THE BOAT SHOW-January 3rd to 12th

RELIENT PARK-HOME OF THE BOAT SHOW The Annual Houston International Boat, Sport, and Travel Show opens on a high note. This is the year 2014 – the home of the Boat Show, Reliant Park Complex. There will be more than 600 exhibitors at the show, which covers 400,000+sq. ft. of space in the Complex. It is a fiberglass array of fantastic products and fishermen’s dream. From bow to stern, booth-to-booth, it’s a glistening, climate-controlled nautical paradise-unmatched anywhere. New boat models, along with the favorite classics, jon boats, pontoons, ski boats and cruisers, personal watercraft, inshore and offshore boats, to the saltwater center consoles, it’s all here, filling every nook and cranny of the complex. Sponsored by the Boating Trades Association of Metropolitan Houston, the show embraces all the needs of boaters and fishermen alike. You name it, and it’s probably on display somewhere under one gigantic roof. There are rods and reels, anchors, batteries, boat hooks, diesel engines, compasses, charts, barometers, depth sounders, GPS units, ice chests, life jackets, outboard motors, radars, radios, trailers and trolling motors. The list goes on and on. In one day you can purchase a boat, arrange financing or book your dream trip with one of the guides or outfitters here on the Texas Gulf Coast. If that’s not enough, there’s more. For the hunting and fishing enthusiasts, Reliant Park will be transformed into an outdoorsman’s paradise, fully stocked with the latest hunting gear, fishing tackle, out fitters and guides who can provide information on the best hunting and fishing areas both here in Texas and around the country In a section of the Complex, look for an array of campers, motor homes and recreational vehicle accessories. In addition, there are booths manned by those who run sailing schools, scuba diving instructors, travel and tourist agencies, artists and jewelers. Outfitters, experts and guides will conduct free seminars throughout the 12-day show. In fact, I’ll be delivering a seminar of my own at F.T.U on January 18, 2014. All day covering Galveston Bay complex, includes lunch. Cost is $75.00 per student. Free door prizes, and free fishing tackle. Address is I-45 @ Fuqua…………………..Limited Seating Speaking of guides and outfitters, booking a licensed guide or outfitter should not be done without a great deal of consideration. Be sure to note their habits and tendencies. Fishing guides come from a broad range of backgrounds and nations. Of course, each one has his or her own personality quirks. For the most part, fishing guides are even-tempered folks who are fun to be around. Having a Texas Parks and Wildlife license, along with another from the U. S. Coast Guard, plays only a small part in the grand scheme. To be a professional fishing guide, one needs to have good “people skills”, and a proper attitude. Individuals with poor attitudes—no matter how good they are at catching fish day to day, don’t make it in the business very long. Most of you won’t spend your hard-earned money or your free time from family and home to go out on the water with someone who has a poor attitude, at least not more than once, anyway. There will be a number of quality guides and outfitters in the Complex for this show. Do your homework. It will go a long way toward seeing that your next fishing trip will be one that you will enjoy for a lifetime. In addition, we now have a Texas Saltwater Guide Association, complete with stickers and decals. Stop by my booth at Reliant Park Complex (booths 5617). I look forward to sharing my past, present and hopefully future fishing trips with you, as well as any info you may want to know regarding the Guide Association. Here's wishing your family and friends a safe and prosperous New Year. God bless you, and always have fun-OUTDOOOORS- This article is dedicated to the memory of Bob Stephenson, Jr. and Bob (Pappy) Stephenson. About the author: Paul Marcaccio is a B.O.I. (born on the island) who has been fishing Galveston Bay for more than 30 years as a professional guide.

