Healthy New Year Recipes

January 3rd, 2017

By Betha Merit

A few years back, I realized that new year’s resolutions were effective for me when adding something to my life, rather than taking away. So, instead of a plan to cut out cheeseburgers and chicken fried steak and doughnuts, let’s add veggies! And, let’s narrow it down to a group of veggies called brassica vegetables.

Brassica veggies are commonly referred to as cruciferous, so that puts us on the right trail. Broccoli, radishes, kale, cauliflower, brussels sprouts and many of the wonderful but unidentified veggies in your Chinese take-out are on this list. They are known for their disease-fighting substances and are low in calories, fat, and sodium. A good source of fiber, they contain a variety of essential vitamins and minerals, and there’s more.

They also contain phytochemicals, which occur naturally in plants and have a variety of health benefits for our bodies. One of the best-known benefits in brassica is their apparent cancer-fighting properties. These vegetables contain sulfur-rich compounds knowns as glucosinolates, which explains their characteristic bitter taste and pungent smell. Studies have shown that consumption of brassicas could reduce the risk for multiple types of cancer. Boiling these vegetables can reduce the compounds that give this healthy effect, but steaming, microwaving, and stir frying don’t appear to do so.

An internet search for brassica or cruciferous vegetables will delight you with colorful images and recipes to encourage you in your add-brassica-veggies new year’s resolution. The following list is a good start:

Brassica Vegetables

  • Arugula
  • Bok choy
  • Broccoli
  • Brussels sprouts
  • Cabbage
  • Cauliflower
  • Chinese cabbage
  • Collard greens
  • Daikon radish
  • Horseradish
  • Kale
  • Kohlrabi
  • Land cress
  • Mustard greens
  • Radish
  • Rutabaga
  • Shepherd’s purse
  • Turnip
  • Watercress
veggie stir fry Healthy New Year Recipes

Spicy Brassica Veggie Coconut Stir-fry

  • 2 TBSP coconut oil
  • 2 eggs, beaten (or substitute one chicken breast, cubed)
  • 2 cloves garlic, pressed or minced
  • 3/4 cup chopped green onions
  • 1 cup small slices or pieces of broccoli and cauliflower (or brassica vegetables of your choice)
  • 1 medium bunch kale, ribs removed and leaves shredded
  • 1/4 Tsp salt
  • 3/4 cup large, unsweetened coconut flakes
  • 2 cups cooked and chilled brown rice
  • 1 TBSP soy sauce
  • 2 TBSP Sriracha
  • 1 lime, halved and fresh cilantro, for garnish

Directions

Heat a large non-stick frying pan over medium-high heat. Add 1 teaspoon oil. Pour in the eggs and cook until lightly scrambled (or cook chicken pieces for about 3-5 minutes until no longer pink). Transfer the eggs (or chicken) to a large empty bowl.

Add 1 tablespoon oil to the pan and cook the garlic, green onions and brassica vegetables until tender, stirring frequently. Add the kale and salt. Continue to cook until the kale is wilted and tender, stirring frequently, for about 2 minutes. Transfer the contents of the pan to your bowl of eggs (or chicken).

Add the remaining 2 teaspoons oil to the pan. Pour in the coconut flakes and cook, stirring frequently, until the flakes are golden. Add the rice to the pan and cook, stirring occasionally, until the rice is hot, about 3 minutes.

Pour the contents of the bowl back into the pan. Add the soy sauce, sriracha and juice of 1/2 lime. Stir to combine.

Slice the remaining 1/2 lime into wedges, then divide the stir-fry into individual bowls. Garnish with wedges of lime and a sprinkling of torn cilantro leaves. Offer red pepper flakes and extra sriracha.

Parmesan Cauliflower Healthy New Year Recipes

Roasted Parmesan Cauliflower

  • 1 small head of fresh cauliflower (or any brassica veggie of your choice)
  • 2 -3 TBSP olive oil
  • 1-2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup fresh grated parmesan cheese
  • fresh baby arugula for garnish

Directions

Preheat oven to 450 degrees F. Cut the cauliflower into 1/4 inch thick slices, then cut those slices into smaller bites. Combine olive oil, garlic, salt and pepper in a large bowl. Toss cauliflower slices in the olive oil mixture to coat. Spread cauliflower in a single layer on a baking sheet.

Bake in the preheated oven until browned, 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally in order to brown evenly. Remove from oven and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Return to the oven to allow the Parmesan cheese to brown, about 5 minutes. Serve immediately with baby arugula surrounding the plate.

Tags: , , , , , ,
Posted in Articles, Recreation | No Comments

Oyster Gardening

January 3rd, 2017

bayou vista oyster Oyster Gardening

Bayou Vista Resident Jeannie Kidwell pulls up her oyster bags with Galveston Bay Foundation’s Haille Carter and Michael Neibuhr. Photo: www.stockyard.com

Residents hang bags from their docks to spawn bi-valves

By Janice Van Dyke Walden

Good things happen over wine, and in this case, it was oyster gardening.  At a Wine Social last Spring, Bayou Vista resident Chris Roper suggested to her neighbors that they collectively cultivate oysters, right from their docks.  It’s a program that Galveston Bay Foundation started in 2010, and has been doing with success in Kemah and San Leon.

Fourteen residents signed up to help, and in June, they gathered at the Roper’s driveway on Blue Heron Drive to create the 5-pound bags.  In all, they assembled 25 bags.  Again, wine was the elixir. “We were bagging with oyster gardening in one hand and wine in the other,” says Chris.

With Galveston Bay’s oyster population at an all time low, beset every two years by silt, storms, low salinities or high salinities, Galveston Bay Foundation is enlisting communities to spawn their growth and shore up subsiding land.

Bayou Vista’s tightknit bay community is a perfect setting to try out the nursery program.  At the intersection of I-45 and Hwy 6 near Galveston, it’s built around a series of residential canals fed by Highland Bayou.  On the community’s southeast boundary lies a wetland fed by West Bay.  Residents hung bags from their docks both on the bayou-canal side and the wetland side to see where the oyster larvae, spat, would take hold starting in June.

•••

Six months later, on this last day of November, it’s time to collect the bags, check for spat, and move the bags to an oyster bar breakwater so they can mature.  We’re at the Roper’s residence, it’s a brilliantly clear afternoon, and the folks from Galveston Bay Foundation are curious to see what’s inside two ice chests at the Roper’s front door.  Hallie Carter, Galveston Bay Foundation’s Habitat Restoration Coordinator, and Michael Neibuhr, Program Technician, open the chests and remove the wet towels covering bags that neighbors have dropped off.  One bag, hung in the canal, shows no spats; the other, hung in the wetland, is full of spats.  Commenting on that neighbor’s results, Chris says, “We’ve had very little influx.  I’m not surprised that our water in the canal was not absolutely full of silt.  It was dark brown.  You couldn’t see anything.”

Unlike Chesapeake Bay, where oyster gardening has been going on for years, it’s not legal to seed oysters here.  In Texas, it has to happen naturally.  So, if communities want to build oyster populations, they have to set their bags in optimum conditions.  This first year at Bayou Vista is a telling example for future sites.

Jeannie Kidwell has just returned from Christmas shopping for her grandkids when she comes to her dock to help pull up her half-year effort.  “I was a Foster Parent,” she says.

Haille and Michael open her bags and the others on the Roper’s dock, sorting the shells, looking for spats.  “I’m amazed at what I see,” says Haille.  She’s finding spat on every 10 oysters.  Some shells are covered with three or more spat.

oyster spat Oyster Gardening

That’s a spat! The oyster gardening program is designed to spawn new oysters each year.

It will take two years for this spat to grow to the legal 3-inch-size oyster for harvesting.  But these will never be harvested.  Today they’re going into restricted waters off Galveston Bay Foundation’s 449-acre Sweetwater Preserve.  There, the oysters will build a breakwater for land quickly eroding at a rate of two feet each year.  The waters at the edge of this Galveston Island preserve connect to Bayou Vista’s wetland nursery.  “When we transport spat, we have to keep them in the same sub-bay system,” says Haille.  And, in this case, it’s West Bay.

The evening is closing in when we arrive at the Sweetwater Preserve to deposit the bags.  Near the water is a tall pile of oyster shells, a curing site for those collected from nearby restaurants.  So far, six Bay Area restaurants participate in the shell-recycling program.  They’ve been given 32-gallon collection bins that Galveston Bay Foundation retrieves and brings to the curing site on a weekly basis.  Michael led that effort for most of last year. “I’d visit Tookie’s the most, about three times a week,” he says.

Shells at the curing site will go into the 5-pound bags for the gardening program.  They also make up the 35-pound bags that form this and other breakwaters.  Since 2011, the program has collected 570 tons of shells.

As they set the bags in the reef, Haille talks about how the program will expand to Galveston Island in the next year.  “We‘ll partner with Gaidos and Cajun Greek, and continue our partnership with Texas A&M-Galveston with students picking up shells at those recycling sites and taking them to the curing sites.”

