Gulf Coast Mariner Magazine

Flower Garden Banks Wahoo

Chasin’ speed demons! Flower Garden Banks wahoo photography and GoPro video from onboard Bad Intentions, a 64′ Viking Sportfisher out of Galveston, TX.

Fishing Bull Tides & Spring Winds

By Capt. Steve Soule

Strong southerly winds and powerful incoming tides of Spring are the arteries that deliver the life blood to our coastal bays and estuaries.

Surfing Galveston

By Kelly Groce

Whenever you hear the word surfing, most people think of Hawaii, California, or Mexico… not Texas. Luckily Texas has 300+ miles of coast along the Gulf of Mexico for the opportunity of good waves. Galveston might not always have the best surf, but at least there’s something to give us surfers our fix.

Fishing the Reefs of Galveston Bay

By Capt. Joe Kent

We addressed the effects of oyster reefs on Galveston Bay fishing in the last edition of Gulf Coast Mariner Magazine and now we will expand on this by discussing fishing the reefs of Galveston Bay.

Ask the Rigger: Sailboat Rigging Questions

By Alex Crowell

If you are replacing your J80 mast, there are a lot of variables that you have to consider. The reason most change between the Hall section and the Sparcraft section is the lighter weight and more streamlined section.

Sea Turtles Released Back into Gulf

Photos by John Atkinson

The Padre Island National Seashore Sea Turtle Recovery Division released over 200 cold-stunned green sea turtles back into the warming waters of the Gulf of Mexico in January.

The Galley: Skillet Mexican Chicken Casserole

By Betha Merit

Great recipe for Skillet Mexican Chicken Casserole to prepare on your boat’s galley.

Deep Drop Techniques for Grouper and Tilefish

These deep drop techniques will help you find warsaw grouper, snowy grouper, yellowedge grouper, longtail sea bass, barrelfish, tilefish and more.

By Capt. Brett Holden

Five Lures for Fishing the Lights

The month of March signals the start of Springtime fishing trends along the Gulf coast. Soon, newly hatched finfish and crustaceans will swarm canal green lights and other sources of nighttime luminescence. Hungry trout and redfish won’t be far behind to gorge on these tiny treats.

How to Select Fresh Oysters (with recipes)

By Betha Merit

Let’s talk about how to select fresh oysters. From buying to storing to shucking to recipes. You might be oyster savvy, so feel free to simply enjoy the recipes in this column. But many of us choose our oysters from a restaurant menu, and lack experience on how to select and process the sweet smelling, briny little bivalve mollusks.

Sea Scout Base Galveston

Sea Scout Base Galveston (SSBG) has hoisted anchor on its high-adventure marine and maritime excursion, and it’s off to a fast start. The 10-acre facility on Offatts Bayou, has already hosted two major national sailing events, the Galveston Regatta, proudly sponsored by Pelican Rest Marina, and the 2014 U.S. Disabled Sailing Championship.

How to be a Good Skipper

By Jon and Lori Jones

For those of us who routinely take on crew, either for racing or cruising, it is important to have a reputation as a good skipper. People who crew on other people’s boats talk, and if you get a reputation for not being a good skipper, you will soon find yourself honing your solo sailing skills.

Hanse 415 Review

By Jon N. Jones

Last summer I had a chance to sail a new Hanse 415 on Galveston Bay. I’d heard of Hanse, a German production sailboat company very popular in Europe, but had not sailed one, so, of course, I jumped at the chance.

Galveston Bay Winter Fishing

By Capt. David C. Dillman

Stepping outside with my cup of coffee, I was greeted by a deep chill in the air with the passage of a cold front. I hurried back inside the house to finish dressing, layering my clothing. I grabbed my wind and water resistant jacket, before I left on my way to the boat ramp.

Fishing Oyster Reefs

By Capt. Joe Kent

Anglers fishing the Galveston Bay Complex often take for granted the positive effects of oyster reefs, both live and dead, on their fishing. That is until the reefs start diminishing and the fishing is affected.

