August 28, 2026
Texas’ Hunting and Fishing Newspaper Since 2004
Franklin Conde with Coastal Anglers shows off a rare catch for a Texas beach; this mako shark measuring over 10 feet caught from North Padre Island. Photo from Franklin Conde.
Volume 23, Issue 1
Mako from the beach Quick thinking brings in big shark By Cory Byrnes
For Lone Star Outdoor News Three days, four sharks. Franklin Conde, Martin Dietz, and Dennis Conde’s long weekend ended with a potential state record. Conde is an avid land-based shark
fisherman, and on this particular weekend in late July, the conditions were prime south of Corpus Christi on Padre Island. On the first day, Conde and crew set the spread. “We got there in the morning and got baits out,” Franklin Conde said. He dropped baits at 450 and 1,100 yards to attract sharks close and farther out from the beach. “You never know,” he said about
where the sharks might be hanging. The first hookup was early that afternoon. The drag screamed as Conde and his friends worked to quickly land and release a 10-foot, 2-inch hammerhead. “We literally caught the hammer, and we’re trying to release him, and then one of my rods goes off,” Conde said. “As soon as the hammer’s leaving, I run to my rod and set it!” He quickly landed his second shark Please turn to page 11
Shortened season Capt. Stephen Andre with a 9-pound Lake Texoma Striper caught on a slab by client Kim Snell. Photo from Stephen Andre.
Due to lower population numbers, Texas hunters will only see a 9-day season, and weather patterns have birds showing up later than normal the past few years. Photos from Nate Skinner, for Lone Star Outdoor News.
Nine day early teal season tough to call
be the second year in a row this special season will be limited to nine days. The restrictive, shortened season length was triggered, once again, because blue-winged teal breeding population estimates according to the preceding year’s Waterfowl Breeding
By Nate Skinner
For Lone Star Outdoor News The September blue-winged teal season is scheduled to run from September 19 – 27. This will
Population and Habitat Survey conducted by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service were below the federal threshold of 4.7 million birds required for a standard 16day season. According to the TPWD Waterfowl Program Leader Kevin Kraai, poor conditions in their
breeding grounds have resulted in multiple years of declining blue-winged teal populations. In the 2024 Waterfowl Population Status Report, the USFWS estimated the breeding population of blue-winged teal at approximately 4.6 million birds, which restricted the 2025
Stripers hot
Summer pattern in full swing but bite good By Cory Byrnes
For Lone Star Outdoor News Stripers are in full summer patterns, and there is still an early morning topwater bite, according to North Texas guides. On Lake Texoma, Stephen Andre with Striper Hunter Guide Service reports the fishing has been really good. “This year the lake has been kind of above normal as far as water level goes,
Please turn to page 7
Please turn to page 13
PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID DALLAS, TX PERMIT 3814
Big change Judge rules NFA registration for suppressors unconstitutional By Conor Harrison Purchasing suppressors may have just gotten much easier thanks to a new court ruling. On August 5, U.S. District Judge James Wesley Hendrix ruled that major National Firearms Act registration and approval requirements for suppressors,
Please turn to page 7 Fishing reports . . . . . . . . . Page 10 Grip & Grin . . . . . . . . . . . Page 14 Sun, Moon & Tides . . . . . . Page 12 Crossword . . . . . . . . . . . Page 16 Recipes . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 16 Datebook . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 22 Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . . Page 22
INSIDE
CONTENTS
Time Sensitive Material • Deliver ASAP
Lone Star Outdoor News
short-barreled rifles and short-barreled shotguns are unconstitutional as applied to the parties protected by the court’s judgment. The court reasoned the NFA was enacted under Congress’s taxing power. After Congress reduced the applicable making and transfer taxes to $0, the challenged registration, fingerprinting, paperwork and prior-approval requirements could no longer be supported as tax-collection measures. The court also rejected the government’s attempt to justify the requirements under the Commerce Clause.
A judge recently ruled portions of the NFA as unconstitutional, changing the licensing requirement when transferring suppressors. Photo by David J. Sams, Lone Star Outdoor News.
HUNTING
FISHING
Postponed (P. 4)
Still waiting (P. 11)
Nilgai cull hunt put on hold.
No TPWD fishing reports since Feb.
Summer show season (P. 4&5)
As good as it’s been (P. 8)
TTHA, EWA have successful events.
Offshore bite is cranking.
