Sports 471
Summer Topwater Bass Tips
Summer in Texas offers some of the most exciting opportunities to catch largemouth bass on topwater lures. While the heat can push bass deeper during midday, the early mornings, late evenings, and even nighttime can provide explosive topwater action if you approach it correctly. Timing is KeyDuring the hot summer months, target bass during low-light
How To Catch Stingrays In the Surf
If you’ve ever walked a Texas beach and seen a large, flat shadow glide through the shallows, chances are you’ve seen a stingray. Stingrays are fascinating creatures are abundant along the Gulf Coast, and with the right approach, they can be caught from shore. And they put up a tremendous fight! 1. Choose the Right
Feds Taking Comments on Endangered Species Act
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service invites public comments and information on its Endangered Species Act section 10(a) program. The program includes the development of conservation benefit agreements, habitat conservation plans and the issuance of enhancement of survival and incidental take permits. The Service is dedicated to strengthening the section 10(a) program to more effectively
A Look At Crazy “Jaws” Knock-Offs
When Jaws hit theaters in 1975, it redefined the summer blockbuster and terrified swimmers for decades. Naturally, a wave of imitators followed — some shameless, some surprisingly creative. Among the most notorious were Orca (1977), Tentacles (1977), and Great White (1981). Each tried to tap into the aquatic-anxiety market in its own bizarre way. The
Using Sidescan on Shallow Flats
There’s no better feeling than pulling up on a flat, taking a peek at the sidescan, and watching a horde of redfish or speckled trout appear within casting distance. Sidescan is a vital tool for one simple reason: it helps you locate fish that you would otherwise never know are there. When the waters’ gin
Sheepshead in the… Shallows?
Sheepshead in the shallows? You’ve got that right! When most people imagine catching convicts, it’s fishing in relatively deep water around structure like a bridge or jetty. But believe it or not, these pseudo-black-drum with teeth are likely hanging out near some of your favorite redfish spots in just a few feet of water. Let’s
Eagle Claw: 100 Years of American Craftsmanship
More than a century ago, Andrew D. McGill set out to create a better fly. The immediate success of the Wiltless Wing Fly established an innovative approach that soon led to the creation of the Eagle Claw fishhook, a breakthrough that forever changed fishing and launched Eagle Claw as a leader in innovation, quality, and
I Saw My First Texas Free-Ranging Elk
While driving through Edwards County during a recent hunting trip in the southwestern Edwards Plateau, I was surprised to see a free-ranging bull elk standing outside a high fence. This unexpected (got a crappy long distance cell phone pic) sighting underscores the growing presence of elk in Texas, particularly in areas like the Hill Country,
In Pursuit of Gaspergou
Gaspergou, also known as freshwater drum, are a widespread and often overlooked fish found throughout Texas rivers, lakes, and even brackish coastal bays. Recognizable by their silver-gray bodies, rounded humps, and downturned mouths, gaspergou feed primarily on the bottom and are known for their distinctive “drumming” sound, which gives them their name. Though not as
Fishing The Piers of Coastal Texas
Fishing from piers along the Texas coast is a favorite pastime for anglers of all skill levels, offering easy access to productive waters without the need for a boat. From the bright lights that draw in speckled trout at night to the structure-loving tripletail and the brute strength of big redfish cruising the surf, these
The Best Artificial Baits for Bull Redfish
There’s nothing better than watching a big redfish hunt down a soft plastic or explode on a popper. While redfish aren’t particularly picky fish, there are still certain lures that will produce more bites and land more fish than others—especially if you know when to use them. Big bull drum are suckers for these lures.
Louisiana Concerned Over Fish Kills
The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) reminds the public that high-water temperatures, extended cloudy weather and storms may lead to inland (freshwater) and nearshore marine fish kills in waterways across the state. Fish kills should be reported to the Department by following the instructions on our fish kill webpage. Since warm water has a lower
