Capt Paul Marcaccio

Courtesy is Important While Drift Fishing

2009-05-18T16:17:00.000-05:00

Each year we fishermen enjoy the many benefits to drift fishing.

As we trailer our boats toward the bay with great anticipation, we take time to discuss with each other how we are going to fish this or that particular area, and what kind if bait to use.

Keep in mind; wind direction in the city and at the water’s edge is usually 180 degrees different.

Once away from the marina, head straight for the area you wish to fish.

Upon arriving, take note of the wind direction and start your drift sideways.

By doing so, more people can fish toward the structure with the wind at their backs.

If the wind is pushing your boat too fast for you to work the bait of choice (live or artificial), there are several methods to drift.

The most commonly used is a drift anchor. It is a bright yellow or blue plastic cone, with a half-inch rope attached to straps that are connected to the top of the cone. (Approx 4 feet across)

The cone fills with water and slows down your drift. The other end is just about an 8-10 inches wide. Other materials may include a five-gallon paint bucket allowed to fill with water and trailed on a half-inch line about 20 feet long.

If you don’t have either of these handy attachments, take your anchor and set it down backwards, allowing it to drag the bottom and slow down your drift.

Earlier, I mentioned keeping the wind to your back. It is almost impossible to cast into the wind or away from the direction you are drifting. Unless you are dredging the spoils of the channel. More on that another time.

You must keep up with the slack line between you and your bait. Once you have a fish on, tell your guide or friend immediately. He will then be able to set the anchor so you and the rest of the party can cast in the general direction of the first fish that was caught.

Do not over stay in the area. A good rule-of-thumb would be about 15 minutes.

If you don’t pick up any more trout or reds, pull up the anchor and continue to drift.

Sometimes I find it more productive not to use the anchor and just drift. Each structure or reef is different.

And, remember, never leave fish. If you have been successful either by anchoring or drifting, stay in the area. The fish will feed again or they may have moved nearby.

Tidal movement and presentation of your bait are very important. If you have caught fish in the area, work it deliberately for at least an hour before moving on. You may want to return to the area when the tide turns the opposite direction.

Boating courtesy is very important when drifting. You may have had another boat anchor right in front of your drift or what we refer to as being cut off from either a boat running through your drift area, or starting up the engine as soon as you approach their boat.

Keep in mind the fish are not likely to stay in the area if you continue to make lots of noise when you decide to leave. Pick up your anchor and drift out of the area then start up the engine and begin a new drift.

Use common courtesy and look for bait activity. A trolling motor comes in handy if you need to leave, but don’t want to stay.

Remember to always have fun and enjoy being outdoors.

See y’all on Galveston Bay.

Capt. Paul Marcaccio

Weather, Water and Equipment

2009-01-09T12:54:00.003-06:00

Remember fish are cold-blooded creatures. Their bodies take on the temperature of the element (water) in which they live. Fish caught in winter feel as cold as ice, while those taken in the summer feel warm and as a result the meat spoils much faster. Weather extremes, sweltering heat in the summer and bitter cold in the winter, can make for difficult fishing.

Many people cut down on their number of fishing trips during these extremes. There is no chart that says that weather extremes make for bad fishing, but that's only if you aren't familiar with how the fish react to the weather. A point to keep in mind is the temperature of the water isn't the same in every location.

In the winter, surface water is coldest until it reaches about 38 degrees Fahrenheit and then it sinks to the bottom. Consequently, fish caught in very shallow water in a sudden freeze are often filled, whereas those caught in areas where the water is deep simply go to the bottom to escape the freeze. The cold slows the body functions of the fish and it will remain near the bottom almost in a stupor during a cold spell.

The temperature varies in bodies of water in the heat of summer, too. Shallow water becomes the warmest, and when this occurs, fish move into deep water where the temperature is more to their liking. The deeper water is where the oxygen content is more consistent, whereas in shallow areas the oxygen content depletes as the temperature rises. The rising temperature in shallow water causes an increase in the salinity level. When fishing in hot weather, you will score most consistently by and on an incoming tide. An incoming tide tends to cool the water on flats where the bulk of marine food is located. During the middle part of the day – from about 10:00am until 4:00pm – the best fishing is generally in middle parts of the bay where the water is deeper and cooler.

At this time of year some excellent speckled trout fishing can be enjoyed around the pipe stands and gas wells in lower Galveston Bay, as well as the spoil banks along the ship channel. When beachfront waters clear sufficiently for speckled trout fishing, the best time to go is early in the morning if you’re wading. After 10:00am, as the shallow surf warms, speckled trout move to deeper water, This is when you can do well fishing from the T-head of a beachfront pier. Heat of the day fishing can be very good in the deep water around the north and south jetties. Except for Spanish mackerel, ling and a few other surface feeders, the best fishing at the jetties is at the bottom of hot weather. Go on an incoming or high tide because the water exchange from the open Gulf of Mexico will be a little cooler.

Summer fishing always poses a problem for those using live bait. You need a constant circulation of water in the bait tanks. When you’re hauling bait from the bait stand to your fishing location, put chunks of ice in a Ziplock bag in the container. It will lower the temperature of the water and keep the bait from becoming over active and subsequently dying. Cool water has a calming effect on bait, especially shrimp. Cool water is important for fishermen also. Never leave the dock without plenty of drinking water for yourself. While we are on the subject of things for yourself, don’t forget your fishing bag. You know the old saying, “Don’t leave home without it.”

Unfortunate experiences linger in my memory. If you spend enough time on the water, sooner or later, you will have your own tales to tell. Most of us expect to return to the marina sometime after a full day on the water without any mishaps. We all know the weather in the afternoon will be just like the stillness and sunshine of the morning. But, sometimes it does not turn out that way. My fishing bag goes with me on every trip. The Galveston Bay complex can change quickly to thunderstorms on these pleasant days of summer and even in the winter preceding these major cold fronts. Pack an extra jacket (water-resistant), long pants and an extra cotton shirt. Also, place an extra hat, just in case. No one likes to spend the entire day out on the water without one. Everyone should carry a first aid kit. In addition, take your cellular phone with extra batteries, which can come in handy if you need to call 9-1-1. A handheld VHF radio will also suffice. In your first aid kit, place a box of matches, they can be used to start a fire if you wind up on deserted shoreline. Fishing pliers are essential. Many times I have had to use extra ones in my bag, because a friend didn’t bring his or we lost them overboard. Throw in a folding fillet knife or, if room permits, an electric fillet knife with an extension cord.

The insect life aboard my boat would amaze you. You can bet, if you start to wade fish early one morning and get close enough to the grass line without much wind, you will find a swarm of gnats, flies, live bugs or our infamous mosquitoes, feeding on your body. Any type of insect repellent (can, tube or spray) can be a skin-saver. In addition, sunblock and lip balm can keep you out of harms way in the sun. Sunglasses don’t last forever, even if they are tied around your neck. Carry an extra pair, particularly if they are prescription. If you wear bifocals, take a back-up pair. Without them it can be a long, out-of-focus day out there.

If you take food, it pays to add a little more than you intend to eat. Carry some emergency rations like candy bars, peanuts or raisins. Place them in a plastic bag. Speaking of plastic bags, throw some extra ones in your fishing bag. You’ll find plenty of uses for them, and they work well when you are packing your fillets. If you are curious as I am about how well other boats are doing, or if you just want to scan the horizon for flocks of birds, binoculars can come in handy. A small, lightweight pair will fit in the bag.

Remember that this is a small bag, not a suitcase.

Based on your own experience, you’ll probably come up with some other items that are important for your area. Of course, it pays to take an extra spool of line and maybe a good back-up reel, plus all that tackle you think you will need.

As Always, good luck and have fun outdoors.
See Y’all on Galveston Bay

Capt. Paul Marcaccio
http://www.gofishgalveston.com

Show some Courtesy to Fellow Sportsmen

2008-10-24T13:11:00.000-05:00

How many times have you said, “Man, I wish they would show some courtesy when pulling out of or into my favorite fishing spot”?

It’s an event that takes place too often on Galveston Bay, and for that matter, every other body of water. We are all trying to enjoy the outdoors. I am not without fault. I have made mistakes, rarely on purpose, but nonetheless; I have caused problems in our sport. Remember the old adage, “Been there, done that”.

Respect the other fellow on the water. He deserves a space in which to fish without interference. Our obvious selfishness frequently overrides good judgement. We all have the right to fish public waters. Just try to be courteous and set up your drift or wade fishing patterns without interfering with the other fishermen already in position.

Following this rule for the most part will keep you out of trouble most of the time.

The next rule of thumb is to move slowly and quietly either leaving or entering an area already being fished by other anglers. So many times, fishermen blast into an area criss-crossing patterns already set up by other fishermen. When leaving the area, drift out of the other’s way if you can.

Maybe use your electric trolling motor. Realizing this may take a little longer, in the long run your courtesy will be appreciated by other fishermen who may reciprocate next time for you. If you intend on another drift pattern in the same area do not power up and go around. The wake you just made will definitely interfere with other anglers’ ability to catch fish and will hamper your next drift.

Give wade fishermen a wide berth as you run the shoreline of Galveston Bay. Pushing a two-foot wake onto a chest deep fisherman is a dangerous insult and one that is repeated every weekend.

Wade fishermen are visible from a great distance. Give them as much bay as you would want if you were in their position. If you must pass closely – Because of a channel or shallow water, at least slow down. They will appreciate the gesture.

Interfering on areas that are already taken can cause awkward apologies; none of which are appreciated and the damage has already been done.

Check the wind and current and note the angle at which other boats are riding at anchor. Ease out and around up current and slip the anchor. Use a long line and drift into position.

Courtesy should exist among waders, too. Usually, a line is formed in an angle with the wind at your back, if you decide to join them, slip in at either end – not in the middle where others are already having a well-deserved rodbowing bonanza. Remember that they were there first. Take up the rear or find another spot to fish.

Some waders move faster than others, A guy soaking live shrimp is casting and retrieving at a deliberate pace, while a person throwing a spoon is trying to cover as much water as possible. If you intent on going around, announce your intentions and wade in closer to the shoreline.

Another good suggestion is that strangers catching fish do not need help as sometimes this writer has witnessed first hand. The temptation to crowd a bent rod is overwhelming, but those guys, not you, found the fish. Remember that the angler deserves a fish without interference. These guys have earned their success.

