Saltwater Fishing Seminar

Upcoming Saltwater Seminar to be hosted by Fishing Tackle Unlimited on Saturday January 19, 2013. Location is at I-45 South @ Fuqua on the west side. Time is 830am to 400pm................ Infomation to cover in and around the Galveston Bay complex,such as tides, specific areas holding great numbers of speckled trout and redfish, moon phase, water temp, etc.................. Bring GPS maps, recorders, pens and papers. Free fishing tackle from sponcers the likes of Mirrolure, Stanley Jigs, Bass Assassin and Kelly Wigglers.............. Door prize to be a FTU rod. Cost is $95.00 per student(angler). Lunch to be provided as well. RSVP to 281-788-4041 or captpaul@gofishgalveston.com This writer will be the instructor and will share the past 30 years of experience............. God bless and Merry Christmas the fisherman

Lights Out-Fishing Spec's & Reds

Guys and Gals This past month has been a great time to fish Galveston Bay for spec's and redfish. The number of fish are ranging from 18-25 inches(spec's) and redfish in the slot from 23-25 inches. Required to leave the dock by 600am, a little cool with great rewards by mid-day. Best colors are soft plastics from Bass Assassin, Kelley Wigglers, or Stanley Jigs. Plum, pumpkin seed or pearl. Fish are in 6-8 feet of water near drains and bayou's. Best time is on a falling tide. Water temp is ranging 58-63 degrees. Winds are under 15 mph from north, and east. Use either 1/4 or 3/8 lead from Bass Assassin or Stanley.............. Book your next trip for a memory of great fishing in Galveston Bay................ Weekdays and weekends available.............. Email to captpaul@gofishgalveston.com or 281-788-4041 god bless and have a wonderful Thanksgiving the fisherman

Anahuac Pocket-Trinity Bay

Anahuac Pocket-The Golden Goose This day a good friend, Mike Heideiman, and I were looking for that elusive trout and redfish. I was using soft plastic Saltwater Assassin’s and Mike was a Baby Super Spooks. We were intending on having heavy stringers. One moment the water below the next, and us just looked different a gaping yellow mouth with two canine teeth seemingly appeared from nowhere to engulf the Assassin. The strike was as vicious as it was fast. Water splashed as the big trout dove under my boat, straining the graphite rod and having Mike to turn to see what the commotion was all about and then grab the landing net. The drag was screaming as my line left the reel in a most characteristic fashion. Got to tell you’ll folks, just does not get any better……………………. Mike grabbed the landing net, but this trout’s “time” had not arrived and she made several more runs away from the boat. We finally got the opportunity to slip the landing net under the spent fish. Several more of the same size trout were caught that morning, ranging from 18 inches to 23 inches long. No redfish could be found that day. Trinity is the largest body of water in the Galveston Bay complex, offering miles of shoreline as well as a huge area of deeper water in the open bay. Trinity provides a good number of oil and gas rigs as well as live oyster reefs for boaters and wade fishermen alike. Speckled trout, redfish and flounder are found in this natural nursery, but perhaps her greatest claim to fame comes from waders throwing topwater baits for big trout. She is large enough that it would pay most weekend anglers to invest in a few trips with experienced guides so they can get to know the area a little better. Live bait is always the percentage call on any water. Shrimp, finger mullet, and croakers will always produce at the right time. While live bait is not always easy to find and is expensive, most fishermen will either buy it, net it, or simply not go fishing. There is, however, something about Trinity that seems to inspire some of us who would not be caught with live bait or a cast net. That’s not to say, clients may buy the bait and put it on my boat any time. From time to time, word leaks out about enormous trout taken on topwaters. Her greatest drawback is the seemingly annual flooding of fresh water down the river into the open bay. Trinity has been reported, in recent years, for anglers to catch fresh water stripers and bass. But, when she’s right, Trinity Bay can grant some of the most consistent, if not the hottest, fishing on the entire Gulf Coast. THIS IS THE CASE NOW………………. It may be hit or miss from now on until the first spring flood tides, but when the tides get right and there is a lull between these blue northers, the fish will be there. Salinity and color now is as good as this writer could imagine. Along with others, I will be back. As always, enjoy fishing. Remember what you have learned and pass it on to the little ones. You, too, were young once. See y’all on Galveston Bay or maybe Trinity Bay near the shoreline at ……………………………………Oops? God bless our land and the men who defend it for our enjoyment outdoors……………………. Capt. Paul Marcaccio