Oyster gardening is easy for families to do with their kids, and it’s a good way for kids to connect to their eco-system.  To get involved, contact:

Emily Ford | eford@galvbay.org

www.galvbay.org/get-involved/volunteer

Tags: , , , , ,
Posted in Articles, Environment | No Comments

Galveston Bay Webcams at Saltwater-Recon.com

January 3rd, 2017

causeway cam Galveston Bay Webcams at Saltwater Recon.com

The Galveston causeway cam at saltwater-recon.com

By Urs E. Schmid, President/CEO of www.saltwater-recon.com

By utilizing the latest technology in live, high definition, interactive web cameras, Saltwater-Recon.com is becoming the “Know Before You Go” resource for millions of people. Whether boating, fishing, or observing real-time conditions, Saltwater-Recon.com’s array of coastal HD cameras, combined with expert boating, fishing and weather content will give visitors the information needed to plan a safe and successful day on the water.

In addition to aiding the public with their decision-making, Saltwater-Recon.com aims to provide government entities, such as NOAA, U.S. Coast Guard, N.W.S., U.S. Army Corp. of Engineers, Texas Parks & Wildlife Department, as well as local news, and maritime logistics companies the information they need to make time-critical, and potentially life-saving, operational decisions.

It has been a long-time dream of ours to be able to look at the water from the comfort of our own home. Not everyone has the luxury of living close enough to the bay to be able to pop over and check out the water before an outing. Well, we have made that dream a reality.

With the help of our site sponsors and the Saltwater-Recon Team, CTO, Broc Adams and CFO, Larry Perez, (both BOI’s), we are using industry-leading, HD cameras that pan, tilt, and zoom with the click of a mouse to provide our users with the highest quality video stream, and YOU control the cameras! Our site allows the user to point the camera and even adjust how close they want to get with 30X zoom capabilities.

We currently have cameras in three locations; Trinity Bay, the Galveston Causeway and San Luis Pass. We are currently working on adding another three camera sites by the end of March 2017. New camera locations will include a Galveston beach cam, Seabrook and two cams at Seawolf Park to give users expansive views of the Galveston Ship Channel!

Along with our HD, interactive webcams, we also have some amazing bay/weather content including tide charts, access to weather/water information from NOAA buoys, weather radar and wind speed maps. We also have a full-time meteorologist on staff to bring our users the best, most up-to-date conditions of greater Galveston Bay.

We are also working on a very exciting new algorithm to bring bay conditions and weather forecasting into the 21st century. But that’s all we can say about that for now… please stay tuned to Saltwater-Recon.com and our Facebook page for updates on all the latest happenings and tournaments around the greater Galveston Bay complex through our EVENTS page, or check out the exclusive offers and coupons on our DEALS page.

We are excited for the opportunity to continually expand our network of cameras to bring real-time, reliable weather and bay conditions to anglers, boaters, and saltwater enthusiasts.

Tags: , , , , , ,
Posted in Articles, Fishing, Inshore | 1 Comment

Going Skinny

January 1st, 2017

Four small skiffs for fishing Texas marshes and backwaters

east cape caimen2 Going Skinny

east cape caimen Going Skinny

EAST CAPE CAIMEN

A little skiff with attitude. This boat is the perfect blend of beauty and function.  It can comfortably cross open bays and pole after tailing reds. It is one of the  most versatile boats in East Cape’s lineup. The Caimen is synonymous with simplicity.

SPECIFICATIONS

  • Length: 17’ 10”
  • Beam: 61.5”
  • Draft: 4”- 7” (Fully Rigged w/Two Anglers & Gear )
  • Recommended HP: 25-70

407.658.7933 | www.eastcapeskiffs.com

HELL’S BAY PROFESSIONAL

The Hell’s Bay Professional is a very versatile boat for fishing a wide variety of conditions. This skiff is the perfect blend of shallow water draft, dry comfortable ride and stability. The length to width ratio of the Professional allows for easy poling, responsive turning, and has the ability to handle a variety of water conditions. If stalking the shallow flats or fishing the backcountry is what you are after, then the Professional should be your skiff of choice.

SPECIFICATIONS

  • Length: 17’ 8”
  • Beam: 70”
  • Weight: 550 lbs
  • Draft: 4.5” (with engine/fuel)
  • Recommended HP: 60 – 90

321.383.8223 | www.hellsbayboatworks.com

SABINE SKIFFS VERSATILE

When Brian S. Little designed his first aluminum poling skiff he had one main design feature he wanted to accomplish; NO hull slap. Hull slap is created by waves hitting the boat at a less than desirable angle. The Versatile is designed and built to counteract the waves that cause fish spooking hull slap.

The Versatile is also designed to pole straight and allows the guide to spin the boat easily when needed. This shallow draft skiff, with a zero dead rise hull, offers a deck layout with storage for six 9’ 6” fly rods and walk-around gunnels you can actually walk around.

SPECIFICATIONS

  • Length: 17’ 6”
  • Beam: 78”
  • Recommended HP: 30 – 50

281-380-7304 | sales@ultralightboatworks.com | www.sabineskiffs.com

SHALLOW SPORT 15 CLASSIC

SPECIFICATIONS

  • Length: 15’
  • Beam: 86”
  • Dry Weight 650 lbs
  • Draft (rest): 6”
  • Draft (on plane): 3”
  • Fuel Capacity: 20 Gal.
  • Recommended HP: 90
  • Max Capacity: 3

POWER

956-233-9489 | www.shallowsportboats.com

Be sure to also check out skiffs and shallow draft boats from:

Tags: , , , , , , ,
Posted in Articles, Fishing, Inshore, Recreation | No Comments

Out in the cold

January 1st, 2017

winter marsh redfish Out in the cold

Capt. Steve Soule with a 37-inch winter marsh red caught on a MirrOlure She Pup.

By Capt. Steve Soule | www.theshallowist.com

Winter weather has arrived on the upper Texas coast and so comes the arrival of some very different fishing. Colder air, colder water, reduced number of prey species and a different range of comfort zones dictate the location and feeding patterns of redfish and trout during the cooler months.

Finding patterns that hold through winter will increase your fishing percentages, and of the long list of factors involved, I’ve consistently found a few that truly make a difference.

mullet baitfish 300x166 Out in the cold

Mullet are largely on the menu for winter redfish and trout.

Winter Food Sources

First and foremost, in finding predatory fish in cold water is understanding the primary food sources that they feed upon. Most of the shrimp have either left the bays or will spend the majority of the winter buried in the mud. Crabs similarly disappear from the shallows, moving to deeper waters and also burying themselves in the mud. Many of the small species of bait fish will remain, though they won’t stay in water as shallow as they do in warmer months.

There are numerous species of marine worms and other small creatures that remain in the bay, though we rarely see them other than when found inside the bellies of the fish we catch. So, the primary food sources for predatory fish are the remaining small baitfish, such as mullet, mud minnows and others that hang around the shallows.

Finding fish during winter is isn’t always easy, but understanding the food sources makes a huge difference. Mullet or other bait fish species that frequently swim at or near the surface and jump, are easy targets and help anglers in locating fish. This isn’t uncommon during warming trends. When water temperatures are colder or trending down, baitfish tend to stay closer to the bay bottom and move towards deeper, warmer water, making them much more difficult to locate. Much like every other season, native guides and even seasonal natives can shed some light on the location of the food sources and of course, the predators are usually close by. What I mean by native guides is birds.

American White Pelican

Winter Bird Signs

The birds that are good indicators are much different during winter than summer or fall. The gulls and terns that were such great indicators of migrating shrimp over the past few months are typically not the birds to follow or watch for during the cooler months. My focus changes to some larger birds and some that only arrive after significant cooling. Both species of pelicans, brown and white, are voracious fish eaters and will often gang up when they locate large schools of mullet or other baitfish. And if you find large concentrations of bait in winter, odds are good that you will find predators as well. My favorite migratory bird to watch during winter is the Loon. This bird at a distance may look like the common cormorant, but when you get a little closer, its not hard to tell that they are much larger and have a large white patch on their chest. They also make a very distinct crying sound. They are incredibly adept diving birds that can swim fast and stay under water for several minutes. Finding more than one in an area diving is a great indication of schools of baitfish and predators.

I’m always on alert for shore birds such as egrets, herons, and ibis, though you won’t typically see them along the banks feeding unless we have a good warming trend going.

Winter is BIG trout time. Capt. Steve Soule caught this 27-inch trout on a Corky Fat Boy.

Temperature and Tide Factors

Most fish and marine animals spend their lives following just a few things; food, comfort and safety from predators. Temperature plays a huge role in the location and movement of both bait and predatory fish during winter. Temperature effects the food species and their movements, which in turn effects the movements of their predators. Much like us, if it’s cold, they seek warmth, which is why they inhabit certain areas during cooler weather, yet their range can spread widely when water warms. A great basic rule to understand is that if water temperatures are falling, fish will tend to mover to deeper water and as water temperatures warm, they will return to shallows.