Setting the Bar – The Booby Trap Dominates Swordfishing on a Global Scale

The moment is as fresh in his mind as if it happened last week. Four-year old Brett Holden stands on the dock holding a gleaming kingfish that’s nearly as big as he is. Published in a local newspaper, the photo, submitted by his dad, Don, documented the beginning of a record setting angling career. While much has changed for Holden, now 45, one thing remains unchanged: his enthusiasm for sport fishing runs as deep as the blue waters where the billfish he chases roam.

28th Annual Lakewood Yacht Club Harvest Moon Regatta

Longtime, experienced racer O. J. Young of Lakewood Yacht Club won the Harvest Moon Regatta Bacardi Cup for the second year in a row and was presented the prestigious award during the Oct. 12 Awards Ceremony held at Port Aransas’ City Pavilion. Racing on his yacht “Happy Ending,”a Hallberg Rassy 42F, the competition in the Bacardi Fleet this year was in high gear as the Gulf of Mexico’s unpredictable winds came at the racers from all directions.

A Little Trouble at Sea

A Harvest Moon Regatta Story

By David Popkin

Ask the Rigger

I own an older boat and I’m thinking of replacing some of the running rigging. What are your thoughts on the best type of line to use?

It all depends on what kind of sailing you are doing. You need to ask yourself, “Am I cruising around the bay, club racing and long-range cruising, or just racing full time?”

Wade Fishing the Bays

When the water is comfortable to wade fish in a bathing suit or shorts it’s not the best time for fishing action while wading. The late fall and early winter are prime times for wade fishing. When the water temperature drops below 70 degrees, it is a bit uncomfortable for wading in typical summertime attire; however, the fish love the cooler waters and tend to roam the shallows more.

By Capt. Joe Kent

History Of The ‘Corky’

Paul Brown’s Original Suspending Twitchbait in Copper Top This Texas legend-of-a-lure is a favorite for fishermen targeting large speckled trout. The “Corky” as it is most popularly known, was first built in the Houston area garage of Paul Brown in 1974 and sold at nearby tackle shops. It didn’t take long for Texans to figure out that this was a serious big trout lure. The slow sink rate and soft body elicited strikes from sow winter trout when other lures […]

Christmas Gifts for your Seafaring Family & Friends!

Need some ideas for Christmas presents for your family and friends that love the water? Check out Patty Kane’s top picks for this holiday season.

Luxury Outdoorsman

Put a lid on it! That’s pretty much what General Motors did when they created the Suburban – dubbed “Carryall” in 1935. General Motors simply replaced the bed with a lengthened cab and put in on the same half-ton truck chassis. A GMC version quickly followed, and in 1999 Cadillac badged its own iteration called Escalade. Now comes the 12th version of the iconic “Carryall” for 2015.

By Don Armstrong

Port of Houston: Impossible dream turned into a reality

The Port of Houston will celebrate its 100th birthday Monday, Nov. 10 – an anniversary that seemed an impossible dream and almost laughable a century ago. Build a port 52 miles inland? At first, almost no one thought it would happen, but through a combination of Mother Nature’s fury, the discovery of oil and a young congressman’s dedication, the Houston Ship Channel paved the way for Houston to become the nation’s fourth largest city and the Port of Houston to become the nation’s leading port in foreign tonnage and second in overall tonnage.

By Mary Alys Cherry

Seared Mahi Mahi With Zesty Basil Butter

Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the fish with salt and pepper, to taste. Cook the fish for 3 minutes; then turn and cook until just opaque, about 3 to 4 minutes more. Transfer the fillets to individual plates.
Spoon the warm basil butter over the fish and serve.

All About Big Blue

The blue marlin is one of the most iconic catches in sports fishing and with a length of 16 feet, and record weight of nearly one ton, it’s for good reason.

By Jarred Roberts

Hooray For Labor Day!

Each year large numbers of anglers look forward to the Labor Day Holiday. While you might think it is because it is a holiday and a day to go fishing that is not the case. It signals the end of the busy tourist season and takes hordes of visitors off of the water and sends them back to work, school and other activities.