Page 2
August 28, 2026
LoneOStar Outdoor News
LSONews.com
LSONews.com
LoneOStar Outdoor News
August 28, 2026
Page 3
Page 4
August 28, 2026
LoneOStar Outdoor News
LSONews.com
HUNTING
Slower and slower Feds holding survey longer; official waterfowl breeding results appear mixed By Nate Skinner
For Lone Star Outdoor News
The USFWS duck survey has been getting to states later and later, resulting in data from the previous year being used to make harvest decisions. Photo by Nate Skinner, for Lone Star Outdoor News.
At the time of publishing, the comprehensive continental Waterfowl Population Status report from the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service is still pending final release. TPWD Waterfowl Program Leader Kevin Kraai said the final-
ization and release of this report by the feds has been taking place later each year. He does not expect final habitat conditions and official estimated duck species population numbers to be announced by the USFWS until September 1. “This has been a long, slow and steady change,” Kraai said. “Historically, 8 to 10 years ago, we had numbers from the USFWS in July. Our flyway meetings were in July, and we were setting regulations based on that data for the year’s upcoming season.”
As this process began to become more delayed, and started occurring later and later into the summer, Kraai said stats from the previous year’s breeding population survey from the USFWS became the benchmark for determining regulations for the current year’s upcoming season. “In other words, the regulations for the hunting season we are about to enter, have been determined from last year’s breeding population estimates, rather than this year’s stats,” Kraai said. “When this first became the Please turn to page 15
Postponed until further notice By Tony Vindell
For Lone Star Outdoor News A wildlife project to cull the growing nilgai antelope population in Port Mansfield has been put off until further notice. The Willacy County Navigation District Board of Directors called a special meeting to discuss and approve the harvesting on Thursday, Sept. 20. The original plan called for reducing the nilgai herd, estimated at 150 animals, down to 75. The nilgai, along with the white-tailed deer and turkey, are a major attraction for people visiting the area. A longtime resident of the fishing community, Neil Machen, spoke to the board hoping to postpone what he described as the “slaughter” of the antelope. “I am here to ask to postpone the nilgai slaughter,” Machen said. He then said the navigation district could make more money from an interested buyer who is willing to trap and transport a certain number of nilgai, paying prices ranging from $750 to $1,020, depending on the size and trophy horns of each animal. By contrast, the district received about $312.25 from every 260 pounds of meat harvested by the Broken Arrow Ranch of Kirkville in September 2025, during the original cull. Forty-two nilgai were harvested that year. The reason behind the cull, according to officials, has been to reduce numbers of antelope roaming the town causing issues. Eric Kennedy, the board director, said the nilgai are busting the chain link fence around
Due to concern from residents, a proposed plan to cull nilgai antelope in Port Mansfield has been put on hold for now. Photo by Nate Skinner, for Lone Star Outdoor News.
Please turn to page 21
Jam packed TTHA show in Ft. Worth draws huge crowd By Conor Harrison Lone Star Outdoor News
The crowds were large and the energy was high at the Texas Trophy Hunters Association Hunter’s Extravaganza at the Fort Worth Convention Center Aug. 22-24. The show was celebrating its 50th year anniversary. While Friday and Sunday were busy, Saturday was downright packed, with tons of families with small children making their way between the rows of booths featuring outfitters, gear and anything else outdoors a person could want. “I am really happy with the turnout,” said Christina Pittman, president and CEO. “What is really exciting are all of the families with little children. The future of hunting and the outdoors is
bright with this younger generation.” Pittman said the previous two shows in Houston and San Antonio were also very well attended, with Houston setting new attendance records for the weekend. TTHA spokesman and well-known hunting personality Blake Barnett said the Houston show was one of the best they’ve ever had, according to their exhibitors. “It was crowded and it was the right kind of crowd, kind of like today,” Barnett said as he greeted TTHA members at the front entrance on Saturday. “The exhibitors said they are really doing well, and that is good to see.” Some of the highlights of the event included seminars from Dr. James Kroll, or Dr. Deer, as he is known. He told LSON he hasn’t missed a single year and has been to all 50 years of shows. “Something has happened and I am excited,” Kroll said looking around.