Adding to that, this is driven by air temperature which takes time to impact the water. If temperatures are relatively stable, or the changes in temperature are not dramatic, the fish won’t feel the need to move as much as they will during more notable changes in temperature. There is an added important note, and one that we can feel and use to our advantage. As the air temperatures increase above the water temperatures, shallow water will warm fastest. As soon as this process begins, baitfish will begin to move to shallow, muddy and darker bottom areas.

Another important pattern to remember is that tides will still move fish, and can also adjust the temperature of the water in specific areas. If the air is notably warmer than the water, outgoing tides will carry warmer water out to deeper areas. In colder conditions, the opposite is often the case; incoming tides can wash more stable water temperatures into the shallows.

During the passage of winter fronts, especially those that have north or northwest winds, tides will fall sharply. The extreme low tides of winter tend to concentrate fish into very specific areas. In the marshes, the fish will fall into deeper creeks and bayous. In open water, guts, channels and soft mud near the edges of shallows will be the places to look.

Once you’ve found the fish, keep in mind that they are primarily feeding on other small fish, so use lures that imitate mullet or other bait species. Note the temperatures and the direction they are trending, either up or down. Knowing this will help determine the speed of retrieves when fishing. Like any other time when fishing, it may take some experimenting to determine exactly where the fish are and what type of presentation will work best. The good news is that once you find fish in the winter, they are typically concentrated in good numbers. Also noteworthy, if you find bigger fish, you often won’t find the smaller fish mixed in, and vice versa.

Braving the elements in winter is often rewarded with spectacular catches. Dress appropriately, take your safety and that of any passengers seriously. Dress in layers that can be removed or added as temperatures change, and get out and catch a few fish.

Tags: , , , , , ,
Posted in Articles, Fishing, Inshore | No Comments

Quantum Sails’ Alan Woodyard

January 1st, 2017

Delivering exceptional sail care services and custom canvas products

quantum woodyard Quantum Sails Alan Woodyard

Quantum Sails’ Loft Service Manager Alan Woodyard has sailed across the globe. Now he uses his expertise to provide solutions to his clients’ canvas and sail problems.

alan woodyard Quantum Sails Alan Woodyard

Quantum Sails’ Alan Woodyard

Where were you born and what are some of your best childhood memories?

I was born in Havre de Grace, Md. Some of my favorite memories are from spending time in Ocean City, as well as trips to visit family in Ohio and Illinois.

What are some of the duties that you perform in your current job?

As loft service manager and ambassador for new canvas fabrication, I provide evaluations, recommendations and maintenance for sails and canvas products. I help with sail removals, installations and onboard sail assessments as well as sail repairs. I also build custom canvas items from scratch, starting with the design phase through production and installation.

How long have you been working for Quantum Sails?

I started with Quantum Sails in Annapolis and worked there for two years before I began work at the Seabrook Loft, where I’ve been for eight months. In between stints with Quantum, I founded and operated my own canvas shop in Annapolis.

I loved working with Quantum, so it was an easy decision to join them when the opportunity arose. I also am proud of the training I received through Hood Canvas Training School in Merrimac, MA. I’ve also been an active leader and participant in the local marine trade associations.

How did you get into the industry?

I got interested in sailing while in college and decided to take an Outward Bound sailing course out of Hurricane Island in Maine. After that I was hooked and eventually found my way to the Professional Mariner Training Program at the Chapman School of Seamanship, where I knew that I had found my passion. I excelled and finished at the top of my class.

After seamanship school, I planned to look for a gig as a crew member on a sailboat, with my backup option being a move to Fort Lauderdale to search for a job on a super yacht. Fortunately, about a week before my move to Fort Lauderdale, I was contacted by a boat owner who had just lost a crew member and was looking for help in Nassau, Bahamas.

Three days after the first email I was on a plane to Nassau and stayed for the next five years as a crew member on sailing yachts ranging from 45 to 65 feet. I traveled as far east as Portugal and the Canary Islands, and as far west as Tahiti, with many stops in the Caribbean and elsewhere.

How did you get into canvas specifically?

At one point during my five years on cruising boats we had an enclosure built for a boat’s cockpit. After watching that type of work, I became convinced that I could do similar projects on the boat; things like hatch covers and dinghy chaps. We got a little Sailrite portable sewing machine on the boat and we never bought canvas again. I made a variety of different items for the boat that I was on and was commissioned to make dinghy chaps for a couple of other boats while in remote harbors where canvas work is hard to come by.

When I returned to the States, I starting looking for a job in a sail and canvas loft. Through a mutual friend, I was put in touch with the Quantum Sails loft in Annapolis and started doing exactly the type of work that I was hoping to do. After starting out in the loft, I further advanced my canvas fabrication skills by attending a program at Hood Marine Canvas Training in Merrimac, Mass.

What are some of the biggest changes that you have seen in the canvas business in the last 10 years?

It would easily be the introduction of laser templaters to aid in the templating process. They standardize 3D measurement on the yacht, allowing one to build a 3D model of the finished product that aids construction back in the loft. This not only increases the quality of the finished product, but also can help cut down on some of the labor required.

There has also been a lot of development in UV resistant and stable materials, including thread, which helps me build better products. One item, Solarfix thread, is UV stable and will outlast your canvas, eliminating the need for re-stitches due to thread failure.

When does a typical day for you start, and what does it look like?

We start around 8 a.m. here in the loft. I check the weather to see what outdoor work can be accomplished that day, including patterning for new canvas, and/or sail removals. Then it’s back to the loft for new canvas builds, repairing sails, or maybe a precision recut on a sail for higher performance. Then I take time to communicate with all of our clients and answer any questions they may have. Then I’m back on the floor until 5 p.m. to finish projects and help get our clients back on the water.

What are the most popular color choices of canvas on the market today and why are these products and colors so popular?

Captain and Pacific Blue are wildly popular, as is Cadet Grey. I think the grey is popular as it doesn’t fade as much and tends to hide some of the dirt/wear and tear. The blues are a good match for wood and are classic yachting colors that match with just about anything. Natural (white) tends to be avoided as it shows dirt relatively easily.

If you take care of your bimini, how long should it last in the sun-drenched Gulf Coast environment?

A lot depends on what “taking care of it” means! We tend to think of items in terms of seasons. With our area’s year-round sailing, we’re eating up two seasons of use per calendar year. Provided one builds their bimini out of premium products, including UV stable thread, I’d expect a bimini to last 12 seasons, or 6 years.

A lot depends upon use. If you’re not going to use your yacht for a few months, and removing the bimini doesn’t compromise the yacht, take it off and stow it below. You can dramatically extend the life of these items by shielding them from the sun when not in use.

Dodgers and cockpit enclosures protect the entry way of the sailboat and crew from rain and waves. The right design also enhances boat styling. Well built canvas products like these can provide many years of comfort and enjoyment. Photo by Cory Silken.

SUNBRELLA CARE TIPS

  • Hose fabric off on a monthly basis or anytime the boat is coming back from having been out in significant salt spray.
  • Use a mild soap and water solution over entirety, allow it to soak on the fabric for a few minutes.
  • Spot scrub where necessary with a soft bristle brush. Rinse thoroughly.
  • After approximately three years if Sunbrella begins to be less water-resistant the fabric can be treated with 303 Fabric Guard.
  • If you don’t have the time or inclination to DIY give us a call here at Quantum Sails in Seabrook, (281-474-4168) we can take care of it for you and have it back on the boat in time for your next day on the water!

Tags: , , , ,
Posted in Articles, Sailing | 1 Comment

Wahoo Recipes

January 1st, 2017

wahoo ceviche recipe Wahoo Recipes

REHAB Wahoo Ceviche

By Jasen Gast | REHAB Fishing Team

  • 1 lb. fish fillets
  • 6 juiced limes (or enough to cover the fillets)
  • 1 cup fresh tomatoes (diced)
  • 1 green pepper (chopped)
  • 1 medium onion (minced)
  • 2 jalapeño peppers (seeded and diced)
  • 3 TBSP parsley
  • 2 TBSP cilantro
  • 1/2 tsp oregano
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp pepper
  • 2 TBSP white vinegar

Slice your fillets into smaller strips and soak in lime juice over night. Drain the juice out and add the mixed ingredients. Chill and serve.

Lemon-Basil Wahoo

By Debbie Conway | Bad Intentions Charters

  • One 1” thick wahoo steak
  • 1/2 cup of olive oil
  • 1/2 cup fresh squeezed lemon juice
  • 10-15 cherry tomatoes cut in half
  • 1 cup of chopped fresh basil
  • Fresh lemon, thinly sliced

Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Remove four round fillets from steak and place in baking dish. Mix the olive oil, lemon juice, tomatoes and basil into a bowl and pour over the fish. Salt and pepper to your taste. Lift them up to allow liquid to equalize onto bottom of dish and make sure fish is coated on both sides.