Saltwater Courtesy

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 U.S.C.G. & T.P.L. license

Houston Ship channel

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 same 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 ten (10) feet of anchor line. For example, ten (10) feet of fishing depth, requires about 100 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 croacker 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 croackers 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 croackers depends on the pressure of the fishermen. Also, Hillman Bait Camp @ the Dickinson bridge . Phone is (281-678-6821) and ask for Mr. Manny……………Mike Morrison and Pat Morrison are the owners............. 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 till the 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 USCG & TP &W License

Summer Pattern-Galveston

July-August, Options on Galveston Bay The trip was planned to explore several areas in the San Leon, Dickinson Bay, and Texas City near the Dike. But, the old pier pilings that have always been such a magnet for redfish beckoned. It's hard for this guide to give up good old bad habits, especially when they have produced fried redfish filets so many times. The Big Bay Parker just seemed to go on autopilot, quickly swinging into familiar territory. Near the April Fool shoreline and Eagle Point. On a FTU Green rod, the lime truse plastic mullet imitation looked deadly swimming through the sandy green bay waters. Long cast with my Green Titanium rod back toward the shallows drew the bait in an almost parallel course to the old pier pilings near April Fool Pt. Just as the sun was clearing the eastern shoreline of East Bay, my 6-½ foot rod bowed deeply. The power and style of the run indicated that I had a good redfish. The ultra light action of the rod along with my 30 lb Sufix braid proved to be lethal again. However, the pier pilings are different. It was over in less than two minutes. Twice more, my presentation proved to fool me'. It was embarrassing…………………….. Then there was that magic day a couple of days later, back near the Texas City Dike. Using medium action Green Rods, four of us did battle on some awesome black drum. Lots of Big black drum. It was a bright sunny day with a light east wind. Those fish were stacked in a deep hole near the Dike. And they were eating fresh blue crabs just as fast as we could serve them up. Passers by on the Bolivar Ferry were treated to several Herculean tussles. These spawn-minded females were all in the 25-40 lb class and they make ones forearms similar to Popeye's……………………… There was the beautiful April morning, spent with a very dear friend, Brother Chuck, around Goat Island near the Hog Pins in East Bay. We used several assortments of She Dog's, baby Spooks, and soft plastic Assassins and Norton baits to tally a mixed bag. By the end of the day, we had waded that entire shoreline and come away with speckled trout, redfish, sand trout and even one grandee gaff top. My brother Chuck was equal to the test and found great success, both on top as well as feeding those great fish with soft plastic. And yet again was the morning with Mike Heidemann and Casey, along the north shoreline of Trinity Bay. Get this, with no tidal movement; we boxed speckled trout to around four pounds on soft plastic Stanley Jigs and Salt Water Assassin baits. On still another day, when cabin fever trampled good sense, a hasty run to the back of Moses Lake seemed to ease the situation. That campaign featured deteriorating conditions with a light drizzle. The only fish happening were several sand trout and some Hugh ribbonfish. Still again, the need was served. The aforementioned episodes are described, not for the quality or quantity they produced, but to highlight the exciting fact that July and August are great times to be on Galveston Bay. Most of the action we find on the Texas Coast pecks during the warmer months. By the firth of May, water temperature is in that magical 70's and the summer smorgasbord is being served up…………………. The large black drum show first. While the run pecks in September, bull redfish are year round possibility. As the beachfront warms to the sunlight, gaffs top, speckled trout and keeper redfish begin the work the shallow guts. Big flounder are funneling through the passes and ditches, working there way back into the upper part of Trinity and East Bay. Sharks will oversee the migration in numbers most people do not begin to realize. The first of these will usually be the small sand sharks. Not far behind them will be the black tip, bulls and hammerheads. By mid-June, Spanish mackerel, jackfish pompano, king mackerel and even ling will be taken near the beachfront. We are catching a great number of sharks in the bay this year due to the salinity similar to offshore because we have had little or no rainwater……………..go figure It is easy to rush this great out door experience. As much as this writer and guide love fishing the colder months, I eagerly anticipate that which is to come. Rare is the year that I don't try to will the fish into place before it's time. The next three months will offer more and more varied opportunities than any other time of the year. The possibilities are virtually limitless. And every year, during the dog days of summer, I suddenly blink one hot, steamy afternoon and wonder where those magic days of spring went already…………………………. God bless you and your families, while you enjoy His great backyard. Captain Paul Marcaccio, USGC & TP & W... B.O.I. (born on the island) with over 30 years of Texas Coastline experience.

