This is a really cool short film about the redfish recovery efforts in Texas. Our Dad, Glen Coker, was involved in this fight and I recall him going to Austin to meet with state representatives. My parents owned Portland Marine at the time and the commercial fishermen were not happy about the new regulations. We had a Radio Shack reel-to-reel answering machine and I recall hearing threats left by those unhappy. One in particular talked about “burning your house down.” We love chasing tailing reds so this story is important to share.
Category: Fishing
Fishing in Texas
4 Tips for Avoiding Crowds While Fishing
Discover ways to avoid crowded fishing spots in Texas for a serene, rewarding experience. Explore off-peak times, alternative methods, and less popular seasons.
Howdy, Texas anglers! Going out for a day in the great outdoors to fish is always an excellent way to unwind, soak in nature’s beauty, and enjoy the Lone Star State. However, crowded fishing spots can potentially ruin your experience. Keep reading to get tips for avoiding crowds for a more relaxing and fruitful fishing trip!
Avoiding Popular Fishing Spots
One of the most common issues anglers face is fishing in crowded areas. These areas tend to be overfished, decreasing the chance of making a successful catch. To dodge this problem, explore lesser-known spots. Google Maps and local fishing forums can be helpful in identifying bodies of water that are less frequented. Remember, some of the best gems are hiding in plain sight but overlooked by most!
Off-Peak Fishing Times for the Win
Fishing during peak hours when everyone and their dogs seem to be out can make for a not-so-relaxing experience, so don’t be afraid to switch it up! Early mornings, late evenings, and weekdays are less crowded, providing you with more space and serenity. Better yet, sometimes fish are more active during these off-peak hours. For example, this is one of the many reasons you should try night fishing!
Experimenting With Alternative Fishing Methods
Too many lines and lures in one place can scare off our finned friends. To avoid this, consider trying out alternative fishing methods like fly fishing, bowfishing, or kayak fishing. These options typically require you to move about the water more, increasing the likelihood of finding those underrated, uncrowded spots and giving you a unique twist on your regular routine.
Reel Big Fish in Less Popular Seasons
If y’all are willing to bear the Texan cold, another way to navigate around the crowds is to plan your fishing trips during the less popular seasons. Although spring and summer are the go-to time for most anglers, winter fishing can be equally rewarding and offer a more peaceful experience. In the colder months, species like crappie, bluegill, and catfish can still provide excellent catches.
Even though our great state is home to many anglers competing for prime fishing opportunities, these tips for avoiding crowds while fishing can help y’all vastly improve your fishing experience. The key is to be flexible and creative when selecting fishing spots, timing, techniques, and seasons. So grab your gear, put on your cowboy boots, and let’s catch some monsters, y’all!
Coker Boys fish Matagorda back lakes
We love fishing the back lakes of Matagorda Island for trout and redfish. Typically, we start off fishing the shorelines with top-waters. My personal favorite is a bone Super Spook Junior. As the day heats up, we either wade out to deeper water or set up on the cuts and drains. Typically we change out to DSL soft plastics.
Kayak Fishing Redfish in Seadrift
We had another successful fishing trip to the Seadrift area. The Seadrift and Port O’Connor bay systems hold endless possibilities – reefs, marshes, jetties, with endless islands and shorelines. Charles suggested taking his kayaks and using our Gulf Coast as a mothership. So, we loaded up and headed out at sunrise.
We hooked up a number of nice slot reds. A pod of tailing reds is about as good as fishing gets.
NuCanoe Flints loaded up on our Gulf Coast. Ran great, lost a little speed on top but easy transport. Pulled up into knee deep water to unload and then hopped right in. The Flints are plenty stable enough for a smaller kayak.
Note the trolling motor set up Charles rigged! Lithium batteries enabled us to motor along all day with plenty of reserve power. One practice I recommend is to motor upwind to start the day. That way if you lose power (for whatever reason) your paddle home will be downwind.
Read more: Kayak Fishing Redfish in Seadrift Continue reading “Kayak Fishing Redfish in Seadrift”Seadrift, TX. Sight Casting 4/28/23
We are back at it on our home waters of Seadrift, and done with Port Mansfield Winter fishing. It was a great season down south, we had a lot of good weather days on the water and with that a good number of 4-7# trout. It seems that system is continuing to recover nicely. In March and April as the water temps climbed it did give up a few 8 pound fish. Which was really awesome to see all things considered.
Can’t wait until this winter, but until then we will be here in Seadrift, TX. chasing redfish off the tower and a new way. Like yesterday’s outing with one person, we didn’t take the tower along. We simply trolled into small ponds or down the shorelines throwing plastics and topwaters. In the small ponds we would powerpole down able to cast all the way across the pond, working it from all sides until we moved on. We were able to stumble into a few small ponds of 10-15 fish this way. All our fish yesterday were released to fight another day.
For those of y’all thinking there’s no way I could hit a moving redfish on the head with a soft plastic off a tower, or little own be able to spot one. Well now I would like to extend the offer of simply trolling these secluded back marsh ponds, working each pond over and moving to the next.
