GALVESTON BAY-SEMINAR

Event hosted by myself and Fishing Tackle Unlimited at I-45 South @ Fuqua, Saturday the 23rd of January, 2016. Cost is $75 per student. Bring recorder, GPS map and paper and pen. Free tackle and door prizes. Lunch included. RSVP by January 10,2016...................Limited seating

Courtesy on All Waters-Galveston Bay too

Courtesy to fellow Sportsmen/Salt or Fresh 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 BOI USCG & TP &W License

Artificial Lures-Fool 'Em Fishermen

Live bait best, plastic alternative For some saltwater anglers, the recent shortage of live shrimp in Galveston Bay has put their weekends on hold. Others do not seem to notice. Keep in mind there are times and places in which live shrimp is a must along with live croackers, but sometimes along the Texas coast, the use of soft plastic will add to your ice chest . Fishermen who like to fish for the fun of it, shouldn’t let the absence of the white flag alter their fishing trips. With a little persistence and some well placed luck, the use of plastic can be every bit as productive as the real thing on speckled trout, redfish, flounder, and maybe almost as good for gafftop and sandtrout. Live shrimp is a fisherman’s tool, just like his rod and reel or his outboard motor and boat. But sometimes, this tool can be a crutch. Often times, some fishermen are too dependent on live shrimp. Typically, diehard live bait fishermen try the plastic route once or twice. If they are not successful, back to the live well igloo. There are no guarantees even with a live well full of bugs or hoppers. And don’t give this writer the old adage, the family will go without, unless I bring home the bacon, if that were the scenario, the $18 or more it takes to buy a quart of bait would go much further in a discount food store. Fishing is fun and part of that fun is being able to fool’em. Time, place and water conditions still matters as much, but you can do so choosing the correct lure and making it wiggle just so. Granted, this is not easy, but the skills needed for most salt-water applications, come with patience and presentation. Fishing with plastics is not like open-heart surgery. Experience is the best teacher and your classroom is always open. Soft plastic shrimp and shad imitations are for the most part productive and most user friendly along the Texas Gulf coast. Give me a hand full of jigheads and tails, and this writer will surely have fun fooling a few of the Texas big three. These lures can be worked both horizontally and vertically to cover all the necessary water to attract a surprising variety of fish. Texas big three are the prime targets (trout, redfish and flounder). A few to mention are Bass Assassin, Stanley Jigs, Kelley Wigglers and Norton……………. The Rat-L-Trap seldom sees salt water action in Texas along with its sister the spinner bait. If you don’t like this lure and its kin. Ask Texas bass fishermen for a recommendation. They are available in many colors and finished with corrosion-resistant hardware and they work on any fish that eats piggy perch or menhaden. Spoons are a must to carry on the bays of Galveston, but this writer has noticed a real downturn in the numbers anglers throw these days. Man, they can cut through a howling southeast wind like a sharp paring knife. Use ¼ oz-3/4 oz depending on the depth and distance you are trying to cover. A wide body spoon wobbles near the surface, while a narrow body plows more deeply through the water. Many a redfish have been landed with a gold spoon as well as other types of plastic imitation shrimp and shad bodies. You can chunk and wind all day with a spoon. Mirro-lures, Baby Spooks and Corky’s are among a family of somewhat advanced lures, but there is no single, magic way to work any of them. Start with a slow steady retrieve and have a fishin’ friend begin with a quick erratic pull. Keep it moving? Let it sit. Try anything. And when a fish hits the plug, try and remember to retrieve it the same way the next time. The length or weight of my stringer does not measure the success of my personal fishing trips any more. More so, the uncanny ability to fool one speckled trout or redfish on an artificial bait. Remember, have fun outdoors. Good luck and good fishing. See Y’all on Galveston Bay. Capt. Paul Marcaccio U.S.C.G. & T.P.W. license

Gulf Coast Winds-Galveston and Vicinity

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. Have a safe Labor Day to you and yours. Have a safe time boating during the upcoming holidays. Capt. Paul Marcaccio-USCG & TWP License BOI-35 years experience on the Gulf Coast

Saltwater Fishing-Galveston Bay

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 July 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 first 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, except for recent days in May due to excessive rain………………….. 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 Techniques

Fishing Equipment…………………… 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

Flounder at its Finest

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

Spring Time Bonazza

Mild winter means great speckled trout catches It is apparent we have escaped the cold weather. Yes, we had chilly weather, but no hard freezes. So, this year should be excellent for catching those sow trout that have grown since the early days of 1989, when we had our last hard freeze. March and April are proven months to capture the trophy trout. 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 these areas and seek out that wall-mount fish. Make use of the falling tide in the area you wish to wade. All of 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 late afternoon is the best time to wade, giving the sun time to arouse the bait. A lot of your larger trout are only interested in larger bait, sometimes like a mullet or croaker. 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. Bomber and Heddon are great hard body lures. 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 larger trout with these baits. You will find yourself seeing a number of “blow-ups” (fish attacking the bait on the surface without hooking themselves). Several of the better lures are the Baby Spook, She dog and Skittle Walker. Other hard baits you may want to use are the broken-backs by Redfin and the most durable is the infamous Mirro-lures. Color choices are natural on sunny days in good water clarity and bright rattling baits on overcast and off-colored water conditions. Soft plastic has captured many of these trout over the years. There are literally hundreds of these baits in your 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. Shrimp and shad tails are by far the two that I find most productive. Mirrolure produces both types. In addition, Salt Water Assassin and Norton are excellent choices. Use ¼ ounce lead heads. There are many other combinations that will work. Confidence and presentation are equally as important. Be sure of what you are using, and you will be rewarded with some of the Gulf Coast’s finest fishing. Always carry spoons in your tackle box. Never leave home without a couple of Johnson Sprint. These baits are excellent under certain conditions. The wobble and flash they produce will induce speckled trout when your other baits will not. Braid line is the top of your selection. Sufix is awesome. Always keep in mind while outdoors, have fun and respect the water. See ya’ll on Galveston Bay Capt Paul Marcaccio BOI USCG & TP &W License

A FISHERMAN TOOLS

Fishing Equipment…………………… 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

Saltwater Tactic-Seminar-Gulf Coast Patterns

Recent Seminar in January was sold out. Demand for another now confirmed for March 14,2015. Fishing Tackle Unlimited at 12800 Gulf Freeway. Saturday, 830am till 4pm. Lunch included. Cost is $75 per student. Confirmation to my email with credit card or mail check to my residence. Tactic on saltwater patterns on the four seasons........................ God bless the fisherman

Seminar-Sold Out-Redfish Rodeo

Thanks to all the fishermen and ladies for making another great year at the recent Seminar. Starting fishing today in lower Galveston bay. Found a redfish rodeo and secured limits by early afternoon. Water temp was 49 degrees early and 54 off the water. Visibility is awesome. Found them in 6-8 feet over mud and some shell. Key were the rafting mullets and slicks....................... Soft plastic paddle tails in plum and pumpkin................. Winds will stay variable the next few days until the next norther............. Book your trip between these fronts. A few small spec's were caught.................. Layer up and gets go fishing God bless the fisherman