We could probably anticipate the approach of some harsh weather this month as fierce frontal passages make their way down to us from the great white north – places like Canada and Alaska. But don’t let the frosty weather push you off the water entirely this month. Learn to take advantage of the weather patterns associated with these fronts. Some of our most prosperous February days have been the one or two days just prior to the onset of a front when the winds tend to build substantially out of the south. Learn, also, to pay close attention to the backside of these frontal systems, generally the second or third day when the strong north winds begin to subside, the tides begin to level-out again, and the water color once again begins to clear. Those can often be some mighty fine fishing days to look forward to in February.

The process you used for maneuvering your plastic baits in December and January won’t change in February. The secret will be to work them slow. And just when you think you’re moving them as slow as you possibly can, slow down some more. Attempt to pump the lure across the bay floor without reeling it in. This creates miniature vibrations and mud clouds as your bait is slowly worked across the bottom, and this also helps to keep your bait in front of the fish for a longer period of time. This technique has worked on many occasions in February’s cold water, especially on the redfish, and especially when pairing dark-colored plastic tails with very light 1/16-ounce jig heads.

And if it is February reds that you happen to be after, they are not always difficult to find this month due to the transparency of the water that’s brought about by the cold temperatures. Redfish generally feed on the bay bottom, so they have their nose in the mud a lot of the time while foraging for their next meal. This creates a cloudy area in the otherwise clear water that many anglers refer to as “mud boils”. When one or two reds are feeding in the same area, the mud boil may start out no bigger than the size of a dinner plate. Cast your bait beyond the boil, reel the bait to within close proximity of the murky water, and then work the bait slowly across the muddied area. This is a proven technique that has produced over and over again on February reds whenever the water becomes extremely cold and really clear.

Good luck, and keep grindin’!

This has been the coldest driest winter I can remember in the past five years. The September 2017 forecast that I read had me convinced with El Nino that our winter in the middle Texas coast was to be warmer and wetter than normal. I guess that’s why it’s called a forecast instead of ‘what’s really gonna happen’ because to me, that was way off!

I have almost gone broke in my petty cash fund this winter buying enough hot hands warmers to put in my pockets to withstand these days where the temperatures have not moved the mercury past the low 40s. The thing about being a guide in these parts is you know most of the year you will be in shorts and flip flops with a nicer fishing shirt which is what customers expect you to be wearing. Duck season rolls around and we switch costumes wearing more gear which consists of breathable waders and layers upon layers of base wear and jackets. More for show usually than necessity, we proudly wear these garments because we bought them and can’t fail to use them once in a while. However this year it’s been one of those times where you cannot put on enough gear. My toes are frozen most of the day and I usually lose feeling in my fingers around nine.

We are earning our money for sure right now when duck hunting and fishing out on the salt water. The ducks have been somewhat consistent in flight patterns but the fish have been more predicable. A positive effect of these cold blasts has been the timely movements of the fish as they attempt to stay alive and move to warmer waters. It’s been years since I have been so successful at finding good numbers of solid redfish and black drum but also speckled trout. Whether I’m working the bottom of a deeper gut with dead shrimp in water temps near 48 degrees or working a soft plastic under a popping cork in 56 degrees it’s been all good with customers boxing limits to near limits for multiple species during a four hour trip!

The key to surviving and prospering during these cold dips is preparedness. I have said it before that I not only have layers on my body but backup layers of clothing in tightly secured plastic bags just in case the water seeps in and freezes my program. Kudos to these fish which can adjust to swings in water temperatures by moving around to find slight warming trends from the depths. When we bring a redfish to the top and it feels frozen to me but had a robust fight to the top bowing up our rods it makes you think these guys are superior to the human race. Give me layers upon layers and I can hang with them but you won’t find me proving any kind of toughness joining the polar bear club of those Northerers. Heck I can’t feel my fingers to remove any gear any how!

Capt Stephen Boriskie
Bay Flats Lodge
Seadrift, Texas
888-677-4868

During the holidays T&A RV REPAIR, owned by Thom and Alice Sloan, moved from Port Lavaca to the Port O’Connor, Seadrift area. T&A RV Repair is located at 1660 Lane Road, one mile off Hwy. 185. Lane Road is approximately half-way between Seadrift and Port O’ Connor. A large shop building and an RV Parts, Supplies & Accessory Store is in progress at the1660 Lane Road location. The RV Store is in response to the many customer requests over the past couple of years.

T&A RV Repair will continue to serve customers throughout Calhoun County, offering on-site repair as well.

A bit of history about Thom’s RV knowledge and training: Thom has 29 years experience as a certified RV Technician. Thom obtained Senior Master Technician RVIDA certification in 1999, and IRV Service Association Senior Master Technician certification in 2001. He is registered with manufacturers and suppliers to perform warranty service on appliances, including A/Cs, furnaces, refrigerators and water heaters.

Having owned and managed RV Repair Businesses, RV parks and RV Dealerships gives him a broad knowledge of the RV industry. As RV’s continue to evolve in size, amenities, and electronic devices, “schooling” is still an ongoing priority in order to meet the needs of RV owners.

Alice has owned and managed RV parks and has 25 years experience in customer service, event organization and business management. Alice will likely be your first contact at T&A RV Repair. She schedules customer appointments and will manage the Parts and Supply Store.

Thom and Alice look forward to continuing to serve our area R.V. customers.

Business Hours: Tuesday through Saturday, 8am to 5pm. All Work is by appointment. 361-524-8708

On February 5, the Intercoastal 4H Club had its monthly meeting. We had Mr. Eric Taylor come to talk to us about grab bag skits. Everyone participated and the skits were very funny!

On March 5 at 5:00 in the Calhoun County Extension Office, Calhoun County 4H is having their annual Round Up which includeds a fashion show, photography judging, and skits. This year the Intercoastal Club will be doing a skit at the Round Up.

Our next meeting will be April 2nd at 6;30 in the POC Elementary Library. Everyone is welcome to join.