“This year, the TTHA shows have turned into families with lots of kids. I think we may be turning the corner. Thank you, Lord!” “He is one of the last OGs,” Pittman said. “We were walking around San Antonio with a small group of guys who have been here forever, and they were talking about how much it has changed, and in a positive way with all of the family aspects. It really used to be a bunch of men and now this place is packed with families.” Other attractions included a rattlesnake pen with shows, and an alligator show from Louisiana. Exhibitors were busy, and those engaging with the crowd had a great event. According to Barnett, a soupedup, bright yellow Desert Power Wagon showcased on the show floor for $450,000 had three orders placed by Sunday for custom builds.
A snake wrangler from Heart of Texas Snake Handlers holds a live rattlesnake in a show at the Texas Trophy Hunters Association Extravaganza in Ft. Worth. Photo by Conor Harrison, Lone Star Outdoor News.
LSONews.com
LoneOStar Outdoor News
August 28, 2026
Page 5
Well attended EWA Annual Conference a big success By Cory Byrnes
For Lone Star Outdoor News The Exotic Wildlife Association’s 2026 Conservation Extravaganza held August 14-16 drew more than 700 attendees, a new record for the August conference. “It was a really, really successful event. Good speakers, good educational sessions, a lot of fun,” said Ken Yancey, executive director of the EWA, “The conference had key speakers in education and industry news covering the topics of exotic nutrition, taxes, and updates on screwworm.” The EWA also announced a new partnership between EWA and TruHerd. It culminated with the presentation of the President’s Award to Dr. Pat O’Neil.
Bobby Deets from Record Rack shared updated information on exotic nutrition. Deets covered a broad range of topics related to nutrition and health. His session dealt with parasite management, water quality, and the importance of proper nutrients in feed programs. Craig Martin talked about taxes in the exotic industry. Specifically, he discussed the changes under the “Big Beautiful Bill.” Martin pointed out real potential benefits for landowners and ranchers who treat their operations as a business and work with CPAs familiar with the exotic industry to reduce their tax burden. It was one of the best-attended seminars of the conference. “There are some changes that allow accelerated depreciation on certain things, and so that was a big hit,” Yancey said. The big takeaway from the screwworm seminar was “this is not going to devastate
Premium Hunting & Fishing Experiences GLEN DENE STATION | WĀNAKA | NEW ZEALAND
At the heart of the Southern Alps, Glen Dene offers world-class hunting and fishing, alongside family hospitality, luxury accommodation and unrivaled scenery. Set across nearly 15,000 acres of private high-country land, our third-generation family-owned station provides the ideal setting, while our experienced guides and tailored packages take care of every detail.
Please turn to page 15
Steve Hornady honored by DSCF Steve Hornady, president of Hornady, was honored at the 2026 Dallas Safari Club Foundation Gala on July 25. The Legacy Award honors hunter conservationists whose passion and leadership have made a lasting impact on the continued recognition of hunting as a viable method of wildlife and natural preservation. "Steve's impact reaches far beyond his professional achievements," said Scott Tobermann, president of DSC Foundation. "He represents the values of integrity, stewardship, and responsibility that define true conservation leadership. His dedication has Photo by DSC. strengthened not only our community, but the future of conservation itself." Hornady has been a strong advocate for science-based wildlife management, hunter education, as well as the traditions that inspire responsible stewardship of wildlife and the landscapes they inhabit. —DSCF
Red Stag | Fallow Buck | Bull Tahr | Chamois | Elk Bull Goat | Ram | Bird | Fishing | Heli-Hunting Non-Hunter Programs | Luxury Accommodation | Family Hospitality
GET IN TOUCH TODAY Richard Burdon e. bookings@glendenehunting.com p. 615-693-3938 w. www.glendenehunting.com
Page 6
August 28, 2026
LoneOStar Outdoor News
LSONews.com
Please turn to page 6
LSONews.com
LoneOStar Outdoor News
Teal
Continued from page 1
September Teal Only season to nine days. Last year, that number fell to approximately 4.4 million birds, according to the USFWS breeding population survey, which is why we are limited to nine days for this year’s rapidly approaching special, early teal season. “If blue-winged teal populations haven’t made a big jump, bringing them above the 4.7 million bird federal threshold when this year’s breeding survey population estimates are finalized by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, then we will have another shortened, nine day early teal season next September, as well,” Kraai said. Although blue wings have experienced consecutive years of decline, Kraai still expects waterfowl hunters to experience success during the early, special season next month. “Areas that traditionally hold good numbers of blue-winged teal during the Texas blue-winged teal hunters should find some