Winter Fishing

Winter Fishing is hard work Most of the fishermen we know have put up their rods and taken up rifles and shotguns, at least temporarily. From December through mid-March, this period offers trout that feed very much like piggy perch or hardheads. The cold weather often makes the trout very sluggish. Since the body temperature of a trout is that of the water in which it lives, the cold slows the metabolism of the fish. Trout fishing is supposed to be fun, but only for about nine months of the year. With winter fishing comes more work than fun. All the time you are suffering through the cold day. It is apparent that there are fewer fishermen in the bay and you should not have the problems encountered during the summer months. Needless to say, if one endures low temperatures and sluggish fish that nibble, you can enjoy great action during these frigid months. Passage of these northers are sometimes frequent and the more violent the front, the poorer the fishing afterwards. These fronts cause the bay system to turn chocolate milk and can lower the water level. I have seen a two or three foot drop in the water level after one of these fronts passes Galveston Bay, leaving a lot of good fishing areas exposed as mud or shell reefs. This then will force the trout to move to deep holes and the channels. Depending on whom you ask it takes sometimes three to four days for the return of normal tide levels and clear water. Once the front passes, a fisherman can experience several days of good fishing. Most often, the trout are suspended in water that is six to nine feet deep. Work areas like oil and gas platforms, shell or oyster reefs. If you know a well pad has been productive in the past, anchor up and work it for 15 to 30 minutes. Then you might want to try drifting certain oyster reefs and return later to the wells when the alternate tide starts moving again. Remember that the fish will be deep, so work the bait on the bottom. Birds (working gulls) are not usually found due to shrimp migration in the fall. Occasionally, you may find some trout along the shoreline adjacent to deep structure. Trout will feed during these periods and prior to frontal passages, thinking they need to store up food before the next winter blast of cold air arrives. The shortage of live bait during the winter keeps many fishermen at home. Some don’t know how to fish lures, or they dislike using them. When live bait is available, use it under a popping cork about four to seven feet deep from the cork to the hook. You also may free shrimp or use a slip weight depending on the bottom you are fishing. Also, the use of live finger mullet or mudfish is good when live shrimp are not found. The above mentioned should be hooked at the top dorsal fin or the tail and hooked on the bottom. Make long casts and when the bait hits the water, let out enough line to drop the bait where you first hit the water. This will keep the bait from coming back to you because of the current. The method is to retrieve slowly and pause until the bait is back at the boat. Each time you cast, move your location and cover as much water as possible. The use of artificial baits during the winter will test your patience. This is not the time for the novice angler to use these baits without some prior experience. Remember that proper presentation is important. Lifting the rod tip as you retrieve is important, as you will have to put the bait within a few feet of the trout. Be sure and cover as much water as possible as you drift or anchor the boat. Another popular winter fishing trout lure is bottom-bumping plugs with two sets of hooks. The extra hook gives the fisherman the edge. Keep this in mind while wading in the winter. Trout have a much heavier than usual coating of protective slime. Be sure to carry a landing net. If you think these fish are slippery in the summer, try grabbing one in the dead of winter when your fingers are numb. The clothing you wear is also important. Be sure and layer the clothes you select, so in the sun should come out, you will be able to remove a layer at a time as necessary. As always, have fun and enjoy the outdoors. See ya’ll on Galveston Bay. Capt. Paul Marcaccio USCG & TP&W License

