Published July 7, 2009
The current spell of southwest wind has fishing in the doldrums. Once this pattern changes, expect to see a return to the outstanding fishing we had just preceding its arrival. However, anglers, who have honey holes in deeper water, still are finding action on trout during this period of adverse conditions.
Jim Carner, of La Marque, fished his secret spot along the Galveston Ship Channel on Sunday and limited out on specks. Carner’s honey hole is in 16 to 17 feet of water, and live shrimp bottom-bumped did the trick.
We continue to receive reports from Friday, when the action was so hot before the wind shift Saturday.
Don Williamson, along with Pam and Pat St. Amnab, fished the Kemah Flats on Friday morning and caught a flounder, lots of sand trout and croaker and nine specks to 22 inches. Free-lined live shrimp and Gulp Pogies were the baits employed.
The West End Anglers’ West Bay Slam Tournament on July Fourth was a success in that it raised $400 for Sea Center Texas. There were 30 adults and two kids participating. The winners were
• Speckled trout — first place, Brett Smith; second place, Chip Reeder; third place, Team Hippie;
• Flounder — first place, Team Hippie; second place, Jeremy Pratt; third place, Donna Romeyn;
• Redfish — first place, Coe Parker; second place, Albert Rathmell; third place, Team Hippie;
• Kids Division — first place, Jacob Worrell; second place, Seth King.
At press time, the Texas City Tackle Time Tournament’s Web site had not been updated for final results. As soon as we obtain them, the first-place winners will be published.
Finally, I want to share some boat shopping experiences that might help you avoid problems when looking for a used rig.
For several weeks, I have been shopping for a smaller bay boat to replace the one destroyed during the hurricane. There have been several occasions on which I answered ads only to find the boat, motor or both had several red flags waving and satisfactory answers to my questions not given.
When viewing a used rig, look for cosmetic changes in the hull and motor. If the outside of an older boat is flawless and the interior shows a lot of wear and tear, this could be a sign of major fiberglass work and, if so, for what reason?
If the bilges of the boat show dried mud and sand, this could have resulted from the boat having been submerged. Look closely at the lower unit of outboards. If they are close to spotless, meaning no scraps or dings, chances are it had a paint job. Why?
If you are looking at a newer boat (less than five or six years old), and it has had more than one owner, this could indicate a hidden problem.
Lastly, do not purchase a boat without a title. This is especially true of boats less than 30 years old. Duplicate titles are available to all owners, but not to those in possession without the right to ownership.
To get your catch in the Reel Report, phone Capt. Joe Kent at 409-683-5273, or send an e-mail to reel.report(at)galvnews.com. There’s no charge for this service.