How to choose a kayak for fishing
Kayak fishing is a great way to get out on the water, explore new areas, and catch some fish. However, choosing the right kayak for fishing can be a daunting task. There are so many options available, it can be difficult to know where to start. In this blog post, we will compare and contrast general use sit on top kayaks versus those built specifically for fishing. We will also provide a list of the best accessories to add to your fishing kayak.
Part 1: General use sit on top kayaks
Sit on top kayaks are a popular choice for many kayak anglers. They are easy to get in and out of, and they are very stable on the water. They are also usually less expensive than kayaks built specifically for fishing.
One of the main benefits of a general use sit on top kayak is that they can be used for a variety of activities, not just fishing. You can use them for recreational paddling, exploring, or just enjoying a day on the water. They are also usually lighter and more maneuverable than kayaks built specifically for fishing.
However, there are some downsides to using a general use sit on top kayak for fishing. They usually have less storage space than fishing-specific kayaks, which can make it difficult to bring all the gear you need. They also often lack the specialized features that make fishing easier, such as rod holders, fish finders, and tackle storage.
Part 2: Kayaks built specifically for fishing
Kayaks built specifically for fishing are designed with anglers in mind. They have more storage space, specialized features, and are often more stable on the water than general use sit on top kayaks.
One of the main benefits of a fishing-specific kayak is that they are designed to make fishing easier. They often have multiple rod holders, built-in tackle storage, and fish finders to help you locate fish. They also have more comfortable seating options, which can make a long day on the water more enjoyable.
However, fishing-specific kayaks can be more expensive than general use sit on top kayaks. They are also usually heavier and less maneuverable, which can make them more difficult to transport and maneuver on the water.
Part 3: Best accessories to add to your fishing kayak
No matter which type of kayak you choose, there are some accessories that can make your kayak fishing experience even better. Here are some of the best accessories to add to your fishing kayak:
Continue reading “How to choose a kayak for fishing”Things To Remember When Dock Fishing at Night
Going fishing is fun anytime, but it’s especially exciting at night. Here’s what you’ll need to consider if you’re fishing from a dock after sunset.
Fishing at night has many advantages. For starters, some fish species are more active once the sun sets, and you don’t have to deal with glare.
One of the best places to try night fishing is from a dock. Read on to learn a few things to remember when dock fishing at night.
Use the Right Bait
The bait you use will play significantly into whether you catch anything. Different fish species have unique behaviors and preferences that you must consider. You won’t get any bites if you’re trying to attract fish with something they’re not interested in.
It’s essential to match your live bait or lure to the types of fish in the area. Carefully select lures according to the type of fish you want to catch. If you’re using live bait, you should catch it from a natural environment or purchase it with the help of a local supplier to ensure fish take an interest in your line.
Bring a Light
Bright lights attract tiny creatures that fish feed on. If you shine a light and bring these creatures to the surface, the fish will follow, giving you a clearer picture of what’s in the water. This technique also allows you to tailor your line to the local population.
The type of light you use can significantly affect your overall fishing experience. LEDs, HIDs, and other types of lighting may require additional maintenance, depending on your setup. While many options are available, knowing how to choose the right dock fishing lights will give you an excellent place to start.
Fish Right at Dusk and Dawn
While fishing during the dead of night can have its perks, hitting the sweet spot just after the sun goes down or right before it rises will allow you to get your pole in the water when the fish are at their most active.
Changing light levels trigger active feeding in most fish populations, making dawn and dusk the perfect times to drop a line. Fishing from a dock during these periods provides a quiet, comfortable experience with plenty of opportunities to snag a big catch.
Remember To Stay Safe While Fishing at Night
Although night fishing can be a lot of fun, there are some things to be aware of. Bring a floatation device, even if you aren’t planning to go into the water, and don’t leave your gear sitting around where you can trip over it.
The most important thing to remember when dock fishing at night is that you need a reliable light source. Otherwise, you can fish with all your favorite techniques and enjoy unique catches!
Why Fishing Enthusiasts Practice Catch-and-Release Fishing
Some fishing enthusiasts like to bring their catches home, while others prefer to release them back into the water. What’s the draw of catch and release?
Humans have fished for subsistence for thousands of years, and fishing for sport has existed for just as long. Reeling in a big fish is fun, no matter what you plan to do with it!
The question of what to do with a fish once you’ve caught it has several answers. Many fishers who lure bass or trout take many of them home. Still, many fishing enthusiasts practice catch-and-release fishing. Let’s learn why releasing fish is important to many enthusiasts.
Maintaining Fish Populations
Releasing a fish once you’ve caught it ensures fish can reproduce and make more fish! Catch-and-release fishing keeps fish populations stable year after year. That way, fishers make a minimal environmental impact and preserve the area for future generations to enjoy.
Letting Young Fish Grow
If you catch a young fish on your trip, let it go so it can reproduce and complete its life cycle! Release a fish after capture so it can do its part in making more fish for the future. Catch-and-release is the best form of fishing in many anglers’ eyes. It’s heaps of fun and leaves a minimal footprint on the ecosystem.