By Capt. Joe Kent

California Jetty Fishing Texas Style

Is it weird that I had to travel over 2,000 miles, to California of all places, to reacquaint myself with Texas rigged plastics? Yeah, I think so too. I’m no stranger to fishing weedless plastics. As a kid, I pitched many a Texas rigged lizard or worm into the weedy lairs of hidden pond bass. But the bullet weights, plastic beads and worm hooks fell by the wayside when I discovered flounder, trout and redfish.

By Brandon Rowan

Janiece M. Longoria

Janiece Longoria was appointed chairman of the Port Commission of the Port of Houston Authority on January 8, 2013, at a joint session of the Harris County Commissioners Court and the Houston City Council. She has served on the Port Commission since first appointed by the City of Houston in September 2002. She likes to fish and we like to fish. We were wondering what was on her mind regarding the Houston Ship Channel and she was kind enough to give us this interview, we hope you like it.

By Charles Milby

2014 Miss Kemah Pageant

Kenda Carroll, a beautiful blonde University of Houston-Downtown student, was named the 2014 Miss Kemah. She will represent our area in the Miss Texas USA Pageant.

HYC HOOD Regatta

The 5th Annual Houston Open One Design Regatta (HOOD) will be held at the Houston Yacht Club Sept. 20-21. Our title sponsors for this years’ regatta are Mount Gay Rum, TagHeuer, J Boats Southwest, Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC, Wells Fargo Mortgage, Seabrook Classic Café, and OJ’s Marine. This event hosted 105 boats in 2013, and we hope to top that number this year. Please mark your calendars to join us for this prestigious event.

Trophy Catch

American-made is set to battle the Toyota Tacoma and Nissan Frontier in the mid-size truck segment, with the return of the 2015 Chevrolet Colorado, but this time with swagger and stats that will bring outdoorsmen back to the showroom.

What’s In Your Bag?

Check out this issue’s essentials.

By Patty Kane

Italian Night Dinner Cruise

Cioppino (see recipe below) By Betha Merit We all have our favorite little Italian restaurant.  From bistro-style casual to white tablecloth formal dining, something special draws us back.  Usually, that something is the food.  Often that something includes the ambience.  Always that something is about the people. For your own Italian night dinner cruise, you can select which friends and family get to share the experience.  Being on the water and on a vessel is already the perfect setting.  As […]

Boating With Cats

As rare as it may seem, more and more boat owners are bringing their feline friends onboard. Having dogs on a boat is quite common. But unlike their canine counterparts, cats do not have a natural ability to adapt to a water environment.

Meet Our Mariner of the Month Gina Nesloney

How did you get started in fishing tournaments?
The idea for the RRT started in 1993 after attending a cattle drive with 23 other women in Amarillo. Two years later I started Redfish Rodeo in Rockport, Texas with a group of 24.

Striker Yachts – Building the Finest Yachts in the World

Striker Yachts are well known worldwide for their attention to detail, craftsmanship and design. The finished yacht product is astounding and almost intimidating.

Texas Billfishing Lures

Four top captains talking about the Texas billfishing lures that are always in their spread and should be in yours, too.

Houston Yacht Club Sailor Wins the 2014 A-Class Catamaran North American Championship

A large group of international A-Class Catamaran sailors came together for a couple of days of great racing on Croatan Sound in Manteo, North Carolina. The racing was very competitive with the championship being won in the last race of the six race series.

David Hunt

David Hunt is a native of Seabrook, with a love of the water and passion for boats. That love was born early on at his father’s dealership, Gulf States Yachts, and nearly 30 years later, David is proud to continue the legacy at Texas Power Yachts.

Ole Evinrude

Ole Evinrude started out as a mechanic and a pattern maker. After moving to Milwaukee he formed a company, Clemick & Evinrude. The sole purpose of this company was to manufacture standardized engines for the small automobile builders that were springing up all over the area.