Fish move. Hold your position near them and you may get lucky as the school of trout or reds passes in your casting range. Sometimes, successful fishermen may appreciate your courtesy and wave you in. It does happen.

Some savvy anglers know that several rods can hold a hot school better than one rod. But, again, it is their decision.

Following these suggestions will keep most weekend anglers out of trouble. And, the water around us becomes a lot less crowded.

As always, have fun outdoors and good luck fishing.

See y’all on Galveston Bay.

Capt. Paul Marcaccio

Galveston-The Aftermath

2008-10-10T13:35:00.001-05:00

Myself and a dear friend Robert,drove down to Galveston island. I stopped by my mother's gravesite on 61st and all was intack.

However, the island needs years of repair and our prayers. Viewed Packo marine at the causeway,and the Galveston Basin near the ferry landing. Seems every vessel took a hit. the marina's will need lots of repair

The city will need our help. Not sure who to tell you to contact, but reach out any way you'll can in this time of need for our sister's and brother's.

Sand Dollar Auto Plex is working in Houston at their used car facility. At Edgebrook and I-45 South. Both new and used units available. See Capt Lynn Waddell.

Some beachfront businesses open now along with some food and retail.

It's difficult to understand God's will, but my faith says His ways are higher and His grace is sufficient....................

captpaul

Sunglasses are Essential Part Of fisherman’s Gear

2008-10-09T10:30:00.006-05:00

Fishermen and women alike take great pride in having the proper equipment for fishing the bay system and offshore. Sometimes, the little thinks will make a difference on the outcome of what we consider a good day’s fishin’ (catchin’).

What items of equipment would you say are the most often overlooked part of your fishing gear? Maybe an extra reel, monofilament line, sunscreen or even an extra cap? Wrong, it is your sunglasses.

I can relate to the obvious benefits of comfort, as well as helping preserve the long-term health of your eyes. Wearing sunglasses will also protect the night vision following a bright day on the water.

Studies show that exposure to strong ultra-violet light will slow your eyes’ adaptation to the dark, meaning you might not have normal night vision until several hours after the sun sets.

Intense sun bleaches the chemicals out of your retina that you use for night vision. The chemicals do recharge, but it takes time, especially if your eyes have been exposed to strong light over a period of days.

Shielding your eyes from ultra-violet (UV) rays can also slow the development of cataracts, essentially a clouding of the lens. Cataracts are caused by a host of factors, including heredity and poor nutrition. Studies indicate long-term exposure to bright sun and glare can make folks already predisposed more susceptible.

U V Standards

You can hold a sunglass lens up to the sky to see how much visible light it factors out, but you’re dependent on the manufacturers word regarding the most important aspect of sunglass performance: filtration of UV light.

Ultra-violet rays are the invisible light rays that cause sunburn and can jump start cancer and cataracts. There are three types: UVA, UVB, and UVC. UVC has the potential for causing eye damage.

The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends sunglasses that block 99 percent to 100 percent of UV light. UV absorption up to 400 nm, a measure found on some labels, is the same thing as 100 percent UV absorption.

A wide variety of coating types and colors can also filter out UV rays. Glasses that don’t seem especially dark can still provide complete or near complete UV protection.

Even sunglasses with 100 percent UV blockage can’t seal out all UV light. Moving a pair of standard sunglasses one-quarter of an inch from the forehead increases UV exposure by 4 percent, depending on the design of the glasses.

Side panels will prevent light bleeding into your eyes, but depending on the shape of your face, you’re always going to have some bleeding at the top and bottom of the lenses.

Polarization

Polarized glasses are famous for letting you see structure just below the water and fish. Polarized lenses contain microscopic mesh to diffuse reflected glare. You get a little less depth of field and contrast because of the way the light is diffused in the lens.

A higher price can buy you better optics and more durable frames. Fashionable colors and frames may also boost the price of a pair of shades, as do special features like polarization.

A quick test of lens distortion is to look through the glasses at a straight horizontal line, and then turn your head from side-to-side. If the lines seem to wobble and stretch, the lens quality is poor. Good quality sunglasses tend to have lenses made either of glass or a plastic called CR-39 or polycarbonate.

In general, glass in the most scratch resistant; plastic are lighter and more shatter resistant. CR-39 is naturally more scratch resistant than polycarbonate, which wins in the impact resistant category. Both CR-39 and polycarbonate lenses can be molded and polished to achieve a superior optical surface, neither is cheap and the CR-39 lenses tend to be expensive.

For those who still insist on tossing their glasses into the tackle box with the car keys, manufacturers have mixed up special ultra hard coatings. Always

Ask about scratch resistant coatings when you purchase that pair of sunglasses.

Remember, you have spent lots of dollars for fishing equipment. Don’t leave out one of the most important pieces of equipment the next time you go fishing. A good pair of quality sunglasses is essential and should be part of your basic tackle.

Mention that you read this article in the Gulf Coast Connection and receive a professional courtesy on your next fishing trip.

As always, have fun and enjoy the outdoors.

See you’ll on Galveston Bay.

Capt. Paul

Excellent Fishing along the Houston Channel

2008-06-03T15:05:00.005-05:00

As the water temperature heats up in excess of 72 degrees, the Houston ship channel produces solid fishing for anglers willing to understand the adverse conditions associated with fishing there.

This is the time of year to keep the channel in mind as an excellent area for trout, as well as other species such as gafftop, red drum and an occasional jackfish.

Anglers should use live shrimp or croaker. Occasionally, soft plastic shad or shrimp tails work well when trout are actively feeding.

Spoons 3/4 ounce to 1 oz and deep water diving plugs will also be choice baits when conditions merit.

Make use of your fish finder to locate areas that have flats or shell pads and place yourself in a position to drift with the current, as well as with the wind. Hopefully, both will be in the sane direction. Keep a watchful eye for slicks and pockets of bait that appear to be nervous.

Once you have hooked-up, it is time to set your anchor. This is not the time to have a short anchor line. For every foot of water beneath your boat, you should put out about five (5) feet of anchor line. For example, ten (10) feet of fishing depth, requires about 50 feet of line.

Some people may opt to use their drift anchor instead. I’ve experienced tremendous trout fishing with the use of croaker and sometimes live shrimp (more on shrimp later). The use of croaker often tests your patience and willingness to stay in the area. Let me assure you that the results will definitely jump start your heart and fill your ice chest with solid trout to seven (7) pounds.

Methods very with each and every angler and every cast.

Use a slip weight (1/4ounce to ½ ounce) depending on the currents in the area. The stronger the current, the heavier the weight. Use a 10-barrel swivel. Attach a 30-pound test leader from the leader to the hook, (wide gap or circle, use No. 4 hook). The length of the leader should be 12 inches to 18 inches.

Sometimes these trout will hit the croaker in an attempt to kill the bait and take it. Be careful not to set the hook too quickly. Other times, they will inhale the bait and move off and set the hook themselves, leaving you holding on for dear life. There have been occasions when it was necessary to literally jig the croaker much like a shrimp tail to ensure the strike. Keep your croakers separate from other live bait, if at all possible. Make use of a circular live bait well and replace the water as often as you can.

There are some bait camp operators who hold live croaker. The one that comes to mind is Eagle Point Fishing Camp in San Leon. Johnny Valentino does a tremendous job of keeping live croakers at the fishing camp. Please call before you leave home (281-339-1131). Availability of croakers depends on the pressure of the fishermen.

As I mentioned earlier, live shrimp is a good bait used under a poppin’ cork anywhere from four (4) to eight(8) feet. The Longer the distance between the shrimp and the cork, the more difficult it is to cast.

Be sure to plan your trips and have alternate spots picked out so that if one area is too crowded or no fish can be found, you can easily venture to another area.

Spoil banks are unforgiving. Ship wakes can virtually remove three (3) to four (4) feet of water in seconds, followed by a huge wave up to eight(8) feet high. This will put a damper on your fishing trip if you are not careful. But, if you insist on fishing in shallow areas along the Houston ship channel, move to deeper water when a ship wake has receded.

Another important thing to look for is the incoming and outgoing ship traffic. Take note of which direction the ship is moving and be ready to pull up your anchor and place your bow into the wake they create, or let out enough anchor line so that the boat can withstand it.

It’s a tough call sometimes, especially when you are on every cast. But, you and your friends are more important than a few fish.

As always, have fun and try not to measure your enjoyment in pounds and inches.

See y’all on Galveston Bay.

Capt. Paul Marcaccio

Vision Protection Important for Anglers

2008-05-23T14:08:00.004-05:00

What piece of equipment is often overlooked?

Maybe your landing net or an extra rod and reel.

Nope. Your sunglasses, prescription or non-prescription.

Aside from the obvious benefit of comfort, wearing sunglasses on a bright day can help protect your night vision; as well as help preserve the long-term health of your eyes.

Studies show that exposure to strong ultraviolet light will slow your eyes’ adaptation to the dark, meaning you might not have normal night vision until several hours after the sun sets.

Shielding your eyes from ultraviolet (UV) rays can also slow the development of cataracts, essentially a clouding of the lens. Cataracts are caused by a host of factors, including heredity and poor nutrition. Studies indicate long-term exposure to bright sun and glare can make folks already predisposed more susceptible.

UV Standards

You can hold a sunglass lens up to the sky to see how much visible light it factors out, but your dependant on the manufacturer’s work regarding the most important aspect of sunglass performance: filtration of UV light.

Ultraviolet rays are the invisible light rays that cause sunburns and can jump start skin cancer and cataracts. There are three types UVA, UVB and UVC. UVB has the potential for causing eye damage.

The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends sunglasses that 99 percent to 100 percent of UV light. “UV absorption up to 400 mm,” a measure found on some labels, is the same thing as 100 percent UV absorption.

A wide variety of coating colors and types can also filter out UV rays. Glasses that don’t seem especially dark can still provide complete, or near complete UV protection.

Even sunglasses with 100 percent UV blocking can’t seal all UV light out. Moving a pair of standard sunglasses one-quarter inch away from the forehead increases UV exposure by 4 to 45 percent, depending on the design of the glasses.

Side panels will prevent light bleeding in the sides of your eyes, but depending on the shape of your face, you’re always going to have some bleeding at the top and bottom of the lenses.

Polarization

Polarized glasses are famous for letting you see structure just below the surface of the water and fish. Polarized lenses contain microscopic mesh to diffuse reflected glare. You get a lot less fatigue with a polarized lens. You do get a little less depth of field and contrast because of the way the light is diffused in the lens.