Flounder Fishin' 101

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

Cooler Temperatures –Fall Pattern for Speckled Trout and Redfish Bow hunting and Dove seasons are upon us anglers. Keep in mine, not to forget some of Galveston Bays finest fishing is also in full swing. With the passing of each cold front, it has given us relief from the heat of the summer months as well as giving us greater opportunities for fishing Trinity Bay. The cooler temperatures have already had an effect on Galveston Bay, especially Trinity Bay. In the later days of summer when the water temperature hovers around 90 degrees and there is no relief in sight; fishing for speckled trout or redfish is at best difficult. The fish are usually scattered and are very difficult to locate; sometimes the best time is to fish at night under some sort of lights. So with the recent weather forecast calling for the first few cold fronts in ’2013, local fishermen look forward to these weather changes with great anticipation of the fall season. The fish start moving, some flounder will make their annual migration, and the golden croaker run is next followed closely by the speckled trout and redfish. These fronts tell the fish to start storing up food for the upcoming cold months ahead. This is also the time of year when the birds start working over the migration of shrimp out of the bay system. Some would say that perhaps this is their most favorite time of year. This time of year, the cooler temperatures make it very comfortable fishing and there seems to be less pressure on the bay because of the hunting seasons. Fishing pressure affects Trinity Bay as much as the weather sometimes. Best bet now is to key on watching for diving birds (seagulls and terns) hovering over nervous shrimp skipping across the water. This can be some of the best fishing and most rewarding for your ice chests. Best bet to use for success while working the birds is a bass assassin or shad body, with a quarter ounce lead head. Sometimes, you may want to use a heavier head to get the bait past the smaller trout near the surface. Larger trout to three pounds are almost always feeding near the bottom of the area in question. Excellent bait is a spoon. Because it weighs more and the spoon is larger, the distance to the frenzy birds can be reduced with a longer cast and drops quickly to those larger trout. This writer often wonders when the fish are in a feeding frenzy like that if it really matters what you throw, “but if it is not broke, don’t fix it!” As I said earlier, the fishing pressure has as much affect on Trinity Bay as the temperature. During the week, you can see the difference. Birds will be working the whole bay, but as soon as the weekend comes, the activity shuts down quite a bit. When you spot a flock of birds, especially in the back of Trinity Bay, a trolling motor can be a big advantage. If you go plowing in there fast with your big engines, the fish will scatter and very little will be caught. Use common sense, and stay approximately one hundred feet upwind of the diving birds and drift in with the aid of your trolling motor. I know sometimes this can be frustrating because you know the fish are there and you want to get there quickly, but I promise, if you motor right in on top of the birds, the fish will scatter. Remember that if there are boats already working the birds, they do have first right, so be courteous of those fishing and start looking for other birds and they should return the favor. Look for smaller number of birds (less than five) working as sometimes larger trout can be found under those birds as opposed to thirty to forty birds working a larger school of trout where the fish are smaller. I hope to see y’all on Trinity Bay and remember to be courteous to the other anglers when fishing the birds. Good luck and good fishing. Capt. Paul Marcaccio- Professional Guide with 30 years of experience, U.S.C.G. & T.P&W license

EAST BAY_GALVESTON TEXAS

Bolivar Peninsula- Best Kept Secret Just a few miles northeast of Galveston Island lies the strip of land called the Bolivar Peninsula. Anglers largely overlook the peninsula, as they pass by its shores on the way to crowded East Bay hot spots. The fact of the matter is that the peninsula has a lot to offer anglers year round, particularly in the winter months. The peninsula appeals to boaters, wade fishermen, and land based fishermen. Fishing opportunities for boaters are almost endless. Among the most popular places in Bolivar for boaters are the jetties. The jetties serve as a breakwater for the Galveston-Houston Ship channel, while at the same time, providing an ideal structure for attracting forage fish and the predators that feed on them. This structure holds fish year round. Wintertime is extremely productive because of the combination of structure and quick access to the deep water of the ship channel. The best bait in this area is finger mullet, if not available, use Saltwater Assassins, or Stanley Jigs. These soft plastics offer great hook ups if worked slowly. Also, use Mirrolure slow sinking plugs like the MR 19, 38 or 51 series. Color varies depending on water clarity. Light for clear and dark for off-colored water The Intercostals Waterway runs between the backside of Bolivar and Goat Island. Speckled trout, Redfish and Flounder (Texas Grand Slam as some refer to catching’ all three the same day). The waterway is an excellent area to fish when those blue northern are upon us. The shoreline is all but protected except for a gusty northeast or southwest wind…………………Be sure and wear wading boots to protect ones legs from our flounders with pony tails???? All year long. ForEverlast Boots work great. Se them at FTU in Houston or Katy, Texas Seviers Cove and the Pig Pens are two of the many spots boaters target for winter, or fall patterns for trout and redfish. Seviers Cut is a land cut in Goat Island with a shallow channel into East Bay. The Pig Pens is located on the bay side of East Bay, just west of Seviers. Soft baits like mentioned earlier along with the famous Corky by Paul Brown, works for those sow trout. Most anglers prefer to wade the latter both early and late afternoon, with an outgoing tide. Be sure and have a good graphite rod and small diameter line, so as not to attract too much attention. Fishing Tackle Unlimited has a tremendous rod called the All-Pro Series Green Rod…………………………….and Sufix Line to spool that great reel in 30lb test. The Bolivar Pocket is another popular wade fishing spot on the peninsula. The Pocket is located between the old lighthouse and the base of the Bolivar Jetties. This is a prime spot to target as the temperature drops with winter cold fronts………………………….. The Bay side of Rollover Pass is also a very productive area to wade during the winter and fall months. Mirrolures and the Stanley wedge tail top the list to throw when wading Rollover Bay. Both resemble a mullet, which is a winter meal for that trophy trout that looks for that one good meal for several days……………….. Rollover Pass and the jetties are two of the most productive areas for land-based fishermen. The cooler months of the years are plagued with single tides coupled with minimal tidal movement. Any trout fisherman will tell you,” Moving water catches moving fish. ”Rollover Pass is just that area. Trophy trout and redfish congregate and feed in that narrow pass. Live shrimp will almost always work for a large stringer of solid fish, but it’s next to impossible to find that time of year. See a white flag. Stop and get ‘em. Live finfish, solid-bodied mullet imitation and large soft plastics accounts for most of the truly large trout pulled from the pass each year at that time………………….. Bolivar is loaded with good winter and fall fishing locations and deserves a little investigation. With the upcoming hunting season, our fishing brothers have thinned out greatly. This gives those of us who fish year round a little more quiet time to catch that speckled trout or redfish. These prime areas receive less pressure at this time of year. Your brothers that are reading this at the deer camp always have fun outdoors. This writer will be thinking about you………………… Until next time, good Fishin’ or just as my fishing mentor always use to say, “Have Fun Outdoors”. We love you’ll Pappy and Junior. God bless……… Capt Paul Marcaccio U.S.C.G. & T.P. &W. license