Texas Offshore Fishing in a Smaller Boat

There are many anglers with boats capable of making offshore trips during periods of good weather; however, a large percentage of them are apprehensive about venturing beyond the jetties. July and August probably are the two best months of the year for the smaller boats to make an offshore fishing trip.

Boating With Man’s Best Friend

Summer is here and if you plan to take your dog for a cruise, the following safety tips can make you and your pet more comfortable and secure while on the lake, in the bay or off shore.

EPIRB vs. PLB

Both products bring unique qualities to the table. The ideal installation would have both an EPIRB in a “ditch bag,” and PLBs affixed to the PFDs (personal flotation device). In this way, all the options are covered. Remember that the EPIRB is registered to the vessel, so when a distress activation is received, the rescue assets are looking for a boat. However the PLBs are registered to an individual, so rescue assets are aware that they are looking for a person.

Luxury Meets Ability

It wasn’t that long ago that heavy duty pickups were relegated to the working class. As leisure demand has grown, so has the amenities, and the Ram brand is leading the way.

Port dredging projects get Corps of Engineers OK

Two proposed Port of Houston Authority dredging projects in the Bayport and Barbours Cut Channels have been given the go-ahead by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Neil Akkerman’s New Boat

Neil Akkerman likes to build things. He is an engineer by training, and when he couldn’t find a good boat to teach his granddaughters how to sail, he decided to build one of his own. He launched his new boat with fun and fanfare to the delight of everyone around him. This is a great story, we hope you enjoy the interview.

What’s In Your Bag?

Check out this issue’s must haves.

By Patty Kane

Galley Equipment Essentials

When purchasing equipment for your galley, less is often more. However, what are the essentials? What will fit your individual style and needs? The following guide will direct you in your quest.

2014 Texas Swordfish Seminar a Huge Success

Sword seekers and sponsors came together Saturday, April 26 at Surfside Marina and did something incredible for our United States veterans. The 4th annual “Get Tight Sucka” Texas Swordfish Seminar by the Booby Trap Fishing team raised close to $400,000 for Everyday Heroes, an organization that helps veterans get wheelchairs, scooters and whatever else they may need without any of the red tape.

By Brandon Rowan

Which is the Best Trout Bait? Live Shrimp vs. Croaker

For years Galveston Bay anglers have debated the topic of whether live croaker or live shrimp is the best trout bait. Each side of the debate has experience on their side and neither seems willing to compromise.

By Capt. Joe Kent

Women of the Bay

As mothers, wives and entrepreneurs these women of the bay all have what it takes to make it in today’s complex, hurry up world. They are all fearless, look great and love spending time on the water.

2014 Toyota Tundra

As the number one seller in this country, trucks are a hot ticket for manufacturers. They command the biggest return on investment, yet remain one of the easiest vehicles to build with its body-on-frame construction. So, it’s no wonder you see and hear more truck ads than any other form of transportation. Granted; Ford, Ram and GM account for the majority of truck sales while Toyota and Nissan bring up the rear, but the folks at Toyota aren’t standing at the side of the road, it’s time to throw the Tundra hat in the ring.

By Don Armstrong

Choosing the Right Marina

Which is the right marina for you? A guide of Marinas from Freeport to Clear Lake

Bad Intentions: Sportfishing Second to None

Bad Intentions, a tournament winning 64’ Viking sportfishing yacht, is now available for charter. Imagine yourself, and five of your best friends, on board fishing for monster billfish, dorado, wahoo and tuna on first class, tournament level gear. Sounds pretty good right?

Carson Crain

Local sailor Carson Crain is trying to make the U.S. Olympic Sailing Team and we will be covering his progress. Crain is going to need support to reach his dream; we have plans to help him and we hope you will also.

The Galley: One Pot Meals

One-pot cooking, a boon for sailors, has an appealing flexibility. When the ice in the box is gone after about five days, and you’ve depleted your fresh meat and poultry, but you still have a good store of vegetables that keep well, you then turn to the canned meats.