A higher price can buy you better optics and more durable frames. Fashionable colors and frames may also boost the price of a pair of shades, as do special features like polarization.

A quick test for lens distortion is to look through the glass at a straight, horizontal line. Turn your head from side-to-side. If the line seems to wobble and stretch, the lens quality is poor. Good quality sunglasses tend to have lenses made of either glass; a plastic called CR-39, or polycarbonate.

In general, glass is the most scratch resistant; plastics are lighter and more shatter resistant. CR-39 is naturally more scratch resistant than polycarbonate, which wins the impact-resistant category. Both CR-39 and polycarbonate lenses can be molded and polished to achieve a superior optical surface, neither is cheap, and CR-39 lenses tend to be expensive.

For those who still insist on tossing their glasses into the tackle box with the car keys, manufacturers have mixed up special ultra-hard coatings.

Remember, you have spent lots of dollars for fishing equipment. Don’t leave out the most important pieces the next time you go fishing. A good pair of quality sunglasses is essential and should be a part of your basic tackle.

See y’all on Galveston Bay.

Capt. Paul Marcaccio

Role of the Wind in Salt Water Fishing

2008-05-14T23:00:00.001-05:00

Make no mistake about it, the wind can make or break your upcoming fishing trip or trips. Obviously, the stronger the wind, the rougher the water will have on your fishing trip. For general sport fishing, anything over 12 to 15 knots will make for an uncomfortable day.

The story of Texan saltwater fishing and the wind, however, is more than one of velocity. Direction too, plays a very important role. Then, there is the duration of the wind out of the same direction.

Start by looking at a map of the Gulf Coast. Beginning at Sabine and moving toward Corpus Christi, the coast runs northeast to southwest. However, from Corpus Christi to Mansfield and further south becomes almost due north to south.

What would you say are the best fishing winds? As a rule, the best winds are east to southeast along the coast, less than 12-15 knots. These winds blow in from the sea to bring in clearer and sometimes cooler water. That, folks are the ideal winds for our coastline. Even stronger east to southeast winds may make your fishing a bit unpleasant, but will have little effect on water clarity.

Now look what happens when the blow comes from the land to the sea? Meaning from the dreaded northwest or west. These winds are not conducive to fun fishing, because they drop tides below normal and water clarity becomes non-existent. There is an interesting note about northwest winds in the winter from mid-November to April. These “blue northers” generally cross the coast in excess of 25-40 mph. Old and seasoned fishermen call it “blowing the water out of the bay”.

Look for areas that hold land structure to give you some protection, such as Clear Lake, Moses Lake, Taylor Lake, Offats Bayou and numerous other bodies of water you can find on your Gulf Coast maps.

In addition, it is an ideal time to survey areas normally covered by normal tides. Bottom structure such as reefs or wrecks will hold bait. Remember, finding active bait; will most often result in finding game fish.

Strong and sustained winds from off shore, especially, those from the east, can be a fishing bonanza, making tides run higher than predicted. These winds flood the salt grasses and generally on a falling tide, can result in excellent catching of speckled trout and redfish along with the 3rd member and sometimes over looked flounder.

And last but not least, dead calm wind is generally slow to poor for fishing. There are no ripples on the bay to offset the noise a wader or someone drifting might make. Make no mistake, sound underwater travels 5 times that of what you hear on top, or so the experts say.

Next time you and yours plan a trip, keep this information and use it to make a wise decision for your outdoor adventure on Galveston or any area along the Gulf Coast.

Enjoy the out doors.

See ya’ll on Galveston Bay.

Capt. Paul Marcaccio

galveston bay fishing reports

Planning Needed for Trophy Speckled Trout, Redfish

2008-04-25T09:50:00.007-05:00

This is that time of year when you better plan your fishing trip for trophy trout or redfish. Luck has a lot to do with it, but don’t leave anything to chance. If you are prepared, the odds will be in your favor.

Clothing is essential. Dress in layers, so as you can peel them off as the day’s activity and sun heats up. Neoprene waders are needed to block the frigid water temperature. Usually, you can wear soft cotton sweats and thermal underwear to block out additional chill from the water.

Lure selection should be that of larger deep running plugs. Examples are the “Corky”, She Dogs by Mirrolure, Skittle Walkers by Rapalo and the Baby Spook. Top water lures can sometimes jump-start your heart with their erratic actions, causing “blow-ups” as you retrieve it. Switch to a deeper plug as mentioned earlier.

Remember, almost every large trout is going to be a female. The males don’t grow as big, nor do they live as long as the female.

Interesting enough, the odds of catching large trout or reds in the winter are reasonably good. The fish are more sluggish from the cold, but the larger ones are more active feeders.

In the winter, the larger fish are more tightly schooled. You may find larger trout running with their smaller friends.

Come spring and summer, the bigger specs tend to shy away from schools. They travel in small pods, maybe six or less. Often, the larger fish are loners.

Try fishing at night under the lights. People with bayfront property and pier owners can catch a good many big trout and reds by rigging overhead lights to beam down on the water. The lights attract a lot of bait and with the bait comes the game fish. Usually, the bigger trout will be more active around the fringe of the lights.

To use live bait, selections can include small piggy perch, croakers or mullet. Using live shrimp, place this bait under a popping cork about three or four feet deep.

In the winter, areas that may produce larger trout and red catches are around deep holes, where there is a minimum of current. Large ship basins and areas adjacent to the ship channel where there are dead ends are good places to catch fish. Offitt’s Bayou, Moses Lake and Clear Lake, to name just a few.

During the spring and early fall, work the fringes of salt grass marshes early in the morning or late in the evening on a spring flood tide. By the way, these times coincide with the trout spawn periods. The trout’s roe is dropped in the vicinity of tall grass. As soon as the eggs hatch, the young fish use the grass for food and cover.

What a lot of anglers may not know is that trout are cannibalistic. After the spawn, they return to feed on the young trout. I remember my grandfather using small trout (six-to-eight inches long) as bait for larger trout. Of course, that was before the minimum size limits were in place.

For obvious reasons, the best way to catch the above mentioned is with a licensed, professional guide. It is their business to follow the movement of the fish. They often have a few special techniques to entice the larger ones.

A point to keep in mind about the big ones. They are extremely easy to spook. The reason for their size is their awareness and caution. If you fail to keep this in mind, you will obviously never find one on the end of your rod. Most fishermen in search of large trout will wade fish, using boats simply as a means to reach the fishing grounds. This method allows them to approach these areas with a minimum of noise. Make your cast so the bait strikes the water with as little fanfare as possible.

Pay close attention to what’s happening in the water. Be aware of baitfish activity. Any activity will aid you to catch that trophy speckled trout.

Remember: Structure, bait, and water movement will result in good catches of large speckled trout and red fish.

Presentation and Patience. Sounds easy. Just try all winter and you will be rewarded. Best bet this time of year has been the soft plastic Assassins, or the Stanley Jigs. Use em’ right on the bottom in that mud area or near shell reefs.

As always, the best time to go fishing, is any time you can.

See ya’ll on Galveston Bay.

Capt. Paul Marcaccio

Artificial Lures Provide for Quality Fishing

2008-04-14T22:28:00.001-05:00

If your interest in fishing is solely about catching fish, then by all means, use natural bait. But, if your interest in fishing is centered around catching “quality “ fish, you need to try mastering the art of using artificial lures.

Warning: Successful lure fishing does not come easy. You can cast for hours and catch very little. Once you have confidence in the art, though, the size of your fish will be a treasure to everyone around you, and yourself, of course.

Over the past few years, I have done 75 percent of my fishing with artificial lures. When it comes to wade fishing, I never use anything but artificial stuff. However, there have been times when anglers have stood toe-to-toe with me using live bait. I take a back seat to those anglers on those days, as live bait will out-catch my artificial lures.

As a young man growing up in Galveston, my grandfather and I always used live bait. The bait back then, some 40 years ago, consisted of live shrimp, live mullet or cut bait. Dixie spoons worked wonders on those sow trout. We caught a lot of fish back then, but I really think it was because the fish were so plentiful. We were good fishermen, but there were a lot of fish to be caught.

Regardless of the species we caught, most of the fish were school size. Remember that we had no size or bag limit. We caught and kept a lot of fish in the 12” to 15” range, There were times when we caught trophy-size fish, but there wasn’t a great deal of fanfare then as compared to today. Catching big fish was commonplace. We all knew the smaller fish were better tasting, and we could always find the trophy fish with little or no effort.

I became a serious lure fisherman 25 years ago while starting my guide service. There were many times when I contemplated switching back to natural bait. But, competition among myself and other guides along the Gulf Coast forced me to stick it out until my confidence with the artificials was strong enough and I had begun to consistently catch those fish with the artificials.

In order to be successful with lures, you have to be persistent. Fish are in the water within casting distance around you, but don’t simply make a few casts and expect success. Fish will often trail a lure without striking until they see your shadow or that of your boat in the water.

Fishing out every cast means working and imparting action in the lure through the entire retrieve. A lure at rest on the bottom or floating on the surface won’t normally land you the strike desired.

The key to successful saltwater fishing with a lure is to thoroughly work all of the water within the casting range. If you only make a dozen or so casts and then move up or down the shoreline or surf, you just might be leaving the area about the time the fish pick up the lure vibrations in the water and start homing in on that area. I have been successful while, during the course of a morning, I have moved less than a mile from my original spot, all the while catching good fish.

Fish can only move in on lures when they have picked up the vibrations of the lures moving back and forth, or when the lures catches their attention. If you have patience and are persistent, then by all means, take a serious look at fishing artificial lures. But, if you have trouble paying attention to your fishing, then stick with natural baits. If you opt for the latter, keep in mind that you’re going to miss out on a lot of trophy-size fish.

It’s your game. You make the call.

As always good luck and have fun outdoors

See y’all on Galveston Bay.

Capt. Paul Marcaccio

Paul and Jaime Fishing East Bay

2008-04-11T10:10:00.006-05:00

You don’t need a huge bay for good fishing. A small bay with great structure plus marsh embossed borders can fill the bill.

That’s the case of East Bay, the smallest of the major bays in the Galveston Estuary. For years it was the best redfish bay on the upper Texas Coast, but back in those years it was also the best kept secret. East Bay is still the best upper coast redfish bay, but that’s no longer a secret, and the bay now gets heavy play from boaters and waders alike.

