Gulf Coast Fisherman Magazine Vol 39 No 2 - Spring 2015 | Page 5

Editor’s Notes
Residents of the Gulf Coast may be wondering, “was it
an early spring or late winter?” While the week before we
went to press the Texas coast was enjoying warm spring-like
temps, the eastern gulf was experiencing some of the coldest
temps felt in years. Twice this winter, Texas coastal residents
were spared freezing temps when the jet stream dipped to the
east and brought Louisiana to Florida residents a hard freeze
and in some places a bit of snow.
One thing we can be sure of, though, is we will all be
back on the same page this Spring as unrelenting winds will
pummel the Gulf coast, day in and day out. Spring is a
transition period between cold weather and warm, and until a
somewhat equilibrium is reached between the upper and
lower US, there will be strong winds to contend with.
Fortunately, not every day will have red flags flying over
the Coast Guard station, and on such days it’s pretty much
fishing as usual. But for those days when there are whitecaps
inside the boat ramp, there are still options available that will
allow anglers to use the wind to their advantage.
Two features in this issue (“Rattle ‘Em UP” and “Quick
Drift Strategies”) are devoted specifically to this recurring
issue and how you can make the most of it. More tips can be
spotted in other articles as well.
On the bright side of windy conditions, knowing where/
how to be successful in unfishable conditions for most
fishermen, means less competition on the water and easy
access to even the most popular of ramps. There’s something
about heading out when conditions are too cold, too windy,
etc. for most fishermen, whether it be a park the vehicle and
wade spot, or one that’s accessed by boat.
Spring also offers a great chance to catch a really large
speck. This issue’s “Tackle Time” department, by Colby
Sorrells, gets into when size matters most for artificial baits.
Colby focuses on “Spook” type baits
commonly used in a “walk the dog”
retrieve. As you may or may not have
noticed, but as Colby points out, large
mullet are primarily what’s available to
large trout this time of year. Therefore,
the use of larger baits will produce larger
fish.
Colby is also co-author of a new book
titled, “Langley Field Tested Tackle”. If
you’re familiar with this once innovative
company that was at the forefront of some
amazing leaps in tackle, in both function
and quality, this is a book for you. It’s
beautifully illustrated and includes a price
guide for their vintage tackle. See the
New Products department on page 30 for
information on how to order.

Our Readers Write
The Pontchartrain isn’t
the only place to catch a blue
cat and a redfish, my
husband Robert McMillin
caught these in our backyard
in Cedar Bayou in Baytown,
Texas. The blue cat was 36
inches and weighed 20
pounds, the redfish was 27
inches and weighed 8
pounds. This was two days
before Thanksgiving so we
ditched the turkey and
dressing for fried fish this
year.
Swimmingly Yours,
Vicki Calma

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APRIL • MAY • JUNE 2 0 1 5

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