Place paper-thin slices of lemons over the entire surface of your dish for garnishment and bake in the oven at 450 degrees for 15-20 minutes uncovered. Don’t over cook fish!  Remove lemon garnishment and serve fish over rice.

Tags: , , ,
Posted in Articles, Fishing, Offshore | No Comments

Several Lakewood Youth Sailors Spending Christmas Break at Orange Bowl International Youth Regatta in Miami

December 26th, 2016

unnamed1 3 300x197 Several Lakewood Youth Sailors Spending Christmas Break at Orange Bowl International Youth Regatta in MiamiLakewood sent three C420 Teams with Coach Marek Valesek to their first C420 Orange Bowl International Youth Regatta in Miami over Christmas break.

The two-person teams of Alex Wise/Laurel Tyson, Grace Bates/Pilar Blanco Midulla and Paul/Celia Houston as well as several other youth sailors were in full learning mode this past weekend, as accomplished sailor and Yale Assistant Sailing Coach Bill Healy afforded the racers his knowledge of C420 racing. Healy, spent two days at Lakewood Yacht Club training the spirited young sailors.

unnamed 6 300x214 Several Lakewood Youth Sailors Spending Christmas Break at Orange Bowl International Youth Regatta in Miami“We practiced in very breezy conditions,” said Healy. “If the kids see similar conditions in Miami they will feel much more comfortable since Galveston Bay doesn’t usually offer those types of conditions. The group has a whole is fairly fresh to the C420 class but no strangers to these large events. Look for them to post some great individual races and results.”

Strong 20-knot winds were enjoyed both days of the clinic, which focused on boat preparation, tuning guidelines, rigging the boats, and then basic trimming and hiking techniques as well as mark roundings. However, Sunday was 40 degrees colder than Saturday, so Healy, Valesek and the rest of the coaches utilized videos of high-level sailing to give the kids something to visualize. The young sailors took furious notes during the debriefings before braving the cold to practice the techniques on the water. A lot of kids went swimming, but there were notable improvements over Saturday’s performances.

Lakewood wishes all it’s Orange Bowl competitors luck in Miami.

Visit www.lakewoodyachtclub.com to learn more about Lakewood Yacht Club’s youth sailing program.

About Lakewood Yacht Club

Rated among the top 10 yacht clubs in the United States, Lakewood Yacht Club (LYC) is one of the best-kept secrets on Clear Lake as well as the Greater Houston and Galveston communities. LYC is a private, member-owned club with great amenities to enjoy with friends and family. Located on 38 beautifully landscaped acres in the NE corner of Clear Lake, it’s an exceptional environment for social and water activities.

Tags: , ,
Posted in Racing | No Comments

Coast Guard Foundation Appoints New President

November 18th, 2016

url Coast Guard Foundation Appoints New PresidentRegional Director of Philanthropy Susan P. Ludwig Selected to Lead Organization

The Coast Guard Foundation, a non-profit organization committed to the education and welfare of all Coast Guard members and their families, announced today that Regional Director of Philanthropy Susan Ludwig will replace Anne B. Brengle as president. Ludwig will assume her new position in January following Anne’s retirement this December.

With ten years of non-profit fundraising and administration work, coupled with two decades of experience working in corporate sales and product management, Ludwig is well positioned to lead the organization, its board and staff through a nationwide effort to increase awareness for the Coast Guard and the Foundation and strengthen support for programs that benefit Coast Guard members and their families. Ludwig joined the Coast Guard Foundation staff in 2013 as the primary fundraiser and relationship manager for Coast Guard Foundation programs and investors in the Northeast region of the United States.

“Having traveled throughout New York, New England and many of the Coast Guard communities across our nation over the last three years, I have been inspired by the deep devotion and commitment to honor, respect and duty of the Coast Guard members and families that I’ve met,” said Ludwig. “As a civilian-based organization, we have a great opportunity to make a difference for the members of the Coast Guard and I look forward to leading the Coast Guard Foundation to new heights.”

“We welcome Susan to her new role as president. She is a successful leader with a strong record of strategic, operational and commercial accomplishments. We look forward to working with her as we continue to provide meaningful support and recognition initiatives to benefit the people of the United States Coast Guard and their families, as they carry out their mission of service to our country,” said Will Jenkins, Coast Guard Foundation board chairman.

To learn more about the Coast Guard Foundation or to help support its work, please visit www.coastguardfoundation.org.

 

About The Coast Guard Foundation
For more than 45 years, the Coast Guard Foundation has been committed to inspiring leadership, education and a proud legacy of service to our nation by supporting the men and women of the United States Coast Guard. The Foundation provides college scholarships to enlisted members, their spouses and their children, scholarships and support for families of Coast Guard members lost in the line of duty, and support for morale programs, including funding recreation, exercise and family-oriented facilities. The Coast Guard Foundation is headquartered in Stonington, Connecticut, where it maintains a staff of 13, with regional offices in the New York City area and St. Petersburg, Florida. To learn more about the Coast Guard Foundation or to help support its work, please visit www.coastguardfoundation.org.

Tags: , , , ,
Posted in Recreation | No Comments

Fishing Gear

November 1st, 2016

simms womens waders Fishing Gear froggtoggs Fishing Gear

Christmas gifts for the mariner in your life

 

WADERS:

(Left) frogg toggs® Men’s Hellbender™ Stocking-Foot Wader is engineered with DriPore2Gen Technology for breathability and moisture management.

(Right) Simms® Women’s Freestone® Stocking-Foot Wader is made of 4-layer Toray® QuadraLam™ waterproof fabric that offers great breathability.

 

 

 

 

 

 

womens-boots

mens-wading-boots

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

WADING BOOTS:

(Left) Simms Women’s Vapor Wading Boots with Vibram Soles and lightweight VaporTread™ platforms have been engineered for balanced fast hiking and wading performance. Neoprene partial liners deliver wading warmth, cushioning and easy on and off.

(Right) frogg toggs® Men’s Aransas™ Surf And Sand Wading Shoes are lightweight 5mm neoprene uppers with zipper closures, hook-and-loop ankle straps and full gussets ensure a secure, comfortable fit while sealing out sand and debris.

 

pescadorpro

KAYAKS:

Perception Pescador Pro 120 is designed with a center console for your fishfinder electronics and offers a 1-piece hull that is abrasion, UV and impact resistant for durability. The seat is removable and adjustable for comfort, and the boat provides a multitude of storage options for your tackle box, rods, paddles and other fishing essentials.

 

waterloo

FISHING RODS:

(Top) The Waterloo Phantom series is a versatile rod. Works great for various applications such as artificial and live bait. Built on a medium light, moderate fast action graphite blank with a light tip and moderate backbone. Available in 6’6”, 6’9” or 7’0”.

(Middle) The Waterloo Salinity series is a light-weight, very sensitive and versatile rod. Ideal for various applications such as small swimbaits and topwaters, and live bait. Built on a medium, moderate fast action graphite blank with a light tip and moderate backbone. Available in 7’0’ or 7’6”.

(Bottom) Same as the above Waterloo Salinity, but this is a special pink edition wrapped with teal thread.

 

penn-clashFISHING REELS:

The PENN® Clash gear train runs off Dura-Gear technology which offers a more durable and long lasting gear. 9 sealed bearings keep everything in line and moving freely while a full metal body eliminates twist caused by high drag pressure. The Clash also features a thick aluminum bail wire, slow oscillation system, Line Capacity Rings, and a braid ready spool.

13fishingreel

 

The Concept A from 13 Fishing is a smooth, lightweight reel that performs. Engineered with the right materials in the right places, it is built to withstand the rigors of competitive fishing. With 22 lbs of Bulldog drag, it will put the brakes on any fish in salt or freshwater.

 

line-cutterz

TOOLS:

Line Cutterz Ring is a sleek, adjustable ring with double-sided blade perfect for quick and efficient cutting of mono-filament and braided fishing line. Great for all types of fishing including kayak fishing, surf fishing, chartered fishing and ocean fishing. Velcro adjustable strap to fit all sizes. Two-sided stainless steel blades and stainless steel rivet set in a black ABS plastic for ultimate durability and safety.

 

 

stinkypants-stringerThe 8’ Pro-Series from Stinky Pants Fishing® is handmade in the USA using first rate materials designed for the toughest conditions. The stringers will not knot, fray, ravel or get stuck on teeth or hooks like other stringers. Simply release the stringer from the removable float and drop your days catch in the cooler. Available in a variety of colors.