Starting with Hanna’s Reef on the southwest end, East Bay is rich with structure: scores of deep oyster reefs and pipe stands, Hanna’s Reef is a favorite of anglers who like to anchor their boats to fish cuts and drop-offs along the reef. Drift anglers favor the deep reefs to the northeast of Hanna’s Reef and Intracoastal Waterway and those who like to fish the birds.

Recently, Jaime Ybarra and myself tested the waters in East Bay. With a stiff North wind we found protected shoreline. I knew fish were holding, especially on an outgoing tide, flushing the bait out on the flats, but to both our amazement, we had no idea what was to follow.

Using lime-truse Bass Assassins and pearl chartreuse sea devils, Jaime and I found a bonanza of fish. Jaime limited on reds 27 inches and I had only 1 redfish. Then Jaime caught another fish, thinking it was another red he made the statement “I’ll work on your limit”. This time when the fish surfaced, it was a huge speckled trout. Later we weighed the fish on a certified scale at Eagle Point; it was a healthy 8.7 pounds and 27-3/4 inches long. Jaime and myself scored numerous other big trout that day. Our total that afternoon was 13 trout and 5 reds weighing in a 105 pounds.

Awesome Day……………

The boarders of East Bay offer excellent wade fishing, especially the stretch along the Bolivar Peninsula side. This stretch from Goat Island, the bay’s junction with Lower Galveston Bay, back to Elm Grove, offers excellent fishing for speckled trout, redfish and flounder. When the wind is light and parallel to the length of Bolivar Peninsula, some of the bigger coves can be fished by drifting. Whether you drift or wade, a boat is needed to reach these waters because you have to cross the Intracoastal Waterway that runs the length of Bolivar Peninsula.

The whole of Chambers County side of East Bay can be waded, with the best action generally on the flats behind the Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge. Access is either by the refuge or near Smith’s Point.

Some of the best redfish action in this bay is during the oyster season. Working oyster boats make the bay quite sandy and at times downright muddy. This isn’t conducive to decent fishing for speckled trout. The working oyster boats, however, stir up a lot of marine life upon which redfish feed. Don’t bother to fish in the immediate vacinity of the oyster boats. Instead, fish the flats and along the saltgrass marshes on the Bolivar Peninsula side of the bay.

East Bay is like West Bay in that it is a Galveston Estuary body of water little affected by fresh water runoff from heavy rains. This bay has two close connections with the Gulf of Mexico. Consequently the salinity level in this bay remains fairly constant, The connection with the Gulf of Mexico is Rollover Pass about 20 miles from the tip if the Bolivar Peninsula. The other connection is the Lower Galveston Bay at the mouth of the entrance to the seaway between the North and South Jetties.

Rollover Pass deserves special attention; it offers boatless anglers excellent flounder and golden croaker fishing every fall and spring.

There is no lack of fishing facilities (tackle and bait stands, boat-launching ramps, eating establishments) on Bolivar Peninsula. They are located all along the Intracoastal Waterway. It’s a different story on the Chambers County side of the bay. There are launching facilities on the roads leading to the bay, but all the concession stands selling bait, tackle, ice and food are located near Smith’s Point.

Live Bait's Best, but Don’t Ignore Plastic Alternative

2008-04-04T10:12:00.009-05:00

For some saltwater anglers, the recent shortage of live shrimp in Galveston Bay has put their weekends on hold. Others do not seem to notice.

Keep in mind there are times and places in which live shrimp is a must, but springtime along the Texas coast is not one of them. Hatching of the South Texas brownies along with their migration, sometimes is slowed by Mother Nature.

Fishermen who like to fish for the fun of it, shouldn’t let the absence of the white flag alter their fishing trips.

With a little persistence and some well placed luck, the use of plastic can be every bit as productive as the real thing on speckled trout, redfish, flounder, and maybe almost as good for gafftop and sandtrout.

Live shrimp is a fisherman’s tool, just like his rod and reel or his outboard motor and boat. But sometimes, this tool can be a crutch. Often times, some fishermen are too dependent on live shrimp. Typically, diehard live bait fishermen try the plastic route once or twice. If they are not successful, back to the live well igloo.

There are no guarantees even with a live well full of bugs or hoppers. And don’t give this writer the old adage, the family will go without, unless I bring home the bacon, if that were the scenario, the $12 or more it takes to buy a quart of bait would go much further in a discount food store.

Fishing is fun and part of that fun is being able to fool’em. Time, place and water conditions still matters as much, but you can do so choosing the correct lure and making it wiggle just so.

Granted, this is not easy, but the skills needed for most salt-water applications, come with patience and presentation.

Fishing with plastics is not like open-heart surgery. Experience is the best teacher and your classroom is always open. Soft plastic shrimp and shad imitations are for the most part productive and most user friendly along the Texas Gulf coast. Give me a hand full of jigheads and tails, and this writer will surely have fun fooling a few of the Texas big three. These lures can be worked both horizontally and vertically to cover all the necessary water to attract a surprising variety of fish. Texas big three are the prime targets (trout, redfish and flounder).

The Rat-L-Trap seldom sees salt water action in Texas. If you don’t like this lure and it’s kin. Ask Texas bass fishermen for a recommendation. They are available in many colors and finished with corrosion-resistant hardware and they work on any fish that eats piggy perch or menhaden.

Spoons are a must to carry on the bays of Galveston, but this writer has noticed a real downturn in the numbers anglers throw these days. Man, they can cut through a howling southeast wind like a sharp paring knife. Use ¼ oz-3/4 oz depending on the depth and distance you are trying to cover. A wide body spoon wobbles near the surface, while a narrow body plows more deeply through the water. Many a redfish have been landed with a gold spoon as well as other types of plastic imitation shrimp and shad bodies. You can chunk and wind all day with a spoon.

Mirro-lures, Jumpim’ minnows and Corky’s are among a family of somewhat advanced lures, but there is no single, magic way to work any of them.

Start with a slow steady retrieve and have a fishin’ friend begin with a quick erratic pull. Keep it moving. Let it sit. Try anything. And when a fish hits the plug, try and remember to retrieve it the same way the next time.

The length or weight of my stringer does not measure the success of my personal fishing trips any more. More so, the uncanny ability to fool one speckled trout or redfish on a fake bait.

Remember, have fun outdoors. Good luck and god fishing.

See Y’all on Galveston Bay.

Capt. Paul Marcaccio

Gulf and Sand Trout – A Gap Filler

2008-04-04T10:07:00.003-05:00

For the use of better words, speckled trout and redfish are the king and queen of Texas inshore fishing all along the gulf coast. Although they are available year round, there are times when they are hard to find. It is during these slack times that the fisherman can look to other fish to take up the slack.

Two species come to mind of this writer that can take you out of the fishing doldrums. They are the “kissin’ cousins”, sand and gulf trout.

These fish are found the year round in Galveston Bay waters, but from early autumn through most of the winter months, they are bunched up like sardines in a can. It is not uncommon to catch and ice chest full of both species.

Actually, the sand trout and the gulf trout are very similar in looks and can fool even this writer. Depending on whom you ask, there are ways of telling each of them apart.

The gulf trout is larger in size and metallic in color. The sand trout has the look of fresh cut straw.

Both are excellent to eat fried or baked. Remember to eat these fish fresh, the day they are caught or the next day. If you should freeze these fish, the next time you defrost them, you may find them a bit mushy.

A huge plus for fishing these two dynamic duos is that you do not need to be a rocket scientist to catch them. In the case of either, the speckled trout or the redfish, one must use live bait or artificial to consistently reward oneself. You can catch all the sand and gulf trout you want on fresh dead shrimp, and if you run out of that, then just cut a sand or gulf trout up and use that for bait. Sand and gulf trout are caught on artificial at times, with the gulf trout attacking an artificial lure more so than the sand trout.

The nicknames “sand” and “gulf” are tips as to where you may find these fish. Sand trout are basically bay fish, where as the gulf trout is taken almost exclusively from the Gulf of Mexico or deep water areas immediately adjacent to the gulf.

Ideal areas to find sand trout are in the ship channel, boat basin and along the fringes of relatively deep-water areas of the bay. Sand trout often mingle with the gulf trout in the beachfront waters, during the mid-fall to early winter period; they usually constitute a major part of the catches made from beachfront piers.

Particular good sand trout pay off spots in the Galveston Bay include Seawolf Park, Pelican Island Bridge, the railroad crossing at I-45 and the causeway, the Texas City lighted pier, the 18th street pier in San Leon, the spillway at San Leon, Baycliff, Rollover Pass and Sylvan Beach Park in LaPorte, Texas. During the winter months, especially after a blue norther, fish the deep holes in Offats Bayou, Lake Madeline, the Texas City turning basin, Hitchcock diversionary canal Moses Lake.

The best areas to find gulf trout are along the channel side of the north and south jetties. Offshore, fish around oil platforms and any artificial reefs you may know about. Fish close enough to the legs of the platform and near the rocks of the jetties, paying close attention to get just beyond the snags of those pesky rocks.

Whether you are going to fish foe sand trout or gulf trout, do so on the bottom. Use a 30lb. Leader while rigging two hooks, wide gap are great, usually a #2 or #3. This will aid you from snagging the bottom, as treble hooks have a tendency to act like grappling hooks. A leader with two (2) hooks is best, because it will cut down on having to reel in and bait the hooks again, and when the fish are running, it is not uncommon to catch two (2) at a time.

Neither of these fish are timid about taking the bait, and they strike hard enough to hook themselves. Of the two species, this writer believes the gulf trout puts up the best fight. Both fish will test your rod and reel time and again. However, when fishing the gulf trout, you may elect to use a heavier rod due to the other species that are in the same area of the Gulf of Mexico, around those oil platforms.

Neither the gulf trout or the sand trout have a bag limit, nor do they have a size limit. How many you catch depends on your equipment holding up and the time you wish to spend cleaning this ice chest full of sand and gulf trout.

This writer recalls seeing anglers with a hundred or more sand and gulf trout. Be sure to leave time to clean these good fish before dark overtakes you. The average weight for gulf trout is about a pound with others to about two(2) and three (3) pounds not uncommon. The sand trout is smaller and usually can be around three-quarters (3/4) pound.

As always, have fun while fishing and be mindful of others.

