Port Aransas Jetty Fishing: Rock Hopping and Jetty Jumping

Story and Photos by Brandon Rowan

Port Aransas Jetty Fishing offers excellent opportunities for just about every species of fish.

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.

The fisherman in me always wins. In early June, I packed up all the necessary gear with my brother and two friends and we snaked our way along curvy U.S. Highway 59 from Houston down to Port Aransas. We opted for a weekday excursion to avoid the crowds that swarm the popular beaches of Mustang Island. Also, the line for the ferry on and off the island can take well over an hour during busy weekends. We coasted through neighboring Aransas Pass on Sunday evening and were granted an instant ferry ride to Port Aransas. It was the beginning of a great trip.

pomp2 547x1024 Port Aransas Jetty Fishing: Rock Hopping and Jetty Jumping

You never know what you’re going to pull up on the jetties. Doug Rowan caught this nice 17 inch pompano while freelining live shrimp off the rocks. This fish made for one hell of a dinner that night.

Setting Up Camp

We set up our temporary home at the I.B. Magee Beach Camp, which offers electrical hook ups, water and a really nice shower house all within a stone’s throw from the beach. Stronger than predicted winds that evening made lighting our dinner charcoal an ordeal and worried my fishing intentions for the next morning. A long drive made for a short lie in my cot before my eyes were pried open by the harsh tones of a 5:45 a.m. wake up alarm. Dawn had arrived.

I got up, unzipped the flap of my tent, stood up and peered uncertainly into the light blue of the early morning. I was greeted by dead calm. Elated, I grabbed the bait livewell and made the short drive to Port A Outfitters on West Cotter Avenue to join the line of bleary eyed anglers waiting for live bait. Upon return to camp, I roused the guys and we began the familiar ritual of rigging up rods and slathering sunblock on sensitive areas. Although, if you are adverse to greasy sun lotion, then I recommend looking into protective clothing. Take a trip to your local Academy or West Marine and you can find plenty of options for water-wicking and sun resistant shirts, gloves and face masks.

Fishing the Rocks

My companions and I, armed with a quart of live shrimp, made the careful trek down the south jetty early that Monday morning. Non-slip shoes or tennis shoes with plenty of grip are a must for rock hopping. Golf cleats with metal spikes are even better if you can find them. But the Port Aransas south jetty is a relatively easy walk as far as jetties go. There are many stretches of flat, level rock and relatively few tricky boulder hopping areas. Be careful to avoid slick, algae covered areas on the flat stretches if you can.

We settled for an inviting looking spot near the end of the jetty and eagerly tossed our lines into the calm waters, some of us freelining, the rest using popping corks. It wasn’t long before my bright yellow cork slipped below the surface and I pulled a healthy 15 inch mangrove snapper up on the rocks.

“This one is going on the stringer!” I exclaimed as I wrestled the hook from the toothy fish’s upper jaw. My comrades soon joined me in the catching as we found ourselves hooking into more snapper, spanish mackerel, redfish, pompano and a myriad of other species found along the rocks. My brother was the clear winner that day. He was able to land a fierce fighting 24 inch smack and a 17 inch pompano.

You never know what you’re going to see on the rocks. It was midmorning when a six-foot manta ray absolutely exploded out of the water about 100 yards from where we were standing. We looked around at each other in complete bewilderment, wondering if that really just happened.

Tasty mangrove snapper are everywhere at the Port Aransas jetties. Some are too small to bother with but we were able to bag several in the 13-16 inch range. There is no minimum length or bag limit for these snapper in Texas state waters.

We had walked to the end of those rocks that morning with live shrimp and traded them in for a stringer of fresh fish—a deal I’ll take any day of the week. We celebrated the rest of the day with plenty of beach time, cold beer and pompano fish tacos served with grilled peppers and onions. I was able to clean the catch at the Horace Caldwell pier, which was a short way down the beach from camp. A small fee of two dollars buys you access to the pier and its cleaning table.

Tuesday, we had intended to fish the north jetty but a long, hard Monday made for a late start the next morning. For $12, beach-goers and anglers alike can take the Jetty Boat at Fisherman’s Wharf across the channel to remote St. Jo Island where the north jetty begins. Although we weren’t too bummed about the extra sleep. The south jetty was good to us and we gladly resumed our location from the day before. The water really cleaned up on the channel side and I was able to get in the water to do some spearfishing. The visibility was a murky 8-10 feet but I still managed to shoot some sheepshead and snapper for supper. It sounds exciting but I would recommend locating and taking a freediving course before attempting any kind of breath hold spearfishing. It is a potentially dangerous activity to undertake.

It was great to get in the water on Tuesday but the fishing wasn’t nearly as good as the day before, despite excellent conditions. The ocean giveth, the ocean taketh away. We drove off the island later that evening sunburned and sore, but with a cooler of fresh fish and a handful of stories. Another trade I’ll take any day of week.

What’s in Your Bag?

by Laura Snow

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.

Columbia’s Omni Freeze Zero

This is the go-to technology in clothes this year! When you sweat, or dampen with water, little blue circles on the inside of the fabric swell, lowering the temperature of the fabric and increasing air flow to cool you. As long as you sweat, you’re cool. The soft, lightweight, breathable fabrics block 98-99% of all damaging sun rays. It’s antimicrobial, too, so your sweat won’t stink.

They’ve made this stuff into t-shirts, fishing shirts, hats, caps, visors, neck gaiters, bandanas, sleeves, even shoes.

What we’ve heard:

“This stuff is awesome!”

“I’m gonna retire all of my cotton clothes.”