success month of September should produce during this year’s shortened season due to ample water some excellent hunts,” Kraai said. “This is around the state. Photo by Nate Skinner, for Lone Star especially going to be the case on proper- Outdoor News. ties that have the ability to add water on the landscape, like what takes place every year in September on large portions of our coastal rice prairies.” Kraai said he does not expect Texans to experience or visibly see the effects of the current decline in blue wings from a localized point of view. “The full moon in September directly coincides with the scheduled, nine day early teal season,” Kraai said. “We typically see the most significant migration of blue wings during this full moon period, and we are hopeful this will further promote success for hunters this year.” According to Kraai, the migration of blue-winged teal to Texas has become a much more drawn-out process than it historically used to be. “The blue-winged teal is now officially the number one harvested duck in the state of Texas during the regular season,” Kraai said. “They used to come and go before our regular duck season even began, which is why the early teal season was initially established. Now, some don’t even make it here until later in the year.” With their southward migration having become much more drawn out in recent years, Kraai said the early teal season has become less of a sure thing over the past few seasons for hunters. Some of the birds will likely still be located further north in September. That being said, reports of blue wings arriving to Texas have been increasing by the day. Owner and operator of Red Bluff Prairie Hunting Club in Garwood, Mike Lanier said he’s been seeing more and more teal piling into the properties he manages over the past couple of weeks. Various other outfitters across our coastal rice prairies and other portions of the state have made similar reports.
August 28, 2026
Suppressors Continued from page 1
Within hours of the ruling, two Texas lawmakers were testing the new case. Texas politicians Brandon Herrera and Wes Virdell acquired suppressors without complying with the currently enjoined registration requirements of the National Firearms Act of 1934. The transfers took place at Silencer Shop’s new storefront in Leander, Texas immediately after midnight on August 13. According to Gun Owners of America, “This marks the first time since the NFA was enacted on June 26, 1934, that Americans can lawfully acquire suppressors without complying with the federal registration scheme.” “We couldn’t be more excited for our customers, dealers, and the future of the Second Amendment,” said Silencer Shop CEO Dave Matheny. “This is a huge victory, but we still have a long way to go. ” The court initially stayed its judgment for seven days to allow the government to request appellate relief. That temporary stay has expired, and the injunction is now in effect. However, the government may still appeal or seek a new stay. The legal and procedural status should be confirmed before anyone relies upon the injunction, according to some legal experts. This ruling did not repeal the entire NFA or create a universal nationwide injunction. Several important federal requirements were not enjoined: • Interstate transportation authorization for SBRs and SBSs may still be required • The existing Special Occupational Tax requirements for NFA dealers were not eliminated
•
Independent state restrictions continue to apply • ATF has not issued complete guidance explaining how covered transactions should be documented and processed These unresolved issues are especially important for federally licensed manufacturers and dealers. ATF and the Department of Justice have not issued complete guidance explaining how covered dealers and purchasers should document or complete transactions under the injunction. Important questions remain regarding: • Required federal forms and background checks • Dealer acquisition and disposition records • Verification of membership in a protected organization • Trust and legal-entity purchases • Dealer transfers of SBRs and SBSs • Special Occupational Tax requirements • Interstate transportation of SBRs and SBSs However, gun owners were celebrating this as a huge victory. “It’s hard to believe we have moved the needle so far,” said Virdell, a member of the Texas House of Representatives for District 53. “What was once considered unachievable is now a reality … I am grateful to be a part of this history happening right before our very eyes.”
QUIETLY.COMPACT Adding just 4.6" to barrel length, the Nomad Ti OTB advances over-the-barrel suppressor innovation. Delivering the recoil reduction and sound suppression of a longer system, it maintains optimal balance and keeps the rifle compact for fast handling and confident control in the field.
OV E R -T HE BA R R E L
L I G HT W E I G HT & I M P R OV E D BA L A N C E
Page 7
XENO C O M PAT I BL E
AC C CO O U ST IC PERFORMANCE
Page 8
August 28, 2026
LoneOStar Outdoor News
LSONews.com
FISHING
Flags flying
tags.usouthal.edu
Anglers are encouraged to report tags on cobia and tripletail so biologists can assess fish populations. Photo from Texas A&M CC.