What’s in Your Bag? Nautical Jewelry & Accessories

These nautical jewelry and accessories are a must-have for any woman living on the water.

By Patty Kane

ESPN’s Gary Jobson

Gary Jobson is a husband, a father, a cancer survivor, a really good guy and did I mention he is a world class sailor?

By Charles Milby

Boaters for Life – Kevin Ruszkowski and Family

While Bay Oaks resident Kevin Ruszkowski may spend the bulk of the work week sitting behind a desk in a suit and tie, his mind never strays far from the water.

By Rod Evans

South West International In-Water Boat Show Returns to South Shore Harbour Marina, March 27-30

Presented by GEICO, the Southwest’s largest In-Water Boat Show returns to the South Shore Harbour Marina, Bay Area Houston, for the sixth year in March 2014 with over 400 boats in-water and onshore making it THE Premier Power and Sail Show for Texas!

Kayak Fishing at Night

Be it causeway bridge lights or canal green lights, fishing from a kayak is a great option for chasing down trout and redfish at night. A yak allows you the stealth to approach a light with caution and the mobility to fish a whole series of lights.

Changes Ahead for the Galveston Bay Complex

Earlier this year, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department conducted scoping hearings around the state to present their ideas on long-term management of our fish stocks and to receive input from sportsmen on their views about changes in size and bag limits for certain fish. While the stocks of our big three, flounder, reds and trout, currently are in good shape, biologists feel that long range planning needs to start in order to assure adequate stocks of that resource for future generations.

By Capt. Joe Kent

Fresh Oyster Recipes

Four ways to do oysters! Try cooking up everyone’s favorite mollusk with these great oyster recipes. Enjoy!

What’s For Dinner from a Hired Chef?

Jonathon and Kim Davis spent five years crewing for private yacht owners and charters who enjoyed the experience of a weeklong trip with a captain to navigate the seas, and a chef who stocked the galley to make the evening meal a fine dining experience.

By Betha Merit

Creola

Long time yacht broker Tony Smythe loves being around boats. He was kind enough to share his thoughts on why he rescued this classic wooden boat. She is a beauty and if you want to get a closer look be sure to check her out at this year’s Keels and Wheels Classic Car and Boat Show May 3 and 4 at Lakewood Yacht Club.

2015 Ford F-150

The biggest game changer in modern-day trucking made its debut at the 2014 North American International Auto Show in Detroit recently; the 2015 Ford F-150.

By Don Armstrong

Catalina Yachts 445

With over 96 hulls built in less than four years, the Catalina Yachts 445 has proven to be one of the best blue water cruisers to come out in the last decade. Many of the reasons why were born out of the last financial crisis.

Youth Sailing: Howdy Hughes

Howdy Hughes started sailing in 2006 with Optis. In 2009, he switched over to Laser 4.7, and now sails Radial and Full Rig. Hughes also sails double-handed boats and on his family’s Beneteau 411.

A Day in the Life of a Ferry Boat Captain

The Galveston-Bolivar Ferry started service in 1930. The Texas Department of Transportation operates the ferry year round and it’s free to the public. There are five ferry boats in the fleet. These boats weigh 588 tons. They are 265 feet long and 65 feet wide. We spent some time with Captain Johnny Smith, he started out as a deck hand in 1989 and four years later he was a captain. Grab the kids, a camera and take the greatest free ride in Texas.

Galveston Bay Fish Stocks Declining?

Anglers fishing the Galveston Bay Complex during 2013 often asked if we are experiencing a decline in our stocks of speckled trout. Trout action for the most part was far below the norm for the past few years for most anglers, including me.

By Capt. Joe Kent

Keep Your Vessel Seaworthy – Boat Maintenance

In a perfect world, taking your boat out on the lake or in the gulf would be the ideal remedy for a blazing hot summer day. But this past summer’s hot weather made just getting out on the water a matter of survival. With the cooler weather upon us, perhaps you’re looking to make up for some lost time by heading to your nearest body of water. However, it’s a good idea to make sure your boat is equally as ready as you are.