See y’all on Galveston Bay

Capt. Paul Marcaccio

Flounder Fishing – for Everyone

2008-04-04T09:55:00.008-05:00

Successful flounder fishing is not for everyone. If you simply cast out the bait and wait, you may catch a flounder or two, but in general you’re in for a disappointment and frustration. Successful hook and line flounder fishing rates right at the head of the class. If you can successfully catch flounder on hook and line, you have bragging rights and should consider yourself an expert.
This writer can give a lot of tips on catching flounder, but when it comes to actually setting the hook in the mouth of a flatfish, it all boils down to two items: “Concentration and Experience”!
“It seems everyone else can catch flounder except me.” I hear that so often this time of year, when the flounder make their migratory move to the Gulf.

First off, the flounder has no swim bladder. This simply means the fish goes through life swimming or lying on or near the bottom. They are unable to suspend themselves motionless at any depth. Furthermore, it doesn’t have the fin structure nor body shape for fast swimming. It tends to move in short darts that appear to be fast, because when flounder move they raise a lot of silt off the bottom.

The fish normally feed from ambush, lying partially hidden on the bottom until food matter moves or drifts close by. The fish quickly raises off the bottom, grabs the food and sinks right back to the bottom. This is where your experience comes into play. Most fish tend to engulf the bait. The flounder instead, hold it tightly with its teeth for a few seconds before ingesting. Some marine biologist say the fish does this to kill the bait before taking it deep into its mouth.
If you try to set the hook the instant you feel a pick-up. Odds are excellent you’ll tear the hook out of the bait and give the flounder a free meal. Instead, wait approximately ten (10) seconds before striking or setting the hook.
This writer prefers to palm my reel, letting the line run lightly between my thumb and forefinger. You would be surprised at what the flounder telegraphs up the taunt line. You can feel the fish working the bait, and you can feel when the fish takes the bait deep into its mouth. That’s the moment of truth to strike and set the hook. Experience this a few times and you will never forget it………

Since flounder normally feed on matter that drifts close by, successful flounder fishermen and women are those who fish every foot of the bottom within casting range. Do this by inching the bait along the bottom. When you feel the line taunt, treat it as if a flounder has grabbed the bait and not as if the hook fouled a snag. Wait the magic ten (10) seconds before setting the hook. This tackle can be modified to be used with a float in wading depth. Rig the float to hold the bait just a few inches above the bottom. Cast up current and allow the current to carry along the float so a lot of bottom can be covered.
When a flounder takes the bait, the float will stop moving and simply lean over in the current. Wait the magical ten (10) seconds, then set the hook. If the float starts moving against the current, you can bet money that the infamous blue crab has grabbed the bait and moved off with it.
There are a number of good terminal rigs for flounder. I prefer a slip sinker attached to the line followed by a swivel, then 18 to 24 inches of leader line (20 to 30 lbs.) followed by a wide gap (circle hook) either #2 or #3. The best bait is either live mud minnows or finger mullet. When the bay temperature cools down under 70 degrees. Live shrimp will also work as well.

The most effective artificial lure is any soft plastic bait. Bass assassin, shrimp tail, or chad tails. Use either 1/8 to ¼ oz. lead head. I prefer the Norton lazer screw on hooks or the new Bass Assassin screw on as well. Work the bait right on the bottom with your yo-yo effect on lifting and dropping the rod tip. I prefer the new All-Pro titanium rod made by Fishing Tackle Unlimited in either 6-1/2’ or 7’.

Hopefully, these tips give you a leg up on your next successful flounder trip.

Good luck and good fishing.

See y’all outdoors on Galveston Bay.

Capt. Paul Marcaccio

Fishing gear 101

2008-04-04T09:37:00.007-05:00

It is often said that approximately 10 percent of the fisherman catch 80 percent of the fish.

If so, what are the fisherman that make up the other 80 percent doing wrong.

Many times it the little oversights that lead to a fisherman’s downfall and allow a trophy fish to escape the hook and net.

Here are a few ways I have managed over the years to lose fish.

Old line – Neither braided or monofilament last forever. Long periods of unuse, as well as constant action and excessive heat, weaken a line and cause it to break at the wrong time.
How often an angler needs to change line depends on how much he or she fishes and the type of water they fish in.Long hours of wade fishing around shell and structure might call for a line change every three or four trips. As a general rule, the average angler should change line with each season (approximately four times a year). Reels should be stored where line is not exposed to direct sunlight or excessive heat. You may select any number of lines. Personally, I prefer Suffix Elite or Pro-Mix. Other named brands are P-Line or Berkley. Cost is different with each.

Frayed line – Abrasion is probably the single greatest threat to a fishing line.

A wise fisherman will scan the line or lightly run it through his fingers to check for any rough spots before each fishing trip. Some anglers make it a habit to strip off and discard line before a fishing trip. Check rod eyes (guides) for rust or rough spots, which could damage line.

Damaged hooks – Dull hooks mean lost fish. Either sharpen the points or replace the hook.

Some fishermen make the mistake of reusing hooks, which have been spread open. Bending the hook back into shape weakens the metal.

And, of course, rusty hook should be replaced. Use Mustad triple grip.

Boat inventory – I had a nice trout at the side of the boat. When I reached for my landing net, it was tangled in my client’s feet. I lost the fish before I could free the net. To be prepared for such instances, an angler should be certain of three areas:

1. To be able to move freely around the boat if need be, without stepping in an open tackle box, or getting tangled in something (anchor line or landing net).

2. The landing net is within easy reach.

3. Once the fish is on board, there is a storage box or ice chest to put it in so it won’t flop overboard, which has happened on more than one occasion.

FUEL- always has a FULL tank of gasoline when leaving the dock. Never try to do it with less. Either weather or your ability will cause you to run out. It’s expensive to call the Coast Guard or you’re soon to be distant friend. By keeping the fuel tank full, condensation will not form in the tank, which could turn to water and cause the motor to stop. Water and gas is no marriage on the bay.

REELS- always carry an extra reel in your tackle with line on it. That way, if you have a professional override (backlash), you can replace the reel and continue to catch those pesky specs and redfish.

RODS- some will bring a extra rod for that moment when you least expect it to break. Most guides have adequate room for just that. Check the rod after each trip for nicks or stress areas after you may have hit the gunnels rail or a t-top.

BOAT TRAILER- now here a subject that if not properly keep checked, folks will wave at you as they drive by on the way to the bay or gulf. Pay close attention to your buddy bearing, check them after each trip and use a small amount of pressure to place additional grease in the tube. Not too much or you will blow out your seal. Check the springs and lubricate after each outing. Wiring important for turn lights and running lights. Sportsman Trailers in Sante Fe has great parts for all your trailer needs.

There are many other ways to lose a fish. Lack of concentration, not playing the fish long enough, poor net handling or lack of confidence can all set fish free.

See ya’ll on Galveston Bay.

Captain Paul Marcaccio

Wade fishing : Classroom 101…

2008-04-04T09:26:00.004-05:00

As we try to find other methods to capture those speckled trout, this writer would suggest that one might try and get out of a perfectly dry boat, commonly referred to as wade fishing. Many are called, few are chosen to this art of catching great fish. It seems that there is some who would believe that you could successfully catch bigger fish, while in the boat. That is further from the truth………………………

Successful wade fishing depends a lot on how you dress. Wearing apparel that can be seen under water from more than a few feet can penalize you by spooking the fish. Remember that fish are skittish when they search for food in shallow water.

Additionally, the wrong apparel can be downright dangerous, especially in waters with deep holes or along the fringes of cuts and channels or in areas where very soft mud can become dangerous bottom.

Don’t wear clothing that will reflect light. A person all decked out in white clothing can really spook fish, especially speckled trout, in shallow water. Instead wear any dark colored pants. When wet, these materials will make your legs look like posts. It’s not at all wise to wade fish bare legged. Long pants will protect your legs from hooks, fins and jellyfish. Guys that wade in shorts, spend a lot of time in the boat, recovering from the sting of those pesky critters.

Some kind of footwear is a must when wade fishing the bays. Bare feet can get you into all kinds of trouble. I prefer tennis shoes or lightweight wading shoes. Boots can get you into a lot of trouble if you happen to step into too deep a hole. So be careful when you purchase those wading boots. Make sure they are at least a size larger. That way, you can lose them should you need too. This is especially true if hip boots are worn. They can quickly fill with water and will practically anchor you to the bottom. Never wade alone. I know what you are thinking. No one else will go or you want to move more quickly to cover the water area. This writer has personally saved several from possible serious injury or worse. Wade in teams of at least 2(two) fishermen. You can really cover more water and when you find those speckled trout or redfish, you can hold them for a time.

The very worst way to wade fish is to go bare footed. I still see this often when the water along the beach front is clear and waders are out seeking speckled trout. Instead of going bare foot, wear very lightweight tennis shoes. It’s very important that these shoes can be easily kicked off if you happen to slip into water over your head and be faced with a situation of having to swim for shore. This is a thing that occurs all to frequently when waders invade the waters of San Luis Pass.

Of course, some sort of insulated wear is needed for wading in the winter. I prefer chest high neoprene waders by Simms Outdoors. Waders, however, can get you into trouble if you venture into water too deep. So always walk with a shuffle to feel the ground ahead so you can dodge holes and avoid slipping off the edge of cuts and channels.

A belt around the outside of the waders can make the apparel serve as a makeshift flotation device if you step into a deep hole or slip into a channel. The belt will help to trap air inside the waders to give you a certain amount of flotation. The thing to do if you go into a hole is to abandon your fishing gear and start paddling to shore. Buying new fishing gear is far less expensive than having your family come to visit you at the area hospital. Remember that you can become numb very quickly in cold water. Hypothermia is nothing to fool with. The water temperature today is slowly moving down toward colder conditions. Presently, it’s 64 degrees and dropping as these cold fronts continue to assault our coastline.

Be sure and layer you apparel when wading. It’s much easier to take it off, instead of not having that pair of sweats of light jacket.

The ideal way to wade fish is to wear some sort of flotation device. There are several on the market that instantly inflate when an access cartridge is popped. With a device like that you can save your life as well as your fishing gear. Otherwise, you can purchase those that are already made to wear. Be sure that they would hold your weight. Check the tags for instructions.

It’s extremely important to wear gear that will seal out moisture as well as the cold when wade fishing in the winter. Wearing several layers of clothing is better than a single heavy garment.

