Middle Coast Morning Shoot
-Capt. Jeff Larson

Duck Season is almost done here State Side. We have had an Awesome Duck Season! Lots of Pintails! I understand that we will get two back next year. There was only a hand full of days that we could have shot two Pintails a hunter. Gadwall, Widgeon and Shovelers were also plentiful on most days out in the marsh. Of course we get a ton of red heads which always helps with filling the straps. We also took a number of Buffle Heads and a few Golden Eye. Oh a few Canvasback early during the 1st split.

Weather was always the key for barn burners. The northers always yielded above average numbers. Mild, Warm days, that was another story. Mild days during the full moon were tough and they always are for everyone. The Big Storm in January wasn’t as bad for us on the Coast. Oh it was windy, perfect for the Freeze Out and perfect for the Duck Hunters! We always worry though when storms of that magnitude barrel down on us. When bad weather strikes bad things happen. Sometimes fatalities. So far today I have only Towed one boat. Captain Brennen Larson is running an afternoon Duck Hunt So I can go get a boat off of a sand bar. Fun! Fun! Really ChaChing Cha Ching! Larson’s Marine Services aka Naked Towing is busy when the tide drops. The best advise is always get you a Tow Policy for your Boat. Marine Towing isn’t just throw me an anchor rope! Even though I have done it to help. We live on the water and getting calls all hours of the day and night forced me to get the Towing Endorsement. Get a policy. Heck get two policies especially if you fish up and down the whole Gulf Coast.

This tow I’m on now required an Airboat. Luckily for the STUCK, Captain Jeff Garner was rolling by with his Twin Prop Air Ranger. He did a quick job so the Freeze Out Team could get their Stud Red Fish to the Weigh Master.

Big Monster Trout Time! Do you want to go fish for that 1 Big Sow Trout. Now is the time. You have about 4 months to increase your personal best or catch the new Texas State Record. Good Luck to you if you are a do it yourself’r. If you need some guidance please give us a call. We can chase the Big Ones.

Flounder update! Drama is about all I can say! There is so much to say and valid points based on historical surveys using the same techniques to compile the Doom and Gloom Evidence that is derived from day time surveys and data collection. When you say flounder everyone thinks night time gigging or the fall flounder run. Here’s my take on the Flounder Drama.

Since there has been the same survey techniques, data collection, and it’s been a downward spiral with the Laws cutting Anglers back on their limit with even more regulations coming. How is that working? Sounds like its been the wrong move for over 30 years now. Time to change the system. Flounder have been flourishing based on all the full time guides, Commercial Fishermen and savvy Flounder Fishermen. Quit taking our resource away from us! You get the point. My blood pressure is rising just thinking about the inconsistencies of who is right. I know what I see as a Guide and Commercial Fishermen. Flounder like any other fish cycle up and down. Quit making fishing and gigging for flounder so hard. I can’t even take my kids gigging for Thanksgiving Dinner. I grew up eating stuffed flounder tied into a holiday tradition. Gigging is so much fun and kids get to see so much more or different Marine life while gigging at night. Fishermen need to stick together whether you like a certain technique or despise it. We all know a divided house will indeed fall from within.

Hey, for the Hard Core Duck Hunters. Mexico is open until March. Mexico Wing Shooting is wide open if you want to go south of the border and strap some more ducks. I have plenty of availability for anyone who wants to keep shooting waterfowl. I suggest getting scheduled before February 15th. We missed the Pintails on our third trip last February by 2 days. Oh we killed a bunch of ducks but my favorite is the Whistling Wings of Pintails.

Please give us a call if you have any questions or want to book a trip down to the Lodge. Billy Rhyne’s hotline is 713 907 4796.
It’s been a great Duck Season if you missed it we have our 2020/2021 calendar open.

Start knocking off the dust on your Rods and Reels and let’s go fishing!

Capt. Jeff Larson 281.217.0399