Wanted: cobia and tripletail By Cory Byrnes
For Lone Star Outdoor News A Gulf-wide study needs angler’s help tracking cobia (ling) and tripletail and will pay for the information. Anglers who catch a tagged cobia or tripletail can earn a $250 reward by simply reporting it. In doing so, anglers can help resolve a real issue concerning anglers and tournament directors around the Gulf. The reward tagging program is part of a larger multi-institution study led by the University of South Alabama with Texas A&M-Corpus Christi’s Sportfish Center and other partners. “The main goal is actually looking at the movement of cobia and tripletail throughout the Gulf to look at connectivity between states,” said Matt Streich, director of the Center for Sport Fish Science and Conservation at the Harte Research Institute at Texas A&M University in Corpus Christi. The study began in response to anglers reporting real concerns about cobia vanishing in a number of places like Florida and Alabama, leading to several annual cobia tournaments being canceled. Tripletail rose in popularity over the last decade, and localized overfishing has also caused concern. With no prior Gulf-wide tagging study being conducted, states are left making
Caden Berwick landed this dorado, top, while fishing offshore out of Port Bolivar. Boats have been coming into Texas ports this months with lots of billfish flags flying. Photos by Parker Meek, top, and Carson Deer, left.
Offshore bite incredible this month By Nate Skinner
For Lone Star Outdoor News Billfishing action off the Texas’ coastline is as good as it gets right now. Offshore fishing fanatics have been venturing out into the Gulf for major sportfishing circuit events or simply just to take advantage of the
premium conditions that have prevailed recently, and incredible numbers of sailfish, blue marlin, and white marlin have been reported. Favorable currents, decent weather windows, stable blue water, abundant bait concentrations, and peak migration activity from pelagic species into the western Gulf have combined to produce some downright memorable days on the big pond for those that have been able to get out on
the water. Parker Meek has been captaining a private center console boat on some billfishing trips out of Port Bolivar recently and said they have been targeting stretches of water over bottom structure, depth changes, and hilltops about 100 to 120 miles out in depths of 600- to 1,600-feet of water. “Focusing on current and eddy lines, temperature breaks, color change lines
Please turn to page 13
in the water, and other features that attract baitfish has also been productive,” Meek said. “We’ve been consistently catching and releasing a handful of sailfish, along with good numbers of white marlin over the past few weeks. Most of the sails have been in the 40-pound range, and some of the white marlin have pushed 50 or 60 pounds.” Meek said all of their success has come from trolling a spread of chin-weighted Please turn to page 19
Slow and hot Summer bass fishing a chore in August heat By Cory Byrnes
For Lone Star Outdoor News
East Texas anglers are catching largemouth bass very early and late this month while trying to avoid the August heat. Photo by David J. Sams, Lone Star Outdoor News.
The bass bite has been slow so far in August. On Toledo Bend Reservoir, Ryan Pinkston with Southern Water Guide Service reports the bite picked up in the last week after a very slow start to the month. “They bite in very small windows,” Pinkston said. “But we’re still catching fish. Catching a lot of fish actually.”
Pinkston noted the lake is slowly falling and that is also helping congregate the fish. “The lake has been pretty high for the summertime, and so it’s starting to congregate them,” Pinkston said referring to the lake levels coming down. He and his clients have been focusing on deep structure. “I am looking at long ridges that go out into the middle of the lake or to the middle of some of these big creeks,” Pinkston said. In the 14- to 20-foot range, Pinkston said he prefers using crankbaits. Blue and chartruese
color has been the most productive. In the 25-foot range, finesse fishing with a drop-shot or dragging a Carolina rig or Texas-rigged soft plastic worm has been the most productive. “The number one color has been redbug and a plum apple has been number two for deep water,” Pinkston said. He isn’t throwing the biggest plastic, so stick to sizes between 5 and 7 inches. “When you’re moving or fishing that plastic, you have to just let it sit there. I mean, it’s gotta’ be really, really slow,” he said. On Sam Rayburn Reservoir,
the lake has dropped 8.5 feet, and the water is hot, according to Elton Atkinson with Reel um N’ Guide Service. “It’s been up and down right now,” Atkinson said. “The morning bite has been the best.” He and his clients have been catching bass up around the shorelines. “Any grass we find is kind of toward the south end,” he said. “Most of your bites are your topwater bite early in the morning and stuff around the shoreline, and then you get a deeper bite on the points and offshore Please turn to page 17