Another important aspect of wade fishing is to always let someone know just where you plan to fish. Your family and friends can use this to start a search for you, if you fail to arrive in a timely fashion. Carry your hand held GPS, so you can let them know where you are at with that implanted (cell phone) we all now carry. Be sure and carry an extra phone battery.

Fishing this time of the year is as good as it gets. Take care of your homework at home or office, and experience a moment of a lifetime.

As always, have a good time in the outdoors.

See y’all on Galveston Bay.

CaptPaul Marcaccio,B.O.I.

East Bay - Anytime & Often

2008-03-25T16:45:00.007-05:00

You don’t need a huge bay for good fishing. A small bay with great structure plus marsh embossed borders can fill the bill.

Recently, Mike Heidemann and myself tested the waters in East Bay. With a stiff North wind we found protected shoreline. I knew fish were holding, especially on an outgoing tide, flushing the bait out on the flats, but to both our amazement, we had no idea what was to follow.

Using lime-truse Salt Water Assassins and pearl chartreuse Stanley Jigs, Mike and I found a bonanza of fish. Mike limited on reds to 27 inches and I had only 1 redfish. Then Mike caught another fish, thinking it was another red. He made the statement, “I’ll work on your limit”. This time when the fish surfaced, it was a huge speckled trout. Later we weighed the fish on a certified scale at Eagle Point Camp; it was a healthy 8.7 pounds and 27-3/4 inches long. Mike and myself scored numerous other big trout that day. Our total that afternoon was 13 trout and 5 reds.

Awesome Day……………

Rollover Pass deserves special attention; it offers boatless anglers excellent flounder and golden croaker fishing every fall and spring.

There is no lack of fishing facilities (tackle and bait stands, boat-launching ramps, eating establishments) on Bolivar Peninsula. They are located all along the Intracoastal Waterway. It’s a different story on the Chambers County side of the bay. There are launching facilities on the roads leading to the bay, but all the concession stands selling bait; tackle, ice and food are located near Smith’s Point.

Located near Rollover Pass in East Bay, is two very important Bayou’s (Yates and Big Pasture). Wade near the mouths of either on a falling tide, and you will be rewarded with good stringers of spec’s and redfish. The bottom is a little soft. Wear proper boots with ray guards. Move slowly, always keying on nervous mullets or shad. Use top waters in this area for those speckled trout or redfish. Best bait is Baby Spooks or She Pups. Colors should be light in clear water and dark colors when the water is off-colored.

Access to most of the south shoreline by boat is through String Ray Cut or Seivers Cut. Boat launching from the end of the Dike is by far the closest, unless you use the Bolivar Ferry and make use of a few ramps along the Intercoastal Waterway.

Recent runoffs from the San Jacinto and Trinity Rivers have placed a great amount of timbers and other materials in the waters. Leaving before daylight could have serious consequences.

Look forward to seeing some of you wading or drifting East Bay.

CaptPaul Marcaccio

Fish Slow and Deep for Winter Bay Action

2008-03-25T16:37:00.006-05:00

When winter cloud cover prevails, fish the deep holes located on your Hot Spot maps. Should the sun come out, simply move to the flats adjacent to these holes.

A bit later, we will discuss how to fish the flats, but first, we will work on those deep holes.

Even though you are anxious to bring home that big catch, take the time to use your fish finder to locate the pockets of fish suspended at different depths. Each day the fish will move to different parts of the deep structure. Always take the time to check out the entire hole and don’t just fish blind in deep water. Your catch will no doubt reflect the efforts of your search.

Once you have located schools of fish, mark the location with orange floaters. While drifting over the area, bounce the bait off the bottom as if you were jigging in freshwater. Always cover the entire area around your boat, and if the prevailing winds move you along too fast, simply use your drift anchor. Of course, you must not forget to check out those favorite spots you have developed from previous experiences in deep water.

Each time you cast, allow the bait to reach the bottom. Point your rod tip toward the water and jig up or twitch it side-to-side. Usually a trout or red will strike as the bait begins to fall. Always keep the bait moving in the area in which you are fishing since the fish are not considered aggressive and may need enticement to assume they have located a wounded fish. Fishing during January and February does require significant patience and dedication, bur generally, fish caught this time of year will put up a better fight and can weigh 3-to-5 pounds each.

Fish feed differently and less frequently during the winter and tend to nip or peck similar to some perch. Simply wail for a two-count, then set your hook.

Live bait is often difficult to find during the winter months, so you might want to try soft plastic shrimp tails, shad imitations and jerk worms. The best colors being strawberry with white fire tail, pearl with chartreuse tail, smoke, grape, or root beer. For additional movement, you may add the Flex-Jig.

The use of ¾ - to - 1 ounce spoons are excellent, Try gold or silver with teaser. The fish can feel the vibration with their lateral lines.

Generally, you can cover more water with soft plastic and spoons, both vertically and horizontally.

Now its time to discuss fishin’ those flats after the sun has come out and begun to heat everything up.

You might try a topwater lures (Mirrolure Top Dog and She Dog, or Baby Spooks.

Any large bait is good to imitate the specific fish both the trout and redfish are looking for.

Most smaller bait is absent in the winter. You should look for slicks or pockets of live bait.

Always remember to relax and have fun outdoors and the best time to go fishin’ is anytime you can.

See ya’ll on Galveston Bay.

Capt Paul Marcaccio

East Galveston Bay - Best kept Secret.

2008-03-25T16:28:00.006-05:00

You don’t need a huge bay for good fishing. A small bay with great structure plus marsh embossed borders can fill the bill.

That’s the case of East Bay, the smallest of the major bays in the Galveston Estuary. For years it was the best redfish bay on the upper Texas Coast, but back in those years it was also a best kept secret. East Bay is still the best upper coast redfish bay, but that’s no longer a secret, and the bay now gets heavy play from boaters and waders alike.

Starting with Hanna’s Reef on the southwest end, East Bay is rich with structure: scores of deep oyster reefs and pipe stands, Hanna’s Reef is a favorite of anglers who like to anchor their boats to fish cuts and drop-offs along the reef. The deep reefs to the northeast of Hanna’s Reef and extending back to the bay’s connection with the mouth of the Intracoastal Waterway are favored by drift anglers and those who like to fish the birds.

The borders of East Bay offer excellent wade fishing, especially the stretch along the Bolivar Peninsula side. This stretch from Goat Island, the bay’s junction with Lower Galveston Bay, back to Elm Grove offers excellent fishing for speckled trout, redfish and flounder. When the wind is light and parallel to the length of Bolivar Peninsula some of the bigger coves can be fished by drifting. Whether you drift or wade, a boat is needed to reach these waters because you have to cross the Intracoastal Waterway that runs the length of Bolivar Peninsula.

The whole of Chambers County side of East Bay can be waded, with the best action generally on the flats near the Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge. Access is either by the Refuge or near Smith’s Point. Reefs like Stephenson Pt., Deep, and Robinson Bayou, just to name a few good ones.

Some of the best redfish action in this bay is during the oyster season. Working oyster boats make the bay quite sandy and at times downright muddy. This isn’t conducive to decent fishing for speckled trout. The working oyster boats, however, stir up a lot of marine life upon which redfish feed. Fish in the immediate vacinity of the oyster boats. Fish the flats and along the saltgrass marshes on the Bolivar Peninsula side of the bay. As a rule of thumb, let the tidal movement move the sediment toward where you are drifting. Great production will results in following the oyster boats at times………………….

East Bay is like West Bay in that it is a Galveston Estuary body of water little affected by fresh water runoff from heavy rains. This bay has two close connections with the Gulf of Mexico. Consequently the salinity level in this bay remains fairly constant. The connection with the Gulf of Mexico is Rollover Pass about 20 miles from the tip of Bolivar Peninsula. The other connection is the Lower Galveston Bay at the mouth of the entrance to the seaway between the North and South Jetties.

Rollover Pass deserves special attention. It offers boatless anglers excellent flounder and golden croaker fishing every fall and spring.

There is no lack of fishing facilities (tackle and bait stands, boat-launching ramps, eating establishments) on Bolivar Peninsula. They are located all along the Intracoastal Waterway. It’s a different story on the Chambers County side of the bay. There are launching facilities on the roads leading to the bay, but all the concession stands selling bait, tackle, ice and food supplies are located near Smith’s Point at the far northwest corner of the bay.

Take advantage of the north shoreline, reefs like Deep, Whitehead and Richards, are excellent reefs to drift and find good solid speckled trout and redfish. Make use of the Salt Water Bass Assassins or Mirrolures baits in soft or hard plastics. Colors include bone-diamond, limetruse, Texas roach and pearl-chartreuse. Top water products like the She Pup or the Baby Super Spook are great tools for those elusive fish over 25 inches. Colors should be light in clear water and dark in off-colored water. Present temps are in the mid-70?

Recent winds and rains from the upper watersheds have had a great effect on quality catching of speckled trout and redfish. Spring tides are up 2-3 feet at present. Fish are close to drains and bayous on the incoming and out some on the outgoing tide periods.

Always file a flight plan. That way, someone can start to look for your group should you break down or worse, need medical assistance.

God bless you and your families.

Capt Paul Marcaccio

Cooler Temperatures – Winter Pattern for Speckled Trout and Redfish

2008-03-25T16:10:00.006-05:00

Teal and Dove seasons are upon us anglers. Keep in mine, not to forget some of Galveston Bays finest fishing is also in full swing.

With the passing of each cold front, it has given us relief from the heat of the summer months as well as giving us greater opportunities for fishing Trinity Bay.

The cooler temperatures have already had an effect on Galveston Bay, especially Trinity Bay. In the later days of summer when the water temperature hovers around 90 degrees and there is no relief in sight; fishing for speckled trout or redfish is at best difficult. The fish are usually scattered and are very difficult to locate; sometimes the best time is to fish at night under some sort of lights.

So with the recent weather forecast calling for the first few cold fronts in ’2008, local fishermen look forward to these weather changes with great anticipation of the fall season. The fish start moving, some flounder will make their annual migration, and the golden croaker run is next followed closely by the speckled trout and redfish. These fronts tell the fish to start storing up food for the upcoming cold months ahead. This is also the time of year when the birds start working over the migration of shrimp out of the bay system. Some would say that perhaps this is their most favorite time of year. This time of year, the cooler temperatures make it very comfortable fishing and there seems to be less pressure on the bay because of the hunting seasons. Fishing pressure affects Trinity Bay as much as the weather sometimes. Best bet now is to key on watching for diving birds (seagulls and terns) hovering over nervous shrimp skipping across the water.