Fishing with Sunglasses

Fishermen and women alike take great pride in having the proper equipment for fishing the bay system and offshore. Sometimes, the little things will make a difference on the outcome of what we consider a good day’ of fishin’ (catchin’). What items of equipment would you say are the most often overlooked part of your fishing gear? Maybe an extra reel, braided 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. Memories are made each day. Protect your vision and wear the best available lens………………………….. As always, have fun and enjoy the outdoors. See you’ll on Galveston Bay. Capt. Paul Marcaccio U.S.C.G. & T.P.& W. license

Flounder Fishing

Flounder Fishing – for Everyone

Successful flounder fishing is not for everyone. If you simply cast out the bait and wait, you may catch a flounder or two, but in general you’re in for a disappointment and frustration. Successful hook and line flounder fishing rates right at the head of the class. If you can successfully catch flounder on hook and line, you have bragging rights and should consider yourself an expert.
This writer can give a lot of tips on catching flounder, but when it comes to actually setting the hook in the mouth of a flatfish, it all boils down to two items: “Concentration and Experience”!
“It seems everyone else can catch flounder except me.” I hear that so often this time of year, when the flounder make their migratory move to the Gulf.

First off, the flounder has no swim bladder. This simply means the fish goes through life swimming or lying on or near the bottom. They are unable to suspend themselves motionless at any depth. Furthermore, it doesn’t have the fin structure nor body shape for fast swimming. It tends to move in short darts that appear to be fast, because when flounder move they raise a lot of silt off the bottom.

The fish normally feed from ambush, lying partially hidden on the bottom until food matter moves or drifts close by. The fish quickly rises off the bottom, grabs the food and sinks right back to the bottom. This is where your experience comes into play. Most fish tend to engulf the bait. The flounder instead, hold it tightly with its teeth for a few seconds before ingesting. Some marine biologist says the fish does this to kill the bait before taking it deep into its mouth.
If you try to set the hook the instant you feel a pick-up. Odds are excellent you’ll tear the hook out of the bait and give the flounder a free meal. Instead, wait approximately ten (10) seconds before striking or setting the hook.
This writer prefers to palm my reel, letting the line run lightly between my thumb and forefinger. You would be surprised at what the flounder telegraphs up the taunt line. You can feel the fish working the bait, and you can feel when the fish takes the bait deep into its mouth. That’s the moment of truth to strike and set the hook. Experience this a few times and you will never forget it………

Since flounder normally feed on matter that drifts close by, successful flounder fishermen and women are those who fish every foot of the bottom within casting range. Do this by inching the bait along the bottom. When you feel the line taunt, treat it as if a flounder has grabbed the bait and not as if the hook fouled a snag. Wait the magic ten (10) seconds before setting the hook. This tackle can be modified to be used with a float in wading depth. Rig the float to hold the bait just a few inches above the bottom. Cast up current and allow the current to carry along the float so a lot of bottom can be covered.
When a flounder takes the bait, the float will stop moving and simply lean over in the current. Wait the magical ten (10) seconds, and then set the hook. If the float starts moving against the current, you can bet money that the infamous blue crab has grabbed the bait and moved off with it.
There are a number of good terminal rigs for flounder. I prefer a slip sinker attached to the line followed by a swivel, then 18 to 24 inches of leader line (20 to 30 lbs.) followed by a wide gap (circle hook) either #2 or #3. The best bait is either live mud minnows or finger mullet. When the bay temperature cools down less than 70 degrees. Live shrimp will also work as well.

The most effective artificial lure is any soft plastic bait. Bass assassin, shrimp tail, or shad tails. Use either 1/8 to ¼ oz. lead head. I prefer the Norton lazer screw on hooks or the new Bass Assassin screw on as well. Work the bait right on the bottom with your yo-yo effect on lifting and dropping the rod tip. I prefer the new All-Pro titanium rod made by Fishing Tackle Unlimited in either 6-1/2’ or 7’. It’s called the GREEN ROD…………………..