“Hey, I’m making ice cubes in here!”

In men’s and women’s styles, they’re available at West Marine.

TIP: When packing, save time and reduce wrinkles by stacking. Stack shirts — long sleeves first, then short sleeves, then sleeveless. Fold this whole stack as if you’re folding one item. It’s much faster, and there are no hard creases. Takes up less space, too. For pants and shorts, do the same thing — pants first, then shorts. Again, fold as one. I fold customers’ purchases this way, and every one has said they’re going to pack this way.

What bag does multiple duty . . .

For laundry bag, provisions (groceries) bag, wet gear (like snorkeling gear) bag, beach toys bag? A mesh bag. Made from quick-drying, mold and mildew resistant mesh, a mesh bag will quickly become one of the most versatile items on your boat. And things like beach toys or snorkeling gear can be rinsed of sand with a good dunk or two in the water.

TIP: No matter what kind of bag you’re packing, on the water or off, there’s one thing you might not have thought of, but can be a lifesaver. (Well, maybe not life, but sure to be a great thing to have.) Especially this time of year, who on your boat isn’t wearing either prescription eye glasses, sun glasses, or both. Losing that little screw that hinges your glasses can ruin your outing. Go to your local drug store and get an eyeglass repair kit. It will contain a little bitty screwdriver and some little bitty screws to make a fast repair. Lousy (not to mention unsafe for your eyes) time averted!

Sunglasses

Your eyes, of course, are important. Most sunglasses these days are polarized and provide UVA/UBV protection. These qualities are a must! What’s the difference between the top-of-the-line brands and the less expensive? The high end glasses have the finest optic clarity, as well as quality frames, that have manufacturers’ warranties for defects. And if you break them, these brands will repair them for a reasonable fee. But, at least at West Marine, nearly all of the sunglasses, expensive or more affordable, provide these protections.

Protect the Kisser

There are so many lip balms on the market, and I (as well as you, I’m sure) have “tried ‘em all.” Introducing Eco-Lips. I know, it’s just a lip balm, but this one’s the best. In addition to an SPF 30, the ingredients of this one are all organic. It’s cost is no more than most of them out there. And I find it lasts longer than any others I’ve tried.

Liquid Gaff

Okay, this may not be for the avid fishermen amongst us who are well equipped, but maybe they’ll at least find it interesting. And if you find yourself in a situation like mine, delivering a sailboat to St. Thomas and craving some fresh fish for supper, read on. (By the way, the prudent skipper here didn’t allow any alcohol consumption for the entire trip. However, some of the stuff was on board to celebrate a successful arrival.)

All we had was some fishing line (I can’t tell you what strength) and some hooks. We made a lure out of crumpled aluminum foil, tied the line to a stanchion, and tossed it out. And we caught one! Wearing gloves, we pulled that fish — a mahi mahi — in, hand over hand. Now what?! The boys reached for a winch handle to beat it to death, but then I pulled out the Liquid Gaff. While the mahi thrashed in the cockpit, we simply poured a couple of ounces of alcohol (any kind) in its gill; two small flops, and the job was done. We enjoyed a great supper!

If you’re still with me, please note: This method is the most humane way to do in a fish. It’s immediate. It’s very clean — no blood until you’re ready for it. No chance of harming you or your boat trying to club a fish to death. After the fish is done, you’ll enjoy your own Liquid Gaff. It’s a beautiful thing!

Laura Snow’s primary job is lead backup of Soft Goods (clothing, shoes and accessories) at West Marine’s Flagship Store in Kemah. Her second job is pattern-maker for woodwork and helper for her husband (Tom Snow)’s business, Snow Yacht Service. They are also parents to six rescued four-legged and furry children.

Your Kitchen on the Water

by Betha Merit

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 Galley will be a muse to discover options that address both the fun and challenge of providing sustenance on the sea.

Whether planning pre-made power foods to keep your crew fueled for a one-day regatta or scheduling a three-week menu for a leisurely cruise through Caribbean islands, your unique trip, unique craft, and unique preferences will come into play. Future columns will feature menus and tips from Bay Area boat and ship owners to world-renowned chefs who prepare victuals for the rich and famous on board vessels for a month at a time. We will address topics from dishware to weighted glassware, to propane vs. kerosene, to frozen supplies vs. fresh catch. Sending us any tips from your own experience will also be appreciated.

To start, we thought of all the day trip sailors and crews and the abundance of fabulous restaurants in the Galveston Bay area. And we came up with three variations for essentially doing take-out by boat. This is especially helpful in choppy seas when preparing food in the galley can be a bit challenging.

First, you can call your favorite restaurant or cafe while you are on land and pick your meal up before you head out to your vessel at the marina. Many restaurants and marinas provide picnic box meals tailored to your tastes when ordered ahead; just ask. Pack up your own beverages in a cooler to be transferred into an onboard refrigerator, or just kept in the ice chest. You can go as simple or fancy as you like in food and service choice. Paper goods are easy, corelle dishes with bandanas for napkins are a step up. Wine, beer, water, coke; for beverages, it’s a personal preference.

The next two ideas involve two well-known restaurants in San Leon on the Bay Area coast. Both Bubba’s Shrimp Palace and Topwater Grill have boat docking where you can either stop for take-out or dock and dine. Calling ahead is a good idea for these hot spots, especially if you want to have food delivered to your boat.

Matt Smith, a manager at Bubba’s says, “Look for the big pink building as you sail by San Leon, and pull right on up.” Bubba’s is famous for fried, fresh catch shrimp, right from the gulf. The other menu options are also fresh, and their battering is delicate and just right. www.bubbasshrimppalace.com. They can handle large groups if you plan to go in with a fleet of your friends. We had twelve in our group.