LSONews.com
LoneOStar Outdoor News
Hard to come by
August 28, 2026
Page 9
Boxing limits
Live bait tough in some areas By Nate Skinner
For Lone Star Outdoor News Throughout the past few weeks, anglers up and down the coast have had a hard time finding live bait. It seems live shrimp have been the most difficult to come by at times, while live croaker supplies have remained more consistent. The most significant shortage of live shrimp took place along areas of the coast where runoff from flooding rains caused salinities to plunge. Matagorda Harbor Bait and Tackle reported the salinity of their local waters at 2-4ppt earlier this month. “A normal salinity level for shrimp to thrive in is 15-30ppt,” they said in a post on their Facebook page. “We had the Brazos, San Bernard, Tres Palacios, and Colorado rivers dumping significant influxes of freshwater into our areas, not to mention many local creeks were flooding, due to large amounts of rainfall, both locally and to the north of us. This made finding and keeping Anglers heading out to fish with live shrimp have struggled shrimp alive a difficult task during the to find bait available at bait stands at times, with some having to check multiple shops before finding shrimp for their first half of August.” Hot water temperatures also contrib- livewell. Photo by David J. Sams, Lone Star Outdoor News. uted to the shortage of live shrimp supplies, according to staff at Matagorda Harbor Bait and Tackle. “The temperature of the water in our area has been extremely hot,” they reported. “The warmer the water, the lower the oxygen levels are. Therefore, the live shrimp we have been able to catch have struggled to survive in our tanks at certain times.” The combination of low salinity and warm water temperatures in the Matagorda area were a recipe for disaster for local bait shops trying to maintain a lasting supply of live shrimp. “We deal with this natural cycle at the end of the summer, just about every year,” Matagorda Harbor Bait and Tackled reported in a social media post. “Please bear with us. We are near the end of these tough times in regard to shrimp supplies, as things are beginning to improve.” Please turn to page 23
Can be sold as personal property or acquired as a turnkey business with committed staff.
FOR SALE 5255 GANSKE ROAD, BURTON, TX 77835 Deeply Rooted Ranch presents a rare opportunity to own 120 acres in Burton, Texas, nestled in the heart of the Texas Blackland Prairie. At 5255 Ganske Road, this fully operational regenerative farm offers the chance to carry forward an established approach to land stewardship, agriculture, and living close to the land. The ranch is thoughtfully operated with integrated livestock, seasonal crop production, and a thriving market garden. Pasture-raised poultry and sheep are managed through holistic grazing, while conservation efforts support native ecosystems, biodiversity, and soil health. Rooted in regenerative agriculture, the property offers more than acreage. It offers a functioning agricultural operation and the opportunity to shape its next chapter. Contact for more details.
Alison Sewell
Rick Doak
alison.sewell@compass.com
rick.doak@compass.com
832.428.8970
979.551.0025
When anglers like Cory Flencher can get out, they are catching high numbers of red snapper offshore. Photo by Avery Fuller.
Quota not yet reached By Nate Skinner
For Lone Star Outdoor News The 2026 red snapper season in federal waters is still underway. It began back on May 22 and will remain open until monitored catch quotas are reached. Since the season commenced, most anglers have admitted they have canceled more trips than they have been able to run, due to rough seas and poor conditions. But calm winds finally prevailed recently, and many folks jumped at the opportunity to put some solid snapper on ice. Limits have been caught consistently when ideal weather windows have oc-
curred. Avery Fuller took advantage of the recent calm weather windows this month and ran offshore out of the Galveston jetties into the Gulf with some friends and family members. “We’ve had limits of good-sized red snapper every trip, when Mother Nature has allowed us to safely navigate past the jetties,” Fuller said. “Deep dropping and jigging has been producing the most quality fish.” Fuller said they’ve also been catching some beeliners (vermillion snapper), grouper, barrelfish, and tilefish mixed in with the snapper out deep. Humps, drop-offs, the edges of banks, and various bottom structure have been the hotspots he’s been Please turn to page 21
Page 10
August 28, 2026
LoneOStar Outdoor News
LSONews.com
LONE STAR FISHING REPORTS SALTWATER FISHING By Chuck Uzzle
For Lone Star Outdoor News
ROCKPORT • •
SABINE LAKE • • •
•
•
•
Water temps 90-91 and clear Overall fishing is good for speckled trout and redfish Good numbers of trout are coming from deeper water structure and adjacent flats Early top-water bite is solid until the sun comes up and then soft plastics on light jig heads is most productive; 5-inch straight tails in lighter colors have been the top choices Redfish have begun schooling in the mid-lake area with some oversized jack crevalle mixed in Jetty and beachfront water clarity has been the only thing slowing down the bite in that area but still good numbers of black drum and sheepshead along the rocks on live shrimp