By Rod Evans

Sailing Key West

Winter sailing in Florida can be fun. The water is turquoise and the weather is usually warm. Over the Thanksgiving Holidays, Suzanne and I were invited to help our friends Dave and Kris Popken move their sailboat from North Palm Beach to Key West. We had a great time.

By Charles Milby

2014 Jeep Wrangler

For many, part of the outdoor experience is navigating terrain and no vehicle is more capable than the Jeep Wrangler. Since 1941, this original four-wheeler has gotten more people out of tough spots than we can count, including our armed forces.

By Don Armstrong

Youth Sailing: The Byerly Brothers

We recently caught up with a band of sailing brothers who have had the opportunity to sail around the world competitively. These up-and-comers are active here at home with high school sailing and also with Lakewood Yacht Club.

Marvin Beckmann

A Conversation With 2013-2014 Etchells World Champion Marvin Beckmann

Flounder Fishing Tips From Flounder Pounder Lures

Advice from Phil and Joe Ortiz of Flounder Pounder Lures

November is by far the best month for flounder fishing along the upper Texas Coast. It stands out so much that the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department set special rules for that month that include a reduction in the daily bag limit from five to two and the limitation of hook and line (rod and reel) as the only means of catching flatfish.

By Capt. Joe Kent

Texas Yellowfin Tuna 101

Night owls rejoice, Texas yellowfin tuna fishing is hot from dusk to dawn. A Quick Guide to Fishing the Floaters.

By Brandon Rowan

Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 469

Little sister to the Sun Odyssey 509, the Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 469 is a solid performer that is both attractive and comfortable at a very competitive price. As another Philippe Briand design, the Sun Odyssey 469 is a “big” boat for its size, with a wealth of interior volume and deck space enclosed within its 14ft 9in beam.

Redfish Rodeo Women’s Tournament

Ladies from as far as Canada, New Jersey, but mostly from Texas, representing 38 teams, came together Sept. 27-28, to compete in the Redfish Rodeo fishing tournament. Except this time, the Bay Area gets to reap the benefits as the rodeo has relocated from the coast of South Padre Island to Galveston.

Moon Palace

This 65’ Jefferson Monticello yacht was designed by Hershine Yachts for the Mossberg firearms family. It is now owned by Moonboat LLC, a partnership of Doris Richeson and James Malone and sign-named Moon Palace.

What’s in Your Bag?

Beach bag, duffle bag, tote bag, ditty bag, shopping bag, tool bag, rigging bag or bag of ideas—whatever your bag, you’ll find some good ideas here.

Dove on the Mind

Dove hunting for many of us will always be a yearly passion

This passion is best satisfied on opening day and celebrated like a right of passage. It’s hard to explain if you are not one of us crazy people who mark the date on the calendar every year, point your finger at every dove you see and go “BAM” and incessantly day dream of a miracle retrieve your dog simply cannot make.

Duck Numbers Strong but Local Habitat Conditions Questionable

Texas duck hunters are excited about the prospects of the upcoming 2013-2014 Texas waterfowl season, but on a local level it remains to be seen how poor habitat conditions along the Upper and Middle Texas Coast due to prolonged drought and the severe decline in rice acreage will affect bird numbers and hunters’ success.

Tow Away! Ford 2015 F-450 Super Duty

More muscle and upscale King Ranch trim highlight the 2015 Ford Super Duty

2014 promises to be a big year for the Ford Motor Company with the introduction of an all-new F-150, among others. Until then, the blue oval has to work with what it’s got, and that’s not a bad thing. They sell more trucks than any other manufacturer.

Booby Trap’s Make You Famous Swordfishing Trip

The Booby Trap headed out Thursday at noon on July 11 for the three-and-a-half day “Make You Famous” swordfishing trip. John Duffy of Richmond, Texas put up the winning bid of $17,000, with all of the proceeds going towards Everyday Heroes.

What’s in Your Bag?

