8th Annual J/Fest Southwest Regatta in the Record Books
A J/Boats Legends Celebrity Racing Event was held on Clear Lake on Friday, October 20th in celebration of 40 years of J/Boats. Photo by LYC member Andrea Todaro.
Lakewood Yacht Club hosted the 8th Annual J/Fest Southwest Regatta October 21-22, 2017.
Although the competitors were held onshore Sunday due to storms, the race committee ran a full day of racing on Saturday for 72 boats in a building breeze. The Judges had work to do on the water and onshore; after all was done, this year’s top finishers in each class were:
J/22 Hayes Rigging, Kevin Hayes, of LYC
J/24 Miss Conduct, James Freedman of DCYC
J/70 Hoss, Glenn Darden of FWBC
J/105 Sanity, Rick Goebel of SDYC/CRA
J/109 Hamburg, Al Goethe of LYC
J/PHRF Spin (Sym) Press to Meco, Glen Stromme
J/PHRF Spin (Asym) Second Star, JD Hill of LYC/GBCA
This year’s festivities also included a celebrity racing event on Clear Lake that spectators enjoyed watching and listening to humorous live commentary on from the newly opened BARge 295 in the location of the old Turtle Club. On Friday, Oct. 20, at 1600, J/Boat legend racers Jeff Johnstone, Scott Young, Farley Fontenot and Jay Lutz set off to measure their racing prowess on loaned-out J/24s in honor of J/Boats celebrating 40 years in the making.
Sailors, volunteers and guests enjoyed the annual Saturday night party, which included live music poolside by Jerry Angeley and by the LC Roots Band in the LYC lounge as well as a Frogmore Stew traditional shrimp dinner in the grand ballroom.
The LYC bar and lounge were at full capacity for the awards ceremony Sunday afternoon.
For regatta information or questions about next year’s event, visit www.jfestsouthwest.com.
November is by far the best month for flounder fishing along the upper Texas Coast. It stands out so much that the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department set special rules for that month that include a reduction in the daily bag limit from five to two and the limitation of hook and line (rod and reel) as the only means of catching flatfish. With that restriction, flounder gigging is prohibited during November.
The main reason for the great fishing in November is the annual flounder migration to the Gulf of Mexico reaching its peak and flounder stacking up in such numbers around the passageways to the Gulf that they are easy picking for anglers.
Prior to the changes in the rules, anglers had a daily bag limit of 10 with a two-day possession limit. This allowed the gigging crowd to take 10 before midnight and another 10 per person after the clock struck 12 a.m.
When the two-day limit was eliminated and the bag limit reduced to five per day, along with the November rules, flounder stocks began to rebound.
With the flatfish now back to good numbers, let’s take a look at some tips from an expert on how, where and when to fish for flounder.
Phil Ortiz, inventor and manufacturer of the popular Flounder Pounder artificial bait, is one of the noted experts on flounder and flounder fishing. Ortiz has fished commercially for flounder and for over 20 years has devoted his time to producing one of the most prolific flounder baits on the market, the Flounder Pounder.
Recently, I interviewed Ortiz along with his brother Joe who assists him in manufacturing the baits. We started out with what I considered the most important question and proceeded from there.
Kent: What would you say is the most important single factor in fishing for flounder?
Ortiz: When the periods of sunlight fall, meaning shorter days, signals go off in flounder to start moving. The shorter days translate into cooler water and give rise to frontal systems making their way to the coast. This has a snowballing effect in that the fronts move the water out of the marshes and back bays thus telling flounder to prepare for their move.
Kent: Now that we see the flounder beginning to move, what are other factors that affect fishing?
Ortiz: The next most important is atmospheric pressure. A drop in pressure alerts flounder that change is on the way and the movement begins.
Kent: What about tides and moon?
Ortiz: Tidal flow, whether incoming or outgoing, is 99% necessary. The moon phases are not as important; however, the better action will be during major and minor periods.
Kent: What about the actual fishing? What color is your favorite and how do you fish for flounder?
Ortiz: Color makes no difference; in fact the bait itself is not that important. It is all in the presentation. I once hooked a cigarette butt to one of my jigs and caught flounder by making the bait resemble a running shad.
Kent: I recall you telling me that noise, if anything, helps flounder fishing. Is that still true?
Ortiz: Absolutely. Think about it, flounder lie on the bottom and any loud noise nearby will spook bait into running away. During the exit, the spooked bait will run past an awaiting flatfish and an easy meal results.
Kent: Is November the best month to catch that big “saddle blanket” flounder?
Phil with another flatfish fooled by the Flounder Pounder.
Ortiz: There are a lot of large flounder caught during November; however, my experience has shown June through August to be the best time.
Kent: It is pretty well known that the smaller male flounder make an appearance first during the flounder run. Why is that?
Ortiz: It is because they move slower than the larger females.
Kent: In closing, do you have any advice or recommendations to pass on to other fishermen?
Ortiz: Yes, I encourage fishermen to support regulations to increase the minimum size for flounder to 17 inches. Why? Because most of the males are under 17 inches and it takes approximately four to six males to fertilize the eggs of one female. Before recent research on this topic, it was thought that a one to one ratio was satisfactory. Today we know otherwise.
Lots of questions are being asked about the effects of the recent flood waters on the Galveston Bay Complex.Most of the questions are centered on whether the floods have a beneficial or detrimental impact on the eco-system and what we can expect in the way of fishing this fall.
For a number of years, the Galveston Bay Complex was experiencing a serious drought that was beginning to change the ecology of the bay.High levels of salinity and restricted flows of fresh water from rivers and creeks were taking its toll on the wetlands and back bays.
Concerns were mounting about a change in our fish patterns, in particular a possible migration of certain species of fish out of the bays and an influx of different species into the bays.It certainly was a situation that warranted concern.
Three years ago, the first of a series of heavy flooding hit and eventually lowered the salinity levels and created some ideal conditions for growing our stocks of marine life, both fin fish and shell fish.
In most cases, flood waters entering the bays do a lot of good for the basic component of the marine life cycle and that is the estuaries.The nutrients that are washed into the rivers and other outlets help the vegetation grow and in turn provide a sanctuary for newly hatched marine life.
This is obviously a real benefit to all who partake in saltwater recreational activities and most beneficial to anglers in all areas including those who fish offshore.
