Don’t Let Your Sails Get Burned

By Quantum Sails

Nobody likes getting sunburned, and neither do your sails. What happens when the sun burns your sails?

If not properly protected, sunburned sails can tear while in use, stranding you and your family. Ultraviolet (UV) covers can help protect your sails and your sailing season. Even seasonal UV exposure in the Northern latitudes can cause serious problems in a short amount of time. Quantum Sails Pacific Loft Service Manager Emre Kalaycioglu has a lot of experience helping customers. Here are his tips.

WHY ARE UV COVERS IMPORTANT?

If you have a furling genoa or mainsail, you probably keep it on your rig for an extended period of time. However, the elements – especially the sun – are harmful to your sails. Over the years, the sun will begin to burn out the sail’s leech, and sunburn will appear on the sail. These sunburned areas weaken over time. While sailing, stress on the sails can cause the threads to break in the weaker areas. A proper UV cover can protect your investment from the damaging UV rays of the sun.

HOW DO I TAKE CARE OF THE UV COVER?

A common misconception is that when a UV cover is installed it will last forever, but the sail cover actually needs to be maintained to last.

Something that most people overlook about their UV covers is how often they need to be re-stitched in order to last. While the UV cover can last anywhere from 4-8 seasons – depending greatly on exposure and maintenance – the thread may only last about half the lifespan of the cover, as it degrades faster than the cover itself. Bringing your sails into your local Quantum Sails loft to have the covers re-stitched will increase the lifespan of your UV covers and ultimately your sails.

Another common mistake most sailors make is keeping their sails hoisted on the boat for an extended period of time. It’s important to drop your sails and, whenever possible, keep them in a cool, dry place between sailing trips. To prevent the UV cover from deteriorating, wash your sails with fresh, clean water on a regular basis, then let them dry completely before refurling (washing and drying is very important for your sails, especially after a rainy season).

When leaving the boat, take extra caution to make sure your sails are set and won’t come loose with any strong winds. An extra sail tie could help prevent your sails from flogging, which will protect your sails and UV cover from extra wear and tear.

WHEN IS IT TIME TO SERVICE?

UV covers degrade with UV exposure and use. While a UV cover in New England may last anywhere from 6-8 seasons, that same cover in the Caribbean may only last 3-4 seasons.

It’s important to check over your sails at the beginning and end of every season. See if there are any chafed or damaged areas on your sail and UV cover. Be sure to check the side of the sail opposite the UV cover. If you see any color change on that side, it’s time to replace the UV cover as soon as possible, as the discoloration means the current UV cover has expired and is no longer protecting your sail against the sun. Delaying that replacement can cause extensive damage to the sail.

WHAT MATERIALS DO YOU SUGGEST FOR A UV COVER?

At Quantum Sails, we recommend Sunbrella UV Cover fabric. Our sewing machine thread we generally use is 138 Dabond thread for sewing UV covers – it’s thicker than what our competitors use, and thus lasts a little bit longer. We can also use UV stable thread, such as Tenara or SolarFix thread, but it’s considerably more expensive, so may not always be the best option.

For more great sailing tips and tricks or to learn about Quantum Sails, visit www.QuantumSails.com.

Draggin’ Up Wins the 2018 Texas Billfish Classic

Draggin’ Up were named tournament champions and won the blue marlin division with their 514 lb fish.

The Texas Billfish Classic saw continued growth in participation and a substantial increase in prize money during its third year. The TBC fleet released eight blue marlin, one white marlin, six sailfish and weighed one big blue marlin. The TBC is one of the fastest growing billfish tournaments in Texas and the only event that allows participants to leave at noon on Thursday and begin fishing right away on the same day.

Draggin’ Up, a 74’ Viking from Houston, was the only boat to weigh a blue marlin on Saturday, Aug. 4 to claim top honors in the Blue Marlin Division. Angler Sam Rasberry’s 119.5 inch blue marlin topped the scales at 514 pounds.

“We were having a slow first day with no bites, so we decided to make a move for second day. We got the bite shortly after 9 a.m.,” said Draggin’ Up Captain Kevin Deerman. “We definitely knew the fish was a keeper after second set of jumps and got the gaffs ready. Great tournament and worked out for us betting heavy in the Blue Marlin kill pots!”

In the Billfish Release Division, Bimini Babe a 74’ Viking, took home top honors with three blue marlin releases and one sailfish, while Tico Time, a 65’ Hatteras, released one blue marlin and two sailfish to finish in second place. Over-Ride, a 64’ Titan, finished in third place releasing one blue marlin.

The Bimini Babe Team was also crowned Champions of the Billfish Classic Cup. This new event was developed to reward competitive teams fishing in both the Mississippi Gulf Coast Billfish Classic and the Texas Billfish Classic. Owner Babe Appling, Captain Robert Jones and team left with an extra $10,000 and custom art to commemorate the big win!

The Tuna category was won by Clark Miller from Smoker II with a 93-pound Yellowfin. No stranger to the podium, Kurt Pantle on $EA DOLLAR$ came in second at 90 pounds, followed by Lee Bull on the REHAB at 50 pounds. A nice summer wahoo raised the bar pretty high as Jasen Gast and the REHAB crew pulled up his 51-pound fish, barely topping the second place fish brought in by Tiger Neal on the Smoker II. Brian Wood of Draggin’ Up, came in third at 29 pounds. The Dolphin category was taken with the only qualifying fish at 23 pounds by Chris Gavlick aboard the REHAB.

The Top Lady Angler was Emma Griffith on Over-Ride and the Top Junior Angler Award was presented to Ethan Middleton on the Change Order.

RESULTS:

Blue Marlin
1st- 514.0 lbs. Draggin’ Up – Angler Sam Rasberry

Catch and Release
1^st – 2,000 pts – Bimini Babe – Captain Robert Jones

2^nd – 1,000 pts – Tico Time – Captain Mike Hester

3^rd – 600 pts – Over-Ride – Captain Jacob Dawson

Tuna
1^st – 93 lbs – Smoker II – Clark Miller

2^nd – 90 lbs – $ea Dollar$ – Kurt Pantle

3^rd – 50 lbs – REHAB – Lee Bull

Wahoo
1^st – 51 lbs – REHAB – Jasen Gast

2^nd – 47 lbs – Smoker II – Tiger Neal

3^rd – 29 lbs – Draggin’ Up – Brian Wood

Dolphin
1^st – 23 lbs – REHAB – Chris Gavlick

Top Lady Angler
Emma Griffith on the Over-Ride

Top Junior Angler
Ethan Middleton on the Change Order

Saltwater Fishing Tips for Summertime Visitors

Abby Gonzalez happily shows off her trout.