Hopefully, these tips give you a leg up on your next successful flounder trip.
Good luck and good fishing.
See y’all outdoors on Galveston Bay.
Capt. Paul Marcaccio

Tribute to Real Men

A Tribute to a Man and his Son


In life, only a hand full of people, including your parents, can forevermore have a lasting effect on your natural ability.
There was one who had a profound effect along with his son. That person was Bob Stephenson Sr. and Junior, as I knew him. Bob Jr. had a passion for the outdoors that his father gave him from the time his was just a little tot………………………….
Bob Sr. and his lovely wife Dottie have a wonderful family and shared everything about the outdoors with their sons and daughters.
The first I remember Bob Sr. was he doing the commercials for Friday Night Wrestling for Paul Bausch. Then later Bob Sr. was the weatherman for CBS, channel 11 here in Houston.
I'm not sure of the time frame next, but Johnny Valentino of Eagle Point tells me that his dad and Bob Sr. were close friends. Somehow, either Bubba or Johnny's dad convinced Bob Sr. to do a fishing report on the radio for the Outdoor Farm Show.
Bam………Thus was born the re-nown show called The Bob Stephenson OUTDOORRRRRR Show. Sometime around 1968. You'll do not hold me to all these dates and time.
The rest is history. Bob Sr. made a lasting effect on this guide and angler. The show played to a listening audience daily from 4am to 5am and on the weekends from 4-7am. Except Monday, when Bob Sr. would take a little time off, like maybe the barbers did as well. The format to this angler was simple. Tell it like it is. No exceptions. Wind direction, tide movement and general location of where you caught your fish. Bob Sr. expected no less than the truth. Lots of time, he would try to close the gap to where I was catching. All in good fun. Bob Sr. loved the outdoors like our Lord intented. He always had a smile, a look and a touch for everyone he came in contact with. His outdoor show was on the air for well over 30 years, heard on the AM radio side of 740,950 and finally settled down to the 610 spot where it played till our Lord called him home. This man knew more than about fishing and hunting than any I could remember in ten lifetimes. Forgive me while I dry my eyes a little……………………………..
His passion to help one and all was unique. From the advertising Boat Dealers, Professional Hunting and Fishing Guides, and especially the men and women that would call in to his show, He treated us all with the same passion and conviction for telling the truth above all else. He later tutored his son Bob Jr. to help so he could spend more time with his lovely wife Dottie and other members of his family.
Bob Jr. and I became very close friends during the 80's. His passion mirrored his dad for the outdoors. Bob Jr. fished some of the fresh water tournament trails in the southwest.
At some point, Bob Sr. asked Junior to continue the family tradition. Bob Jr. took over for his dad, so dad could spend quality time with his family and friends. Bobby was a great friend, who knew the importance of family and how to get the most out of all of us, when it came to hunting and fishing reports. There were times, he could push my buttons………….Man, and He was awesome.
Bob Jr. maintained the airways all during the 80's, 90's and the 2000's.
Everyone that came in contact with Bob Jr. loved and admired him as a person and a family man. His lovely wife Melba and daughters, Dana and Shelly are true grit to this writer. They all continue to live life to the fullest.
Bob Jr. lived life the way you should. To the fullest. One day at a time. He was a man's man like his dad, Bob Sr.
Bobby passed away in 2002. I will truly miss them both…….
The show lives on in their memory. Capt Mickey Eastman and Benny Hatton are now the hosts daily. Tune in @ AM 610 Thurs-Sundays @ 4am. Great guys to listen to about the outdoors………….
I can still here them sometimes, while I drive toward the coast to go fishing. Bobby laughing out loud about someone's funny story and the show always closed with Bob Sr. famous line. Folks, HAVE FUN OUTDOORSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS……………………..
God truly blessed these two great men.
Dottie, Melba, Dana and Shelly. Thank you for sharing your father and husbands.
Capt. Paul Marcaccio-BOI. (Born on the island)
With over 30 yrs. Fishing experiences the Texas Gulf Coast. U.S.C.G. & T. P. & W. license