On the other hand, flood waters that contain heavy concentrations of contaminants can be detrimental to the estuaries.Contaminants in the form of chemicals and metals are the most destructive, as they can and do kill the life line of the estuaries, the vegetation and in general pollute the waters.
“Well, for speckled trout especially they are going to be found in large concentrations closer to the coast.”
Just how our recent flood affects the sensitive balance in the wetlands is yet to be determined.
While it remains to be seen as to the effects on the estuaries, there are a few things that can pretty well be counted on as far as the effects on fishing and crabbing.
Following the floods and during the time when heavy flows of water continued to pour into the bays, we have experienced a welcomed dry spell with northerly and westerly winds dominating under low humidity.This has helped to get the flood waters draining more rapidly.
Most of Galveston Bay has been muddy and off color with little or no salinity.How long this will last is anyone’s guess.
Most of the time, trout will move out of the upper reaches of the bay system and settle in areas that are closer to the Gulf of Mexico such as those around the passes and jetties.In those areas, trout tend to stack up and become easy prey for anglers.
Using last year as an example, our heavy floods came early in the summer and were followed by a similar pattern of hot, dry weather.It was at least two months before the bays started showing signs of improvement.
If that pattern repeats itself, it could be November before the water returns to normal around the Galveston Bay Complex.This is especially true in light of the fact that this year’s flooding was more extensive and severe than in years past.
So what does that mean for fishing?Well, for speckled trout especially they are going to be found in large concentrations closer to the coast.The jetties, surf and lower Galveston Bay should hold the prized game fish for quite a while.
Reds and other fish likely will be the offering in the upper reaches of the bay system, as they are not nearly as sensitive to salinity as are trout.
Blueprint for the Great American Dream
Lisa and Raz Halili of Prestige Oysters.
The story of Prestige Oysters
By K. Pica Kahn
Johnny and Lisa Halili.
It is a love story,and a story of the American dream. Johnny Halili, a little boy in Albania, never dreamed he would be an oyster mogul in the U.S. In the 1970s, coming from his home country to Chicago, he began his American work life in a car wash. Drifting from job to job, he heard from his cousin that there was work in Louisiana; so off he went.
Working on a boat for the first time, he was a deckhand and worked very hard for years. Eventually he bought his own oyster boat, the Lady Katherine, and that is when his successful American dream life began.
Prestige Oysters is a private family run business which continues with his best deckhand Lisa, who later became the love of his life and his wife. Working through all kinds of weather, they never gave up their dreams. The couple are now joined by their son Raz in this family owned and run business. The company has two full-time processing plants providing market for over 100 boats from Texas to Louisiana and Maryland.
The family was able to increase their business with the acquisition of the Quintus 350L high-pressure processing machine and CryoQuick tunnel to process oysters. In 2013, the company acquired Joey’s Oyster Company’s state of the art facility with HPP technology in Amite, Louisiana.
Raz Halili took to the flooded streets after Harvey to rescue people and animals alike. He has gained national attention after one of his rescue photos went viral. He has been affectionally dubbed ‘Rescue Bae.’
“HPP is one of the most clean and advanced food processing technologies. It is the size of a small room,” said Raz. “It does 1,200 oysters at a time in high pressure. We buy from other people, and we have our own boats. We also buy from independent contractors from South Texas up to Maryland. Oysters are a very popular appetizer. They are a delicacy – a romance between ocean and man ”
The High-Pressure process is a food processing method using water and elevated pressures to achieve consumer desired goals.In 1990s, HPP emerged as a method of processing food, but not until the 21st century was it applied to seafood.
The advancements in HPP technology over recent decades have proved this method of food processing is of the highest quality. From fresh juice to meats and seafood, HPP neutralizes listeria, salmonella, E. coli and other deadly bacteria. Their Treasure Band oysters have undergone our High Pressure Process which reduces the Vibrio Vulnificus and Vibrio Paraheamolyticus to non-detectable levels.
The idea for the purchase of the multi million dollar machine was that of the father, according to Raz.
“He really saw the value in it, and so we bought one, and it has been a great asset for us.”
According to his mother Lisa, Raz took the business to a new level, when he approached the giant Sysco Foods.
“He was just this kid with an idea, and he made it happen,” said the proud mom. “We would have never even thought of it, but after college he came on the sales side of the business and this was his venture, and he took a chance and did it for us. It made all the difference. We are very proud of him. We were just simple wholesalers, and he took us to a whole new level.
Like his father before him, the son now 31, had a vision of where he wanted to take the company.After pitching the idea to the seafood director at the time, he felt confident this was a program with a story behind it that could sell.
“We were able to supply a year-round supply of oysters at a competitive price, and we are the first ones to have a corporate level oyster program at Sysco,” said Raz. “It was a multimillion dollar investment, but we always want to change, grow and push our company to greater highest.”
Although the idea and the execution was the son’s idea, he says he learned so much from his father, from whom he got his work ethic.
“He taught me the meaning of hard work and dedication, always preaching to never take anything for granted, to help others and stay loyal to the ones who have helped you along the way. My family and I have a great appreciation of living in a free country, where you can fulfill your wildest dreams. Enjoy working hard and it will pay off.”
Oyster Appetizers, Recipes and Wine Pairings
By Betha Merit
Appetizers are multifold fun. They get the party started by whetting your appetite and teasing your tastebuds. And they can also be served as a meal in tandem with another small plate of food or two. Another idea is to plan a small gathering and have everyone bring their favorite hors d’oeuvres with a paired wine. For the following oyster recipes we suggest pairing with bubbles, from Champagne to sparkling rosé. And any crisp white wine such as Chablis or Sancerre will also pair nicely. Enjoy.
Crispy Oven-Baked Oysters
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/8 teaspoon cayenne
2 eggs
1 cup dry bread crumbs
2/3 cup grated Romano cheese
2 Tablespoons dried parsley
1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
1 pint shucked oysters
Use three shallow bowls. In the first bowl combine flour, salt, pepper and cayenne. In another bowl whisk eggs. In the third bowl combine bread crumbs, cheese, parsley and garlic salt.
Coat oysters with flour mixture, then dip in eggs, and coat with crumb mixture. Place in greased 15 x 10 x 1 inch baking pan; drizzle with oil.
Bake at 400 degrees for 15 minutes until golden brown. Serve with jalapeño ranch dressing for dipping.
