Duck Hunting in Old Mexico
-Capt. Jeff Larson

We sure hope everyone has a Merry Christmas! Please be mindful of those that had a tougher year than you.

The day before the December Duck Split Opener. There are so many ducks ranging from West Matagorda Bay to the border of Mexico. How do I know you asked? I just got back from visiting our Lodge in San Fernando Mexico. Since there wasn’t a Duck Season going on in Texas, Captain Avery Wallace, with Avery’s Guide service jumped in the truck and we went down for some hot barrel wingshooting. We arrived in time to make an evening hunt. Needless to say, Juan the Guide had a great spot picked out with a natural blind built for easy access and total concealment. We shot a bunch of ducks for an afternoon duck shoot. The next morning we headed back down to the boat and this time we targeted pintails. Pintail hunts in Mexico are what dreams are made of for Duck Hunting on the Coast. A norther was blowing a gale which it typically is a good thing. Great for ducks but not so good for boat rides to the blind. Yes ,of course the tide was out and had to walk in some relatively soft mossy bottom. I say mossy because that is where ducks like to come eat grass. We arrived there a little late because we ran into an unmarked gill net. Yes, a gill net. Mexico still has nets for fish. The caveat to the whole hunt was that I had a 2 hour drive to the border to pick up Avery’s Customer while he stayed hunting. The weather was clear, cold, and blowing and the pintails were trickling in about every 10 to 20 minutes. The customer was a long standing customer who would definitely understand a on the X Pintail Shoot is a good reason to be late. Juan and Avery were like you need to leave to go get the customer. Man I was torn, ass chew’n or be punctual. Oh more Pintails coming.

Bam, Bam, Bam, Well you can tell that there was no leaving the blind anytime soon. Oh yeah! I started pulling out onto the main road to make that 2 hour drive when my phone rang. It was NOT my lucky day. The Flight was on time and he was getting his bag. I just answered the call and went into how good the shoot was unfolding and time got away from me. I am on my way, be right there and don’t go anywhere.

Yep, the Transportation Guy got poor marks and a bad write up at the end of the trip. But I did make sure he was 2 hours early arriving to head back home. I got a good tip which tells me any duck hunter knows when it’s a great shoot you get a hall pass.

Look, when my buddy Juan says, “There are many Pintails!” and pumps his right arm at an angle. That means you will shoot a case of shells.

The Re-opener should be a bang!!!!!! The tide is low so plan accordingly. Oh yeah almost forgot to tell ya! Fishing for trout and reds are off the chart on these mild sunny days. When they flip on like a switch then you will get em good. The Flounder are still migrating out into the Gulf. So try your hand at gigging. The giggers have been stabbing some serious door mats.

Merry Christmas and hope we get a Presidential Christmas Miracle!

Captain Jeff Larson 281 217 0399

“Cooperative” – Bay Flats Lodge

When you think of successful wintertime trout fishing along our coast, you may just think of one primary factor, and that’s bottom structure. The best bottom structure during the wintertime is mud that happens to be mixed with shell. The fish tend to hold in these muddy shell areas due to the warmer water temperatures provided by sunlight that penetrates the water and, consequently, warms the mixture of mud and shell that’s located on the floor of the bay. These areas of consistently warmer temperatures help to make the trout and redfish that hold in these areas much less lethargic – meaning these fish will probably be much more likely to feed on any baitfish (primarily wintertime mullet) available in the immediate vicinity.

So, where should you be fishing once the weather decides to get really cold? Well, you may wish to perch yourself upon any one of the many shell reefs in either Espiritu Santo Bay or San Antonio Bay. The reef systems tend to have mud on one side and sand on the other side, with general water depths ranging from four to six feet. You’ll need to get out of the boat and wade these areas if you want to determine the bottom structure of any one particular area. Focusing on key reef structure and the transitions of the baitfish will positively improve your prospects of catching more quality trout in cold weather conditions.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO ALL – Bay Flats Lodge is already booking fishing trips for the 2021 Winter Special, which this year will run from December 15, 2020, through February 28, 2021. This is a time when you and your guests can stay at the Lodge and fish at a tremendously discounted rate. This is a great time to pick your favorite fishing dates, so give us a call whenever you’re ready. All of us at Bay Flats Lodge hope you and your family have a blessed Christmas, and a safe and happy holiday season. You can now book online at our website www.bayflatslodge.com, or call us at (888) 677-4868.

“Unforgettable” – Bay Flats Lodge

Memorial Benefit for Ray Leftwich – Saturday, January 16; Noon til 6:00 pm
Port O’Connor Community Center
Silent Auction, Bake Sale, 50/50 Raffle
Proceeds go to memorial expenses & St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.

I don’t know about you, but I’m actually looking forward to 2021–this year has been one that I think, no one expected to ever see, and for certain do not want to see another one like this.

I do believe Port O’Connor residents, has been so blessed, as far as the virus, our businesses seem to have survived, our community has sooo much to be “Thankful” for.

If you are a Chamber member and have any Specials or would like a newsletter or item emailed out to our address list, please email to us and I’ll be glad to get it emailed to our nearly 300 contacts. If you are a non-profit organization and want us to spread the news, just let us know, the Chamber is here for you!!
Wishing all Happy & Safe Holiday’s!!!!

Next Chamber meeting will be Monday, January 11th. If you want on to be on the agenda email: info@portoconnorchamber.com

We meet at the Port O’Connor Community Center at 6:30 pm;

If we can be of help, give us a call–361-983-2898

Come join and get involved in your community.

Kenneth Ray (Pete) Wilson of Wills Point, TX, passed away on Monday, December 7, 2020.

Kenneth was born on August 12, 1938, in the Hayden Community, to parents, Johnnie and Bessie Wilson. He started school in the Turner Community after the family moved there when he was about five years old and later went to Wills Point Independent School District. Pete trusted in the work of Jesus when he was a teenager at the Turner Church and was later baptized in Wills Point. He served in the United States Army, worked on ranches and was a long haul truck driver for many years. He loved fishing fresh and saltwater, but he especially loved those channel cats. Pete moved to Port O’Connor, TX, where he spent the last twenty years and had many friends there.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Johnnie and Bessie Wilson; his sisters, Betty Joe Smith and Pat Tarrant; brother, Bill Wilson.

Pete is survived by his children, Kenneth Ray Wilson, Jr. and wife Dianne, Nathan Wilson, Dawn Gonzales and husband John, and Jack Wilson and wife Renee; sister, Johnnie Agnes (Short) Parker and husband Ray; seven grandchildren; along with many other family and friends.

Memorial services will soon be announced for the Wills Point and Port O’Connor areas.