Gulf Coast Mariner Magazine

Making Dreams Come True

Eric Simmons of ES Custom Boats and Simmons Custom Rigging builds dream boats one hull at a time

By Brandon Rowan

Catch and Release Tips

I’ve spent a lot of years fishing primarily catch and release and have learned a lot about how to make sure fish survive and swim away healthy.

By Capt. Steve Soule

Fins & Feathers

By Capt. Joey Farah

Marbled skies of fall color hold waves of waterfowl, and hover over some of the best bay fishing in the world. Here in Texas we are blessed to enjoy the harvest basket of winter sports. Combining fins and feathers brings days of duck hunting and fishing together. Hunting waterfowl can be a excellent and easy way to introduce youth and inexperienced hunters to the hunting sports. For seasoned hunters, the beauty and strategy of the hunt, and the game taken fulfill the wild spirit in each of us. This winter come experience hunting and fishing the right way; cast and blast Texas style!

Meet Wildlife Artist Leslie McDonald, Jr.

Born in Victoria, Texas Leslie McDoanld,Jr. has been painting wildlife art for over 33 years.

Texas Grand Slams and Trophy Trout

Story and photos by Kelly Groce

Two days of fishing the Lower Laguna Madre with D.O.A. Lures results in remarkable fishing

Gear

Gear from Shimano, Laguna Salt Custom Rods, Lone Star Guide, Lifeguard Lanyard, Laguna Madre Clothing Co., Foreverlast and more.

University of Houston’s 12th Annual Cougar Saltwater Open is Huge Success

By Kelly Groce

On Saturday, Aug. 17th anglers fished the Galveston Bay Complex for the 12th Annual Cougar Saltwater Open presented by the University of Houston’s Jack J. Valenti School of Communications Alumni.

$EA DOLLAR$ Tuna Tradition Endures

Good karma and tuna tenacity fuel a continued tradition of wins at the Texas Billfish Classic.

By Brandon Rowan

South Texas Yacht Service

There are plenty of boat yards along the coast, and certainly in the Clear Lake Area, home to marinas and great sailing areas, but any of them offering full service seems like a thing of the past.  South Texas Yacht Service is one of few places that still does just that.

By Xander Thomas

Flounder Tips and Tactics

In this first article I will just give some basic education about flounder, their lifestyle and a couple of my favorite tricks to find them.

By Capt. Brian “Flounder Professor” Spencer

Galveston Bay Fishing September: A Season of Change

With each passing cool front, speckled trout, redfish and flounder will seek the shorelines and move towards the northern reaches of the bay.

By Capt. David Dillman

The Galveston Jetties

The Galveston Jetties are comprised of two sets of Granite Rocks known as the North and South Jetties that extend close to five miles out from shore.

By Capt. Joe Kent

Dolce Coco Wins Swordfish Cup in the Dominican Republic

The 1st Annual Swordfish Cup, a single-species tournament with a 24-hour global format, was held July 27-28, 2019, with 23 boats in the initial fleet. Paco Vela and his crew aboard Dulce Coco, a Hatteras based in the Dominican Republic, were declared the winners with a 381-pound broadbill. The Swordfish Cup was presented by Fly Zone Fishing and RJ Boyle Studio. Updates were broadcast on FaceBook every two hours during the 24-hour tournament.

Relentless Pursuit Repeats as Gulf Coast Triple Crown Champion

In another close finish, Relentless Pursuit, a 95 Jim Smith based in Venice, Louisiana, was named the 2019 Gulf Coast Triple Crown Champion. This season marks the second time the boat has earned top honors, following a 2015 championship run. Relentless Pursuit is owned by Dennis Pastentine, with Capt. Robbie Doggett the boat’s long-time skipper. In addition to bragging rights for another season, the team takes home a custom Frank Ledbetter metal marlin sculpture and $31,625 in cash including optional entry categories.

Sorted Wins The 2019 Blue Marlin World Cup

With an angler who flew halfway around the world to participate, Sorted, a 32 Luhrs based in Madeira, Portugal, claimed the winner-take-all $600,000 prize in the 2019 Blue Marlin World Cup fishing tournament. Sorted’s blue, caught by Craig Watson of Melbourne, Australia, weighed 541.2 pounds. Only one other fish was weighed, but it fell 23 pounds short of Watson’s entry.

Fisherman’s Paradise: The Florida Everglades

The Florida Everglades is a dream land for any angler. Its pristine waters, remote location and wide range of wildlife will have any fisherman questioning their flight back home before the trip is even over. With no cell phone service and miles upon miles of crystal clear flats glistening with shark fins in the distance, the opportunity to catch a bucket list or fish of lifetime are around every corner. I left that day with a new species to add to my list; my first tarpon.

By Kelly Groce

Retro Lessons In Summer Fishing

In the frantic rush of summer live bait fishing, many proven lessons for summer success are passed by. Those long days of our youth were filled with adventures and memories. Today it seems like a rush to get out and then get in. Slow it down and turn up the heat on your summer fishing this year! Here are a few not quite forgotten, but tried and true summer strategies to bring trout, reds, and flounder to hand!

By Capt. Joey Farah