Topwater Grill is another San Leon option. They can do the same thing with take-out service to your boat or you can dock and dine. And if you catch any fish on your tour around the bay, they have a fun option for you. “You hook it/We cook it, is a service we offer for customers that bring their own fresh catch,” says Katelyn Reid, hostess at Topwater Grill. The fish must be cleaned and filleted by you, and they charge a preparation fee for each person eating, beginning at $5.99 for fried, $7.99 for grilled, and $3.99 for individual toppings. Monday night is their fresh raw oyster special at $3.00 a dozen. www.topwatergrill.com.

So, we begin our Galley column with the easiest way to eat from a boat and provide some local color and seafood unique to Bay Area Houston. More tips and specifics will be provided in the future, along with recipes and options that will make your food on the water experience more flavorful, healthful, and efficient in both planning, preparation, and production. Bon Voyage. Or is that Bon Appetit?

The Good Life with John Kolius

The Kolius clan with a sweet trio of Wahoo.

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. The following interview has been shortened for our print copy. For the full interview, please go to www.gulfcoastmariner.com

GCM: Why did you leave Texas?

JK: We can’t really say which came first, deciding to cruise the Bahamas or wanting to fish more. All we know is that we both love the ocean and we both enjoy the feeling of being offshore.

GCM: What type of boat do you own?

JK: We have a 2006 45ft Viking Express Sportfish. The engines are 900 Common Rail Mans. She cruises comfortably at 24 knots. We have three AC units, two refrigerators, two freezers and two live bait wells.

GCM: What kind of fish do you like to fish for?

JK: Really big fish. There is nothing more exciting than a BIG fish behind the boat. The marlins, both blue and white, arrive in the Bahamas sometime in late April and when they do, we have a great time.

GCM: Who does most of the cooking on board?

JK: It’s about even. We have a small outdoor grill that travels with us and I usually do the grilling. Joanne prepares most of the sashimi along with any pan cooking that requires the stove.

GCM: Do you have any special recipes you can share with us?

JK: Sure! We eat fish a lot and we keep our recipes pretty simple. Bacon wrapped Wahoo: Take a loin and slice it open down the middle so that it opens up like a hot dog bun. Inside the loin use a mixture of paste wasabi and cream cheese. Close the loin. Wrap the loin in uncooked bacon. Place on the grill and cook until the bacon is done. Cut into medallions and serve with some rice.

GCM: Do you have any special places you like to go?

JK: We like to go to Hawk’s Nest on Cat Island. It just has a special charm we like. It’s a small hurricane hole with a good marina and the fishing is good.

2014 Chevrolet SILVERADO

By Don Armstrong

All-new shining spur for Gulf Coast fishermen

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.

“Excited,” you say, “over a truck?” Yes and here’s why: The 2014 model is all-new from the ground up. Chevrolet says it’s the best pick-up on the planet. Ford and Ram may have an issue with that claim, but it certainly is worth debating.

Underpinning the new Silverado is a revised front and rear suspension, wider wheels and new four-wheel disc brakes that improve brake feel and potentially double rotor life. Electric power steering is now part of the Silverado DNA, too.

At first glance, the exterior of the new Chevy looks almost identical to the outgoing model, but placed side-by-side you’ll notice sweeping changes or, shall we say, evolutionary design advancements. In other words, take the 2013, emphasize the squared wheel openings, fender flares, bulging hood and twin-port grille, then crank up the volume. It’s bigger, badder and more in-your-face than ever before. Rear doors on crew cabs are larger too and double cab models are now hinged at the front.

The last generation’s interior was outdated and more in need of a makeover than a 50-year old news anchor. It appears Chevrolet felt the same way. The new dash is more upright and includes a revised center stack. Controls are functional, logically placed and easy to operate, even with work gloves on.

The new Chevrolet My Link provides easy-to-use connectivity for the job site or fishing expeditions, with natural voice recognition and enough ports and power outlets to support multiple devices.

Three all-new engines are offered in the 1500 including a 285 HP 4.3-liter V-6, a 5.3-liter V-8 rated at 355-HP and a 6.2-liter V-8 that has yet to be given a HP rating.

No fewer than 7 different Silverado 1500 models are available including the all-new High Country later this fall.

Now here’s another shocker: base prices for the regular cab, double cab and crew cab carry over from the 2013 model.

Of course, we’ve only highlighted some of most prominent new features of the 2014 Chevrolet Silverado. More details can be found by putting on your waders and heading to www.Chevrolet.com.

Entry level pricing begins at $23,590.

ADVICE FROM THE PROS: Head Sail Trim Tips

By Terry Flynn

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.

Headsail: Primary Controls

Halyard Tension. The key to proper tension is looking at the luff. You want to apply enough to keep the horizontal wrinkles from appearing but not enough to have a ridge behind the headstay. The halyard should be adjusted as the wind speeds go up and down. More for heavier wind and less for lighter winds. Try adjusting it while watching the sail. You should be able to see the draft move forward with more halyard tension.