Savory Bacon Wrapped Oysters
12 ounces bacon strips cut in half
1 pint shucked oysters
2 Tablespoons brown sugar (or white)
1/3 cup tamari or soy sauce
2-3 cloves minced garlic
1/4 teaspoon dry mustard
Cook bacon in skillet style pan on medium-high heat until shrunken, but not crisp. Lay on paper towels to drain. Preheat oven to 300 degrees F.
In a shallow baking dish, whisk together the brown sugar, soy sauce, garlic and dry mustard. Wrap each oyster with bacon and secure with a toothpick. Place in the baking dish with sauce and bake for 15 minutes or longer. Oysters are done when the sauce bubbles and the bacon is crispy around the edges.
Wine Pairings
Chablis
The Chablis region is the northernmost wine district of the Burgundy region in France. The cool climate of this region produces wines with more acidity and flavors less fruity than Chardonnay. These wines often have a flinty or steely note.
Sancerre Blanc
Sancerre is located in the eastern part of the Loire valley, southeast of Orléans in France. Sancerre blanc is usually bone dry and highly aromatic with intense flavors of peaches and gooseberries.
Tony Chachere’s Easy Gumbo
1 bell pepper, chopped
1 large onion, chopped
3 ribs celery, chopped
1/4 teaspoon minced garlic
10 cups cool water
1 cup Tony Chachere’s Instant Roux Mix
1 lb. shrimp and 1 lb. crab meat
Tony Chachere Original Creole Seasoning
In a stockpot coated in pan spray, sauté vegetables until soft. In the same pot, add Tony’s Roux, 2 cups of water, 1 cup Tony Chachere’s Instant Roux Mix
Bring to a boil. After mixture begins to thicken, reduce heat to low and stir for 3 minutes. Add remaining water. For seafood gumbo, bring roux mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes. Add shrimp and crab meat and return to a simmer for 15 minutes.
Add remaining water. Season gumbo to taste with Tony Chachere’s Original Creole Seasoning. Ladle gumbo over steamed rice and garnish with chopped green onions and Tony Chachere’s Gumbo Filé.
Opelousas Oyster Loaf
1 Loaf French Bread, unsliced
Margarine
1 Dozen select large oysters
1 Egg
Ketchup
Tony Chachere’s Original Creole Seasoning
1/2 Cup light cream
1 Cup bread crumbs
1 Cup oil
Dill pickles (sliced)
Lemon (wedges)
Cut off top of the French Bread lengthwise and reserve. Scoop out insides and toast the loaf. Butter inside generously and keep warm. Dry oysters on absorbent paper.
In a bowl, beat egg with Tony Chachere’s Original Creole Seasoning, slowly adding cream. Place oysters in egg mixture, then in bread crumbs, thoroughly covering all sides. Fry in shallow oil until brown and drain on absorbent paper.
Fill the hollow of French Bread with the fried oysters. Garnish with sliced dill pickles, lemon wedges and dabs of ketchup. Replace top, heat in oven and serve. Yields 4 servings.
Youngster Lands Big Bull Dorado
Eleven-year-old Will McLemore of Houston landed this 67” dorado while fishing with Capt. Brett Holden and the crew of the Booby Trap out of Los Sueños, Costa Rica. He also released his first ever blue marlin!
His father, Scott McLemore, also released a marlin just minutes later on their half day trip just 20 miles from the marina.
The big dorado took a live tuna, bridled with a circle hook, while fishing for Marlin near a floating log.
“There are a lot of big dorado this year,” Capt. Holden reported. “We have landed more this season than the past three years combined.”
After what feels like an eternal summer this year, I could not be more excited thinking about fall and cooler temperatures. There are so many great things that happen on the bays, and of course the cooler temperatures don’t hurt my feelings one bit.
In mid August its still hot but one of the first major changes happens; the kids go back to school. There’s a slight drop in fishing pressure as many of us have to change our focus from entertaining kids to keeping them on track with school work and other related activities.
Tropical weather from late summer is usually the starting point of some very slight bay water cooling. The increase in even daily thunderstorms and cloud cover starts the downward trend of water temperatures. This seems to in turn trigger some slight change in fish feeding and activity periods.
Extreme daytime temps of summer can reach well into the 90’s and often leave us with fish that are sluggish and less active during the mid day periods. Scorching heat and cloudless days can push fish to slightly deeper water and definitely seem to keep fish from high levels of surface feeding. Not to say that there won’t be activity in the heat but many days it can be reduced from other peak times. Add in some heavy cloud cover and you will notice a decrease in water temp even without rain fall. Mix in some solid rainstorms with the cloud cover and its entirely possible to knock several degrees off the surface and shallow water temps.
Short days, long stringers
By September, we have typically passed peak temperatures. It’s still hot for sure, but we are beginning to trend slowly downward. Shorter daylight “photo period” helps as there is a reduction of hours of sun heating. Another slight boost to fishing is the second annual reduction of fishing and boating traffic due the opening of some shooting sports season. Teal season does put some boats on the water in select areas, but they aren’t moving around much during the first few hours of the day. In general, the reduction of boats running around tends to help “settle” the fish and allow them to spend their time doing the feeding and moving habits that are normal and less of their time trying to avoid propellers and loud noises that our boats make.
Fish the outgoing tide
One of the biggest changes, and one that affects certain parts of the bay very dramatically, is the change in tides and timing. This is a known annual event, though there is no exact repeating date when it occurs. At some time in September, we will see this change, the change of having a typical daily incoming tide in the early morning hours. Eventually we see the early morning tide turn to an outgoing swing. It doesn’t sound like a big deal, but if you understand the number, size and varying types of baitfish, shrimp and crabs that have grown through the warmer months and have spent their time deep into marshes and up rivers and creeks, falling tides tend to become the predominant feeding time.
Knowing where some of the big numbers of prey species are makes it easier to understand how an outgoing tide can spike feeding activity. Small baitfish and invertebrates are much more subject to being moved around by the force of tides, not to mention that their food sources are moved and easily available during periods of stronger tide movement. As these tides flow and bring food out into open areas, fish tend to binge feed on more available food sources.
Conversely, on incoming and higher tides, many of the food species are able to find cover and shelter in places that make it challenging for predators to reach them.