Febuary/March Patterns

February & March Cold Winter Pattern







It’s apparent we have escaped the cold weather. Yes, chilly weather, but no hard freezes. Let’s hope those times are few and far between.
February and March are proven months to capture that trophy trout .A good rod with plenty of backbone and a fast tip scores well. Several lengths available with different actions………………….
A good example is the GREEN ROD from Fishing Tackle Unlimited located I-45 @ Fuqua or Campbell Rd @ I-10……………..
By far the most productive method is to wade fish certain areas in Galveston Bay. With the spring flood tides covering the Back Bay marshes each season, take time to travel to these areas and seek out that wall mount.
Make use of the falling tide in the area you wish to wade. Target drains and bayous as they become idea areas for those sow trout to ambush the bait……………….
The shrimp and baitfish caught in these areas are heading out toward the open bay, and these trout are on a major feed. For the most part, early morning or ate afternoon is the best time to wade. A lot of your larger trout are only interested in large bait, something like a mullet or croaker.
In addition, lure size plays a significant role. Be sure to use braided line in the 20-30 lb range. Sufix makes a great line along with others. Tie your bait directly to the line. Allows bait to look more natural.
There will be a few days during the month that the tide and water clarity will be right for the asking. If possible, use double tides (two lows and two highs), along with trout water (approximately 12 inches of visibility) to start your trophy hunt.
Keep in mind; pods of nervous baitfish are essential. That sow trout is lurking just beneath them.
Make sure of the entire Galveston Bay complex, areas like the south shoreline of West Bay, or the wading areas of East Bay (north and south). Don’t forget about Trinity Bay. When salinity is right, expect to find that career speckled trout.
A combination of layered clothing, covered by neoprene waders insures a comfortable guard against the winter water.
Bay water temperature is cool and the fish turn more to a diet of mullet and shad. Hard-bodied mullet imitations become real producers. That is not to say that soft plastics are not effective during the winter.
Pay particular attention to areas that have bayous and canals leaving the marshes. Work them aggressively, tossing the bait you have selected up current and letting it fall back toward the open area.
Lure selection should imitate the bait in the area. Top water lures are going to entice the largest fish. The erratic movement you must use gives the appearance of a wounded fish, making the trout receptive to a powerful strike on your lure. Keep in mind; you will not always hook up that larer trout with these baits. You will find yourself seeing a number of blow-ups (fish attacking the bait on the surface without hooking themselves). Your patience will be tested time and time again not to set the hook until you feel she has taken the bait.
Several of the better lures are the She Dog and Top Dog by Mirro-Lure; Baby spooks and the Corky. The most durable is the infamous Mirro-Lures (series No. 38, 51, & 52). Color choices should be natural on sunny days in good water clarity and bright rattling baits on overcast days in off-color water conditions.
Soft plastic has captured many of the trout over the years. There are literally hundreds of these baits in your local tackle store.
Remember, most bait that is sold is designed to catch the fisherman, not the fish.
Make your selection carefully. Keep several types in your tackle box. Others will be accumulated as you become familiar with different conditions on the water.
Bass Assassins are by far the most productive soft plastics now in the market place. Assassin baits are durable and come in many colors and sizes. Use their ultra point wide gap screw on jig heads for repeated hook-ups.
Confidence and presentation are equally important. Be sure of what you are using and you will be rewarded with some of the Gulf Coast’s finest fish.
Always carry spoons in your tackle box. Never leave home without a couple of Johnson sprite or Tony Asseda spoons. These baits are excellent under certain conditions. The wobble and flash they produce will entice speckled trout or redfish when your other baits will not.
Braid line is by far the better line to use these days. Sufix is among the elite. The first few seconds are important to the hookup. If you remember to set the hook hard and hold the rod up. A tight drag is not necessary. Back off the reel drag. Let the reel fight the surges and dives she will make toward you. If necessary, use your thumb to keep pressure as she runs her course.
Some trout will tail walk and roll away in an attempt to shake the bait. At times, she will run at you in an attempt to gain freedom. Keep the rod at arm’s distance. Give yourself additional line by pulling the line yourself while keeping tension on the rod and line.
When you finally have her to within reach, don’t panic. She will be larger than life. Walk the fish in a semi-circle; making sure your stringer stays out of the way. Keep in mind, you will have only one chance to reach out and secure that trophy trout. You may need to raise the rod with a high arm to guide and hold the fish within reach.
Correctly, grip her across the back behind the gills. When you are ready and the fish is lifeless for a moment, seize her. Reach out and grab with authority, now place your rod under your arm and pull enough line to secure the trout in your donut or on your stringer. Your other hand may be necessary to hold the underside of the fish, being careful not to damage the gills, if you are going to release this beautiful fish.
Now, you’ve finally done the impossible. Congratulations are in order. Maybe even a holler. Makes no matter, you won the battle.
Enjoy the moment. It will be yours for all time.
Have fun and be careful while fishing,
Good luck and good fishing.
See y’all on Galveston Bay.