By Capt. Joe Kent

Each summer, hundreds of visitors flock to the Gulf Coast for vacation and to enjoy some of the best saltwater fishing around. Many, however, are not experienced in saltwater fishing and others have had limited experience and have had difficulty catching fish.

Perhaps a few of the pointers discussed in this article will contribute to some successful fishing while here. While a few visitors have never been fishing, others have had experience freshwater fishing which they soon find out is very different than saltwater fishing.

For over 12 years I have been the fishing columnist for the Galveston County Daily News, writing a daily column about Galveston area fishing. During those years, vacationers have asked a lot of questions about how, when and where to fish and from them we will focus on those asked most frequently.

Among the most common questions are; where to fish, equipment needed and baits. Following those are questions about when to fish, where to fish without a boat, the best times to fish and fishing licenses.

Gear

Let’s start by addressing the equipment needed. For inshore fishing (bays and jetties), a medium action rod and reel equipped with 10 to 15 pound test line is the most popular choice.

Among the most popular riggings are popping corks with treble hooks. Popping corks with a leader ranging from say 15 to 28 inches in length using 20 to 40 pound test line work well. Treble hooks are the most popular, with sizes 6 to 10 being the most common. My preference is size 8.

Prepared popping corks are available at most tackle and bait shops and my recommendation to the newcomer is to start with one of those.

In the hot summer, when the water temperature is above 80 degrees, fish will tend to be deep thereby making a bottom rig the best choice. We call this bottom bumping and the rig is fairly simple consisting of a swivel, 15 to 24 inches of 20-30 pound leader and treble hook of the sizes mentioned earlier, or a small kahle hook.

Above the swivel, a slip sinker from 1/8 to 3/4 ounce should be used. The size will depend on the strength of the current and the idea is to use as small a weight as possible to get the bait near the bottom.

liveshrimphook Saltwater Fishing Tips for Summertime Visitors

Best Baits

Live shrimp and croaker are the two most popular summertime baits and for the newcomer, I recommend live shrimp. The bait camps can show you how to hook the shrimp, as it is a fairly complicated process of getting the hook just under the horn of the shrimp.

For newcomers, I do not recommend artificial baits.

Where and when to fish are not quite as easy to answer, as weather conditions have a major impact on that choice. If you are fishing from a boat, there are many spots including the jetties, Causeway Bridge area, East and West Bays, Galveston Ship Channel shorelines and gas well shell pads. The key for all of those areas is having tidal movement and at least fair water clarity.

Unfortunately, the locations are limited for those anglers without boats. Fishing piers along the beachfront, Jamail Bay Park, Seawolf Park and a few private subdivision piers are about it. For those willing to wade fish, the surf can be red hot with action during the summer. The keys to success are light wind and good water clarity.

Moon phases play into the equation, as days on both sides of the full and dark moons offer some of the best tidal movement. The best wind direction is a light to moderate southeast wind while the worst winds during the summer are from the southwest and east. Wind velocity plays a big role in both of the adverse winds, as light winds from either direction are often tolerable; however, moderate to strong velocities are usually just not worth fighting.

A saltwater fishing license and stamp are needed and can be purchased at sporting goods stores, many bait shops and online at tpwd.texas.gov. Try to get your licenses ahead of time to avoid delays on the morning of your trip.

Hopefully the information above will help you have a productive fishing trip while enjoying the many attractions that the Texas Gulf Coast has to offer.

Yellowfin Tuna Lures After Dark

Tie on one of these proven tuna lures when drifting near semi-submersible platforms in the Gulf of Mexico.

Color: Mackerel. Available in 6 and 8 inch sizes.

Yo-Zuri Bull Pop

Yo-Zuri has upgraded the new Bull Pop with patented Power Body, 3X treble hooks and through wire construction to give it the durability to handle the biggest Texas tuna. The large cupped mouth creates extreme surface commotion that draws fish in from long distances.

wombat laser Yellowfin Tuna Lures After Dark

Color: Laser purple. Available in mini and full sizes.

OTI Wombat

OTI’s Wombat Chugger produces explosive topwater action to excite large tuna and trigger strikes. These poppers come fully rigged and ready to fish with Raptor XH split rings and Raptor 4X treble hooks.

Color: Pilchard. Available in over 10 colors and 3 sizes.

Halco Max 130

Look to the Halco Max 130 when tuna won’t commit to surface lures. This versatile Australian lure can be trolled but is best cast with spinning gear and steady retrieved during your drift.

Color: Black. Available in 7 colors and 3 sizes.

Shimano Pop Orca

Shimano’s Orca popper features a unique “Bubble Chamber” open mouth design based on how a jet engine turns low pressure into high pressure. Water flows through the hole at the top of the lure to create a unique bubble trail and splash. Less effort is required to work compared to traditional poppers.

FishHide Sportswear

Meet Texan native and saltwater enthusiast Bryan Barnard, creator of FishHide, innovative fishing apparel that allows you to hide in plain sight.

Interview by Kelly Groce

Can you start by telling our readers a little bit about yourself?

Around the early 90’s I started venturing off with a high school buddy going to Port O’Connor when we were old enough to drive. First night was sleeping in the bed of the truck stealing showers late at night at the Texaco (Fishing Center) from the water hose. Night two we treated ourselves to a $40 room at the Port Motel. We would fish ALL day, crush Josie’s Mexican Food for dinner, then fish with super light weight rods for the worlds biggest hard heads off the Fishing Center Docks. In 2011, I got my captains license hoping I could earn some extra money while having fun and paying for my extreme fishing habit. I guess you could say some of the early thoughts about Fishhide came from those days of guiding.

When did you create FishHide and why?

