Editor’s Notes
One of the most popular articles on the Gulf Coast
Fisherman web site (www.gulffishing.com) over many years,
has been an article on how to build a crab trap. Crab traps
aren’t that hard to find in stores but they are a little pricey.
So, perhaps that’s the reason for the interest, as they can
certainly be built cheaper but probably not as sturdy or long
lasting as ones available at retail. Another reason might just
be the general mystique and excitement that seems to
surround crabs, especially when one is at the end of a young
fisherman’s throw or drop line. So the next time the fish bite
is slow, or to just add some extra excitement to a fishing trip
for the young ones, toss or drop a crab line in the water and
let the fun begin.
Another surefire way to make a trip exciting for little
fishermen is to bring along a cast net. Not only can it provide
productive live bait for the trip, but kids are usually quite
excited each time the net comes in, whether it’s full of shiny,
jumping fish or just a few strange ones. This also offers a
great opportunity to explain the food chain and ID the catch
that comes in. It’s also a good time to point out which ones
can be handled safely and the ones that are to be left alone,
such as hard heads. One important lesson to teach is never,
ever stomp a hard head, which I’ve seen happen more than
once!
As far as keeping your own mind in the game, one good
way is to throw something that’s going to get bit. Several
years ago I found one of the most lethal baits for reds were
spinnerbaits. Winter, spring, summer or fall, they’d catch
reds. But I also found specks and flounder were quite partial
to them as well. There are many ways to fish them even
though just pulling them through the water can be effective.
For more in depth instructions on how to fish spinnerbaits,
check out “Blades of Fury” in this issue by John Felsher.
Many tips from seasoned fishermen can be found there on
ways to work the bait to unleash its full effectiveness.
Fall is a wonderful season on the Gulf coast and for all
those ready for cooler weather, the time is here. But be
careful of what you wish for, the summer had a July cold
spell that crossed much of the nation and the Fall and Winter
forecast in the Old Farmer’s Almanac is predicting below
normal temperatures with coldest periods in “mid-and late
December, early January, and mid-to late January.” Perfect
periods for very hard freezes.
So take care on the water this fall and, as usual, watch
out for that other guy…
See page 26 for advance planning
beyond this issue!
Order the 2015 Advance Planning
Calendar on page 35 or at
www.gulffishing.com.
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OCTOBER • NOVEMBER • DECEMBER
2014
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