Lead Car Position. This is one of the most important settings on the boat. This controls the depth of the genoa or jib from top to bottom. If the lead is too far forward, the top is closed up and the foot too round. If the lead is too far aft, the foot gets round and the leach opens up and depowers the top making the sail less powerful. A good rule of thumb is, when trimming the sail with the correct lead position, the foot of the jib will touch the upper shroud at the same time as the sail touches the spreader. When looking at the sail, it should look like the middle of the sail is parallel to the upper shroud. You will also notice that, when the lead is correct, most of the telltales will be break evenly from top to bottom

Genoa Jib Sheet. Now that you have the proper lead placement you need to know how much you can trim the sail. This is usually judged by how close to the spreader you can get or how far inside the side of the boat you can go. Today’s race boats are designed to carry the genoas almost touching the spreaders. Cruising boats should keep the sail from 5” to 10” away from the spreaders. Trimming it in too far will just stall the boat out and slow the boat down.

Back Stay. For most boats this is a fixed turnbuckle. If you have a purchase system or hydraulic adjuster, you have an advantage. Like the halyard tension, this will be adjusted as the wind goes up and down. Ideally, on the average cruising boat, you will see 6” to 12” of sag from top to bottom. As you add backstay tension your genoa will get flatter so there will be less heeling. In the lighter winds, the more sag will make the genoa fuller with more power.

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 were retained and caught using freelined chunks, Ahi diamond jigs and an odd fish on a popper. Fifteen large blackfin tuna were also put on ice. Countless smaller blackfin were also caught that night.

The focus turned to red snapper the next afternoon. Fishing with cigar minnows and live finfish, the boat retained a full limit. The largest snapper was caught on a live pinfish. Bad Intentions returned home that evening with a happy crew and holds full of fish.

Have a good trip? Send us in your report and photos to art@baygroupmedia.com

Your First Offshore Fishing Trip

by Capt. Joe Kent

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.

This time of year varieties of pelagic fish are roaming the waters of the Gulf of Mexico within easy reach of the “Mosquito Fleet” of smaller sea-worthy boats. If you are one of the many newcomers to offshore fishing in this manner, let’s discuss some of the most common mistakes made by those new to the scene.

While this might not be one of the common mistakes, the Cardinal Rule for all captains is to check the weather forecast before departing and to keep monitoring it.

A book easily could be written on all of this; however, for purposes of our discussion, we will divide this topic into two segments, the boat and the fishing and address some of the key mistakes.

Preparing Your Boat

Fuel: Fuel use for an offshore trip is going to be much greater than for most bay and other inshore trips. Carry at least 30% more fuel than you estimate you will use.

Float Plan: Before leaving dock have a float plan, meaning a compass course from the jetties, an estimate of how far you will travel, the estimated time of return to dock and leave it with someone who will be the first to realize you are late returning. Most of all stick with your plan.

Communication: Carry your cell phone fully charged with the number of the marina or bait camp you departed from, the coast guard and sheriff’s offices. If possible have a VHF or Citizens Band Radio with you.

Navigation equipment: A good quality compass is a must. A GPS system, either hand held or permanently mounted, is close behind in the pecking order.

Shade: Shade is important on the open water. The length of the trips is usually much longer which means longer exposure to the overhead sun. Any shade will be welcomed after a few hours of the sun beating down upon you.

Extra provisions: Take along much more water than you estimate you will drink. If mechanical problems crop up, it likely will take a good length of time before help arrives. Often disabled boats float overnight before being located and towed to shore. For the same reason, a more complete first aid kit is needed.

Flares: Flares are not required for many inshore boats; however, for running offshore they not only are necessary, but required by the regulations.

Life jackets: Life jackets called PFD’s (personal flotation devices) are required. While lesser grade PFD’s are allowed by law, offshore boats should carry type I PFD’s. They are the best and keep an unconscious person’s head above water. Along with the life jackets should be some light rope to use in the event the boat capsizes and several people are afloat in PFD’s. Tying each together with several feet of rope will prevent the group from separating. One of the rules in rescue is “bigger is better” meaning a cluster of life jackets are easier to spot than just one.

Fishing Offshore

(equipment and techniques)

The Penn 309 and Shimano TLD25 are both sturdy, affordable reel options for first timers offshore.

The biggest mistakes made by newcomers offshore are in the size of equipment, the lack of proper accessories and poor knowledge of Federal Fishing Regulations.

Too light and too heavy describe most of the problems with rod and reels. The equipment should be designed for the type of fish you are after.

Medium weight tackle is normally plenty for the pelagic fish, which are king mackerel, ling, Dorado, shark, barracuda and others. Heavier tackle is needed for bottom fishing for reef fish such as snapper, grouper, triggerfish and others. Normally when fishing bottom, it is necessary to bring the fish to surface quickly and heavier tackle is required.

For surface fish, the drag on your reel is a key element to a successful landing. Twenty- pound test line and a little heavier are all that is normally needed for runs up to 40 miles out.

Wire and coated wire leaders are necessary for the pelagic fish while heavy monofilament is suitable for bottom rigs. Circle hooks are required while fishing for reef fish.

A gaff and club are vital equipment. Most pelagic fish are gaffed and then clubbed (hit hard on the head) before bringing them into the boat. Landing nets are fine for smaller fish; however, for the really large ones, a gaff is required. Recently added to the list of required items in a boat fishing offshore are venting and hook-releasing devices.

Larger hooks and weights are required offshore. Trout tackle (except for possibly the rod and reel with heavier line) will not be enough.

The preference of size of hook varies among fisherman however for the conventional J-hooks, the size is usually within the 5/0 to 8/0 range for drifting and trolling and circle hooks in the 6/0 to 12/0 range for reef and bottom fishing.

The size of weights are determined by the strength of the current. The idea is to use the smallest weight necessary to get the bait to the bottom quickly. A ¾ ounce weight might work one day while the next it could take six ounces or greater. All of this will develop with experience.