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For Yours Eyes Only

Vision Protection Important for Anglers What piece of equipment is often overlooked? Maybe your landing net or an extra rod and reel. Nope. Your sunglasses, prescription or non-prescription. Aside from the obvious benefit of comfort, wearing sunglasses on a bright day can help protect your night vision; as well as help preserve the long-term health of your eyes. Studies show that exposure to strong ultraviolet 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 ultraviolet (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. UV Standards You can hold a sunglass lens up to the sky to see how much visible light it factors out, but your dependant on the manufacturer’s work regarding the most important aspect of sunglass performance: filtration of UV light. Ultraviolet rays are the invisible light rays that cause sunburns and can jump start skin cancer and cataracts. There are three types UVA, UVB and UVC. UVB has the potential for causing eye damage. The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends sunglasses that 99 percent to 100 percent of UV light. “UV absorption up to 400 mm,” a measure found on some labels, is the same thing as 100 percent UV absorption. A wide variety of coating colors and types 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 blocking can’t seal all UV light out. Moving a pair of standard sunglasses one-quarter inch away from the forehead increases UV exposure by 4 to 45 percent, depending on the design of the glasses. Side panels will prevent light bleeding in the sides of 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 surface of the water and fish. Polarized lenses contain microscopic mesh to diffuse reflected glare. You get a lot less fatigue with a polarized lens. You do 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 for lens distortion is to look through the glass at a straight, horizontal line. Turn your head from side-to-side. If the line seems to wobble and stretch, the lens quality is poor. Good quality sunglasses tend to have lenses made of either glass; a plastic called CR-39, or polycarbonate. In general, glass is the most scratch resistant; plastics are lighter and more shatter resistant. CR-39 is naturally more scratch resistant than polycarbonate, which wins 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 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. Remember, you have spent lots of dollars for fishing equipment. Don’t leave out the most important pieces the next time you go fishing. A good pair of quality sunglasses is essential and should be a part of your basic tackle. See y’all on Galveston Bay. Capt. Paul Marcaccio USCG & TP&W License