Cool water feeding
The final change of the fall tends to come slightly later in September or early October, and is again temperature related. Though we will probably see some very mild cool fronts, the early “stout” fronts will make a huge difference in fishing. The smaller mild fronts will create small changes in bay temps and fish feeding, but as we start to see more significant fronts, feeding activity increases at a much more notable rate. Since these early fronts don’t typically bring huge temperature drops and are quickly followed by rapid warming, they don’t really cool the water that much. Stronger fronts that last longer, will create even more water cooling.
So, why does cooler water make the fish feed? In short, so many of the small prey species that arrive in the spring, have grown to maturity and are prepared to move out of the back bays, creeks and rivers and these movements are triggered by falling temperatures. Add the onset of outgoing tides and you have a perfect recipe for heavy feeding.
Fish are aggressive, food is more readily available, the boating and fishing traffic has reduced and the comfort level is significantly better to spend a day outside. Sounds like a perfect time to go and enjoy the outdoors.
Fishing Galveston Bay in September and October
Eric Valentino and Capt. Dillman after a good day on the water.
All I can say is “Wow!” It’s hard to believe that summer is over. I know it is not the official end according to the calendar, but I go by the start of the school year. What can we expect for September and October this year? Hopefully no more hurricanes and a little cooler weather would be a welcome change.
Most people have their own predication if we are going to experience an early fall weather pattern. From what I am seeing and hearing, all indicators point to an early fall here in Texas. Hummingbirds have made an earlier than normal migration, I have also heard of sightings of teal along the coast. Sand trout, and plenty of them, were caught in Galveston Bay the first week of August. Normally all this happens towards the latter part of August, not the first week.
September and October are what I would consider transition months along the Upper Coast for fishing. As the water temperature drops, fish begin their migration north into the back bays of the Galveston Complex. I have already experienced the migration pattern with good action in Trinity Bay during August. In September and October we should see a bigger push of fish into the northern reaches of East, Trinity and Galveston Bays. Why? Bait, bait and more bait! Tides will begin to drop with each passing front. As the shrimp and shad get pushed out of the marsh, they become easy prey for predator fish.
So what’s the best bait?
While some fish will still be caught on live croaker, live shrimp will be the go-to natural bait. Lure fisherman will also do well, with soft plastics being the lure of choice. Eagle Point Fishing Camp will carry croaker and live shrimp during these months.
September and October is also the start of hunting season in Texas. Dove and teal season open in September for the bird hunters. Deer season is around the corner, so now is the time to prepare your lease and sight in those rifles! A special archery season for deer opens September 30.
This time of year is special for the sportsman in Texas. Get out and enjoy this transition period. Hopefully we can dodge a major weather system and enjoy this amazing time of year in Texas and the Upper Coast!
Fishing with Capt. Bob Drisgill of Mangus II Charters
Captain Bob Drisgill
Interview by Kelly Groce
Captain Bob “Mangus” Drisgill is a guide out of Moses Lake fishing the Galveston Bay complex for over two decades now. Bob has led myself and teammates to two consecutive first place wins at the Galveston Bay Foundation’s Ladies Casting for Conservation fishing tournament. Winning these tournaments with Bob was a great experience, but having the honor to see his passion for fishing is the best reward. Bob has a contagious attitude and every fish caught is a special moment.
Where did you grow up?
I was born in Baltimore, Md. Yup, I’m a yankee. I graduated high school in 1969.
How long have you been fishing? When did you start your guide service?
25 years at least. I’ve had my guide service for 16 years, but been doing it full time for about 11 years.
What kind of boat do you run?
A 21’ Mako Center Console with a brand new 200 HP Evinrude motor.
Do you remember your first fish?
My dad was an electrician on the railroad for 40 years. There were some docks nearby, so when I was a kid I would fish there. My first fish was a big perch.
What is your fishing specialty or target fish?
Speckled trout. I do catch a lot of redfish and flounder, but my main target fish is speckled trout.
Do you have a favorite fishing moment?
Every time I go fishing is a special moment. When anyone gets on my boat, I want to see them catch a fish. I get so excited when I see customers catch fish. When that feeling stops, I’ll stop fishing. I love catching trout, can’t get enough of that funky stuff!
Bass Assassin 4” Sea Shad in Texas Roach
If you could only have one soft plastic and one hard bait what would they be?
If I could only have one soft plastic it would be the Bass Assassin 4” Sea Shad in the color Texas Roach. It’s my favorite in off-colored water or clear water, it will catch fish. For a hard bait I would have to go with a good topwater in silver and black.
What is the biggest mistake you see fisherman making?
The biggest mistake I see is boaters not having respect for other boaters. There’s no etiquette anymore. Everybody’s got fish rage, it’s just like road rage out there.
Fisherman also need to educate themselves on how to handle and release fish the proper way. People take photos of fish and put it back in the water, which is fine, but who knows if it’s going to live. They aren’t freshwater fish, these are saltwater fish.
What are some things anglers should key in on during September and October to be successful fishing?
September and October is a transition going from summer to fall. It’s like February to March in the spring time. I’d say key in on bird action, especially in October. Seagulls will start working early morning in the bay system, which will tell you where the trout are. Not as much big trout action in September or October, but should be able to find plenty of redfish. You’ll catch the occasional flounder until late November, when it starts getting colder outside.
Capt. Bob Drisgill’s target fish is speckled trout.
Do you have a favorite tide stage for fish?
A good incoming tide with a light southeast breeze, which you rarely get, but that’s my favorite. I will fish either incoming or outgoing, but I like incoming the best.
What is the biggest change you’ve seen in our area from when you first started fishing?
There has been an explosion of the amount of people on the water. There’s nothing secret anymore with cell phones and social media, it wasn’t like that 15 years ago. Environmentally wise it’s changed, especially with the power plants over the years. They dumped a lot of stuff in the water that wasn’t supposed to be dumped.
Favorite place you’ve ever fished?
My backyard, Moses Lake.
Is there anything you’d like to see changed in the regulations or conservation efforts?
Well, people are pushing for this 5 fish limit for speckled trout. I don’t see a problem with keeping the 10 fish limit on the trout. The population of specks in Galveston Bay is plentiful. And as far as redfish goes, we have a 3 fish limit with 1 oversized that I think is a good deal.
As far as conservation goes, I really appreciate what the Galveston Bay Foundation does to help our bay prosper.
Also, if people stop throwing stuff like fishing line and other trash in the water, that will help out. It’s bad for our wildlife and can cause problems for boats. Everyone needs to be more conservative.