Techniques differ from inshore fishing when fishing for pelagic fish. Drifting baits along the surface or just below and trolling both artificials and natural baits are the two main techniques for the pelagics. Watch the setting on your drag, as most newcomers set it too strong and the sudden strike is more than the line strength can handle.

The Federal Fishing Rules are more complex and confusing than state rules. Know the bag and size limits for the fish you are after and also if the season is open or closed. If you catch a fish you cannot identify or you are not familiar with the rules governing it, best to release it.

Have fun on your first voyage offshore and be safe.

Galveston Offshore Fishing

By Capt. Joe Kent

Barracuda can provide a fierce fight on light tackle.

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.

I have been a licensed captain and fishing guide for over 15 years, operating Sea 3 Charters Guide Service and writing daily fishing articles for the “Galveston County Daily News” and several magazines. My wife and I live on the water in Galveston where I have easy access to fishing upper West Bay and other spots including the offshore waters of the Gulf of Mexico.

I have fished both offshore and inshore waters along with the surf and jetties. With that, let’s get started with the fishing column for “Mariner Magazine”.

By the time most anglers read this column, we are going to be entering the 2013 offshore fishing season. Beginning Memorial Day Weekend and going through much of September, our migratory pelagic species of fish will be roaming the waters of the Gulf not far from shore.

This time of year, especially during July and August, is prime time for the smaller boats, collectively referred to as the Mosquito Fleet, to make Galveseton offshore fishing trips. The Mosquito Fleet will venture well within its fuel range to spots that offer action on a variety of fish including king mackerel, ling, Dorado, bonito, sharks and many varieties of reef fish.

Not all boats are suitable for making journeys beyond the jetties; however, those that are can, find action as close as eight to ten miles out. So, what does it take to go deep-sea fishing and what will you find in the way of fishing spots within 10 miles of shore?

First, the boat needs to be seaworthy, meaning that it can handle a sudden squall with strong winds and choppy seas. The length is not as important as the style of hull. Boats as short as 17 feet fall into that category. Flat bottom boats and others designed more for inshore waters are not safe at anytime in the Gulf.

A whole article could address what is considered a seaworthy boat and discuss the equipment needed to make it offshore. One of the best approaches is to make a trip in tandem with another boat.

Offshore anglers generally target structure whether visible like wells and platforms or subsurface like rocks and reefs. Weed lines and anchored shrimp boats are other popular destinations to find fish.

Within 10 miles of shore mostly wells and platforms commonly called oil rigs are the top choices. Beginning in July anchored shrimp boats and weed lines add another dimension to the offshore selection. Each area has its own unique way of being fished. More on that aspect will come in a future article focusing of offshore fishing.

For now, the objective is to give an overview to the small boat operator who has not ventured beyond the jetties.

The required fishing equipment will be heavier than typical trout and redfish tackle; however, the big rods and reels that are commonly associated with offshore fishing are not needed for a short run offshore.

Most of the surface fish, such as king, ling, Dorado, bonito and sharks, are going to range in size from close to 10 pound to 30 pounds. There will be that occasional hook-up with a really big fish well beyond that size range.

One of the keys is to have enough line on your reel to play your fish. For this type of fishing, line strengths of 20 to 30 pounds are the most common.

There are lots of structures in the waters off of Galveston and around them are concentrations of reef fish of all sizes. For this type of fishing, anglers normally use heavier equipment in the 50-pound category for mainly dragging the fish from the structure, as most everything that has been underwater for a while is covered with sharp barnacles that will easily cut line that comes in contact with it.

Many varieties of snapper can be found within 10 miles of shore.

Your choice of bait will differ from inshore fishing where live shrimp is one of the top choices. While live finfish such as piggy perch and mullet are top baits, frozen Spanish sardines, ribbonfish, squid, ice fish and cigar minnows are widely used.

Trolling is a popular way to fish for the kings and other surface fish; however, newcomers tend to prefer drifting natural baits (mentioned above). The key here is to keep the bait close to the surface.

If you are new to fishing the offshore waters, once you make that first trip and hear your reel scream with a strike, you will be hooked. It is music to the ears of old salts. Have fun and put safety as your number one priority.

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

by Betha Merit

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.

Brian Joanna Yates 236x300 Waterfront Lifestyle in Bay Area Houston What Does That Look Like?

Brian and Joanna Yates

Married for 20 years, Joanna and Brian began their courtship and life together in big city style, near the Houston Galleria, where Joanna worked in the modeling industry. However, when it came time to build their first house together, Joanna was won over by Bay Area native, Brian’s, tour and introduction to all the fun and lifestyle benefits of living on the water. “I might have started out kicking and screaming at the idea, but soon was thinking I could so do this…” says Joanna. So they bought a lot and started building in 1999. And that lot grew into more than a house and became a gateway into an adventure.

Located in League City near South Shore Harbour on a peninsula at Clear Creek across from the nature preserve/bird sanctuary at Nassau Bay, the property has a private marina with deep water access to the Gulf. Views of Clear Lake, Clear Creek, and Nassau Bay have brought the wild life and nature literally into their backyard.

“I was taken out of my comfort zone and engulfed in new opportunities,” says Joanna. Instead of buildings and neon lights, there were pelicans, herons, and deer. Joanna chose to embrace her love of nature and became a Galveston Bay Master Naturalist volunteer. She can now identify the difference between the myriad waterfowl which inspired her to write her children’s book series, “A Bird’s Eye View of Life”; character building stories utilizing Black Headed Herons, Roseate Spoonbills, White Snowy Egrets and more. “While this area was home to Brian, I literally had to re-invent myself,” says Joanna. Wanting to meet new girlfriends she founded The Women Who Wine of Texas, a 501c3 organization that raises money for local charities. She has produced fashion shows for several charitable foundations in the Bay Area and also has a flourishing business in motivation and self improvement called People Productions.