Wade Fishing Galveston Bay

Wade fishing: classroom 101……………….. As we try to find other methods to capture those speckled trout, this writer would suggest that one might try and get out of a perfectly dry boat, commonly referred to as wade fishing. Many are called, few are chosen to this art of catching great fish. It seems that there is some who would believe that you could successfully catch bigger fish, while in the boat. That is further from the truth……………………… Successful wade fishing depends a lot on how you dress. Wearing apparel that can be seen under water from more than a few feet can penalize you by spooking the fish. Remember that fish are skittish when they search for food in shallow water. Additionally, the wrong apparel can be downright dangerous, especially in waters with deep holes or along the fringes of cuts and channels or in areas where very soft mud can become dangerous bottom. Don’t wear clothing that will reflect light. A person all decked out in white clothing can really spook fish, especially speckled trout, in shallow water. Instead wear any dark colored pants. When wet, these materials will make your legs look like posts. It’s not at all wise to wade fish bare legged. Long pants will protect your legs from hooks, fins and jellyfish. Guys that wade in shorts, spend a lot of time in the boat, recovering from the sting of those pesky critters. Some kind of footwear is a must when wade fishing the bays. Bare feet can get you into all kinds of trouble. I prefer tennis shoes or lightweight wading shoes. Boots can get you into a lot of trouble if you happen to step into too deep a hole. So be careful when you purchase those wading boots. Make sure they are at least a size larger. That way, you can lose them should you need too. This is especially true if hip boots are worn. They can quickly fill with water and will practically anchor you to the bottom. Never wade alone. I know what you are thinking. No one else will go or you want to move more quickly to cover the water area. This writer has personally saved several from possible serious injury or worse. Wade in teams of at least 2(two) fishermen. You can really cover more water and when you find those speckled trout or redfish, you can hold them for a time. The very worst way to wade fish is to go bare footed. I still see this often when the water along the beachfront is clear and waders are out seeking speckled trout. Instead of going bare foot, wear very lightweight tennis shoes. It’s very important that these shoes can be easily kicked off if you happen to slip into water over your head and be faced with a situation of having to swim for shore. This is a thing that occurs all too frequently when waders invade the waters of San Luis Pass. Of course, some sort of insulated wear is needed for wading in the winter. I prefer chest high neoprene waders by Simms Outdoors or wade-lites. Waders, however, can get you into trouble if you venture into water too deep. So always walk with a shuffle to feel the ground ahead so you can dodge holes and avoid slipping off the edge of cuts and channels. A belt around the outside of the waders can make the apparel serve as a makeshift flotation device if you step into a deep hole or slip into a channel. The belt will help to trap air inside the waders to give you a certain amount of flotation. The thing to do if you go into a hole is to abandon your fishing gear and start paddling to shore. Buying new fishing gear is far less expensive than having your family come to visit you at the area hospital. Remember that you can become numb very quickly in cold water. Hypothermia is nothing to fool with. The water temperature today is slowly moving down toward colder conditions. Presently, its 84 degrees and dropping as these cold fronts continue to assault our coastline. Be sure and layer you apparel when wading. It’s much easier to take it off, instead of not having that pair of sweats of light jacket. The ideal way to wade fish is to wear some sort of flotation device. There are several on the market that instantly inflate when an access cartridge is popped. With a device like that you can save your life as well as your fishing gear. Otherwise, you can purchase those that are already made to wear. Be sure that they would hold your weight. Check the tags for instructions. It’s extremely important to wear gear that will seal out moisture as well as the cold when wade fishing in the winter. Wearing several layers of clothing is better than a single heavy garment. Another important aspect of wade fishing is to always let someone know just where you plan to fish. Your family and friends can use this to start a search for you, if you fail to arrive in a timely fashion. Carry your hand held GPS, so you can let them know where you are at with that implanted (cell phone) we all now carry. Be sure and carry an extra phone battery. Fishing this time of the year is as good as it gets. Take care of your homework at home or office, and experience a moment of a lifetime. As always, have a good time in the outdoors. See y’all on Galveston Bay. Capt Paul Marcaccio USCG &TP&W License

Winds along the Texas Gulf Coast

Role of the Wind 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. Happy Memorial Days to you and yours. Have a safe time boating during the upcoming holidays. Capt. Paul Marcaccio USCG & TP &W License

