Gulf Coast Mariner Magazine

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.

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

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.

Leukemia Cup Regatta At HYC raises $135,344

The Leukemia Cup Regatta at Houston Yacht Club is now history, raising $135,344 to fight leukemia, lymphoma and other blood cancers in a thrilling series of sailing events that combines the joy of boating with the important task of raising money to fight disease.

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!

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.

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.

4th Annual “Get Tight Sucka!” Texas Swordfish Seminar Announced

The Booby Trap Fishing Team, known worldwide for their daytime swordfishing success, has announced the details for their 4th Annual Texas Swordfish Seminar, which benefits the U.S. Veterans of “Everyday Heroes Inc.” The 2014 seminar takes place April 26th at the Surfside Marina, 827 Gulf Road, Surfside Beach, TX 77541, and starts at 9:00 a.m.

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.

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.

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.