Adhering to Local Laws
You cannot legally take certain fish species home, but they’re fun to catch anyway. Depending on where you’re fishing, native fish populations are in danger of extinction. Expert anglers know which fish they can’t keep and take plenty of photos before releasing them.
Keeping the Industry Afloat
Overfishing is a serious threat to many species, largely due to industrial fisheries and over-eager tourists. When too many fish of a certain species get snapped up, populations suffer. A decade down the line, there may be none left for future tourists. Many fishing tourism hubs place bag limits on how many fish you can take home because they want to stay in business by maintaining those populations.
Fishing enthusiasts practice catch-and-release fishing for various reasons, from legal limitations to conservation efforts. Learn why catch-and-release is so popular, and consider practicing it yourself!
4 Ways Anglers Can Help Conserve the Environment
Do you want to ensure your grandchildren can enjoy the great Texas outdoors as you do? Learn the ways you can conserve the environment in our guide!
Anglers shouldn’t just be sportsmen and sportswomen—they should be conservationists. After all, don’t we want to preserve the beautiful Texas outdoors you love and enjoy so much? Learn how you can help conserve the environment as an angler below!
Pay for a Fishing License
Anglers should always have a license, as it’s legally necessary to fish in Texas for anyone over 17, but the fee for licenses isn’t just money down the drain. Instead, it helps the state’s environment. Much of the money from fishing licenses goes toward government environmental maintenance projects to preserve fisheries for anglers today and in the future.
These funds are vital for many state agencies to monitor fish and other species populations carefully and evaluate Texas water quality. It may seem like a hassle for anglers, but when everyone chips in a few bucks for a license, they’re helping ensure their children and children’s children can enjoy the same fisheries and watering holes they did.
Battle Invasive Species
Invasive species are a problem in many Texas waterways, with some of the worst being zebra mussels, giant Salvinia, and Asian swamp eels. As anglers are the ones who frequent many of these waterways, they hold a responsibility to do what they can to help slow the spread of invasive species so harmful to Texas’s environment.
Anglers must be diligent about the invasive species found at their fishing spots and carefully clean and sanitize their fishing gear and boat if they travel from one body of water to another. Many state agencies post notices of invasive species at popular fishing spots, so keep an eye out for those postings and do what you can to root out invasive species.
Preserve Natural Cover
Another part of Texas waterways that anglers should consider conserving is the natural cover on the water and along the banks and surrounding habitat. Natural features and vegetation aren’t just cosmetic but are crucial for wildlife and Texas ecosystems because they provide food and shelter to many species, not just fish.
As an angler, you may want more accessible pegs and feel tempted to clear out some vegetation and natural covers, but you can harm the environment more than you realize. Anglers should try to leave the waterway and environment as they find them—undisturbed.
Clean Up Litter
The simplest but one of the most effective ways anglers can help conserve the environment is by doing their part to clean up when they see trash around. Waters that attract lots of anglers unfortunately also tend to attract lots of litter like discarded fishing tackle and garbage from food and drink.
If you’re fishing and see litter lying about, pick it up and dispose of it properly to keep Texas clean. If you bring plastic packaging for a drink or snack, bring some trash bags to dispose of your garbage properly.
Seadrift, TX. Fall Sight Casting; 11/3/22
Sight Casting before approaching fronts can be very successful. On Either normal tides or low tides, reds usually go on a more aggressive feed as these fronts get closer. Found many fish crushing surface mullet, and patrolling the banks for small perch and grass shrimp.
I guess the marsh had Halloween too. When the fog lifted this was revealed
Capt. Nathan Beabout
Cell:(210)452-9680
N&M Sportsman’s Adventures
www.nmsportsmansadventures.com
AB Kennels/M2 Breeding
San Antonio Bay Winter Trout!
Been waiting for this weather for 8 months now. The day before this front hit, the water temp was 86 degrees. Today is ranged from 66-68, this always gets the better fish active. Timing is key, and knowing where they will be lying in wait is the most fun part to figure out.
The plan worked today while out doing homework for some upcoming trips. These fish were thumping Softdine XL’s and and baby Mirrodines.
Get Hooked on Kayak Fishing: A Beginner’s Guide
Kayak fishing has grown in popularity significantly over the past decade, and it has even been called the sport of the future because of its accessibility to anglers of all ages and physical abilities. That said, there are some important things you should know before you jump in your kayak and start fishing without any experience at all! Whether you’re just starting out with kayak fishing or have been on the water for years already, these tips will help you get hooked (pun intended!) on this great sport!
If you want to go fishing, but don’t own a boat…
If you want to go fishing, but don’t own a boat, kayaks are the perfect solution. You’ll be able to explore the water and find new fishing spots that are only accessible by water. With a kayak, you can also travel long distances without tiring out your feet or back. It’s an amazing way to get out on the water for a day of fishing fun!
If you do own a boat, but still want the kayak fishing experience…
If you already own a boat and want to get the kayak fishing experience, there are two ways that it can be done. The first is by having a kayak on your boat. For example, some people will mount their kayaks on top of their boats or have them strapped onto the side with special racks. The other way is to attach a tow rope to your boat and then attach the other end to your kayak.
