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

Galveston-The Aftermath

Myself and a dear friend Robert,drove down to Galveston island. I stopped by my mother's gravesite on 61st and all was intack.

However, the island needs years of repair and our prayers. Viewed Packo marine at the causeway,and the Galveston Basin near the ferry landing. Seems every vessel took a hit. the marina's will need lots of repair

The city will need our help. Not sure who to tell you to contact, but reach out any way you'll can in this time of need for our sister's and brother's.

Sand Dollar Auto Plex is working in Houston at their used car facility. At Edgebrook and I-45 South. Both new and used units available. See Capt Lynn Waddell.

Some beachfront businesses open now along with some food and retail.

It's difficult to understand God's will, but my faith says His ways are higher and His grace is sufficient....................

captpaul

Role of the Wind in Salt Water Fishing

Make no mistake about it, the wind can make or break your upcoming fishing trip or trips. Obviously, the stronger the wind, the rougher the water will have on your fishing trip. For general sport fishing, anything over 12 to 15 knots will make for an uncomfortable day.

The story of Texan saltwater fishing and the wind, however, is more than one of velocity. Direction too, plays a very important role. Then, there is the duration of the wind out of the same direction.

Start by looking at a map of the Gulf Coast. Beginning at Sabine and moving toward Corpus Christi, the coast runs northeast to southwest. However, from Corpus Christi to Mansfield and further south becomes almost due north to south.

What would you say are the best fishing winds? As a rule, the best winds are east to southeast along the coast, less than 12-15 knots. These winds blow in from the sea to bring in clearer and sometimes cooler water. That, folks are the ideal winds for our coastline. Even stronger east to southeast winds may make your fishing a bit unpleasant, but will have little effect on water clarity.

Now look what happens when the blow comes from the land to the sea? Meaning from the dreaded northwest or west. These winds are not conducive to fun fishing, because they drop tides below normal and water clarity becomes non-existent. There is an interesting note about northwest winds in the winter from mid-November to April. These “blue northers” generally cross the coast in excess of 25-40 mph. Old and seasoned fishermen call it “blowing the water out of the bay”.

Look for areas that hold land structure to give you some protection, such as Clear Lake, Moses Lake, Taylor Lake, Offats Bayou and numerous other bodies of water you can find on your Gulf Coast maps.

In addition, it is an ideal time to survey areas normally covered by normal tides. Bottom structure such as reefs or wrecks will hold bait. Remember, finding active bait; will most often result in finding game fish.

Strong and sustained winds from off shore, especially, those from the east, can be a fishing bonanza, making tides run higher than predicted. These winds flood the salt grasses and generally on a falling tide, can result in excellent catching of speckled trout and redfish along with the 3rd member and sometimes over looked flounder.

And last but not least, dead calm wind is generally slow to poor for fishing. There are no ripples on the bay to offset the noise a wader or someone drifting might make. Make no mistake, sound underwater travels 5 times that of what you hear on top, or so the experts say.

Next time you and yours plan a trip, keep this information and use it to make a wise decision for your outdoor adventure on Galveston or any area along the Gulf Coast.

Enjoy the out doors.

See ya’ll on Galveston Bay.

Capt. Paul Marcaccio

galveston bay fishing reports