Aside from fishing, what else are you passionate about?
If I’m not fishing you can find me in the poker room. I love to play poker. I have a passion for competition with myself and amongst others. That’s why I like fishing so much.
How Croatian native Misho Ivic built an oyster empire on the Gulf Coast
By K. Pica Kahn
Misho Ivic
Misho Ivic, owner of Misho’s Oyster Company, one of the three largest oyster producers in Texas, didn’t start out in Texas or in the oyster business. Originally from Croatia, Ivic’s father, an engineer and a professor, told him he needed to leave his homeland for a better life in the U.S.
“When I was 11, he said, ‘this is not a country for you,’”said Ivic. “‘Go to America, but get an education first.” He had been asked to join the communist party three times and refused. He wanted a better life for me. My father was raised by the Franciscan monks after his mother died when he was a child, and he was suppose to be a monk. Someone in our family had been a monk for 300 years.”
But life had other plans for the father. Speaking five languages, his father was one of a few people who could communicate with Yugoslavian/Croatian business people, so that and his work as an engineer helped him support his family in style. He was sent to South America where he was able to earn a good deal of money and upon his return, he was asked to be a professor. So the son also went to university to become an engineer.
He got a job in the oyster industry making $20 a day as a deckhand on an oyster boat. The second year, Ivic bought his first oyster boat, a 50-foot boat for $8,000. As his own boss, he had job security, couldn’t get fired and learned the trade. Without finishing his degree, he came to this county at the age of 32 and finished his education at the University of New Orleans as a mechanical engineer in 1976 after working for over two years in Croatia in the oyster industry.
“I was advised by a friend to go to Texas and buy an oyster lease, which I did,” said. “I came to Texas and in 1977 I bought three leases. My dad said you need to work as an engineer, so I did that too.”
He worked designing several boats and equipment. He was also involved in designing some conveyers for oysters. He now had eight boats and six leases producing 420 acres of oysters.
“In 1983, I went to work as a mud engineer making $54,000 a year as an engineer and making $120,000 in oysters. I was married by that time and had four kids, and I’m still with the same woman 45 years later.
“That was the last time I ever worked for anyone again. I had the oyster business, and I never went back to engineering. I decided we needed to buy a dock.”
However, the property he wanted in San Leon was $150,000 and he couldn’t afford it. But after Alicia, the owner went down to $50,000 and Misho had his docks.
He now has seven docks, he owns four and leases three. With six children, all but two of them work in the family business living within 15 miles of each other from League City to San Leon. They are all hard workers, he said, and they all seem to adore their father. The feeling is mutual, he says. The family’s closeness and devotion to both the family and the business helps, they believe, to make them successful.
“People can feel how much we care,” said daughter Annie. “I think it even makes our oysters taste better,” she jokes.
Emily, is a teacher in Austin and Kathy is in Croatia, involved in real estate and is a good mother. Annie, is in business with dad. Michael is his right-hand man, while Annie and Joy work in the oyster business in administration. Francis is a mom with three kids. Unlike some families they get long well and spend a lot of time together.
“I love my family and I love oysters. I eat them almost every day,” he said. “I like Gilhooley’s restaurant for oysters. I liked them so much, I bought the restaurant recently. Oysters need brackish water; part saltwater and part freshwater. Gilhooley’s make them with Parmesan cheese and charbroils them. They are delicious.
“Our oysters are not processed, have no hormones or preservatives, and they are pure as can be and very good for you. In countries where they eat a lot of oysters, there is almost no diabetes or heart disease and they attribute that to the oysters. They help blood move throughout the body. That is why they are thought of as an aphrodisiac.”
Misho’s Oyster Company is among the top three oyster companies in Texas although they sell all over the country from Texas to Virginia and Maryland. Half are sold in Texas.
“I am very proud of the company, but all my life, I have been riding a roller coaster. I never feel secure,” he said. “You never know when everything can change. If I have to, I can always go back to working on the boats, but not for $20 a day. No more deckhand for me. This time I will be the captain!”
Battle over oyster beds finally has a happy ending
By Mary Alys Cherry
A war over oysters? While it may sound like something Hollywood would dream up for a movie, dozens of Galveston Bay families and businesses found themselves caught up in the middle of it and worried they might lose their livelihood.
That was until last Oct. 26 when Judge Lonnie Cox of the 56th Judicial District Court ruled in their favor, much to the relief of Lisa and Johnny Halili of Prestige Oysters, Stephen Hillman of Hillman’s Seafood, Michael Ivich of Misha’s Seafood and oystermen Jure Slabic and Ivo Slabic.
“There is still work to do,” their attorney, Chris Feldman, said afterwards. “We still have to litigate total attorney fees and for tortuous interference where STORM interfered with our clients’ ability to harvest oysters,” he told The Baytown Sun. “We didn’t get a final judgment but a partial summary judgment, and there are still some things to do. But the big central issue has been addressed, and this case is a victory for everyone.”
The controversy got its start back in early 2013 when the owners of Jeri’s Seafood, Ben Nelson and his son-in-law, Precinct 3 Justice of the Peace Tracy Woody, set up a separate company named the Sustainable Texas Oyster Resource Management (STORM).
Then, the next spring, it was learned that the Chambers Liberty Counties Navigation District had awarded STORM a 30-year lease on more than 23,000 acres of submerged land – the better part of Galveston Bay, as one person put it — for $1.50 per acre initially. This despite the fact the land was already privately leased from the state and is normally leased by Texas Parks and Wildlife.
Normally, the navigation district’s job is to improve and oversee waterways, not the harvesting of oysters. That’s the job of the Texas Department of Parks and Wildlife, which leases the reefs.
Shock spread around the bay, still recovering from Hurricane Ike damages, creating a firestorm of dissent from oystermen and the Texas Parks and Wildlife, which manages dredging rights in the area. “They can’t do that can they?” was a frequent question on the lips of oystermen, oyster aficionados, just about everyone who had never heard of a navigation district having the authority to take such an action.
If the courts upheld STORM’s claim, it would have jeopardized all oystermen around the bay. Lisa Halili and other Galveston Bay oyster company owners promptly sued. “This can’t happen,” Halili remembers her son saying to her. “We can’t make a living.”