 

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Fishing | No Comments

Great Results for Texas Sailors at High School Champs

November 1st, 2016

The Texas raised sailors did a great job at the High School Nationals held right here in Galveston Bay.  Here is a “shout out” to four local stars and the amazing new facility, Sea Scout Base Galveston, that hosted the races:

  1. In the Laser Full Rig Division, Max Guerreiro took second place and Ford McCann took third. Awesome!  Results: http://scores.hssailing.org/f16/laserperformance-cressy-full/
  2. In the Laser Radial Division, Charlotte Rose finished third overall (and was the second girl) and Carly Broussard finished 10th(and was the fourth girl).  Awesome!  Results:  http://scores.hssailing.org/f16/laserperformance-cressy-radial/
  3. The championships were held right here in Galveston Bay at the new Sea Scout facility ( http://ssbgalveston.org/).  It is an amazing facility and many in our community do not know about it, yet (here is a link to high schools already using it: http://ssbgalveston.org/community.php#anchor1).
  4. I recommend visiting this 200+ bed facility it and hope that it hosts many more regattas (Link to view facility: http://ssbgalveston.org/events.php  AND http://ssbgalveston.org/events_contact.php).  There were great views for watching the races… from shore!  The downwind mark was only 20 yards away from the spectators.
  5. College Singlehanded Nationals will be there this coming weekend.  http://2016singlehanded.collegesailing.org

Tags: , , , ,
Posted in Racing | No Comments

7th Annual JFest Southwest Regatta Results

October 31st, 2016

J/22 (13 boats)
 Series Standing – 7 races scored

Information is provisional and subject to modification
Regatta results last updated: Sunday, October 30, 2016 3:01:11 PM CDT

Pos,Bow/Sail, Boat, Skipper, Yacht Club, Results, Total Points
1. USA 307, Blackburn Marine Racing, Casey Lambert, Lakewood Yacht Club, 3-3-2-4-3-2-1- ; 18
 2. 878, Meehem, Tom Meeh, Gbca, 4-2-3-3-4-1-2- ; 19
 3. USA 707, Tejas, Terry Flynn, GBCA/ FWBC, 2-1-1-2-1-3-14/RET-BF- ; 24
 4. 203, Pressure Drop, Mark Foster, Corpus Christi YC, 4.3/RDG-4-4-5-6-5-6- ; 34.3
 5. 365, , Vincent Ruder, None, 6-6-5-1-7-4-7- ; 36
 6. 26 / 951, , Dov Kivlovitz, None, 1-8-7-14/RET-AF-2-7-3- ; 42T
 7. 1531, Parrot Tales Light, Larry Blankenhagen, Lakewood Yacht Club, 5-5-6-6-8-8-4- ; 42T
 8. 919, Three Amigos, Kevin Orff, LYC / GBCA, 8-7-8-8-5-6-10- ; 52
 9. 392, Loose Cannon, Rick Duste, GBCA, 9-10-11-11-12-11-5- ; 69
 10. 650, Forget Me Not, Nataleigh Perez, Fort Worth Boat Club, 10-14/OCS-9-9-9-9-11- ; 71
 11. 8 / 732, Helms a Lee, Caroline Burda, HYC, 7-9-14/DSQ-7-10-14/DNS-14/DNS- ; 75
 12. 33 / 449, mule mechanic, Ben Kyzar, LCYC, 12-12-12-10-11-10-9- ; 76
 13. 578, Student Driver, Gary Thies, GBCA, 11-11-10-12-13-12-8- ; 77

 

J/24 (17 boats)
 Series Standing – 5 races scored

Information is provisional and subject to modification
Regatta results last updated: Sunday, October 30, 2016 3:20:34 PM CDT

Pos,Bow/Sail, Boat, Skipper, Yacht Club, Results, Total Points
1. 06 / 126, GIGGLES, Natalie Harden, AYV, 1-1-1-2-1- ; 6
 2. 01 / 3734, Miss Conduct, James Freedman, DCYC, 3-6-2-5-2- ; 18
 3. 69 / 2702, After Midnight, Mark Smith, FWBC, 2-3-10-9-3- ; 27T
 4. 23 / 1155, Trick Bag, Barry Bailey, none, 7-5-5-3-7- ; 27T
 5. 05 / 3358, Chupacabra, John Parker, Austin Yacht Club, 11-2-7-1-11/SCP- ; 32
 6. 03 / 267, Team BadMoon, Christopher Holmes, DCYC, 4-19/OCS-3-4-4- ; 34T
 7. 42 / 4200, Zero Gravity, Josh Bowens-Rubin, Dillon Yacht Club, 10-8-4-6-6- ; 34T
 8. 07 / 2822, Vang Go, Stuart Juengst, Austin Yacht Club, 5-7-6-12-11- ; 41
 9. 94 / 267, Navy Blue Faded Lady, Peter Brigaitis, DCYC, 12-9-9-8-5- ; 43
 10. 19 / 1903, El Rayo-X, Gary Roesler, GBCA, 14-4-8-11-10- ; 47
 11. 16 / 2380, superman, David Broadway, Austin YC, 8-11-12-10-12- ; 53
 12. 09 / 3894, Sforzando, Christopher Hammel, AYC, 15-10-11-7-13- ; 56
 13. 60 / 1565, Gray Wolf, Tim Johnson, DCYC, 6-14-13-15-9- ; 57
 14. 13 / 2160, Stray Dog, Jorge Martin-de-Nicolas, AYC, 9-12-19/DNS-13-14- ; 67
 15. 11 / 3757, clairebouyant, graham marshall, none, 13-13-15-14-15- ; 70
 16. 77 / 2342, Rodeo Clown, Jason Seibert, R2AK, GBCA, 16-16-14-17-16- ; 79
 17. 91 / 53191, WHITNEY, Charlie Daniel, LBYC, 17-15-16-16-17- ; 81

J/70 (9 boats)
 Series Standing – 7 races scored

Information is provisional and subject to modification
Regatta results last updated: Sunday, October 30, 2016 1:43:43 PM CDT

Pos,Bow/Sail, Boat, Skipper, Yacht Club, Results, Total Points
1. 181, GB, Chris Lewis, LYC, 1-1-3-1-1-2-2- ; 11
 2. 850, Mojito, Forbes Durdin, LYC, 3-2-2-2-7-3-1- ; 20
 3. 546, Zounds Hearing, Jay Lutz, Lakewood YC, 2-3-4-3-2-4-6- ; 24
 4. 240, Stampede, Bruno Pasquinelli, fwbc, 5-6-1-5-3-1-4- ; 25
 5. 51 / 51, Black River Racing, Douglas Strebel, Lakewood, 8-4-8-4-4-5-5- ; 38
 6. 242, Jason Bradley, JASON Bradley, Jason Bradley, 4-5-5-8-6-8-8- ; 44
 7. 241, , Alfred Poindexter, lakewood yacht club, 9-9-6-6-5-6-7- ; 48
 8. 28 / 50, Rogue Warrior, Bruce McDonald, AYC, 6-8-9-7-9-7-3- ; 49
 9. 1041, Green Onions, Bill Mcnally, Perry Yacht Club, 7-7-7-9-8-9-9- ; 56

J/105 (10 boats)
 Series Standing – 8 races scored

Information is provisional and subject to modification
Regatta results last updated: Sunday, October 30, 2016 1:42:12 PM CDT

Pos,Bow/Sail, Boat, Skipper, Yacht Club, Results, Total Points
1. 378, infinity, Uzi Ozeri, LYC, 4-1-1-3-1-4-1-5- ; 20
 2. 393, Aftershock, Scott Spurlin, AYC, 1-2-2-2-8-2-3-1- ; 21
 3. 624, Vici, John Barnett, Lakewood YC, 2-7-4-1-4-3-2-2- ; 25
 4. 344, Two Feathers, Mark Masur, FWBC, 3-4-5-8-5-5-4-3- ; 37
 5. 294, Rumpus, Brad Robbins, LYC, 5-3-3-6-6-9-6-7- ; 45
 6. 130, Tomahawk, Nathaniel Kemberling, LYC, 7-5-7-4-2-10-9-4- ; 48
 7. 649, Radiance, Bill Lakenmacher, LYC, 8-6-8-7-7-1-7-6- ; 50
 8. 124, Blue Flash, Matthew Arno, FWBC, 10-10-6-5-3-8-5-9- ; 56
 9. 430, Kinderspel2, John Bell, CCYC, 6-8-9-9-9-7-8-8- ; 64
 10. 296, Stinger, J B Bednar, LYC/GBCA, 9-9-10-10-10-6-10-10- ; 74

J/PHRF Spin(Sym) (2 boats)
 Series Standing – 7 races scored

Information is provisional and subject to modification
Regatta results last updated: Sunday, October 30, 2016 1:44:32 PM CDT

Pos,Bow/Sail, Boat, Skipper, Yacht Club, Results, Total Points
1. 178, Press to Meco, Ray Bentele, GBCA, 1-1-2-1-1.5/TIE-1-1- ; 8.5
 2. 28, Toccata, Gary Trinklein, GBCA, 2-2-1-2-1.5/TIE-2-2- ; 12.5

J/PHRF Spin (Asym) (8 boats)
Series Standing – 8 races scored

Information is provisional and subject to modification
Regatta results last updated: Sunday, October 30, 2016 2:56:51 PM CDT