Brian is a well-known commercial real estate developer with current projects spanning from League City to Galveston’s Historic Strand District. Brian brought the first Starbucks to League City and Emergency Room to South Shore Harbour. He is a hands-on developer and valued for his personal management style. “We built one of the first homes on our block, and I saw the potential of what this peninsula would offer in lifestyle and opportunity,” says Brian.

The Yates’ house supports the open hearted and freedom loving vision of its owners, with 3800 square feet of rooms that show 360-degree water vistas that take your breath away. You barely notice the warm wood accents and slate floors (a decorator’s delight) because the beckoning of nature calls your eyes to the outdoors. The bottom floor has an entertaining great room and long granite bar, that fully opens to a large patio, an almost Olympic-sized pool, and a practically runway-sized manicured lawn with a pavilion near the water. Fish jump in that water, begging to be tonight’s dinner, and blue crabs await becoming your next feast. All from the backyard.

Joanna and Brian have hosted a multitude of events and parties, including three weddings, 50^th birthdays and anniversary parties with hundreds of people in attendance. They have hosted smaller backyard gatherings, for example, enjoying the hot air balloons that fill the sky during Ballunar Festival and watching the 4^th of July fireworks while floating in their pool. Boat lovers themselves, they have hosted the annual Blessing of the Fleet for Lakewood Yacht Club’s Mosquito Fleet Swarm, with up to 20 boats docking at their marina for the afternoon. Brian agrees that the call of water and this idyllic lifestyle is actually in his blood, and Joanna refers to living by the water as a zen-like, healing experience.

However, life does evolve, as do our lifestyles. Joanna and Brian are flipping the switch and adjusting their lives to include more freedom to travel. Their home and all it offers is for sale, and they plan to divide their time between their Galveston property, a place back in the City, and parts unknown. The goal is to pare down their lifestyle to allow for traveling on the spur of the moment, and yet to stay involved in the community they have come to know and love. Will they miss it? Yes. But individuals with the same vision for a waterfront lifestyle, gift for entertaining and a desire for a private oasis will discover it and make it their own. And that wildlife isn’t going anywhere.

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

by Charles Milby

The Lady

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. There is no place he would rather be than on his boat in the middle of Galveston Bay.

The Lady is a 1970 Grand Banks 32, hull # 198. She was built in Singapore by American Marine, LTD. Tommy bought her in January of 1985 from his good friend George Francisco. She is of all wood construction.

The following is part of an interview I did with Tommy earlier this year.

GCM: Why buy a wooden boat and not fiberglass?

TD: For me it was economics. When I bought her in 1985 I couldn’t afford a new boat and the older ones were made of wood. I wasn’t afraid of wood. I built my first boat, a Sailfish kit, at age 16 and had worked on other “woodies.” I was, however, naïve about how much upkeep is required, especially in our warm and damp climate.

GCM: I know you like working with wood, when did this hobby start for you?

TD: My dad gave me a wood lathe when I was 15. I loved looking at the grain of the wood. I always figured out how to put wood stuff together.

GCM: How long will an old woody like you last?

TD: Needless to say she will be around a whole lot longer than me. A judicious use of the tough finish products available now will actually make an old boat more resistant to the ravages of water, sun, and movement than when they were new. The Lady has had every inch of her exterior except the teak decks covered with epoxy and all the horizontal surfaces have been glassed and epoxied. All of those surfaces have been painted with Awlgrip and that is an amazingly tough finish.

GCM: How did you come up with the name?

TD: She was Singapore Lady when I bought her. It was logical to shorten the name so I could remember it. I also have Babe, Mother, Babycakes, Chica, and my son and I built Hussy.

GCM: What’s the likely future of her?

TD: She’s 43 years old now and is in better shape than ever. I keep thinking I should sell her as I have too many boats now but we shall see.

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 worked his way up through the ranks, doing everything from bench work to design during his 37 year career. Flynn races all over the country and has been with Quantum Sails since the beginning. He draws from his experiences to make sails that help customers improve their racing results or simply get more enjoyment out of their boats.

GCM: What are three of the most important on the water, pre-race activities you do when you get to a regatta?

TF: First, I think the most important thing you can do is sail more. Time in the boat is always good. Second, on race day get to the race area early enough to sail an entire beat before the race. I will get someone out there before the regatta to use as a pace boat. We will go out together, line up, test speed and talk about conditions, rig settings and what they think may happen during the day with the wind. This helps both boats.

The last and most important thing is to have a good plan for the first beat. Take into account what you learned in practice along with wind patterns, potential shifts and history of the area.

GCM: There is a lot going on in a sailboat race. How do you block out all the distractions and concentrate on making the boat go fast?

TF: I sail on a lot of different boats, some as a driver and some as crew. As the driver it is important to have a member of the crew to do the tactics so I can keep my head down and concentrate. Sailing with people who are good helps a ton. As part of the crew I try to keep the helmsman aware of what’s going on around the race course. The best tacticians constantly talk about what they see and are thinking so everyone knows and can get involved.

GCM: What is a good way to practice starting in big fleets?

TF: Try not to get overwhelmed by the total number of boats at the regatta. Starting is more about controlling the boats around you. We try to split the line into thirds for areas to start in. Keep in mind that if you want to go right the first beat you may not want to start on the left side of the line, even if it is favored. Giving up a little at the beginning but going the way you want is usually a better plan.