Now, she said last year after the Cox ruling, “thanks to Judge Lonnie Cox, we are all free to go back to our way of life. For two years, this illegal lease has added to the heartaches of the good people who make their livelihood harvesting oysters. Their life’s work was threatened and jeopardized by . . . dealings on the part of the Navigation District.”
The owners of Jeri’s Seafood and STORM were not happy with the verdict against them and took the fight all the way to the Texas Supreme Court, which denied their request to review the Galveston County ruling – ending their illegal lease for good.
Meanwhile, the Galveston County oystermen have filed a federal civil rights lawsuit, claiming their constitutional rights have been violated by a conspiracy by Navigation District board members trying to help one company, Jeri’s Seafood, take control of Galveston Bay.
In the lawsuit, the plaintiffs claim that the Navigation District knew the lease was an under-the-table type of agreement and failed to consider giving the lease to any other party other than STORM, even though they were aware that the plaintiffs and other oystermen were competitors and had competing leases with the state, and that the District failed to seek approval for the lease with Texas Parks and Wildlife. The suit also seeks damages for lost income during the period the oystermen were unable to cultivate and harvest oysters from their leases.
Fishing & Winning POCO
By Janie Goldman
League City resident, Rodney DeVillier, Captain of Chum On, and owner of One More Cast Charters, (www.omccharters.com), brought in the winning 551 lb., 109 inch Blue Marlin in the annual Poco Bueno Fishing Tournament.
The win was celebrated by boat owner Dr. Kevin Horn, a Baytown orthopedic surgeon, and crew members Chris Horn (angler who brought in the winning fish), Ben Horn, David Horn, Jake Horn, Michael Horn, Shaun Essery and Joey (Sully) Sullivan.
Poco Bueno, is an invitation-only, family-run fishing tournament held every July in Port O’Connor. It was founded in 1969 by Walter W. Fondren and several friends with the intention to draw attention to Port O’Connor and the rich resources it has to offer fisherman.
Captain Rodney DeVillier, who runs the marine electronics department at Fathom Maritime service, says he has been participating in POCO since 1999.In that first year they won third place and won again in 2002 with the second place prize. Rodney explained that even though this year there was an option to weigh in on the second day, they choose to weigh in on the first day because it can bring in an extra $15,000. In addition, cooling the fish overnight can cost you some weight.
When asked what he especially enjoys about the Poco Bueno tournament in Port O’Connor, DeVillier explained that the format and rules are different from other tournaments.It’s all about tradition.
He plans to continue participating in POCO for as long as it continues to keep its traditions and the intentions of its founders.
Texas Billfish Tourney Results
$ea Dollar$ did well on tuna at the Texas Billfish Classic.
While writing the fishing report each day for the Galveston Daily News, there are many questions that readers ask about fishing and fishing equipment.One question that crops up fairly often has to do with fishing weights.
The inquiries are generated by anglers who shop at tackle stores or bait shops and see a wide variety of weights on the shelves and are curious as to how to distinguish between the choices.Another common question about weights has to do with a recommendation of what weight or weights should be used for a particular type of fishing.
Hopefully this article will shed some light on those questions and provide some useful information about how and when to use the various weights.
Browsing around the fishing weight displays in tackle shops can be a confusing adventure, as most of the larger operations have dozens of different types on display with only a few being popular with fishermen.
Determine Your Use
Before getting into the various weights available, let’s address a basic question.For what type of fishing is the weight designed?Casting for trout and reds involves different types of weights than say surf fishing or offshore fishing in the Gulf of Mexico.Pier fishing also has its unique type of weights.
For most types of fishing, the objective is to get your bait down with the least amount of weight.Currents, wave action and wind all effect the choice of weights.
When viewing the choices of weights at most tackle stores there are several that stand out and for purposes of this article we will focus on the most popular along the upper Texas coast.
Photo of Atlantic Croaker caught on a headboat off the coast of Ocean City Maryland.
Pier and Bank Fishing
For bank and pier fishermen who cast baits with a double drop leader and weight at the bottom, the most popular are the bank sinker, pyramid and bell weights.All come in varied sizes and are designed to get the rig (leader, hooks and weight) to the bottom quickly before the “trash fish” attack on the way down is successful.
This type of fishing is great for pan fish and is the most convenient and popular style when fishing from piers, rock groins and jetties with dead bait.
Live shrimp is a top choice for speckled trout.
Live Bait
When using live bait, other weights are the answer and again the objective is to get your bait out there and to a depth where the fish are feeding.This is much more challenging than just getting your baits to the bottom.
Current strength is the key to choosing the right weight and just as important, the type of weight.When fishing for most game fish, whether from a pier, wading or a boat, a slip weight is the best choice.Slip weights include egg weights and the easily changeable rubber grip weights and pinch weights.All are found in various sizes and again the choice is determined by where you want your bait in relation to the current flow.
Another of the detachable weights is the split shot which is easily attached and removed from fishing lines and is one of the smaller weights.This weight is popular with anglers free-lining bait with little resistance.
Surf Fishing
One weight that gets more attention or curiosity than most is the odd looking surf fishing bait called the Sputnik.The name comes from its resembling a satellite with antennas.This bait is popular with surf fishermen as it digs into the sand and is not nearly as affected by wave action and tidal flow as other weights.It also is popular with anglers fishing rocky or debris filled areas, as the wire protrusions we call antennas are much more easily removed from being stuck in the rocks or debris.
Red grouper
Offshore Fishing
Finally, we deal with offshore weights.While heavy pyramid, bank and egg weights are popular for getting baits down to the reef fish, the trolling weights have been found to move the rigs faster to the bottom.The reason is their slim design that does not displace as much water as other bottom weights.
While there is a desirable and proper weight out there for whatever your choice of fishing, remember the key to all of this is to get your bait to its desired location with the least amount of resistance.
The economic impact of oysters
Cliff Hillman, owner of Hillman’s Seafood on Dickinson Bayou has been harvesting oysters from Galveston Bay since the 1970s.
By K. Pica Kahn
Oysters are good for the Texas Gulf Coast for numerous reasons including the economic impact on the state. An unusual species, they also contribute to the health of the surrounding ecosystem through filtration of the area in which they live.
“Here are the oyster landings (meat-weight, lbs) and ex-vessel value ($) for each year from 2000 through 2016,” said Lance Robinson, deputy division director, Coastal Fisheries Division Texas Parks & Wildlife Department. “This includes the data for 2017 through May, leaving six months of landings from June through December that will need to be added.