Pos,Bow/Sail, Boat, Skipper, Yacht Club, Results, Total Points
1. USA74, Second Star, J.D. Hill, LYC, 1-1-1-1-1-1-1-3- ; 10
 2. 162, Leading Edge, Tom Sutton, lyc,hyc,gbca, 2-2-3-2-2-2-3-1- ; 17
 3. 181, Hamburg, Albrecht Goethe, LYC, 3-3-2-3-3-3-2-2- ; 21
 4. 31, Little Joe, Dan Sullivan, Southern Yacht Club, 6-5-4-5-5-4-4-4- ; 37T
 5. 238, Airborne, David Christensen, LYC / GBCA, 5-4-5-4-4-5-5-5- ; 37T
 6. 45, Harm’s Way, Andy Wescoat, GBCA, 7-6-6-6-7-6-6-7- ; 51
 7. 77, 77, George Cushing, GBCA, 8-7-7-7-6-7-7-6- ; 55
 8. 1, Second Wind, Chris Waters, Kemah Boardwalk Marina, 4-9/DNF-9/DNS-9/DNS-9/DNS-9/DNC-9/DNC-9/DNC- ; 67

Notes
– Scoring System is RRS Low Point 2013-2016
– Finishes in [brackets] denote throwouts

Information is provisional and subject to modification

Tags: , , ,
Posted in Racing, Sailing | No Comments

The Right Gear for Redfish

October 31st, 2016

asoulered16 The Right Gear for Redfish

Alisha Soule with Galveston marsh redfish.

By Capt. Steve Soule

www.theshallowist.com

This year has been one of the most inconsistent years, with regards to weather and conditions that we haven’t seen in a long time on the upper Texas coast. With flooding rains, high winds, high tides and just generally different conditions, fishing hasn’t been as consistent compared to recent years.

For those new to fishing the upper coast, I’m sure it seems like a very difficult fishery. For those with years of experience, it has taken a lot of work and effort to keep up with fish in shallow water. We have grasses growing that don’t normally grow, due to heavy rainfall. Our shoreline erosion is accelerating to an alarming rate with the constant high tides. Water clarity has been greatly reduced when compared to recent years. Fishing the marshes and shallow shorelines has just been plain challenging.

Redfish Gear

In an inconsistent year, being prepared and having the right gear in tip top condition can make all the difference.

With all of this change and challenge, every opportunity counts. The gear that we use, the lures that we fish and the way that we rig can help us capitalize on limited shots at fish.

Spinning Rods

Let’s start with the fishing rods. For spinning gear, my preference is a 6-7 foot medium to medium-light rod. The rod should have enough power, or backbone to battle the fish we target. Redfish, even the bigger ones, don’t make incredibly long runs, but they will try to get to the cover of shorelines and almost always try to go under the boat near the end of the fight. Be prepared with a rod that can help you prevent this.

Conversely, the rod tip still needs to be light enough to allow casting with 1/8 or even 1/16 ounce lures. Your reel should have a capacity of 150 yards of line, but don’t overdo this with a large, heavy reel. Lightweight is better. I have switched to braided line on all of my reels. For my spinning reels, I use 6 pound diameter that has a break strength of 20 pounds. The diameter of these lines helps with casting and the strength provides more than enough to battle the biggest marsh reds we see.

Baitcasting Rods

If you prefer bait-casters or casting rods, the set up is very similar. I prefer casting rods in the 6’6”-6’10” range. Again, they should have a very light tip section to allow you to cast well with lightweight lures, but maintain enough power lower in the rod to maneuver fish as they get near the boat. Reel capacity again, should be around 150 yards or a little more, but light weight is key as you will be holding and casting all day when fishing in shallow water. Again, use braided line, for abrasion resistance and durability. On my casting reels, I have found that 8 pound diameter, with a break strength of 30 pounds, seems to work very well. For a very experienced caster, the lighter line mentioned for spinning reels might work, but I have found that it will break more readily if you get a backlash. Don’t forget that you need to pick a reel with a very smooth drag system to handle the “burst” runs of bigger redfish.

 redfishfly 3 The Right Gear for Redfish

Fly Rods

If you prefer to fly fish, you should pick a medium-fast to fast action 8 weight rod with matching line. I almost exclusively use floating, weight forward fly lines designed for saltwater fishing. This can get a little technical on the Texas coast; we see more temperature change than most other redfish habitats. Generally speaking, the lines designed for tropical species are great in our summer temperatures, but will leave a lot to be desired in the cooler months. Most of the lines designed specifically for redfish work well as the coring material used is not as stiff and won’t cause excessive coils in the cooler seasons.

So, use weight forward saltwater or redfish taper lines matched to your rod. In other words, if you buy an 8 weight rod, use 8 weight line. Our leaders should be 10-16 pound tippet strength and of an abrasion resistant variety. Our redfish aren’t very “leader shy” like in some heavily pressured, clear water fisheries, so I tend to fish heavier leaders here, on the upper end of the range of what I mentioned. As for the fly reel, pick a reel designed for the weight line you are using. Most will have way more line/backing capacity than we will ever need fishing for redfish, but it will make for a great travel rod when you head to the tropics for longer running or more powerful fish.

The Things We Throw

Norton Bull Minnow in Roach

Norton Bull Minnow in Roach

When it comes to shallow water redfish lures, I keep the selection fairly simple. A small variety of spoons and soft plastics will work day in and day out for catching not only redfish, but trout and flounder as well. Because I’m primarily sight fishing, I rarely utilize a cork and prefer to fish soft plastics on a lightweight jig head.

Bass Assassin Lures 4" Sea Shad in Slammin' Chicken

Bass Assassin Lures 4″ Sea Shad in Slammin’ Chicken

Presentation is everything with this style of fishing. I rig with 1/4 ounce or less, typically 1/8, screw lock style heads, and utilize smaller swim tail or paddle tail designs in the 3-5” range.

For colors, I prefer the darker shades in most situations, especially in the marshes. Dark colors silhouette better in dirty water and have worked well for me for many years. Here’s my short list of colors; purple, dark blue, and “Texas Roach.” You may want to keep some light colors like white or bone on hand, but I’ve been very consistent with the darker shades. I especially like the blues and purples for the hint of crab coloration they provide.

Retrieves with soft plastics can be steady, as the tail vibration will help fish locate the lure. I often impart a bouncing or “jigging” action with the rod tip to help make the lure more visible in the water column.

Looking at spoons, I prefer to use weedless spoons in most situations, though in slightly deeper water, or when water is “off color,” I will use a sprite style or treble hook spoon. In very shallow water, under a foot, spoons don’t really require much added action on the retrieve. A steady and constant speed without added rod tip movement works very well.

The trick is to find the speed range for the spoon that you have tied on. You want to see that spoon wobbling or rocking from side to side, without turning full rotations. This retrieve gives the most vibration without causing line twist that can come back to bite you later in the day. You will find that this speed can be slowed to nearly a crawl, or sped up by adjusting the angle of the rod tip up or down. The key is to maintain the wobble.

When it comes to color choices for spoons, gold is my standard. I fish weedless gold, 1/4 ounce spoons more than any other, but occasionally need a 1/8 when fish are very shallow and spooky.

A Few Quick Tips On Maintaining Your Gear

All lures should be rinsed with clean fresh water. Rods can be rinsed as well. For your reels, I recommend that unless they get splashed or dunked in saltwater, they should only be wiped clean with a soft cloth dampened with clean fresh water. Excessive spraying of water can often force salt and dirt deeper into the reel which will cause problems later down the road. If you rinse down your fishing rods, take a moment to wipe them off after with a soft cloth to remove the water. Not all rod guides are designed to withstand saltwater, so the wipe down will help remove any remaining salt.

Good luck and tight lines! Don’t miss out on what the shallows have to offer this fall and winter.

Tags: , , , , , ,
Posted in Articles, Fishing, Inshore | No Comments

Tips For Catching More Fish

October 31st, 2016

redflounderstring Tips For Catching More Fish

By Capt. Joe Kent

There is an old adage that 10% of the fishermen catch 90% of the fish. Well, while not statistically proven, the odds are that the old adage has a lot of merit.

If you are one of those anglers who comes away feeling like everyone around you is catching fish while you are left with an empty or sparse stringer, hopefully some of these tips will help you join that exclusive 10% group that takes 90% of the fish.

While actively guiding fishing trips, there were a number of things I observed that definitely handicapped my guests from catching many fish.

Most likely the biggest obstacle was in casting skills.  Other fishing guides agreed with me that if there was one big fault it was in the lack of being able to cast a bait to a target and at the same time avoid another big problem, backlashes.

fancast 300x240 Tips For Catching More Fish

Good casting skills are imperative for fan casting or placing your bait precisely near structure or jetties.

Line Control

There are a number of other skills anglers need to address; however, accurate casting and controlling the line is at the top of the list.

Casting skills take practice and the time not to practice is when on a fishing trip with others.

