Gulf Coast Mariner Magazine

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

Gear

Our picks of gear to make the most out of your time spent on the water from Shimano, Engel Coolers, Salty Crew, Waterloo Rod Company, D.O.A. Lures and more.

Owner of Galveston Island Brewing Keeps the Island Vibes Alive

Galveston Island native and entrepreneur, Mark Dell’Osso, whose love for craft beer and the Texas coast drove him to start Galveston Island Brewing 5 years ago.

12th Annual Cougar Saltwater Open Fishing Tournament

The Valenti School of Communication Alumni Association will hold its 12th Annual Fishing Tournament – The UH Cougar Saltwater Open, on Saturday August 17th at Topwater Grill. This event funds scholarships for students currently pursuing studies in Communication at the University of Houston.

Fishing Offshore Weedlines

When abundant, many species of fish follow the sargassum, or seaweed as it is more commonly called, as the patches, clumps and weedlines reflect the basics of the marine food chain.

By Capt. Joe Kent

Whose water is this?

Consideration and knowledge goes a long way for on-the-water etiquette. We all have a right to the use of the resource, and we all have the shared responsibility to respect and maintain what we have.

By Capt Steve Soule

The Good, Bad and Ugly

Fish naturally return to the same areas year in and year out. Every incoming tide from now on will push the fish into their “normal areas” for July and August.

By Capt. David Dillman

Max Conner

Youth tournament winner Max Conner on what it’s like growing up on Galveston and what’s next for the future.

The Other Trout

Small creek fishing for brown trout in the mountains of Colorado’s front range.

By Brandon Rowan

Silver Kings and More On South Padre Island

In an instant, the South Padre Island Silver King made its first run 125 yards parallel to the jetty, towards the Gulf of the Mexico before another spectacular aerial show.

By Capt. Lee Alvarez

2019 Texas Billfish Classic to be the best yet

In its fourth year of bringing highly competitive billfishing back to Freeport, the Texas Billfish Classic continues to grow, with the 2019 tournament promising to be the largest one yet.

By Brandon Rowan

Prestige 460 Flybridge

Welcome aboard the 2019 Prestige 460 Flybridge, where luxury meets relaxation.

HB 4032 Texas Marine Industry Bill Is Approved

In a major victory for Texas’ struggling marine industry, the Texas Marine Industry Bill (HB 4032) has been approved and will become law.