Ultimately Fishhide was created to fill the need of being able to be seen when desired but blending into your background so not to unnecessarily spook any redfish you might be tracking. I was prefishing the possum tournament in August 2011 in Mule Slough (POC), the guys had dropped me off near a boat lane but far enough away that I wouldn’t get run over or so I thought. Not too long after they left a boat did come within 25 yards of me without even noticing me and that gave me a cause for concern for the next day when we were going to be dropped off even earlier. The next morning I had decided to wear a highway vest in order to be seen by the spotlights the boaters were using to navigate through the backwaters. I can tell you it definitely worked when a boat came towards me held the spotlight on me for at least 10 seconds and then change course giving me plenty of room. I was very proud of my decision and I felt very confident that I could start fishing without having too much to worry about. As the sun starting to come up I was chasing redfish in calf deep water moving slowly and quietly as I could, but I could not seem to get close to them. It dawned on me that the sun was reflecting off my highway vest and making me stand out like a Roman candle. I took the highway vest off put it in my belt and proceeded to catch big enough fish to help put us in second out of 52 boats.

What makes your fishing apparel unique from others?

FishHide is a TRUE performance fishing shirt. Meaning it comes included with: • 2 chest pockets • Comfort cuffs with thumb holes (acts as gloves) • Built in lens cloth • Built in sun collar • Built in kill switch loop • SPF 50 micromesh material that dries fast and is breathable.

FishHide Outdoors founder, Bryan Barnard, with a nice redfish.

What’s your favorite lures to throw for inshore fishing?

I have narrowed down my favorite lures to Corky’s, Down South Lures, Home Recker Paddle Tails, Paul Brown Devil Flappers and topwaters. Oh, and 3” Gulp! Shrimp for those flatties.

What can we expect to see in the future from FishHide?

Fishhide will likely officially change names from Fishhide Sportswear to Fishhide Outdoors in 2018 or early 2019 due to some other nonapparel gear coming out. Stay tuned with Fishhide on Facebook and Instagram to follow along with my new product that should come out summer of 2018.

www.fishhidesportswear.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/fishhidesportswear
Facebook: www.facebook.com/Fishhide

Hot and Getting Hotter!

Dr. Tantuco and family after a day of red hot speckled trout fishing with Capt. Dillman.

By Capt. David C. Dillman

galvestonbaycharterfishing.com | 832-228-8012

Summer has finally arrived here along the Texas Upper Coast. This June, the Galveston/Houston area broke record or near record high temperatures on several days. But the trout fishing in June was really good. As the heat sets in the next two months, the trout action will only get hotter!

As the doldrums of summer set in, the water temperature rises in the bay. This rise will cause trout to seek the deep water structure Galveston Bay affords them. In July, the area known as the Exxon A-Lease should be loaded up with trout. The deep water structure of shell pads near these numerous gas wells will hold the fish to this area. Any given well in this location can be productive but some wells are better then others.

The shell pads located adjacent to the ship channel will see its share of trout too. Some of the oyster reefs are marked by PVC pipe. Some reefs must located using your depth sonar. Channel markers 50-62 are popular areas to fish in July.

In August, trout will begin their annual migration north. There will still be plenty of fish in the areas mentioned earlier. Some fish will move farther up the channel, staging on the reefs from markers 66-72 and around the tip of Atkinson Island. The wells located in the middle of Trinity Bay will also see an increase in the population of trout. These wells, just as the wells in the A-Lease, provide good structure for the fish. Trinity is a big open bay that can get rough, so plan fishing the open water there according to the wind speed and your boat’s capability.

Live natural baits work best in the heat of July/August. Live croaker and shrimp are the baits of choice this time of year. Croakers should be fished on the bottom, while shrimp can be used on the bottom or under a popping cork.

Eagle Point Fishing Camp in San Leon offers easy access to all of these areas and has a great supply of live bait during this time of year. They can be reached at 281-339-1131 for updates on conditions and bait. Enjoy the heat of the summer and its hot fishing! Remember to drink plenty of water and stay hydrated!!

Zodiac Open 5.5 RIB

A true Swiss Army knife,the Zodiac Open 5.5 RIB is perfect for a wide range of recreational activities. Photo: Romain Sandt

Zodiac-Nautic Introduces the New Open 5.5 RIB

Z Marine North America (Zodiac Nautic), a subsidiary of world-leading inflatable and Rigid Inflatable Boat (RIB) manufacturer Z Nautic Group (Zodiac), has announced the launch of the new Zodiac OPEN 5.5 in the Americas. The versatile, 17’7” RIB made its debut at an exclusive, day-long media event in greater Charleston, S.C., home to the facility where Zodiac RIBS are assembled in America.

An adventurer-style Rigid-Hull Inflatable Boat (RIB) with sleek lines, the new OPEN 5.5 offers a perfectly ergonomic cockpit and an exceptional reinforced deep-V hull, with control and stability even in rough conditions.

“The Open 5.5 fully expresses Zodiac’s DNA. Its versatility makes it a unique concept, matched nowhere else on the market, in line with its new slogan: ‘Keep Exploring’,” said Dominique Heber-Suffrin, CEO of the Zodiac Nautic Group.

“With its highly stable hull and tube, the OPEN 5.5 offers comfort and extra-large cargo storage. Its versatility and performance make this RIB well-suited for a variety of activities, including fishing, diving, water-skiing and cruising,” said Zodiac Nautic North America President Gary Durnan. “This is a real Swiss-Army knife of a boat.’

For more information, please visit www.zodiac-nautic.com

About Zodiac

For 120 years, Zodiac has been making every moment on the water an unforgettable adventure. With extensive production, distribution and customer service operations worldwide, Zodiac is the world’s largest and oldest manufacturer of RIBs, inflatable boats, life rafts and safety equipment. With over 1 million boats sold, Zodiac is positioned and ready to help you Keep Exploring!

CCA Galveston’s Annual Ladies Fishing Tournament

By Kelly Groce

On June 23, CCA Galveston put on their 3rd Annual Ladies Fishing Tournament. The captain’s meeting and weigh-in was held at the beautiful Pelican Rest Marina on Offatts Bayou in Galveston.