GCM: Who was the biggest influence on you in your sailing career?

TF: I guess my dad to start with. Sailing with him as a kid I learned the value of preparation for both crew and boats. He was also very supportive, well, now that I think about it maybe he wasn’t. I can remember early on at a regatta I was in the back of the fleet and got hit a couple of times. He sat me down and reminded me that since I was in back with them I deserved everything I got. I went through the junior program at Severn Sailing in Annapolis. Frank Lawson was the head instructor and on days that it was too windy to race he would send almost everyone home. He kept a few of us and we would go race the 420s. We got used to sailing in everything and the more we did it the more comfortable we got.

GCM: In a race when two boats cross going upwind one is on the lifted tack. How does this play into your overall strategy going up the beat?

TF: Wow, that’s a hard one. When two boats are crossing we discuss a few things.

Do we want to be on this tack? Are we lifted or headed? Is it taking us to the side of the course we want? Is the other boat seeing anything different where he is going?

If the answer is you want to keep going now you need to protect your lane. If you think the crossing boat is going to tack on your wind bear off a few lengths before you cross. This may force him to tack early and give you a little more room. If you have the right of way, Starboard tack you may wave him across even if it means you have to duck him. It is quicker than two tacks and going the wrong way.

If you decide you don’t want to be on this tack make sure you have clear wind in the new lane. If there are other boats around think about it you want to tack on their wind or give them a clean lane. Remember tacking on someone will usually drive them away from you and make it harder to keep track of. If it is early in the race of regatta it is not a bad think to keep everyone friendly and give him some slack. Most of the time the good will comes back later on. Later in the race start to clamp down harder on the boats so we don’t lose any points.

Terry lives in La Porte and works for Quantum Sails in Seabrook.

Making Waves

by Rod Evans

Grady-White Freedom 375

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.

The boating industry was hit especially hard by the sour economic conditions, with both manufacturers and retailers struggling to survive in the face of a drastic reduction in demand for new boats. According to the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA), demand for new power boats among U.S. consumers in 2010 dipped to its lowest point since the trade organization began keeping statistics in the mid-1960s, with a little more than 100,000 boats sold. That represented a 55 percent drop from 2006 and pales in comparison to the “boating boom” days of the early 1970s—and again in the mid-‘90s— when over half a million boats were sold.

“New boat sales became almost non-existent after 2007,” said Doug Hughes, general sales manager at Sea Lake Yachts in Kemah. “Manufacturers were building boats in 2008 and ’09 and were still sitting on them a year later in many cases. Dealers were still able to sell some brokerage boats, which kept us alive, but new boat sales weren’t even half of what they had been in previous years.”

The NMMA report indicates that 2009 through 2010 was the low point for the boating industry, with the total number of recreational boats in use in the U.S. dropping to a little more than 16.5 million, down from the all time industry high of over 17.5 million.

For Hughes, who’s been at Sea Lake Yachts since 1996 and working in the boating industry since 1989, the past several years have been a far cry from the recent heyday of boat sales in 2003 and ’04, and he says the evaporation of the new boat market had a trickle down effect that dampened the used boat market as well. He says buyers who wanted to buy boats that were two to three years old had a hard time finding those vessels and had to settle for buying boats that were six or seven years old.

But the boating industry was able to ride the wave and now faces a much brighter outlook. The NMMA reported an estimated 10 percent increase in new power boat sales in 2012 and predicts that 2013 will see continued sales increases of five to 10 percent. The NMMA credits manufacturers with producing more versatile and accessible 15- to 26-foot boats intended to appeal to buyers with a variety of interests and budgets.

These smaller boats—less than 27 feet—make up 96 percent of the estimated 12.4 million registered boats in the U.S. Boats that fall into this category include aluminum all-purpose boats and pontoons, fiberglass bowriders, fish and ski boats, and jet boats.
The results of two recent surveys also point to better days ahead. An NMMA survey shows that in 2011, boating participation increased 10 percent to 83 million Americans—the largest proportion of adults (34.8 percent) who went boating since 1997 (35.8 percent). And the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service reports that participation in fishing is up 11 percent in the past five years.

Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 509
Photo: Jean – Marine Liot
texascoastyachts.com

David Hunt, sales director at Seabrook’s Lonestar Yacht Sales, says through the first quarter of 2013, his shop has noticed a marked increase in boating interest and sales.

“It’s been good so far,” Hunt said. “We’ve sold a few boats and are looking forward to a good summer. I’d say the first quarter has been good for the global market also.”

Hughes says Sea Lake Yachts is enjoying a good 2013 thus far and he expects the prime selling period, which begins in May, will be a good one.

“We’ve seen a little bit of an upturn in new boat sales. It’s still not super, but it is coming back,” Hughes said.

But in contrast to the NMMA report citing sales of smaller, more versatile boats as the catalysts behind the resurgence, Hughes says larger boats are fueling the increased sales at his shop and at other retailers along the Gulf Coast.

“Manufacturers keep coming out with bigger and bigger models,” he says. “Our sales of larger models are good, but sales of smaller models are not so good. I think a reason for that is guys with lots of money still have lots of money to spend, while guys who are more in the middle class of boat buyers who might have been able to afford a $100,000 boat 10 years ago are more cautious now. Right now boats that are 40 feet and above are selling greater than the smaller boats, which used to be our bread and butter.”

Hunt says powerboat manufacturers are also going big in the horse power department by equipping an increasing number of models with beefy 12- and 16-cylinder engines that are easily capable of pushing boats over 30 knots and, in many models, over 60 knots.