This can be some of the best fishing and most rewarding for your ice chests.

Best bet to use for success while working the birds is a bass assassin or shad body, with a quarter ounce lead head. Sometimes, you may want to use a heavier head to get the bait past the smaller trout near the surface. Larger trout to three pounds are almost always feeding near the bottom of the area in question. Excellent bait is a spoon. Because it weighs more and the spoon is larger, the distance to the frenzy birds can be reduced with a longer cast and drops quickly to those larger trout. This writer often wonders when the fish are in a feeding frenzy like that if it really matters what you throw, “but if it is not broke, don’t fix it!” As I said earlier, the fishing pressure has as much affect on Trinity Bay as the temperature. During the week, you can see the difference. Birds will be working the whole bay, but as soon as the weekend comes, the activity shuts down quite a bit. When you spot a flock of birds, especially in the back of Trinity Bay, a trolling motor can be a big advantage. If you go plowing in there fast with your big engines, the fish will scatter and very little will be caught. Use common sense, and stay approximately one hundred feet upwind of the diving birds and drift in with the aid of your trolling motor. I know sometimes this can be frustrating because you know the fish are there and you want to get there quickly, but I promise, if you motor right in on top of the birds, the fish will scatter. Remember that if there are boats already working the birds, they do have first right, so be courteous of those fishing and start looking for other birds and they should return the favor. Look for smaller number of birds (less than five) working as sometimes larger trout can be found under those birds as opposed to thirty to forty birds working a larger school of trout where the fish are smaller.

I hope to see y’all on Trinity Bay and remember to be courteous to the other anglers when fishing the birds.

Good luck and good fishing.

Capt. Paul Marcaccio - Professional Guide with over 25 years of experience

Fishing Trinity Bay

2008-03-12T16:53:00.008-05:00

In general, the temperature slowly starts to drop from the dog days of summer and the speckled trout and redfish move into Trinity Bay, which is bordered on three sides by land (mostly marshes).

It is often said we fish all year to get ready for the final part of the season, known to most anglers as “Trinity Bay in the Fall”.

Everyone has a particular time of the year to fish or method to use, but I really enjoy the fall fishing patterns that develop from mid-September to late-December each year. These patterns include wade fishing, drift fishing, fishing gas wells and pipe stands, and the most popular of them all “chasing the birds”.

Salinity plays a major role on the trout’s ability to stay in the area, and any excessive amount of fresh water coming from several water sheds in the bay will push the trout out of the area towards Galveston, appearing in large numbers around the north and south jetties. This year, with the San Jacinto and Trinity Rivers out of its banks, fish are staging near the channel markers 50 to 72……………..

They will also fan out on the beachfront where or wade fishermen Can catch their limits. The fish will return to Trinity Bay when the salinity is stable.

Most of this bay is only accessible by boat, but some can reach public ramps by using their ‘Hot Spot’ map, and may elect to trailer to some of these ramps instead of traveling across the open bay. It doesn’t take very long for Mother Nature to turn Trinity Bay into an ugly sea with waves in excess of five to seven feet.

It is best to wade or drift fish early in the day. This is the time when the speckled trout are in shallow waters looking for bait fish.

While wading, use your previous experience and knowledge to scan the waters for signs of trout. ‘Slicks’ will pop up generally in these areas, about the size of a washtub. Position yourself upwind of these telltale signs of feeding trout and cast around and inside of each one. Not always will you catch trout, but I have found these slicks to have gaff-top and sometimes hardheads in them.

Be assured that if you work several slicks that day, your stringer will be rewarded with trout.

Look for pockets of bait that appear to be nervous or being herded around. The trout are under them and the bait is not sure when they will feed. Areas like Hodges, Submerged, and Double Bayou are noted for quality fish to 25 inches.

As the day begins to heat up from the sun, move to the open bay and work the gas wells and pipe stands or some of the large separators. Also, work structure like oyster beds or areas that have guts running parallel with the shoreline. Lady’s Pass or Deep Reef is excellent ones. You will find success because these trout will wait in ambush in these guts or oyster beds and feed on the bait as it crosses these areas.

A good method is to drift on either side of the wells and if you pick up a trout, return and anchor in the general area. Sometimes, if the fishermen in your boat are quick enough to tell you of their catch, you may want to anchor.

Keep moving from well to well until you find the fish and be alert to tide and current in these areas. Most of your fish will be caught on the down side of the well from which the tide is moving.

Another option is to set out your anchor at a particular well and work it for at least 30 to 45 minutes, Remember; fish patterns can change, so be patient in these areas.

Each year, the birds in Trinity Bay lead fishermen to limits of trout and redfish. It sounds so simple, but in practice is not often so.

Once you locate the flock, make a turn upwind approximately 100 feet and drift into the area. Schools of speckled trout and occasionally big gaff top will work under the shrimp and herd them to the surface where they catch the attention of the gulls.

Speckled trout will often go on a feeding frenzy and hit anything you throw in the area. Be sure and cast around the edges, and if you can get your bait down quickly enough, solid trout to three pounds will be your reward.

The trout near the surface will be smaller, but more aggressive. Use ‘Bass Assassin’ or even a gold spoon. There is no point anchoring here unless there is a complete absence of wind.

Once you move out of the area, crank up and move upwind and start another drift.

Some anglers prefer the “sling-shot” method, which may or may not be good in certain situations. This method means to go full tilt with your engine until you are right in the middle of the diving birds, shut your engine down and work in he area 360 degrees around the boat. While this may be successful, be sure other boats are not already working the same set of birds.

Pay attention to gulls that fly for a minute and return to the same area and set upon he water. The shrimp and trout are down deeper and the birds are waiting for them to be driven to the surface.

Take special note to be careful and not disturb other boaters working a particular set of birds. If there are three or more boats in the area, move off and start a look through you binoculars. There are sure to be other birds working over schools of bait.

As always, enjoy the day fishing and catching your favorite species.

Remember what you have learned and pass it on to the little ones. You too, were young once.

Good lock and good fishing.

See you’ll on Galveston Bay.

Capt. Paul Marcaccio

Winter Fishing is Hard Work

2008-02-13T20:18:00.009-06:00

Most of the fishermen we know have put up their rods and taken up rifles and shotguns, at least temporarily.

From December through mid-March, this period offers trout that feed very much like piggy perch or hardheads. The cold weather often makes the trout very sluggish. Since the body temperature of a trout is that of the water in which it lives, the cold slows the metabolism of the fish.

Trout fishing is supposed to be fun, but only for about nine months of the year. With winter fishing comes more work than fun. All the time you are suffering through the cold day. It is apparent that there are fewer fishermen in the bay and you should not have the problems encountered during the summer months.

Needless to say, if one endures low temperatures and sluggish fish that nibble, you can enjoy great action during these frigid months.

Passage of these northers are sometimes frequent and the more violent the front, the poorer the fishing afterwards. These fronts cause the bay system to turn chocolate milk and can lower the water level. I have seen a two or three foot drop in the water level after one of these fronts passes Galveston Bay, leaving a lot of good fishing areas exposed as mud or shell reefs. This then will force the trout to move to deep holes and the channels.

Depending on whom you ask it takes sometimes three to four days for the return of normal tide levels and clear water.

Once the front passes, a fisherman can experience several days of good fishing. Most often, the trout are suspended in water that is six to nine feet deep. Work areas like oil and gas platforms, shell or oyster reefs. If you know a well pad has been productive in the past, anchor up and work it for 15 to 30 minutes. Then you might want to try drifting certain oyster reefs and return later to the wells when the alternate tide starts moving again.

Remember that the fish will be deep, so work the bait on the bottom.

Birds (working gulls) are not usually found due to shrimp migration in the fall. Occasionally, you may find some trout along the shoreline adjacent to deep structure. Trout will feed during these periods and prior to frontal passages, thinking they need to store up food before the next winter blast of cold air arrives.

The shortage of live bait during the winter keeps many fishermen at home. Some don’t know how to fish lures, or they dislike using them.

When live bait is available, use it under a popping cork about four to seven feet deep from the cork to the hook. You also may free shrimp or use a slip weight depending on the bottom you are fishing. Also, the use of live finger mullet or mudfish is good when live shrimp are not found. The above mentioned should be hooked at the top dorsal fin or the tail and hooked on the bottom. Make long casts and when the bait hits the water, let out enough line to drop the bait where you first hit the water. This will keep the bait from coming back to you because of the current. The method is to retrieve slowly and pause until the bait is back at the boat. Each time you cast, move your location and cover as much water as possible.

The use of artificial baits during the winter will test your patience.

This is not the time for the novice angler to use these baits without some prior experience.

Remember that proper presentation is important. Lifting the rod tip as you retrieve is important, as you will have to put the bait within a few feet of the trout.

Be sure and cover as much water as possible as you drift or anchor the boat. Another popular winter fishing trout lure is bottom-bumping plugs with two sets of hooks. The extra hook gives the fisherman the edge.

Keep this in mind while wading in the winter: trout have a much heavier than usual coating of protective slime. Be sure to carry a landing net. If you think these fish are slippery in the summer, try grabbing one in the dead of winter when your fingers are numb.

The clothing you wear is also important. Be sure and layer the clothes you select, so in the sun should come out, you will be able to remove a layer at a time as necessary.

As always, have fun and enjoy the outdoors.

See ya’ll on Galveston Bay.

Capt. Paul Marcaccio

April Options on Galveston Bay

2008-01-29T23:36:00.005-06:00

The trip was planned to explore several areas in the San Leon, Dickinson Bay, and Texas City near the Dike. But, the old pier pilings that have always been such a magnet for redfish beckoned. It's hard for this guide to give up good old bad habits, especially when they have produced fried redfish filets so many times. The Big Bay Parker just seemed to go on autopilot, quickly swinging into familiar territory.