The wind was blowing about 20 mph for the tournament which made fishing tough, but all the ladies still had a great time and some managed to bring nice fish to the weigh-in. Besides the standard weigh-in categories such as Heaviest Trout and Redfish, there was Redfish With the Most Spots, Blackjack Trout (trout closest to 21”, but not over), and Heaviest Trash Fish.

The trophies were unique since they were supposed to be used for last year’s tournament which was cancelled due to Hurricane Harvey. Each trophy had a “Harvey Make-Up 2018” tag on it. CCA Galveston also had some great raffle items including fishing rods from Waterloo, reels from Concept 13 and Shimano, Engel and Game Guard coolers, Foreverlast wading gear, and more.

This tournament is not only a fun time, it raises money for the Coastal Conservation Association Galveston Chapter to allow them to continue to conserve, promote and enhance the present and future availability of our coastal resources for the benefit and enjoyment of the general public.
Next year, fishing starts as soon as the captain’s meeting ends, which many anglers are excited about! Thanks again to CCA Galveston President Dr. Ken Ellis, Treasurer Karen LaRue and all the nice folks who worked hard to put this tournament together. Can’t wait to participate next year!

1st place flounder CCA Galvestons Annual Ladies Fishing Tournament

Marina Bar & Grill at GYB

Enjoy a great view of the water from Marina Bar & Grill located at the Galveston Yacht Basin.

By Xander Thomas

A new haven for fishermen and boaters has come to Galveston Island. Marina Bar and Grill opened just over a year ago on the Galveston yacht basin, and is an ideal spot to relax for anyone out on the water for the day or for folks looking for a bite or a beer in a calm, friendly atmosphere. Owner, Paul Murdoch, says they do see the sailors and anglers often.

“They love it here” said Paul Murdoch, “they can come in from fishing and they don’t have to leave the basin to get something to eat and have a beer”

Enjoy an ice cold beer after a hot day out on the water. Photo by Xander Thomas.

Opened in mid-2017 by husband and wife duo, Michele and Paul Murdoch, Marina Bar and Grill is a small, outdoor place where people can look out on the water, have a few drinks and watch the yachts or listen to the birds.

The menu is comprised of mostly hearty foods, like burgers, fish n’ chips, po-boys, chili and pastas, and includes some appetizers for less hungry guests, too, but most of these are heavy snacks as well. For those up a little earlier in the day, there is a breakfast menu also made up mostly of foods meant to stick with you through a busy morning.

He did inspire them to bring in an authentic version of fish n’ chips from Scotland. Although he says it is spicier than what you will find across the pond.

Paul says that there wasn’t really a reason why they chose the yacht basin specifically; or even Galveston; except that it’s where they live. He says the location was chosen just because the property was up for lease when they were ready to open their restaurant. Of course, the beautiful view of the water didn’t hurt their decision.

“We just fell in love with it” he said, “and the chance came to open up this place, we just took the chance.”

Interestingly, Paul was not even much of a cook himself to begin with, but Michele says he turned out to be a great chef! He just thought it was an interesting idea to open a restaurant. Michele, however, came up with some of the recipes that they used for the menu, like the fried brussels sprouts and the crab and jalapeno hushpuppies.

It isn’t to say that Paul has no credit in the menu; he did inspire them to bring in an authentic version of fish n’ chips from Scotland. Although he says it is spicier than what you will find across the pond.

“The only people not turned on by it are people from the UK” he said with a laugh, “it’s too spicy for them!”

He did it this way because, as he says, Texans love their spicy foods, nothing bland for us here!

So what is it on the menu that Paul recommends?

“Everything’s really good” he said with confidence. “There isn’t anything that doesn’t sell”

But if he must give a recommendation, he says that you can’t go wrong with the fish n’ chips, or for the smaller appetites, go for the hushpuppies or gator bites.

Aside from good food, he also promises a quick meal if you don’t have the time to wait.

“Not everybody wants to come and sit and take an hour for lunch” he said, “it’s not fast food, but it’s quick food.”

Along with a great meal with a nice view, though, a major draw of this spot is the calm and quiet. Since they are not on the “tourist trap travel” as he calls it, the patrons here enjoy a break from the hustle and bustle that can be other parts of the island.

“Just try it out, I guarantee you, you’ll like it” he said, “You’ll come back.”

Marina Bar & Grill is located at 715 N. Holiday Dr., Galveston TX, 77550.

The Galley: Summertime Herbs & Grilling

By Betha Merit

Summer is in full swing! Time for grilling and refreshing drinks by the pool. Fresh herbs abound, perhaps in your own garden. Each of these recipes employs a different savory choice for a palate awakening experience. It’s a great way to discuss the nuances of herbal flavors, and discover which are the favorites.

Many offshore fresh catch options are available, including red snapper, mahi-mahi, tuna and cobia. And of course veggies are offered everywhere, from the supermarket to the farmer’s market. Enjoy these recipes one at a time or all together, if your tastebuds dare.

strawberry basil vodka soda The Galley: Summertime Herbs & Grilling

Strawberry Basil Infused Vodka Soda

3 strawberries sliced
3 basil leaves plus more for garnish
1 ounce wild strawberry vodka
6-8 ounces club soda
Ice

Place strawberry slices and basil in bottom of glass. Add vodka and muddle well with a wooden spoon. Let sit for a few minutes. Fill glass 1/2 full of ice, then fill with club soda. Splash with more wild strawberry vodka. Stir and enjoy.

tuna steak The Galley: Summertime Herbs & Grilling

Garlic & Thyme Tuna Steaks

4 tuna steaks (6 oz. each)
2 TBSP fresh lemon juice
1 TBSP olive oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 1/2 tsp minced fresh thyme
salt & pepper

In a resealable 1 gallon plastic bag, add lemon juice, oil, garlic and thyme and mix. Add the tuna and seal bag, turning over to coat. Refrigerate up to 30 minutes, turning occasionally.

Remove tuna from bag, and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Drain and discard the bag. Grill tuna, covered, over medium-hot heat or broil 4 in from the heat for 3-4 minutes on each side for medium-rare or slightly pink center.