Hughes says the sailboat market, while also crippled by the economic downturn, is more vulnerable to swings in the price of fuel.

“Because sailboats have a lower cost to operate, their prices come up when fuel prices go up,” he said. “Right now, fuel prices are not at an unreasonable level; still around $3 per gallon.”

According to industry reports, dual console boats are another growing market segment. Initially popular in the 1970s, dual console boats, which feature a helm station on the starboard side with the passenger station at port and a walk through at the windshield in the middle, are ideal for fishing and water sports activities and have been increasingly popular. But while dual console boats have traditionally been in the 18- to 30-foot range, a new breed of dual console vessels, like the Grady-White Freedom 375, at more than 36 feet and powered by triple Yamaha outboard motors, each producing in excess of 350 hp, represents a movement toward bigger, more luxurious dual console boats.

Whether it’s a powerboat or a sailboat, one thing remains a constant among today’s boat buyers: the desire to wrap themselves in luxury and convenience while on the water, including having all the latest technological gadgets at their finger tips and full connectivity.

“People are looking for high quality and luxury,” Hunt said. “Most manufacturers have really stepped up their interiors by using woods and granite and other premium materials. Most buyers want bed rooms and all the amenities. We see a lot of people who come down for the weekend who want to have basically a floating condo.”

The three leading sailboat manufacturers—Beneteau, Catalina and Hunter—are all producing sailboats that feature high quality cabin materials and state-of-the-art electronics, as are leading powerboat makers, such as Bertram, Azimut Yachts and Grady-White.

After nearly 25 years in the boating industry, Hughes has seen his fair share of market swings and corrections, but he says there are several reasons why this is a great time to be a buyer … or seller.

“When I started in 1989, we had luxury taxes, so interest rates on a boat loan were around 12 percent. Today, it’s four to five percent,” Hughes says. “So you could have a 20-year note on a $100,000 boat and have a monthly payment of around $600. Plus, if they don’t already have a second home, buyers can write off the purchase as a second home. The other plus is that manufacturers are holding steady on prices, we anticipate a good 2013.”

2013 Truck of Texas – Ram 1500

by Don Armstrong

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. In the truck bracket, the writers decided the 2013 Ram 1500 topped everything competitors could muster and was, after two grueling days of punishment, ceremoniously handed the big silver cup.

President and CEO of Ram Truck Brand and Chrysler de Mexico, Fred Diaz said, “We changed every area of the truck – from a newly designed frame with air suspension, to a new eight-speed transmission to a new interior with the next-generation Uconnect® system.

“With best-in-class towing and payload, best-in-class ride and handling and best-in-class aerodynamics, the 2013 Ram 1500 delivers unmatched content, performance and capability to our customers.”

The new 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine offers 305 horsepower, 269 lb.-ft. of torque and best-in-class fuel economy for V-6 trucks, 17-city and 26-highway.

The 2013 Ram 1500 retains its ruggedly handsome appearance with all-new interior and exterior designs, improved aerodynamics and all-new, technology.

RM013 009FN 2013 Truck of Texas Ram 1500

Ram’s design team went the extra mile to create an exceptionally unique interior.

The Uconnect systems provide the Ram 1500 with a built-in wireless connection, allowing vehicle occupants to be automatically connected to a variety of new services. Users can remotely lock or unlock doors or start their vehicles from any distance via the web or a Smartphone application.

To compliment the range of Ram 1500 models, the interior design team created new, individualized themes with different colors and materials. For the Laramie Longhorn, the design team sought out a very rare Walnut grain with a unique burl that was unintentionally created by ranchers using trees as fence posts for barbed wire. Eventually, the trees grow over the rusting metal wire, creating a swirl coloring pattern and tone that is not found anywhere else.

We could go on and on about the new Ram 1500, but if you’re in the market for a light duty pickup, I encourage you to visit your favorite Ram dealership to see and experience what we journalists think is the best truck for Texas.

Pricing starts at $22,590.

Kayaking is for Everyone!

by Barbara Meeks

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. Clear Creek is a scenic bayou that forms the boundary between Galveston and Harris Counties. The area of Clear Creek between Friendswood and Walter Hall Park has heavy vegetation that provides a natural habitat for many small mammals and birds.

Here are a few statistics:

There are nearly 8 million regular kayakers in the U.S.
The number of kayakers has more than doubled over the past 10 years.
The numbers are almost evenly divided between men (55%) and women (45%).
Fastest growth has been among women.

Do you wonder why kayaking so popular?

It is a user-friendly sport, even for a complete novice.
It appeals to outdoor enthusiasts of all ages.
It is an enjoyable way to connect with nature.
Anyone can reach a level of competence for that feeling of accomplishment and satisfaction.
Today’s kayaks are lighter and easier to carry, handle, maneuver and transport.
An abundance of paddle trails are cropping up across the region and the state of Texas.

Clear Creek Paddle Trail Kayaking is for Everyone!

Another reason for the growing popularity is simply the basic appeal of the sport itself. Kayak enthusiasts point to the solitude, peace and quiet offered by kayaking. Others enjoy the fact that they can combine it with other pastimes such as fishing, fitness, photography and socializing.

The easiest way to see if kayaking is for you is to rent one before you buy and give it a try.

Kayaks are safe but it is always best to take a friend any time you go on the water. Single person kayaks or tandem kayaks are available and paddle clubs are springing up all over and they offer training and group outings.

A few hours on the water can be one of the most peaceful and stress relieving activities anyone would enjoy. If you are ready to try kayaking it is a great way to re-connect with nature and get a little exercise!