•
• •
Water temps of 87 to 89 degrees Speckled trout bite has slowed down as water temps climb and winds continue to limit access to more productive areas Deep water with shell during good tide changes has been the key for those who are catching speckled trout Redfish and black drum continue to be good on the flats Both live and dead shrimp are catching fish
•
•
•
•
•
•
Fishing for speckled trout and redfish has slowed considerably with low tides and water temps in the low to mid 90s Best bite for both trout and redfish has been along the first drop-offs from the shoreline Most dependable bite has been live bait near the rocks when the wind allows Slot-sized fish are scarce for both trout and redfish
By Vivian Leopold
For Lone Star Outdoor News • •
•
•
• •
Water temps low 90's with fair visibility High water temps and persistent southwest winds have slowed the speckled trout bite On calm days the deep reefs in the open water are holding good numbers of keeper-sized trout Soft plastics in lighter colors have been the best bet along with live shrimp or croaker Redfish are steady in the channels and deeper water on live or cut bait Beachfront conditions have been hard to predict with the winds but when it’s calm, the early bite for both trout and redfish is good
•
• • •
•
EAST MATAGORDA BAY •
• • •
Water temps 86-89 with below normal tides Steady trout bite on incoming tides for waders using Bass Assassins and hogies Reefs next to the ICW are productive when the southwest wind allows Redfish are good at the jetty on pogies and mullet or crab Some tarpon are showing along the beachfront when conditions allow
WEST MATAGORDA BAY • •
•
• •
Water temps are 86 to 88 degrees Trout action near the jetty has been consistent in the 5- to 12-feet of water range Pink or chartreuse Little John's and soft plastics fished under rattling corks are working the best Redfish are good in 3- to 5-feet over shell on Gulp shrimp Several snook have been caught recently on live shrimp in the deeper water near the channels
•
• •
•
•
Water level is 18.30 feet below pool at 44.8% full, so expect exposed shoreline and submerged hazards Water temps are about 82 degrees Largemouth bass fishing is rated good to excellent for numbers The lake has lots of rocky points, flooded brush, docks and creek-channel structure Try Texas-rigged 7- to 10-inch worm - green pumpkin, watermelon or junebug fished slowly around brush, rocks and docks 5- to 6-inch Senko-style stick bait, especially early/late around shallow cover Channel catfish are a good Shallow water can produce catfish, while fresh cut shad is effective, followed by punch/stink bait For crappie, look deeper during the heat, around 25 to 30 feet and brush/ timber is a good starting point
Crappie fishing is rated fair but the fish tend to be good-sized; Target around deeper timber/brush than shallow shoreline now If you have a fish finder, look for suspended crappie around brush or timber and put the jig right at their depth There is also abundant aquatic vegetation, particularly in the upper end above the FM 2495 bridge, plus standing timber and submerged structure around the lake
•
•
• • •
•
• •
•
Lake Bryan is a cooling pond for Dansby Power Plant; The conservation pool is 355.5 feet; Additional groundwater can be withdrawn to maintain sufficient water level Water temps are about 86 degrees Best bite is early morning, late evening and after dark Fish often hold near deeper structure, creek channels and riprap during the heat of the day Largemouth bass are best at dawn, dusk and night; Best depths are 8 to 20 feet during daylight; shallow flats and riprap early and late Bass fishing is generally fair, with many fish in the 14- to 16-inch range The most productive lures are: Shad-colored crankbaits White or chartreuse spinnerbaits Green pumpkin Texas-rig worms Black buzzbaits and black/blue jigs after dark Crappie are best at 10 to 18 feet
•
• • •
•
•
•
Target first light through mid-morning and the last couple hours before dark, with night fishing potentially excellent during the hottest weather
LAKE ATHENS • • • •
•
•
Water level is 0.65 feet below pool at 96% full Water temps are around 85 degrees Largemouth bass is your best bet TPWD rates the bass fishery excellent with plenty of 3- to 9-pound fish and a lake record of 14.19 pounds This month, concentrate on early morning and evening rather than grinding shallow water all day Look around vegetation, docks, rocky points, timber and deeper structure; Be
•
•
around brush piles, standing timber and dock structure; Best baits are white/chartreuse tube jigs and minnows Catfish are one of the more consistent bites on Lake Bryan; Fish 12 to 25 feet during the day and shallower after sunset Best baits are cut shad, chicken liver, punch bait and nightcrawlers; Channel catfish are abundant and can be caught from both bank and boat.