Grilled Asparagus

1 pound asparagus, stalks trimmed
3 TBSP butter, cut into small pieces
1 TBSP chopped parsley
salt, pepper, garlic powder to taste
lemon wedges

Preheat grill to medium high heat or an oven to 425 degree F. Divide the asparagus evenly among squares. Sprinkle with chopped parsley, salt, pepper, and garlic powder to desired amount. Divide butter pieces among each square. Fold the foil into sealed packets. Grill for 15 minutes, flipping once. Or bake in oven for 12-15 minutes.

Carefully open the foil packets and stir to make sure the butter and seasonings are evenly coated. Squeeze with lemon wedges if desired.

Creamy Cucumber Dill Weed Salad

2 large cucumbers, halved and sliced
1/4 to 1/3 cup sliced red onion
1/4 cup greek yoghurt, plain
1/4 cup white vinegar
1 Tablespoon dill weed
salt & pepper to taste
1 clove garlic, minced
1 teaspoon honey or sugar

Mix all ingredients in a large bowl. Let salad chill in refrigerator for 30 minutes.

Down South Lure Weedless Rigging

By Brandon Rowan

This is a great way to rig a Down South Lure when fishing for flounder that are super tight to rocks, pilings or heavy shell. Fish as close as you want to structure with confidence and lose less tackle. Just be sure to tuck the barb of the hook back into the plastic and set the hook like you mean it.

bobberstoptung Down South Lure Weedless Rigging

STEP 1

Pull your rubber sinker stop onto your line. Add your tungsten bullet weight (1/8 oz., 1/4 oz. or 3/8 oz.) and slide both up your line, giving yourself plenty of room to tie on your hook.

STEP 2

Tie on a Gamakatsu 2/0 EWG worm hook with your preferred knot.

STEP 3

Push the hook into the head of your Down South Lure, about the length of the hook’s offset shank, then push the hook through the underside of the lure and thread up onto the shank.

STEP 4

Lay the hook against the plastic and visually mark where to push the hook back up through the lure. Push the hook through the belly and up through the top of the lure. Bury the tip of the hook back into the plastic. The lure should lay naturally when rigged correctly. Slide down your rubber stop and peg the weight to the lure. This keeps the entire rig compact and less likely to catch rocks or other snags.

Gulf Coast Marine Powers into Clear Lake

By Rick Clapp

Well-known boat dealers Gulf Coast Marine have come to Seabrook. This legend of the marine industry, trusted since 1954, is now located on the shores of Clear Lake.

The Holmes family and owners of Gulf Coast Marine are very proud of their impeccable reputation in selling premium center console fishing boats with ‘moves’ like Everglades, Contender, World Cat, Sea Hunt and Tiburon.

Gulf Coast Marine prides themselves on customer service, repair and working long term with their valued customers. They are very excited to be working with their experienced and highly trained staff of their own and the Endeavor Marine Group.

According to marine maven and manager Richard Branscomb, their goal is find you the premium boat that is perfect for you and your needs. They also want you to enjoy what they call the ‘Ultimate Boating Experience.’ They have been delivering this promise since the first day that the esteemed Bill Holmes Sr. started this business 64 years ago. Son of the founder, Bill Holmes Jr. continues to carry on the family integrity in boating and marine sales. There is no substitute when it comes to their reputation and good name.

They have three locations; Corpus Christi, Hitchcock and now Seabrook. The Holmes family had the vision to see and understand the affluent Seabrook market. Our region is the third largest boating community in the nation. Their goal is to be the best boat sales and repair on Clear Lake.

Gulf Coast Marine will work closely with the talented team at Endeavor Marina. The soft opening for the Seabrook location will be early this July.

The Holmes family has made a major commitment to our community. It will enhance and increase our economic development and our image in the marine industry. They also promise to support local community programs.

Look to Gulf Coast Marine and enjoy the ultimate boating experience they will provide. Visit them online at www.gcmboats.com

Fighting the Good Fight Against Sail Stretch

Stretch is an unfortunate reality of woven sails. Quantum’s David Flynn takes a deeper dive on the topic and explains why it’s a problem, how it happens, and how to fight it.

The number one enemy of woven sail performance is stretch. Of course, the definition of performance may vary for cruising sailors, but performance is really more about control over heel and weather helm and optimizing upwind angles and less about boat speed (though that is not a bad thing). Performance is also very much about the functionality of the systems you rely on to make sailing easier–the furling system for your headsail or the in-mast or in-boom system for your mainsail. Stretched sails threaten the functionality of all these systems and ultimately your sailing experience.

WHAT STRETCH DOES TO PERFORMANCE

If your sails stretch and the shape becomes fuller as the breeze builds, all sorts of bad things happen. When sails are too full, they become harder to trim and will cause you to heel more than you should or want to, and the boat becomes difficult to control. Balance is lost and you get more weather helm, causing you to have to fight the helm.

Bad sail shape also compromises your ability to sail upwind. Full, bloated sail shapes are a particular liability if your destination happens to lie to weather.

Stretched sails can cause issues with your sail handling systems. I challenge you to find a cruising boat that doesn’t use at least a headsail furling system and depend on one sail to be big and powerful in light air, but flat and small in heavy air. Nowhere is there a better case for less stretch. Have you ever had an in-mast furling system jam up as the sail bunched and creased, making it impossible to roll in or out? The culprit was probably stretch. In-mast sails must remain flat and smooth or they won’t roll up properly in the small cavity provided. In-boom systems also have a small space in which to stuff a lot of sail. They rely on precise boom-and-batten angles to get everything to line up and fit in. If the leech stretches and the angles change, the system doesn’t work.

Think about the wasted effort of pulling on the furling line when your sail is stretched. The sail has to stop stretching before anything moves. Everything works better with less stretch. (Think about that for control lines as well). In the end, the functionality of all furling systems is compromised by stretch.

WHY WOVEN SAILS STRETCH

If you look closely at your woven sail material, you will notice hundreds of small, woven fibers. The fibers go over and under the fibers running in the opposite direction. This distortion is called crimp. When the sail is put under load, the fibers have to straighten out or stretch before they can begin to bear load.

Since stretch is a function of load, the bigger the boat the higher the loads, and the more difficult it becomes to maintain flat, clean shapes–especially over the life of the sail. There are very few woven sails built for boats over 70 feet today. The loads make composites the only reasonable option.

