spent lots of dollars for fishing equipment. Don’t leave out one of the most important pieces of equipment the next time you go fishing. A good pair of quality sunglasses is essential and should be part of your basic tackle.

Mention that you read this article in the Gulf Coast Connection and receive a professional courtesy on your next fishing trip.

As always, have fun and enjoy the outdoors.

See you’ll on Galveston Bay.

Capt. Paul

Excellent Fishing along the Houston Channel

As the water temperature heats up in excess of 72 degrees, the Houston ship channel produces solid fishing for anglers willing to understand the adverse conditions associated with fishing there.

This is the time of year to keep the channel in mind as an excellent area for trout, as well as other species such as gafftop, red drum and an occasional jackfish.

Anglers should use live shrimp or croaker. Occasionally, soft plastic shad or shrimp tails work well when trout are actively feeding.

Spoons 3/4 ounce to 1 oz and deep water diving plugs will also be choice baits when conditions merit.

Make use of your fish finder to locate areas that have flats or shell pads and place yourself in a position to drift with the current, as well as with the wind. Hopefully, both will be in the sane direction. Keep a watchful eye for slicks and pockets of bait that appear to be nervous.

Once you have hooked-up, it is time to set your anchor. This is not the time to have a short anchor line. For every foot of water beneath your boat, you should put out about five (5) feet of anchor line. For example, ten (10) feet of fishing depth, requires about 50 feet of line.

Some people may opt to use their drift anchor instead. I’ve experienced tremendous trout fishing with the use of croaker and sometimes live shrimp (more on shrimp later). The use of croaker often tests your patience and willingness to stay in the area. Let me assure you that the results will definitely jump start your heart and fill your ice chest with solid trout to seven (7) pounds.

Methods very with each and every angler and every cast.

Use a slip weight (1/4ounce to ½ ounce) depending on the currents in the area. The stronger the current, the heavier the weight. Use a 10-barrel swivel. Attach a 30-pound test leader from the leader to the hook, (wide gap or circle, use No. 4 hook). The length of the leader should be 12 inches to 18 inches.

Sometimes these trout will hit the croaker in an attempt to kill the bait and take it. Be careful not to set the hook too quickly. Other times, they will inhale the bait and move off and set the hook themselves, leaving you holding on for dear life. There have been occasions when it was necessary to literally jig the croaker much like a shrimp tail to ensure the strike. Keep your croakers separate from other live bait, if at all possible. Make use of a circular live bait well and replace the water as often as you can.

There are some bait camp operators who hold live croaker. The one that comes to mind is Eagle Point Fishing Camp in San Leon. Johnny Valentino does a tremendous job of keeping live croakers at the fishing camp. Please call before you leave home (281-339-1131). Availability of croakers depends on the pressure of the fishermen.

As I mentioned earlier, live shrimp is a good bait used under a poppin’ cork anywhere from four (4) to eight(8) feet. The Longer the distance between the shrimp and the cork, the more difficult it is to cast.

Be sure to plan your trips and have alternate spots picked out so that if one area is too crowded or no fish can be found, you can easily venture to another area.

Spoil banks are unforgiving. Ship wakes can virtually remove three (3) to four (4) feet of water in seconds, followed by a huge wave up to eight(8) feet high. This will put a damper on your fishing trip if you are not careful. But, if you insist on fishing in shallow areas along the Houston ship channel, move to deeper water when a ship wake has receded.

Another important thing to look for is the incoming and outgoing ship traffic. Take note of which direction the ship is moving and be ready to pull up your anchor and place your bow into the wake they create, or let out enough anchor line so that the boat can withstand it.

It’s a tough call sometimes, especially when you are on every cast. But, you and your friends are more important than a few fish.

As always, have fun and try not to measure your enjoyment in pounds and inches.

See y’all on Galveston Bay.

Capt. Paul Marcaccio

Paul and Jaime Fishing East Bay

 You don’t need a huge bay for good fishing. A small bay with great structure plus marsh embossed borders can fill the bill.

 
That’s the case of East Bay, the smallest of the major bays in the Galveston Estuary. For years it was the best redfish bay on the upper Texas Coast, but back in those years it was also the best kept secret. East Bay is still the best upper coast redfish bay, but that’s no longer a secret, and the bay now gets heavy play from boaters and waders alike.

 
Starting with Hanna’s Reef on the southwest end, East Bay is rich with structure: scores of deep oyster reefs and pipe stands, Hanna’s Reef is a favorite of anglers who like to anchor their boats to fish cuts and drop-offs along the reef. Drift anglers favor the deep reefs to the northeast of Hanna’s Reef and Intracoastal Waterway and those who like to fish the birds.

 
Recently, Jaime Ybarra and myself tested the waters in East Bay. With a stiff North wind we found protected shoreline. I knew fish were holding, especially on an outgoing tide, flushing the bait out on the flats, but to both our amazement, we had no idea what was to follow.

 
Using lime-truse Bass Assassins and pearl chartreuse sea devils, Jaime and I found a bonanza of fish. Jaime limited on reds 27 inches and I had only 1 redfish. Then Jaime caught another fish, thinking it was another red he made the statement “I’ll work on your limit”. This time when the fish surfaced, it was a huge speckled trout. Later we weighed the fish on a certified scale at Eagle Point; it was a healthy 8.7 pounds and 27-3/4 inches long. Jaime and myself scored numerous other big trout that day. Our total that afternoon was 13 trout and 5 reds weighing in a 105 pounds.

 
Awesome Day……………

 
The boarders of East Bay offer excellent wade fishing, especially the stretch along the Bolivar Peninsula side. This stretch from Goat Island, the bay’s junction with Lower Galveston Bay, back to Elm Grove, offers excellent fishing for speckled trout, redfish and flounder. When the wind is light and parallel to the length of Bolivar Peninsula, some of the bigger coves can be fished by drifting. Whether you drift or wade, a boat is needed to reach these waters because you have to cross the Intracoastal Waterway that runs the length of Bolivar Peninsula.

 
The whole of Chambers County side of East Bay can be waded, with the best action generally on the flats behind the Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge. Access is either by the refuge or near Smith’s Point.

 
Some of the best redfish action in this bay is during the oyster season. Working oyster boats make the bay quite sandy and at times downright muddy. This isn’t conducive to decent fishing for speckled trout. The working oyster boats, however, stir up a lot of marine life upon which redfish feed. Don’t bother to fish in the immediate vacinity of the oyster boats. Instead, fish the flats and along the saltgrass marshes on the Bolivar Peninsula side of the bay.

 
East Bay is like West Bay in that it is a Galveston Estuary body of water little affected by fresh water runoff from heavy rains. This bay has two close connections with the Gulf of Mexico. Consequently the salinity level in this bay remains fairly constant, The connection with the Gulf of Mexico is Rollover Pass about 20 miles from the tip if the Bolivar Peninsula. The other connection is the Lower Galveston Bay at the mouth of the entrance to the seaway between the North and South Jetties.

 
Rollover Pass deserves special attention; it offers boatless anglers excellent flounder and golden croaker fishing every fall and spring.

 
There is no lack of fishing facilities (tackle and bait stands, boat-launching ramps, eating establishments) on Bolivar Peninsula. They are located all along the Intracoastal Waterway. It’s a different story on the Chambers County side of the bay. There are launching facilities on the roads leading to the bay, but all the concession stands selling bait, tackle, ice and food are located near Smith’s Point.