On a Bass Assassin ¼ oz wide gap lead head, the limetruse plastic mullet imitation looked deadly swimming through the sandy green bay waters. Long cast with my All-Pro Fishing Tackle Unlimited rod back toward the shallows drew the bait in an almost parallel course to the old pier pilings near April Fool Pt. Just as the sun was clearing the eastern shoreline of East Bay, my 6-½ foot rod bowed deeply. The power and style of the run indicated that I had a good redfish. The ultra light action of the rod along with my 10 lb. Elite line by Suffix proved to be lethal again. However, the pier pilings are different. It was over in less than two minutes. Twice more, my presentation proved to fool me'. It was embarrassing……

Then there was that magic day a couple of days later, back near the Texas City Dike. Using medium action All-Pro FTU rods, four of us did battle on some awesome black drum. Lots of Big black drum. It was a bright sunny day with a light east wind. Those fish were stacked in a deep hole near the Dike. And they were eating fresh blue crabs just as fast as we could serve them up. Passers by on the Bolivar Ferry were treated to several Herculean tussles. These spawn-minded females were all in the 25-40 lb class and they make ones forearms similar to Popeye's……

There was the beautiful April morning, spent with a very dear friend, Brother Chuck, around Goat Island near the Hog Pins in East Bay. We used several assortments of She Dog's and soft plastic Assassins and Tidal Surge baits to tally a mixed bag. By the end of the day, we had waded that entire shoreline and come away with speckled trout, redfish, sand trout and even one grandee gaff stop. My brother Chuck was equal to the test and found great success, both on top as well as feeding those great fish with soft plastic.

And yet again was the morning with Mike Heidaman and Casey, along the north shoreline of Trinity Bay. Get this, with no tidal movement, we boxed speckled trout to around four pounds on soft plastic Salt Water Assassins and Tidal Surge baits. On still another day, when cabin fever trampled good sense, a hasty run to the back of Moses Lake seemed to ease the situation. That campaign featured deteriorating conditions with a light drizzle. The only fish happening were several sand trout and some Hugh ribbonfish. Still again, the need was served.

The aforementioned episodes are described, not for the quality or quantity they produced, but to highlight the exciting fact that April is the month when it all begins. Most of the action we find on the Texas Coast pecks during the warmer months. By the firth of May, water temperature is in that magical 70's and the summer smorgasbord is being served up…

The large black drum show first. While the run pecks in September, bull redfish are year round possibility. As the beachfront warms to the sunlight, gaffs top, speckled trout and keeper redfish begin the work the shallow guts. Big flounder are funneling through the passes and ditches, working there way back into the upper part of Trinity and East Bay. Sharks will oversee the migration in numbers most people do not begin to realize. The first of these will usually be the small sand sharks. Not far behind them will be the black tip, bulls and hammerheads. By mid-June, Spanish mackerel, jackfish pompano, king mackerel and even ling will be taken near the beach front.

It is easy to rush this great out door experience. As much as this writer and guide love fishing the colder months, I eagerly anticipate that which is to come. Rare is the year that I don't try to will the fish into place before it's time. The next three months will offer more and more varied opportunities than any other time of the year. The possibilities are virtually limitless. And every year, during the dog days of summer, I suddenly blink one hot, steamy afternoon and wonder where those magic days of spring went already……

God bless you and your families, while you enjoy His great backyard.

Captain Paul Marcaccio, USGC & TP & W.

Article-April 2006-a B.O.I.(born on the island) with over 30 years of Coastline experience.

A Good Picture Is Worth 1000 Words

2008-01-29T23:32:00.001-06:00

Memorable fish catches don’t come along on every fishing trip, but when they do, you certainly want a permanent record of the occasion. You could, of course, take your catch to the taxidermist and have a real fine wall mount made. I’ve gone that route, and it is satisfactory to a point. The problem is this can become quite expensive. I’ve been sport fishing since 1965 and if I had a wall mount made of every big fish I’ve caught or especially admired, I would be trophy rich and money poor.

No, not every fish I’ve caught was a record at the time. Other points figure in, like the circumstances under which the fish was caught, the tackle or special lure used, etc., etc.
There is an inexpensive way you can make permanent those memorable catches. Photograph the catch. If it’s to be a record of the catch, you need to do some planning in taking the photo. Simply pointing the camera and pressing the shutter release is not enough.

First off, consider the background. Don’t clutter it up with objects and whatnots totally unrelated to fishing.

Use a marine background. You can shoot from a low angle and have clouds in the background or shoot for a high angle and get the water in the background. Or you can take the photo in the boat with tackle, motor, and etc. in the background.

The main object in the picture is going to be the fish. Present its best side to the camera and wet the body before taking the photo. This will give it a more lifelike appearance. If the fish has been cleaned, don’t turn the cavity to the camera. And forget all about holding the fish out in front of you so it will look better. A photo like that will stamp you as a real hayseed and make you the butt of a lot of jokes.

When there is a person in the photo, the first thing viewers look at is the eyes. The viewers will then normally look at what the eyes of the photographed person is viewing. Thus hold the fish at shoulder level off to one side and look at the fish. Similar “blunder” photos crop up many times daily at the Grand Canyon. The photo is of someone looking right at the camera with the Grand Canyon in the background. Make the photo a lasting one by having the person stand off to one side and then look toward or point at something in the Grand Canyon.

Let’s say you come in with a 9-pound speckled trout and you want a photo of it. Hold the fish with both hands, one supporting the head and the other grasping the tail to extend the fish to full length. Hold the catch to one side with the head of the fish at eye level, but a little to the front.
Then look at the fish’s head. The resulting photo will show you with your head partially turned toward the fish and with your eye on the fish. The fish is what you want people to see when viewing the photo. Have the photographer move in close to snap the picture. You want the full length of the fish to show, but there is no reason for you to appear full length in the photo. After all, the important subject is the fish, not your fishing pants and old shoes. If there is any doubt at all about the light, use the flash.

The poorest light for a daytime photo is during the time period between 10a.m. and 2p.m.
Sure, the light may be strongest, but the sun will be overhead. A hat or cap will cast shadows on faces. Use a flash to eliminate those shadows. Avoid taking photos with the sun directly behind the photographer or behind the person in the photo. In one case, you end up with the photographer’s shadow on the person in the photo. In the other case, the result is a bright background behind a darkened subject.

Record fish come along only a time or two in a lifetime. Trophy size fish may be caught only slightly more often. With this in mind, never take just one photo. Film is not expensive. If your catch is big enough for a trophy, it is worth using a whole roll of film. If it is a record fish, there is nothing wrong with using two or three rolls of film. You may never, ever catch a fish so large again. And take the photos from various angles with various backgrounds. Very often what you feel is the best pose may turn out to be the fourth or fifth, etc. best when you get the processed photos back.

If the fish is to be taken to the taxidermist for mounting, make sure to take a number of color photos of the catch. It will enable the technician to better match the colors on the fish when he has to touch up the final mount.

God bless your families and good fishing.
See y’all on Galveston Bay.

Capt Paul Marcaccio
www.gofishgalveston.com

A Tribute to a Man and his Son

2008-01-29T23:11:00.001-06:00

In life, only a hand full of people, including your parents, can forevermore have a lasting effect on your natural ability.

There was one who had a profound effect along with his son. That person was Bob Stephenson Sr. and Junior, as I knew him. Bob Jr. had a passion for the outdoors that his father gave him from the time his was just a little tot.

Bob Sr. and his lovely wife Dottie have a wonderful family and shared everything about the outdoors with their sons and daughters.

The first I remember Bob Sr. was he doing the commercials for Friday Night Wrestling for Paul Bausch. Then later Bob Sr. was the weatherman for CBS, channel 11 here in Houston. I'm not sure of the time frame next, but Johnny Valentino of Eagle Point tells me that his dad and Bob Sr. were close friends. Somehow, either Bubba or Johnny's dad convinced Bob Sr. to do a fishing report on the radio for the Outdoor Farm Show. Bam………Thus was born the re-Known show, sometime around 1968, called "The Bob Stephenson OUTDOOR Show". Do not hold me to all these dates and time. The rest is history.

Bob Sr. made a lasting effect on this guide and angler. The show played to a listening audience daily from 4am to 5am and on the weekends from 4-7am. Except Monday, when Bob Sr. would take a little time off, like maybe the barbers did as well. The format to this angler was simple. Tell it like it is. No exceptions. Wind direction, tide movement and general location of where you caught your fish. Bob Sr. expected no less than the truth. Lots of time, he would try to close the gap to where I was catching. All in good fun. Bob Sr. loved the outdoors like our Lord indented. He always had a smile, a look and a touch for everyone he came in contact with. His outdoor show was on the air for well over 30 years, heard on the AM radio side of 740, 950 and finally settled down to the 610 spot where it played till our Lord called him home four years ago. This man knew more about fishing and hunting than any I could remember in ten lifetimes. Forgive me while I dry my eyes a little...

His passion to help one and all was unique. From the advertising Boat Dealers, Professional Hunting and Fishing Guides, and especially the men and women that would call in to his show. He treated us all with the same passion and conviction for telling the truth above all else. He later tutored his son, Bob Jr., to help so he could spend more time with his lovely wife Dottie and other members of his family.

Bob Jr. and I became very close friends during the 80's. His passion mirrored his dad for the outdoors. Bob Jr. fished some of the tournament trails in the southwest. At some point, Bob Sr. asked Junior to continue the family tradition. Bob Jr. took over for his dad, so dad could spend quality time with his family and friends. Bobby was a great friend, who knew the importance of family and how to get the most out of all of us, when it came to hunting and fishing reports. There were times, he could push my buttons... Man, and He was awesome.

Bob Jr. maintained the airways all during the 80's, 90's and the 2000's. Everyone that came in contact with Bob Jr. loved and admired him as a person and a family man. His lovely wife Melba and daughters, Dana and Shelly are true grit to this writer. They all continue to live life to the fullest. Bob Jr. lived life the way you should. To the fullest. One day at a time. He was a man's man like his dad, Bob Sr. Bobby passed away in 2002. I will truly miss them both…….

The show lives on in their memory. Wayne Vinton and Benny Hatten are now the hosts daily. Tune in @ AM 610 Thurs-Sunday @ 4am. Great guys to listen to about the outdoors….

I can still here them sometimes, while I drive toward the coast to go fishing. Bobby laughing out loud about someone's funny story and the show always closed with Bob Sr. famous line.

"Folks, HAVE FUN OUTDOORSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS......."

God truly blessed these two great men.

Dottie, Melba, Dana and Shelly.... Thank you for sharing your father and husbands.

Capt. Paul Marcaccio-A b.o.i.(born on the island)

With over 30 yrs. fishing experience the Texas Gulf Coast. U.S.C.G. & T. P. & W. license

www.gofishgalveston.com