HOW TO BATTLE STRETCH

The good news is you can combat stretch; the bad news is that it is a never-ending battle. Every time you hoist a brand new woven sail, it will stretch. The more load you carry, the more it will stretch. The way to prevent your sails from becoming too stretched is to monitor their sail shape with photos, and work with your sailmaker to have the sail periodically recut. As long as the sail material is in good condition, a sailmaker can remove the excess fabric and bring it back to approximately 90 percent of its original shape.

If you’re in the market for new sails, composite–or membrane–sails are an excellent choice for cruisers. They are more costly upfront, but they resist stretch much better than woven materials as they are made with unwoven, bigger fibers. These fibers are protected with classic woven polyester (called taffeta in the trade) exterior skins. These lightweight outer layers protect against chafe, wear, and UV damage. There is usually a layer of polyester film inside, too. The film is equally strong in all directions, so it can help support the off thread line, or bias loads.

Whether you opt for a modern composite sail or stick with the trusty woven variety, following sail care best practices is always important. Here are some tips to help battle stretch and keep your sails lasting as long as possible:

Protect your sails from unnecessary exposure to sunlight and heat. The sun might not stretch your sail, but UV rays are a sail’s nemesis and can burn the material, rendering it unusable and disqualified for a recut when the time comes.
Avoid prolonged luffing and flogging. Flogging must be avoided since it will shake out the resin that holds the weave together.
Motor with your sails down unless they can be filled.
Never back a genoa against the spreaders when tacking.
Use the correct halyard tension. Halyard tension changes as a function of apparent wind velocity. Add just enough tension to remove horizontal wrinkles as the apparent wind increases. Ease when the apparent wind velocity drops.
Protect from chafe. Make sure spreader and chafe patches are in the right place.
Take sails off the boat when it is out of the water or not in use or for any extended period of time.
Periodically rinse sail with fresh water. Annual professional servicing and washing is recommended.
Store sails dry. Be sure roller furling sails are well secured when leaving the boat.

As your sailmaker, we’re here to help you fight the battle against stretch and make sure you get the most out of your investment. We are always a phone call away to arm you with information and help guide you to the best solutions.

Contact Quantum Sails Gulf Coast at gulfcoast@quantumsails.com or 281-474-4168 to learn more about how to combat sail stretch. You can also visit QuantumSails.com for more great tips and tricks to help you meet all of your sailing challenges.

Sanctuary Identified as Manta Nursery

Where do young manta rays spend their time? Finally, researchers have an answer: Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary.

In a paper published in Marine Biology, Dr. Nancy Foster Scholar Joshua Stewart and sanctuary researchers Marissa Nuttall, Emma Hickerson, and Dr. Michelle Johnston suggest that Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary and the area surrounding it may represent the first documented nursery habitat for oceanic manta rays (Manta birostris) and a potential new species of manta (Manta cf. birostris).

In light of the fact that oceanic manta rays were recently listed as threatened under the Endanger Species Act, this is quite significant. The protections provided within the sanctuary keep juvenile mantas relatively safe from threats affecting them in other parts of the world.

We always knew this place was special. This new finding just makes it more so!

The 37th Annual South Padre Island Chamber of Commerce Ladies Kingfish Tournament

The 37th Annual South Padre Island Chamber of Commerce Ladies Kingfish Tournament will be held on August 10-12, 2018.

The tournament is divided into two divisions, Bay and Offshore. Anglers fishing in the Bay Division will vie for trophies in the categories of Redfish, Trout and Flounder, while anglers in the Offshore Division complete in the categories of King, Bonito, Blackfin Tuna and Dolphin. Trophies will be awarded to the first four places in each category and Grand Champion Bay and Grand Champion Offshore winners will also receive trophies. Trophies will be original unique artwork from famed artist Dinah Bowman. NOTE: To qualify for Grand Champion an angler must bring in one of each fish listed in the category they are fishing in. In the event all qualifying fish are not brought in the division, the next highest number brought in will qualify.

The tournament kicks off Friday, August 10 with check-in and on-site registration from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the SPI Convention Centre. On Saturday, fishing begins at 6:30 a.m. Sea Ranch Marina II at SouthPoint is where all the action will be with Bay division weigh-in from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Offshore weigh-in from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Sea Ranch Marina II at SouthPoint provides a large viewing and parking area for family and friends, and anyone else that would like to see who brings in the biggest fish. The Sunday Awards Luncheon will be held at SPI Convention Centre beginning at 11:00 a.m. All participants are invited to attend.

Early registration fees are $95.00 per angler. The registration fee includes an event bag and lunch at the Sunday awards ceremony. The early registration fee for Captains/Boat Operators, Deckhands and Guests is $25.00 and includes lunch at the awards ceremony on Sunday. Registration fees increase to $100.00 for anglers and $30.00 for Captains/Boat Operators, Deckhands and Guests after July 13. All anglers and their Captain/Boat Operators, Deckhands and Guests must be paid registrants of the tournament and have completed release forms on file with the SPI Chamber of Commerce. Tickets may also be purchased at the door for Sunday Lunch for $25.00 per person. Food will be available only with a ticket.

Join us for the 37th Anniversary Ladies Kingfish Tournament and start your own Island tradition.

If you would like additional information about the tournament please contact the South Padre Island Chamber of Commerce at 956.761.4412 or info@spichamber.com

Fishing Apparel for the Lady Angler by Huk

Art by Bill Edwards and Beafish Designs

Interview with Jan Edwards

Tell us about yourself and Bill’s passion for photography, fishing and nature.

Bill and I met in 1981 when I interviewed for a position in General Electric’s renowned inhouse advertising agency. They told me there was an opening in the Louisville office and that I would be meeting with the creative director, Bill Edwards. (It should have been a red flag to me about his punctuality that I waited THREE HOURS for him at the airport, but that’s another story!) What struck me during my visit to their office were his hands: they were thick and masculine but moved in an artistic way I’d never seen before. I just remember noticing the pen in his hand as he sketched something out and wondered if I was completely in over my head in the creativity department.