“Landings are calculated in pounds of ‘meat-weight’ which subtracts the weight of the shell. The value is reported as ex-vessel value, which is the price paid to the fisherman by the dealer/buyer. To calculate the value of the oyster fishery to the state’s economy, economic multipliers are used to account for how these dollars move through the economy (e.g. fisherman takes money earned from catching/selling oysters and buys gasoline, groceries, clothes, etc.)”
For commercial fisheries in Texas, this multiplier is 1.8. In taking the ex-vessel value for the 2016 season ($13,715,122) and multiply by 1.8, the total value is $24,687,219.60, which would be the contribution to the Texas economy from the commercial oyster fishery for that year.
“Regarding the ecological value of oysters to coastal ecosystems, combine the ecosystem services and the valuation estimates of these services,” said Robinson. “Another analogy in trying to explain the value of oyster resources is through their water filtering capacity and thus improvements to water quality. A single adult oyster can filter up to 50 gallons per day as they filter out microscopic algae (phytoplankton) upon which they feed.
“Algae and other particles that are too big to ingest, are encapsulated in mucous material within the shell. These materials are not ingested by the oyster, but the encapsulated packets, known as pseudofeces, are extruded from the shell and falls upon the reef where other small organisms (shrimp, crabs, etc.) feed upon this material. Using an average density of 10 oysters per square meter, 130 acres of oyster reef would be capable of filtering approximately 260 million gallons of water per day.”
“According to the Greater Houston Partnership, by comparison, the city of Houston’s 39 wastewater treatment plants had a combined average daily wastewater treatment flow in 2009 of 252 million gallons per day,” said Robinson.
“Oysters don’t purify the water like a wastewater treatment plant, but it’s an impressive statistic that 130 acres of oyster can remove sediment and other particulates from our bays at the same volume that is used by the city of Houston.”
Oysters as Aphrodisiacs – Fact or Fiction?
“The Birth of Venus” by Sondra Botticelli.
By K. Pica Kahn
A candle light dinner out, a bottle of wine, a plate of oysters and the mood is set. It is a foregone conclusion that the supper is foreplay for the evening. Often hailed as an aphrodisiac, the succulent morsels, are suggestive at best, of romance. Myth or fact, the reputation of the oysters precedes the stories such as the prolific lover Casanova, who supposedly ate 50 oysters for breakfast. Scientists have been trying to prove or disprove the rumors for eons.
According to legend, Aphrodite sprang from the sea on an oyster shell and immediately gave birth to a son. Not surprisingly, seafood, especially oysters, have long had a reputation as aphrodisiacs. The Romans called Aphrodite Venus, and her creation story has inspired much art including the famous 15th century painting “The Birth of Venus” by Sondra Botticelli.
Oysters contain hormone-inducing amino acids effective in spring which is supposed to add to the effect. Spring is the time of year when the shellfish have their greatest potency as an aphrodisiac. American and Italian researchers studied bivalve molluscs, a group of shellfish including oysters, which were found to be rich in a rare amino acid that triggered increased levels of sexual potency.
A 40-year scientist George Fisher, a professor of chemistry at Barry University, Miami, who led the research team with his graduate student Raul Mirza and Antimo D’Aniello, of the Laboratory of Neurobiology in Naples, believes this is the first scientific evidence of the proof of oysters as an aphrodisiac.
For many years, the myth speculated the power of oysters centered on the refueling powers of the high zinc content of a mineral found in sperm. Men lose between one and three milligrams per ejaculation.
Fisher and his team, partly funded by the United States National Institutes of Health, took samples of bivalve molluscs from fish markets near Dr. D’Aniello’s Naples laboratory. According to Fisher, using a process called high-performance liquid chromatography to identify which amino acids were present and in what quantities, the team found two unusual ones – D-aspartic acid (D-Asp) and N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA), unusual amino acids not found in nature.
Results in earlier experiments by D’Aniello found that injecting rodents with the amino acids triggered a chain reaction of hormones that ended with the production of testosterone in males and progesterone in females. An increase in these levels of those hormones in the blood creates more sexual activity. “Spring, when the molluscs themselves are breeding, is best. There is the highest concentration of these two amino acids then.”
D’Aniello believes these findings show that the Italians have been right about oysters as aphrodisiacs for centuries, dating back to before the time of the Romans. The results are best when the oysters are eaten raw.
Some discount these findings as false, not believing in the research proving oysters as aphrodisiacs.
Myth or fact? No one knows for sure. The human mind can convince itself of almost anything. Final judgment must be left up to the individual enjoying the slippery little suckers.
In Casanova’s memoirs, Volume Six, he admitted to seducing 122 women, detailing how to best serve the delicacies.
“I placed the shell on the edge of her lips and after a good deal of laughing, she sucked in the oyster, which she held between her lips. I instantly recovered it by placing my lips on hers.”
A Word On Winter Wahoo
Ilander Heavy-Weights in Blue/White and Black/Plum.
Jasen Gast with a monster 93-pound wahoo. Photo by REHAB Fishing Team.
Bring home some winter wahoo this season with advice from these pros.
We run a split of Yo-Zuri Bonitas in purple/black and orange/black on the corners short and Ilander Heavy-Weights in black/red, black/purple and blue/white with ballyhoo long on the outriggers.The Bonitas are rigged on 275# 49-strand cable and the Ilanders are rigged on 175# cable with 9/0 needle eye hooks like the Mustad 7731AD or equivalent. This is not a live bait fishery, as the sharks are too thick.
Tackle
Stand up gear in the 30-pound class is the perfect tackle in our opinion. These rigs are light and fun, but still have enough strength for the occasional monster roaming out there. But, we do take the 50-pound gear along too, as they are appreciated when the wahoo are running big and for pulling bonitas on the shorts.
Tactics
Target the edge of the drop off, usually 160-200 ft. depths, but move around until you mark fish on the sounder and then stay on them. If you’re not marking well, don’t be afraid to troll wide and deeper looking for them.Every once in a while the wahoo will be shallower, but most of the time kingfish and barracuda are thick shallow on top of the reef.
Also to Note:
When you get a bite, keep the rest of the spread out. Many times you will get multiple hook-ups as the lures sink while you fight the fish.
The best bite is usually very early in the morning but can be good in the evening too towards the later part of the day.