Choosing a rod and reel you are comfortable using and is appropriate for where you are fishing is the first step.

Practice, practice and more practice is the key to developing your skills in the art of casting.

Once you have become comfortable with your choice of rod and reel and have developed control over where and how far you can cast, then attention can be given to a number of other problems that tend to plague those not bringing home stringers of game fish.

liveshrimphook

Hook live shrimp under the horn.

Bait & Tackle

While space does not allow an elaboration on each of the following, using the wrong bait for the occasion, hook size and hooking live bait, especially shrimp, are key issues.

For newcomers and those not seasoned at saltwater fishing, I always recommend using live bait, especially shrimp when fishing.

Hooking live shrimp involves practice and experience.  There is a small area under the horn on the shrimp’s head that is the appropriate spot to hook the bait.  Using too large a hook or hooking the shrimp anywhere else is going to kill the bait and render it in the same category as dead bait. Use a number 6 or 8 treble hook or a small live bait or kahle hook.

Once you have become comfortable with your casting skills and can hook live bait properly, then you are ready for the easier parts of this lesson.

sewind

A light southeast breeze is usually best on the upper coast.

Learn to Read the Water

Tide movement and water clarity are of utmost importance in triggering feeding among schools of fish.  Once you see those elements come together then you can start looking at the wind direction.

Along the Texas Gulf Coast, the southeast wind is called the fishermen’s breeze as it brings clear Gulf water into the bays and along the beachfront.  This is a big plus when choosing a time to go fishing.

The so called 10% group takes time to plan their trips and, based on the forecast, they know what the odds are for a productive excursion.

Hold Steady

Most of the seasoned anglers limit their fishing to given areas that they tend to get to know well and learn where the fish will be at a given time. Concentrating on a particular bay, the jetties or surf can do wonders for your confidence.

Patience is a major key to success.  Guides and other experienced fishermen choose a spot and will stay there knowing that the fish have appeared there regularly while often having to fight boredom themselves and the impatience of their guests.

There is no way anyone can expect to take home a big stringer of fish on each trip; however, following the steps mentioned above you should greatly enhance your chances of increasing your odds of catching fish when hitting the water.

Tags: , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Articles, Inshore | 1 Comment

Corsair Marine Pulse 600 Trimaran

October 31st, 2016

pulse600 Corsair Marine Pulse 600 Trimaran

Sailboats are either built for comfort or for speed. The new Corsair Marine Pulse 600 Trimaran falls in the latter category. Longtime friends and Galveston Bay sailors Martin Hamilton and Bob Webbon recently purchased a Pulse 600. These guys have been racing catamarans for years so we thought it would be a good idea to ask them what they thought of the boat.

What is your idea of the perfect sailboat?

Martin: In two words stable and fast. For the last decade, I have been sailing a Condor 40 trimaran and an A-Class catamaran. The catamaran provided the opportunity to compete around the country in a single handed fast boat. The trimaran allowed me to entertain on a quick boat with plenty of stability (set a beverage down and come back later and finish it).

Bob: The perfect boat? For what? For sailing? For cruising? For having friends onboard, etc. If it’s a perfect day sailing boat then it must have a groove. It should give back what you put in. It should have a feel that is pleasurable, it should take you away from the mundane of life. It should be exciting. There are plenty of great boats that do that.

What do you like most about this boat?

MH: The Pulse 600 is the new standard. It has the speed and excitement of an A-Cat and at the same time is stable enough for my wife and I to handle even in winds of 20+ knots. And the boat easily accommodates 4 adults. Perfect for a family outing.

BW: The Pulse 600 is light weight so it is lively, responsive but forgiving. It’s quick in a breeze and remains fast with four people on board. It’s just downright fun. Get a little boom box on board with a nice cold beverage, sheets cleated doing high teens, what more do you need for a great afternoon.

What is it that you most dislike about this boat?

MH: Probably the difficulty pinning the mast base onto the pedestal in order to raise mast. Once pinned the mast is easily raised

BW: Yes, it takes a bit more work, but it gives back so much more.

Both of you guys are obsessed with speed, why can’t you cruise along like the rest of us?

MH:  I understand the desire to cruise. It is always easy to ‘throttle back’ and enjoy a beverage and conversation. But, you can enjoy the beverage and conversation even at top speed.

BW: First of all I do have a cruising boat, but I’m just not obsessed with going slow. I can’t think of any other sport where slower is better. I think if more people knew they could set their beverage down on a boat without it spilling and they could actually sail much faster while doing that, they would figure it out.

If you could describe this boat in one word, what would it be?

MH: Friendly

BW: Perfect

These boats are pretty wide, are you having problems finding a slip?

MH: We actually keep the boat on a trailer. The boat can be launched and motored with the wings folded. Bob and I are storing the boat with the wings extended at the Houston Yacht Club and are set up to launch from the crane.

BW: Corsair Tris have been around for decades. Their folding systems are proven, so we can launch via crane, ramp or even wet sailed from a normal slip.

Are you guys still friends, now that you own a boat together?

MH: Bob and I actually owned a Tornado catamaran in the late 80s. We sold it after the Tornado Worlds. We continued spending a lot of time together sailboarding. Eventually in the early 2000s we both purchased A-Cats and have traveled the country together with our multi-boat trailer. Did I mention that it’s always been Bob’s idea?

BW: I’ve been partners on sailboats and power boats. It’s always been great. I think that realization is what’s driving a growing part of the boating industry right now. Look at all the new boat sharing programs and companies. We now even have a community sailing program in Galveston. It just makes sense. There’s just no reason to feel like ownership has to be expensive. Partnerships also bring folks closer together through their shared interests. We’re better friends because of the boats we’ve owned together.

You both grew up sailing on Galveston Bay, what is it about this place that you like most?

MH: It’s such a great sailing area. Lots of water and wind most of the time if you’re willing to wait for the shore breeze.

BW: Wind. Unlike a lot of other sailing venues we seem to have more wind. We also have great racing organizations on the bay.

Tags: , , , , ,
Posted in Articles, Racing, Sailing | No Comments

Near Perfect Weather During the 30th Annual Harvest Moon Regatta

October 31st, 2016

harvestmoon16 Near Perfect Weather During the 30th Annual Harvest Moon Regatta

Harvest Moon racers could be seen off the Galveston beachfront. Photo by Kelly Groce.

harvestmoonlogo Near Perfect Weather During the 30th Annual Harvest Moon RegattaMore than 140 boats took off from Pleasure Pier in Galveston on a beautiful, clear Thursday afternoon and raced down the coast to Port Aransas to complete the 30th Annual Harvest Moon Regatta.® Saturday, Oct. 15 was a busy day as the sailors were treated to a barbecue dinner and awards banquet followed by the Welcome Sailors Rum Party.

Lakewood Yacht Club was well represented among the race winners. John Barnett seized the coveted Bacardi Cup; Ted Greak earned the Cameron Cannon; Charles Herpich won the Commodore/John Broderick Memorial, and Jim Demarest took home the PHRF Spin Overall. Other Lakewood members who achieved top finishes in their divisions include: First Place winners Kevin Tyrrell, Ash Walker, Uzi Ozeri, Bob Giles, and Randy Pike; Second Place winners Carl Drechsel, J.D. Hill, Jay Zittrer, Cran Frasier, Taylor Smith, Gerhard Wittich and Richard Fawcett; Third Place winners Al Goethe, J.D. Bednar, O.J. Young, and Fred Pounds, and Fourth Place winners Robert Crosby and Gregory Way. Visit www.harvestmoonregatta.com for the full results.

This annual race is organized by Bay Access, a charitable organization supporting amateur racing. It is hosted by Lakewood Yacht Club, the City of Port Aransas and Port Aransas & Mustang Island. Aside from Harvest Moon Regatta title sponsor Bacardi U.S.A., other gracious sponsors of the 30th Annual Regatta included the City of Seabrook, all Bay Access annual race sponsors, Banks Sails, Windward Sea Ventures, Alliant Marine & Energy Insurance, Boatpix.com, Mantus Anchors, The Yacht Sales Company, Edna Rice Executive Recruiters, RejeX.com, Optima Marine, Faron Daigle Realtor®, Superior Marine Services, True North Marine, Coast Guard Foundation, Little Yacht Sales, North Canvas and Upholstery, Davis Marine Electronics, Gulf Coast Mariner Magazine, Ocean Navigator, Eagle Maritime Services, Inc. Saved by Spot, The Insurance Navigators, Fishbones Safety Solutions and Energy Services, Triumphus, Laguna Harbor, Oj’s Marine and several others.

“As usual, we could not continue to host this hugely successful event without the support of these enthusiastic sponsors, and this year’s no different,” says Harvest Moon Regatta® Chairman Rex Bettis. “Our sponsors make this an exciting first-class event for our racers, spectators and guests.”

Congratulatulations to all the race winners and thanks go out to the numerous volunteers who helped make this a great event.

If you have questions about the race or have an interest in sponsoring next year’s regatta, visit www.harvestmoonregatta.com.