Beach bag, duffle bag, tote bag, ditty bag, shopping bag, tool bag, rigging bag or bag of ideas—whatever your bag, you’ll find some good ideas here. Can’t say enough good about Rescue Tape. Yep, that’s what it’s called. Arguably one of the best emergency repair products available, it’s used by the U.S. Army in its BDAR kit (that’s Battle Assessment and Repair kit).

GMC Sierra Scores BIG

What has kept GMC in business for 111 years is fact; the company builds what Americans want in a full-size pickup truck. Yes, there are formidable competitors that we are all aware of; sister to the GMC, Chevrolet Silverado, Ford, Ram and also-ran’s Toyota and Nissan, but not many can tout a 1902 start-up year. Just before Christmas, at a Michigan movie studio (did somebody say Detroit is bankrupt?) parent company GM brought throngs of journalists to a well-timed reveal of the 2014 GMC Sierra.

NEPTUNE SUBS Celebrates 35th Anniversary

It all began in 1978 with an idea, a dream, a small building on Highway 146 in Seabrook and the hiring of a young lady who would become an irreplaceable employee. Owner Vinny Schillaci came to Seabrook by way of Albany, New York. First opening a boating company, he decided to go into making what he considers the original fast food…..submarine sandwiches.

How to Energize and Feed Your Racing Crew

There is a balance in planning the meals for your racing crew. The competitor in you wants to make sure everyone is fueled up and ready for duty. The host in you wants the food to be appetizing and as fresh as possible. The medic in you knows that certain foods may contribute to seasickness. So we went to Bay Area Houston boat owner and race champion, Susan Setters, and asked for her tips and tools of the trade.

Texas Corinthian Yacht Club Celebrates 75th Anniversary

If one word captures the essence of the Texas Corinthian Yacht Club, it has to be family. The founders knew this, and if you ask anyone who has spent some time around the club, everyone would say they got it right. A small yacht club by most standards, the TCYC membership hovers around 125 stock holding members. It’s personal and that’s the way they want it. Racing sailboats on an International stage and, more importantly, on a club level is what the TCYC has done for 75 years. From its beginning, three essential goals were stressed.

Fall Fishing Offshore TEXAS

We often read about the prolific offshore fishing Texas offers during the prime months of July and August; however, not much is mentioned about the fall months, especially September and October.

By Capt. Joe Kent

Port Aransas Jetty Fishing: Rock Hopping and Jetty Jumping

The Port Aransas Jetties offer excellent opportunities for just about every type of fishing you can imagine. Summer brings about mixed emotions for me as a Texan. I cringe at the thought of sliding into the oppressive hotbox that my car becomes under a murderous July sun — the buckle of my seatbelt singeing my fingers as I rush to start the engine through fogged sunglasses. On the other hand, the fisherman in me welcomes the light summer winds that bring about ideal conditions for beachfront and jetty fishing, inshore spearfishing and offshore adventures.

Galveston Bay Fish Consumption Advisories Updated for Speckled Trout

The Texas Department of State Health Services has removed the consumption advisory for spotted seatrout from a portion of Galveston and Trinity Bays and all of East and West Bays.

What’s in Your Bag?

Beach bag, duffle bag, tote bag, ditty bag, shopping bag, tool bag, rigging bag or bag of ideas—whatever your bag, you’ll find some good ideas here.

Your Kitchen on the Water

Food and water. We can’t live without either. But what about food on the water? Well that’s a subject requiring a 300-page book. It encompasses kitchen equipment and appliances, storage space, available food and ingredients, menus, power and water supplies, seating, and anything else that connects the dots in this pared down list.

The Good Life with John Kolius

Olympic Silver medalist and former America’s Cup skipper John Kolius and his wife Joanne are living the good life on their 45ft Viking Express in Florida.

2014 Chevrolet SILVERADO

The long awaited half-ton do-all from Chevrolet made its American press debut at a much ballyhooed event late last year. Now, just a few months later, the 2014 Silverado is making its public debut in showrooms up and down the Texas Coast and to the cheers of excited anglers everywhere.