Although you are mainly targeting wahoo in January, be prepared to catch other species as well. We have caught dorado, tuna and sailfish while trolling for wahoo.
Yo-Zuri Bonita™ in Purple/Black and Orange/Black.
PATRON
Capt. Darrell Weigelt
I’ve always had my best results with Yo-Zuri Bonitas in purple/black or orange/black. Troll them fast at 10-12 knots. If fish are present they will be chasing bait. At the Flower Garden Banks, fish the up current side of the bank. The wahoo move through the current upwellings. Rig the Bonitas on six feet of multi-strand cable.
Ilander in Pink/White.
LEGACY FISHING TEAM
Capt. Kevin Deerman
On the Legacy we always pullYo-Zuri Bonitas on the flat lines and drop one of them on the down rigger when the bite is slower. Orange/black and purple/black have always worked the best for me.
We pull weighted jet heads (not any particular brand) on the left and right riggers with an Ilander/ballyhoo on the center rigger. We pull mostly blue/white or pink/white Ilanders.
We also keep a couple of spinning rods with large spoons ready to cast after we are hooked up. We have tried pitching live blue runners out after missing a bite or marking fish but sometimes ended up with big amberjack that are mixed in with the wahoo.
When the bite is really on we try to keep it as simple as possible.
WINTER WAHOO RECAP
Yo-Zuri Bonitas & Ilander/Ballyhoo in your spread
Rig lures with multistrand cable like 49-strand
Keep lures out after strike for multiple hook ups
Best bite is very early in the morning
Gulf Coast Mariner Magazine Takes Home 1st Place Heaviest Stringer Guided at the Ladies Casting for Conservation Fishing Tournament for Second Year in a Row
(From left to right) Colie Blumenshine, Bob Drisgill, and Kelly Groce took home 1st place Heaviest Stringer – Guided for the second year in a row at the 2017 Ladies Casting for Conservation fishing tournament.
Bob Drisgill of Mangus II Charters was their guide again for this year’s tournament. The beginning of the day started out slow with storms brewing in the distance, but they managed to dodge all the rain. Around 10:30am things changed and they caught trout from 20-25 inches. Colie Blumenshine ended up catching her personal best trout which was 25 inches.
Ladies Casting for Conservation is a fun fishing tournament and also raises funds to keep our bay beautiful. We would like to thank the Galveston Bay Foundation and all the other sponsors of this tournament for putting on a great event. The ladies were especially excited about their new Castaway Rods that they won along with their plaque. We at Gulf Coast Mariner Magazine are looking forward to being a sponsor and participating in next year’s tournament.
Colie Blumenshine’s personal best trout, 25 inches.
Houston Open One Design Regatta
At the Houston Yacht Club Sept. 23-24
All one design sailors mark your calendars for the HOOD Regatta. The Houston Open One Design Regatta is Sept. 23-24 at the Houston Yacht Club. Our sponsors for the 2017 event are Mount Gay Rum, Quantum Sails, Dripping Springs Vodka, Bloody Revolutions, KO Sailing, City of LaPorte and West Marine. We are expecting as many as 100 boats and 350 sailors to participate. Classes anticipated to sail are J22, J24, J29, J70, J80, J105, J109, Pulse 600, RS Aero, and Ensign. There will be a youth line, as well. The racing will take place on three race courses on Galveston Bay.
The Skipper’s meeting will be held Friday night, with racing on Saturday and Sunday. Awards will be given out on Sunday afternoon. Each boat registered will receive a skipper’s pouch from Quantum Sails and a tech shirt. This will be the largest regatta on Galveston Bay this year, so please don’t miss it.
Whether you are paddling out to some waves, setting hooks on fish, or just chilling at the beach, these swimsuits and fishing wear will keep you covered.
BIKINIS
(from left to right)
REEL SKIPPER – The Coral Scale bikini from Reel Skipper is perfect for women who fish since it has active moisture wicking and is made with Lycra material. The criss cross back top provides comfort and support. This bikini comes in a coral scale print to satisfy your inner mermaid and is also reversible. www.reelskipper.com
JOLYN – The Vent top from Jolyn features a keyhole front to let water through during swimming as well as tie straps for a perfect fit and great hold. The Europe bottom has a drawstring around the waist to give you superior hold. Both come in a variety of colors. www.jolynclothing.com
RIPCURL – The Classic Surf bralette bikini top from Rip Curl is a microfiber top with cross back detail and adjustable ties for maximum hold and comfort. The Classic Surf top and bottom are both perfect for mixing and matching. Available in more colors. www.ripcurl.com
FISHING APPAREL
(from left to right)
CAMO GIRL BRAND – It’s always a “Saltwater Kinda Day” when you’re wearing these soft and cool coastal colored leggings. They are high performance UPF+ 50 highly breathable leggings to keep you cool in the hottest of days on the coast. Featured above is the Mint Green Scales legging and the Salty Day leggings. www.camogirlbrand.com
REEL SKIPPER – Protecting your face and neck from the sun is a lot easier with this Tarpon print shadie from Reel Skipper. This multifunctional accessory can be worn 6 different ways and most importantly has UPF +50 solar protection.
Reel Skipper’s Coral Scale leggings made with performance fabric offers superior sun protection and performance qualities. Featuring up to UPF +50 solar protection, these leggings are lightweight, comfortable, and a fashionable way to keep the sun off of your skin. www.reelskipper.com
www.reelskipper.com
PELAGIC – The OCEANFLEX Halter by Pelagic was designed with activity in mind, so whether you enjoy fishing, paddle boarding, or runs on the beach, this performance halter will fit your active lifestyle needs. Featuring a racerback design, built-in bra, and an ergonomic-fitting elastic band, the OCEANFLEX Active Halter offers a comfortable, yet supportive fit with performance fabrics that moves with your body during whatever activity you throw at it. www.pelagicgear.com
REEL SPORTSWEAR – The Mermaid Series™ Performance Long Sleeve from Reel Sportswear features UPF +50 solar protection. Lightweight, comfortable, and the best way to keep the sun’s rays from penetrating through to your skin. Fish on mermaids! www.reelsportswear.com
The Redfish leggings from Camo Girl Brand.
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Opelousas Oyster Loaf
By Mary Alys Cherry
Capt. Darrell Weigelt
Capt. Kevin Deerman
At the Houston Yacht Club Sept. 23-24