Tags: , , ,
Posted in Articles, Racing | No Comments

Galveston Bay Fishing 2016

October 31st, 2016

redcaldwell Galveston Bay Fishing 2016

Doug Cadwell with a Texas two-fer of redfish and speckled trout.

Recap of 2016 and a Look Ahead

By Capt. David C Dillman | Spec-tacular Trout Adventures | 409-632-0924

It has been said that the older you get, the faster time goes by. It seems like only yesterday I was penning my first article for 2016 and now I am writing the last one for the year. But 2016, for sure, is a year to remember.

Winter started off typically here on Galveston Bay. In between fronts, the fishing held consistent. The upper reaches of the bay, Scott, Burnett, Crystal and West Galveston Bay lived up to their reputation as winter hot spots. In March, and the first two weeks of April, fishing really turned on in the Texas City/ Eagle Point area for speckled trout. Great catches were coming from both locations. This sure did set the stage for Galveston Bay to have an epic year of fishing.

In mid-April of this year, an upper level low stalled over the Rocky Mountains. During the overnight hours of April 16-17 and into the morning of the 18, Houston received over 17 inches of rain, the most since Tropical Storm Allison in 2001. The resulting runoff from this event flooded Trinity and Galveston Bay. This fresh water pushed the fish into lower Galveston and East Bay.

East Galveston Bay remained the best location until about the last week of May. The fish began to move back up north, following the flow of saltwater back into our bay system. Everything seemed to be getting back to normal until June 3, when the Houston area received even more rain! Another runoff event ensued, turning our bay fresh and off-colored. This time though, while some fish retreated back to East Galveston Bay and further south, lots of fish stayed in the area. They sought deeper water along the spoils and gas wells.

As we moved into June and August, the area along the ship channel spoils and gas wells, known as the A-lease wells, saw very good numbers of speckled trout and redfish. Limited supply of live bait was a problem for area fishermen during the first few weeks of summer, another adverse effect from the June flood. But by the third week of July, Galveston Bay and the fishery was back to normal. Towards the end of August, we started seeing fish make a move back into Trinity Bay and farther up the channel, a normal movement that happens every year.

September is a month of transition where schools of speckled trout are harder to locate. This certainly was the case this year. Scattered catches of redfish and speckled trout were the norm. By the end of September and the first week of October, as I type this article, fishing for trout has seen an upswing. But the problem we are experiencing is the size of the trout. Numerous undersized fish are being caught, compared to keepers. I believe this is due to the higher than normal water temperature and tide.

I am optimistic that November and December fishing will get us back on track for numbers and size of trout. We are finally experiencing some cooler weather with the passing of a couple fronts. Although a true cold front has not passed, water temperatures have cooled a little. The first cold front should help drop the tides and flush the bait out of the marsh and inlets of our bay system. This should help fishing tremendously.

Eagle Point Fishing Camp will maintain a good supply of live bait through the year. Remember to be courteous to others on the water. Happy Thanksgiving, Christmas and Holidays to all!                                          

Tags: , , , , , ,
Posted in Articles, Fishing, Inshore | No Comments

Teach Your Youngsters to Fish

October 31st, 2016

brett2toad Teach Your Youngsters to Fish

Five-year-old Brett Holden ll with a Costa Rica ‘toadfish’ on board his father’s 52′ Viking, the Booby Trap.

By Capt. Brett Holden | Booby Trap Fishing Team

brett2clean Teach Your Youngsters to Fish

It’s not all fun and games. Brett Holden II earns his way as part of the crew by learning good boat maintenance and cleaning.

Start them young, teach them right. Never force your youngsters to fish and keep it entertaining. Give them fast action and fun but don’t push them to the extreme if they are bored. Forcing the kids to fish at young ages can push them away from the sport. Let it come naturally; make it so they ask to go fishing. I would actually leave my boy at the dock or home until he begged me to go. It really ate at me too, but I did that on purpose. At first, he was okay staying home but now he eats it up every chance he gets. It is still very hard to say no to the long trips, because he can’t be missing school.

I teased him into loving fishing and hunting, rather than forcing him into it. Less video games and more fishing, spooling reels, driving the boat and cleaning with the crew. He is earning his way as part of the team.

Tags: , , ,
Posted in Articles, Offshore | No Comments

Dave Canterbury’s Wild Guide

October 31st, 2016

bushcraft Dave Canterburys Wild Guide

The Bushcraft Field Guide to Trapping, Gathering, and Cooking in the Wild is an invaluable resource for the seasoned outdoorsman and weekend warrior alike.

By Brandon Rowan

Many of us, especially in the hunting and fishing crowd, fancy ourselves champions of the wild. But how well would you really fare without the camper, the endless gear and a cooler food of full?

Dave Canterbury, an army veteran and survival instructor, has penned an excellent guide on all things outdoor. The first chapter begins with the basics; deciding what to bring, what to wear and the necessary tools and items for your excursion. This is a key discussion for those new to the game or the trekker who carries it all on his or her back.

Food is an important part of existing in the wild and Canterbury does not slouch on this subject. He lists which foods are best to bring, and those that require minimal processing or refrigeration. The guide is also liberally peppered with recipes for camp favorites, like chicken and dumplings, trail mix, corn fry bread and raspberry cobbler.

After the first few chapters, the techniques and subjects covered focus more on survival and self reliance. Fire, that basic and most essential element, is covered in extreme detail, with various methods of achieving it explained. Canterbury does an good job of providing several techniques for the same end goal. For example, the guide has multiple solutions for clean water filters, accompanied by helpful illustrations.

The book is actually full of handy illustrations. These include visuals for camp tools and utensils, deadfall and ground traps, bird traps, snares, nets and other traps for fish, turtles and frogs. Even the subject of which gun to use, if you are that lucky in the wild, is covered.

Catching dinner is one thing but preparing and preserving it presents another challenge. No worries there, as Canterbury provides this information for most game and fish you might encounter. In fact, he even includes exotic recipes for game, like squirrel and potatoes, dutch oven raccoon roast and opossum cracklings. There is even a chapter on cooking with your vehicle’s engine in case of emergency.

One of the best parts of the book is the color picture section of edible wild plants and their toxic look-alikes. Many plants and herbs found outdoors can alleviate common ailments like headaches, cuts, bites and stomach distress. Canterbury reveals which of these herbs can ease distress.

The Bushcraft Field Guide to Trapping Gathering and Cooking in the Wild is a must-own for the outdoorsman and makes a great gift for the wild one in your life. In Canterbury’s words, “This book will be useful to anyone who recreates outdoors whether it be for a day hike, a trail hike, a weekend camp, or a longer-term hunting trek.”

Keep this one in your camp pack or better yet, memorize it by heart.

Dave Canterbury is a New York Times Bestseller and the co-owner and supervising instructor at the Pathfinder School in southeast Ohio. He is an army veteran and currently a self-employed hunting guide and survival instructor. His book can be purchased here.

Tags: , , , , , ,
Posted in Articles, Recreation | No Comments

Simple Galley Recipes Using Canned Goods

October 31st, 2016

By Betha Merit

Sometimes simple is best. Due to time constraints, lack of fresh ingredients, or a desire to finish that compelling novel, you find yourself hungry and inspired to whip up an easy meal. Pat yourself on the back that your galley is stocked with canned goods, and that you have a few recipes up your sleeve that require minimal time to prep. The following recipes are enhanced with just a few fresh ingredients.

pasta recipe Simple Galley Recipes Using Canned Goods

Lemony Caper Tuna Pasta

  • 1 large can tuna, drained
  • 1 teaspoon dried minced garlic
  • grated zest of 1 medium lemon
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • freshly ground black pepper
  • 3 tablespoons capers, drained
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (or 2 Tablespoons dried)
  • freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 8 oz. dried pasta of your choice

In a pasta serving bowl, break tuna into bite-size pieces. Add garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, pepper, and capers and stir gently to combine. Set aside to warm to room temperature.

Cook pasta in large pot of boiling salted water until al dente. Drain pasta well and immediately add to sauce in bowl. Sprinkle with parsley and toss. Serve at once with Parmesan cheese and pass the pepper mill.

chicken rice recipe Simple Galley Recipes Using Canned Goods

One Pan Chicken Rice & Veggies

  • 2 cups cooked rice (microwave rice is easy option)
  • 2 Tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 cup frozen vegetables, leftover veggies, or drained canned vegetables
  • 1 large can chicken, drained
  • 2 Tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 Tablespoons water
  • Spices: 1 Tablespoon thyme, 1 teaspoon dried minced garlic, 1/2 teaspoon pepper

In skillet pan, sauté veggies in olive oil and spices until crisp tender. Add soy sauce and water. Stir in rice until blended. Stir in chicken; heat through. Let stand about 2 minutes.

Tags: , , ,
Posted in Articles, Recreation | No Comments

« Next
Previous »
Gulf Coast Mariner Magazine