Capture the Moment

A Good Picture Is Worth 1000 Words Memorable fish catches don’t come along on every fishing trip, but when they do, you certainly want a permanent record of the occasion. You could, of course, take your catch to the taxidermist and have a real fine wall mount made. I’ve gone that route, and it is satisfactory to a point. The problem is this can become quite expensive. I’ve been sport fishing since 1965 and if I had a wall mount made of every big fish I’ve caught or especially admired, I would be trophy rich and money poor. No, not every fish I’ve caught was a record at the time. Other points figure in, like the circumstances under which the fish was caught, the tackle or special lure used, etc., etc. There is an inexpensive way you can make permanent those memorable catches. Photograph the catch. If it’s to be a record of the catch, you need to do some planning in taking the photo. Simply pointing the camera and pressing the shutter release is not enough. First off, consider the background. Don’t clutter it up with objects and whatnots totally unrelated to fishing. Use a marine background. You can shoot from a low angle and have clouds in the background or shoot for a high angle and get the water in the background. Or you can take the photo in the boat with tackle, motor, and etc. in the background. The main object in the picture is going to be the fish. Present its best side to the camera and wet the body before taking the photo. This will give it a more lifelike appearance. If the fish has been cleaned, don’t turn the cavity to the camera. And forget all about holding the fish out in front of you so it will look better. A photo like that will stamp you as a real hayseed and make you the butt of a lot of jokes. When there is a person in the photo, the first thing viewers look at is the eyes. The viewers will then normally look at what the eyes of the photographed person are viewing. Thus hold the fish at shoulder level off to one side and look at the fish. Similar “blunder” photos crop up many times daily at the Grand Canyon. The photo is of someone looking right at the camera with the Grand Canyon in the background. Make the photo a lasting one by having the person stand off to one side and then look toward or point at something in the Grand Canyon. Let’s say you come in with a 9-pound speckled trout and you want a photo of it. Hold the fish with both hands, one supporting the head and the other grasping the tail to extend the fish to full length. Hold the catch to one side with the head of the fish at eye level, but a little to the front. Then look at the fish’s head. The resulting photo will show you with your head partially turned toward the fish and with your eye on the fish. The fish is what you want people to see when viewing the photo. Have the photographer move in close to snap the picture. You want the full length of the fish to show, but there is no reason for you to appear full length in the photo. After all, the important subject is the fish, not you’re fishing pants and old shoes. If there is any doubt at all about the light, use the flash. The poorest light for a daytime photo is during the time period between 10a.m. and 2p.m. Sure, the light may be strongest, but the sun will be overhead. A hat or cap will cast shadows on faces. Use a flash to eliminate those shadows. Avoid taking photos with the sun directly behind the photographer or behind the person in the photo. In one case, you end up with the photographer’s shadow on the person in the photo. In the other case, the result is a bright background behind a darkened subject. Record fish come along only a time or two in a lifetime. Trophy size fish may be caught only slightly more often. With this in mind, never take just one photo. Film is not expensive.(Prior to 2000). Your cell phone is a great tool as well. If your catch is big enough for a trophy, it is worth using a whole roll of film or as many photo’s available in your phone or I-pod. If it is a record fish, there is nothing wrong with using two or three rolls of film. You may never, ever catch a fish so large again. And take the photos from various angles with various backgrounds. Very often what you feel is the best pose may turn out to be the fourth or fifth, etc. best when you get the processed photos back. If the fish is to be taken to the taxidermist for mounting, make sure to take a number of color photos of the catch. It will enable the technician to better match the colors on the fish when he has to touch up the final mount. God bless your families and good fishing. See y’all on Galveston Bay. Capt Paul Marcaccio