After we married in 1986, he became the creative director for McCann Erickson’s office in Dallas. While his business strengths were in branding and corporate identity, his personal creative expression increasingly developed through his photography. He had a long contract with Getty Images, shooting anything that might lend itself to use in advertising — and since he took off for the coast for offshore fishing every chance he could, the ocean became his subject more often than not.

How did Bill get the idea to convert his photography into his beautiful PhotoArt?

We moved to Houston in 2001 and Bill began to spend more time down in Galveston and Port Aransas. He was frustrated with corporate America having gone through a cycle of layoffs and was looking for a way to combine his passions. He was experimenting with his camera and Photoshop, and seemingly “stumbled” onto something extraordinary. The first one he completed was a tuna – he spun his computer around and said to me, “Well, what do you think about this?” We both knew he’d “hooked into a big one.”

He created a few pieces and placed them in galleries along the Gulf Coast. After Hurricane Ike demolished the Strand, he joked that he was famous because he had art “all up and down the coast.”

But he persevered, and the then owner of Galveston Outfitters suggested Bill start putting his art on apparel. He began with his signature “Double Dot Redfish” and it took off. The colors are so vibrant and complicated, it’s actually very difficult for silkscreeners to get it right, but Bill was always on press guaranteeing that they did.

Also, the logo itself is one of his best. The B-E- A stands for Bill Edwards Art, but it became his battle cry and mantra after he was diagnosed with stage four metastatic cancer in 2009. His courage and attitude were inspirational, and led him to pen the statement for what Beafish means: “It’s about the wide open sea and the great outdoors – and the ability to use our God-given talents to make a difference in the lives of others. So when life sends you downstream, swim upstream and make a splash!”

He fought so hard, but in his passing, we believe his story and art are even more inspirational and important.

Shortly after he died, Gulf Coast Conservation Association contacted me about putting his crab art on a serving tray for their auctions. I’d never even seen it before, but then I found an external hard drive with lots of art I’d never seen. Our daughters and I decided we’d do what we could to make sure his art can live on.

Last year we expanded into dri-fits, and the response has been fantastic. It seems to be where the market is going, and customers value the fabric quality and SPF factor.

What can we expect to see in the future from Beafish Designs?

More apparel, for sure – different colors and new designs. But we’d also like to use the art on home décor and beach accessories.

Where can people purchase Beafish Deisgns apparel and prints?

In Houston, they are currently exclusively in Berings, but we’re actively looking for more retailers in the Bay Area, particularly in Kemah or Galveston. Our apparel is also carried in Rockport‘s Tackletown and Port Aransas’ Fish Tales, although the latter has not yet re-opened after Harvey. We also plan on participating in the Galveston Shrimp Festival again. Limited pieces of art and apparel are available online at www.beafishdesigns.com.

Columbia Fishing Gear

Outfit your next fishing adventure with state-of-the-art gear from Columbia.

Megavent™ II PFG Shoe

It dries quickly, drains water easily, and laces up fast. The latest Megavent™ hybrid shoe is made for the professional angler who needs an outsole that grips when wet, an upper that resists stains, and an overall design that performs when the excitement hits.

PFG Blood and Guts III Convertible Pant

With a quick zipper pull, these pants convert into an 8.5″ inseam short that lets you adapt to changing conditions. They’re crafted from a lightweight yet durable nylon ripstop fabric that repels angling stains, resists harsh UV rays, and dries fast so you won’t get soggy.

Flycaster LS Hoodie

New from Columbia, this long sleeve shirt with Omni-Wick and Omni-Shade UPF 30 technology has a built-in hood that will keep you cool and protected.

PFG Mesh Snap Back Ball Cap

Built with a cool-wearing mesh back and moxie fish flag graphic, this hard-working PFG ball cap keeps the sun off your face as you reel ’em in—or run errands around town. A classic adjustable snap-back closure lets you dial in the perfect fit.

2018 Texas Outlaw Challenge

Countdown to the “Biggest Performance Boating Event in Texas” has begun!

One of the most respected and popular speedboating events in North America, the Texas Outlaw Challenge will kick off its 11th Annual event June 20- 24. The 2018 event is again upping the ante with more excitement and public events. The event of the season features million-dollar performance powerboats and offers the opportunity not only to see, but to hear the roar of thunderous horsepower, and feel the chills and adrenaline pumping through your veins as you experience performance power boating at its best.

This significant Texas performance boating event has the support of seven local Texas cities and city councils, including Seabrook, Nassau Bay, Kemah, El Lago, Pasadena, Clear Lake Shores, League City and Galveston, and is a U.S. Coast Guard Permit approved event.

The Texas Outlaw Challenge supports the local community and businesses with a substantial economic impact that is estimated well over $1 million each year. A more significant impact to the economy is anticipated in 2018 with the added attractions of Formula One racing and expanded public events – a fantastic boost to the local economy.

The Texas Outlaw Challenge responsibly supports several local charities, donating over $100,000 since 2008 including $50,000 donated to Harvey Relief through generous event participant and sponsor donations. These proceeds help the following local charities: Shriners Children’s Hospital, The Bridge Women’s Shelter, Boys & Girls Harbor, Clear Creek Environmental Foundation, Kemah Lions Club, Seabrook Rotary, Seabrook Marine Group, Galveston-Houston Families Exploring Down Syndrome, and various Veterans groups.

The five-day high performance packed event features over 250 performance boat teams totaling over 500,000 Horsepower that will be powering into the area from coast to coast including international participation from Canada,Europe, and Dubai, to name just a few.

Huski Chocolate Superboat debut.

There will be two BIG additions to the Texas Outlaw Challenge this year.

First, the selection of our Clear Lake community to host the season opening event of the International Outboard Gran Prix Formula One boat racing circuit. Second, the unveiling of a new Superboat Unlimited race team from our hometown. Superboat Unlimited features the largest and fastest boats on the international circuit.

The team unveiling will be featured on the evening of Thursday, June 21 at the Stampede Street Party that is open to the public in the Kemah lighthouse district.

Except for race participants, the entire lake will be declared a no-wake zone during scheduled 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. race activity on Friday and Sunday. We’re expecting a massive increase in water spectating and on-shore viewing. Spectacular viewing locations will be available by ticket purchase.