ADVICE FROM THE PROS: Head Sail Trim Tips

Head Sails come in many shapes and sizes, from overlapping genoas to smaller efficient 100% jibs. Though headsails differ, some basic principles will help you understand how to trim your sails for maximum efficiency.

Trip Report: Bad Intentions

Mark and Capt. Darrell Weigelt present a hefty yellowfin caught by Bad Intentions’ owner Debbie Conway. Debbie Conway’s 64’ Viking sportfisher June 14-15 2013 Bad Intentions left the Galveston Yacht Basin on the morning of Friday, June 14 for an overnighter in search of tuna and snapper. Capt. Darrell Weigelt brought the boat 120 miles out into the Gulf of Mexico to drift fish at the floaters. The bite was red hot from dusk to dawn. Ten yellowfin tuna to 50lbs […]

Your First Offshore Fishing Trip

July and August are the top months for offshore fishing off of the Texas Coast and each year when calm conditions set in during the Dog Days of Summer the urge hits to try offshore fishing. With the numerous days with high pressure settling in resulting in light winds and low probabilities of severe weather, small boaters give-in to the urge to venture beyond the jetties.

By Capt. Joe Kent

Galveston Offshore Fishing

I have been looking forward to this first article for the Gulf Coast Mariner Magazine ever since the invitation was received to write the fishing articles. First, let me tell you something about my background in fishing. Fishing has been a life-long passion of mine. One of the reasons I decided to take an early retirement from the legal profession was to devote more time to my passion in life.

By Capt. Joe Kent

Waterfront Lifestyle in Bay Area Houston – What Does That Look Like?

Bay Area Houston is full of residential nooks and crannies where houses with waterfront access are home to a variety of people. From condos with gorgeous lake views to single family dwellings with a private marina, there are an abundance of choices for those who want to partake of the coastal life from their own backyard. Brian Yates and Joanna Yates are a couple that thoroughly enjoy the coastal lifestyle offered in Bay Area Houston. They not only live and play here, they work and give back to the community as well.

The Lady – Tommy Dickey’s 1970 Grand Banks 32’

Tommy Dickey was born into a boating family. His parents had a house on Galveston Bay and he spent his summers sailing and boating at the Texas Corinthian Yacht Club. Tommy has cruised and raced sailboats all over the world. In 1971 Tommy, along with Bob Mosbacher and Thad Hutcheson, won the Soling World Championship on Long Island sound in Oyster Bay New York. I’ve known him all of my life, he crewed for my parents Mary Nell and Charlie early in his sailing career and he still turned out okay.

Advice From The Pros

Terry Flynn J-22 North American and World Champion Terry Flynn is a third generation sail maker from Annapolis, Maryland. It was there he developed a great foundation for both cruising and racing. He grew up on the family sailboat, cruising all over the Chesapeake Bay.  By the age of 15 he had already made ten offshore deliveries from New York to Florida. Flynn grew up around sailors and naturally fell into sail making and has never looked back. He has […]

Making Waves

After weathering some down days, the boating industry is poised for a breakout in 2013. Numerous business and personal horror stories arose out of the economic downturn that swept across the U.S. from 2007 through 2010. The housing market imploded. The American auto industry was on the verge of collapse and millions of Americans found themselves looking for work.

2013 Truck of Texas – Ram 1500

Is it any surprise that Texas is home to the biggest truck market – in the world? With that kind of clout, it’s no wonder that truck-makers covet winning the big Truck of Texas trophy from the Texas Auto Writers Association. Once a year about 50 of us card carrying members gather at the Knibbe Ranch, just north of San Antonio. We test about 65 trucks, SUV’s and CUV’s to see which are the best-of-the-best in each category.

Kayaking is for Everyone!

As the weather warms up it is time to get outdoors. One way that more and more people are enjoying the great outdoors is through kayaking. Kayaking is reported to be one of the fastest growing sports in North America, according to a recent article in Time magazine. The best news is that kayaking can be enjoyed in this area! The City of League City recently opened three kayak launch sites along Clear Creek.