Galveston Bay-Do List

Fishing Equipment-To do…………………. It is often said that approximately 10 percent of the fisherman catch 80 percent of the fish. If so, what are the fishermen that make up the other 80 percent doing wrong? Many times it the little oversights that lead to a fisherman’s downfall and allow a trophy fish To escape the hook and net. Here are a few ways I have managed over the years to lose fish. Old line – Neither braided or monofilament last forever. Long periods of unuse, as well as constant action and excessive heat, weaken a line and cause it to break at the wrong time. How often an angler needs to change line depends on how much he or she fishes and the type of water they fish in. Braided line does not apply. Long hours of wade fishing around shell and structure might call for a line change every three or four trips. As a general rule, the average angler should change line with each season (approximately four times a year). Reels should be stored where line is not exposed to direct sunlight or excessive heat. You may select any number of lines. Personally, I prefer Sufix Elite or Pro-Mix. Other named brands are P-Line or Berkley. Cost is different with each. Braided line is more costly than mono. Will last up to a year without changing the line. Frayed line – Abrasion is probably the single greatest threat to a fishing line. A wise fisherman will scan the line or lightly run it through his fingers to check for any rough spots before each fishing trip. Some anglers make it a habit to strip off and discard line before a fishing trip. Check rod eyes (guides) for rust or rough spots, which could damage line. Damaged hooks – Dull hooks mean lost fish. Either sharpen the points or replace the hook. Some fishermen make the mistake of reusing hooks, which have been spread open. Bending the hook back into shape weakens the metal. And, of course, rusty hook should be replaced. Boat inventory – I had a nice trout at the side of the boat. When I reached for my landing net, it was tangled in my client’s feet. I lost the fish before I could free the net. To be prepared for such instances, an angler should be certain of three areas: 1. To be able to move freely around the boat if need be, without stepping in an open tackle box, or getting tangled in something (anchor line or landing net). 2. The landing net is within easy reach. 3. Once the fish is on board, there is a storage box or ice chest to put it in so it won’t flop overboard, which has happened on more than one occasion. FUEL- always has a FULL tank of gasoline when leaving the dock. Never try to do it with less. Either weather or your ability will cause you to run out. It’s expensive to call the Coast Guard or you’re soon to be distant friend. By keeping the fuel tank full, condensation will not form in the tank, which could turn to water and cause the motor to stop. Water and gas is no marriage on the bay. REELS- always carry an extra reel in your tackle with line on it. That way, if you have a professional override (backlash), you can replace the reel and continue to catch those pesky specs and redfish. RODS- some will bring an extra rod for that moment when you least expect it to break. Most guides have adequate room for just that. Check the rod after each trip for nicks or stress areas after you may have hit the gunnels rail or a t-top. BOAT TRAILER- now here a subject that if not properly keep checked, folks will wave at you as they drive by on the way to the bay or gulf. Pay close attention to your buddy bearing, check them after each trip and use a small amount of pressure to place additional grease in the tube. Not too much or you will blow out your seal. Check the springs and lubricate after each outing. Wiring important for turn lights and running lights. McClain Trailers in Channelview has great parts for all your trailer needs. There are many other ways to lose a fish. Lack of concentration, not playing the fish long enough, poor net handling or lack of confidence can all set fish free. And, undoubtedly, many more fish losing techniques have yet to be developed. See ya’ll on Galveston Bay. Captain Paul Marcaccio USCG & TP&W

East Galveston Bay

East Galveston Bay-Best kept Secret. 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 a 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. The deep reefs to the northeast of Hanna’s Reef and extending back to the bay’s connection with the mouth of the Intracoastal Waterway are favored by drift anglers and those who like to fish the birds. The borders 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 near the Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge. Access is either by the Refuge or near Smith’s Point. Reefs like Stephenson Pt., Deep, and Robinson Bayou, just to name a few good ones. 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. Fish in the immediate vacinity of the oyster boats. Fish the flats and along the saltgrass marshes on the Bolivar Peninsula side of the bay. As a rule of thumb, let the tidal movement move the sediment toward where you are drifting. Great production will results in following the oyster boats at times…………………. 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 of 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 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 supplies are located near Smith’s Point at the far northwest corner of the bay. Take advantage of the north shoreline, reefs like Deep, Whitehead and Richards, are excellent reefs to drift and find good solid speckled trout and redfish. Make use of the Salt Water Bass Assassins or Mirrolures baits in soft or hard plastics. Colors include bone-diamond, limetruse, Texas roach and pearl-chartreuse. Top water products like the She Pup or the Baby Super Spook are great tools for those elusive fish over 25 inches. Colors should be light in clear water and dark in off-colored water. Present temps are in the mid-70? Recent winds and little rains from the upper watersheds have had a great effect on catching of speckled trout and redfish. Spring tides are up 1-2 feet at present. Fish are close to drains and bayous on the incoming and out some on the outgoing tide periods. Tropical system today will add additional water to our bays. Always file a flight plan. That way, someone can start to look for your group should you break down or worse, need medical assistance. God bless you and your families. Capt Paul Marcaccio BOI, U.S.C.G & T.P.&W

Winter Patterns for Galveston Bay

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.