Saturday will feature the Gunslinger Power Run and Boat Parade.

In between it all, check out the High Horsepower Car Show featuring exotic cars, vintage muscle, extreme race cars and participation in the Steel Horse Stampede Charity Bike Rally, both held on Saturday.

Sunday, the highly anticipated Formula 1 Finals in Clear Lake will be on display with great spectator ticket viewing areas at Water’s Edge, Villa Capri and Endeavour Marina. Pre-purchase tickets online at www.TexasOutlawChallenge.com.

Don’t miss this fantastic 5-day Texas Outlaw Challenge horsepower weekend!

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Wednesday, June 20

Welcome Outlaws – You’re in Texas NOW! – Sam’s Boat.

Thursday, June 21

6 pm – 11 pm: Stampede Street Party & Offshore Performance Display in Kemah. The highly anticipated, unveiling of the New Super Unlimited local racing team. Million Dollar Boat displays featuring cars, trucks, and boats. Walk the streets of Kemah, enjoy great Rock the Dock Entertainment at the Boardwalk.

Friday, June 22

9 am – 1 pm: Formula One – Pre-Qualifying Races and Radar Run Shootout. ESPN 2 will be featuring coverage of the Formula One Races on Friday and Sunday.

9 pm: Kemah’s Fireworks Display. Continue the evening with live bands, bars, saloons and local shops.

10 pm Miss Outlaw Bikini Contest at Cabo

Saturday, June 23

Gunslinger Poker Run

Sunday, June 24

IOGP Formula 1 FINALS

Tickets for spectator events/viewing will be available online. Pricing from $10 and up depending on the venue.

For more information, updates, registration and to buy spectator tickets online visit us at texasoutlawchallenge.com

Kayak fishing with Marine Corps Veteran and Hurricane Harvey Hero Donald Justin

Interview by Brandon Rowan

Donald Justin fishing in Iraq.

Where are you from?

I was born in Hagåtña, Guam but I grew up all over America. My dad was in the military my whole life and then I joined the military myself. I settled down here in the Galveston Bay area after I retired.

What branch of the U.S. military did you serve in?

I was in the Marine Corps. I finished service there and then joined the Army and was assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division. I was trained as a combat diver and paratrooper. I jumped out of planes and all that fun stuff. I was a machine gunner in Iraq, too – not much use for a diver in the sand. I deployed to Iraq five times between 2005 and 2011.

What do you do now that you’re out of the service?

I kayak fish a minimum four to five times a week. Sometimes I can go two to three months without missing a day of fishing.

I like to fish. It’s relaxing when I go out there. Sometimes if I spot a school of redfish I won’t even cast to them, I’ll see how long I can follow them.

But I don’t eat fish. I ate fish every day growing up, a couple times a day. I’ve fished my whole life, starting in Guam. I’ve fished all over the United States and even in Iraq.

What’s there to catch in Guam?

Mostly pelagics but also different kinds of snapper. Guam is smaller than the city of Houston and surrounded by very deep water. You can fish in 1,200 feet of water from a pier and catch tuna. The Mariana Trench is just off the shore of Guam.

What’s your favorite place you’ve ever fished?

Florida Keys. I go there twice a year. I take my wife and kids and they do “wife and kids stuff” and I go fish. My favorite place in Texas is the Port Aransas area. It’s pretty good for kayak fishing because you get other stuff besides just redfish and trout without going six or seven miles offshore like in Galveston. I just picked up a Hobie Tandem Island just to go past the breakers. I’m on a mission for kingfish this year.

Do you have a favorite fishing moment?

The first time I got my son on a fish. He had just turned 4 years old and it was just a little 15” rat red, but he brought it in on his own. He casted and reeled it in all by himself on a spiderman pole and chickenboy lure.

heroes on water Kayak fishing with Marine Corps Veteran and Hurricane Harvey Hero Donald Justin

Heroes on the Water provides no-expense kayak fishing trips for veterans.

Tell me about your involvement with the community and veterans.

For the past few years I’ve been a member of Heroes on the Water – Southeast Texas Chapter, which organizes kayak fishing trips for active-duty military and U.S. veterans. They bring the kayaks and all of the fishing equipment; they supply everything. The only thing veterans need to bring is a fishing license. They started in Texas but there are chapters all over the states.

Veterans can relax out on the water for a little peace. They don’t necessarily have to fish; some just paddle around to take a break and clear their minds. Heroes on the Water concentrates on disabled veterans, but all veterans and service members are welcome.

I fell into it because it gives you a chance to be normal and meet people who have gone through the same things you have. I go out for every event I can. They need experienced people and sometimes we lack enough volunteers.

How can a veteran or volunteer get involved with Heroes on the Water?

They can visit heroesonthewater.org for information on the closest chapter, and most chapters have a Facebook page.

I understand you put your kayak collection to work during Hurricane Harvey.

Yeah, me and two neighbors on kayaks, and a handful of neighbors on big lifted trucks, got a couple dozen people out of their homes. The water was so high in some neighborhoods that we did rescues out of second story windows

Right on. In what areas did you perform rescues?

Friendswood and Dickinson. Boats were awesome for rescue but there were dry patches in some neighborhoods. So boats would tow us as far as they could go, and we would go get people and bring them back to the boats. We even rescued nine border collies that are featured in Alpo ads and commercials.

Border Collies being rescued by Donald Justin after Hurricane Harvey.

My family was affected and actually my own border collie, Murphy, rode in my kayak that day. It was a real bad time but great to see so many good people come together. Were you affected by the storm?

I live in Webster and my whole neighborhood lucked out. Everyone came together though; cooking for people, collecting donations and opening their doors. I had three people that we didn’t know live in our house for four months. Their son has special needs and there wasn’t a place for them.

Well, aside from helping others and fishing, what else are you passionate about?

Old BMWs. I have 22 various BMWs. I’m driving a 1990 BMW today that’s probably nicer inside than most 2018 models; no stains, rips, tears…everything is flawless.

Wow, is that your favorite BMW?

No, that’s the only one I’m willing to put miles on. My favorite is my 1991 E30 318is; it was only available for one year here in the States. It’s a slick top, turboed and has everything done to it. I’m giving it to my son one day. (without the turbo).