LAKE TYLER • • •
Water level is 1.03 feet below pool at 93.4% full Water temps are about 86 degrees Lake Tyler is in a typical late-summer pattern; Fish are generally holding deeper during the day, with the best action occurring during the first few
Catfish are good; Fish 15 to 30 feet near creek channels and flats adjacent to deeper water. Cut shad, punch bait and nightcrawlers are working well
LAKE GEORGETOWN
•
•
hours after sunrise and the last few hours before dark Largemouth Bass are fair to good; Early morning, target grass edges, boat docks and shallow points in 3 to 8 feet; After the sun gets up, move to creekchannel drops, brush piles and points in 12–20 feet. Best lures: 10-inch plum worms Texas-rigged green pumpkin creature baits Shad-colored deep-diving crankbaits White or chartreuse spinnerbaits at dawn Black buzzbaits for night fishing Crappie are good with most fish holding around brush piles and standing timber White bass are fair; Schools are roaming open water chasing shad; Watch for surface activity at dawn and dusk; Best areas are main-lake humps and points near deeper water with slabs and spoons
LAKE BRYAN
LAKE CISCO
• •
•
•
BAFFIN BAY
FRESHWATER FISHING GALVESTON / TRINITY BAYS
on the water before sunrise, throwing a topwater around vegetation and shallow cover, then switching to a Texas-rigged worm or jig and working deeper cover as the sun comes up Once the sun gets high, move toward deeper water and shade and look for bass relating to bait For white bass, if you locate bait suspended over deeper water, it is worth working
•
•
Water level is 1.73 feet below pool at 94.2% full Water temps are around 85 degrees Water is generally clear to slightly stained, with bass and catfish holding deeper during the heat of the day. Largemouth bass are fair to good with best fishing early morning, late evening and after dark; During daylight, focus on 15- to 25-foot breaks, channel edges, rocky points and submerged timber The most productive lures: Plum or black 10-inch Texas-rig worms Green pumpkin football jigs Shad-pattern deep-diving crankbaits Spinnerbaits and chatterbaits during low light Black buzzbait or large worm around rocky banks after dark White bass are good to excellent; Lake Georgetown remains one of the better white bass lakes in Central Texas Look for schools on humps, points and channel intersections in 15 to 30 feet; Best baits are white jigging spoons, slabs, white curly-tail grubs and small chrome crankbaits Catfish are good with channel, blue and flathead available. Fish in 15 to 30 feet during the day, moving shallower after sunset; Best baits are cut shad, punch bait, stink bait and live bait for larger flatheads Best areas of the lake right now are main-lake rocky points, San Gabriel River channel edges, cedar-tree habitat structures, deep limestone ledges and lower-lake clear-water sections near the dam
LSONews.com
LoneOStar Outdoor News
Figure it out TPWD hasn’t released a weekly fishing report since February By Conor Harrison Lone Star Outdoor News
Even though state tax dollars funded through the Sport Fish Restoration program go toward the weekly Texas Parks and Wildlife Fishing Reports, the department has not made an update since February, citing accuracy improvement. LSON contacted TPWD in February to get an update and a potential date for the resumption, and was told there was no timetable, although it was “temporary” and anglers could use archived reports, although trying to find archived reports is almost impossible on TPWD's website. Six months later, the story remains the same. “There isn’t too much of an update compared to this past spring other than the weekly fishing reports are currently still on hold while TPWD works to improve the quality and accuracy of future reporting and to update our data collection methods,” said Kirk McDonell, TPWD’s Inland Fisheries press officer. “Past fishing reports remain available during this transition. Once a service start date is confirmed, the department will announce it to the public.” In the past, TPWD has released Requests for Proposals for private entities to bid on providing the fishing reports. When asked if there was a current RFP to resume the reports, McDonell said, “a combination of a third-party RFP and internal information
compilation is being explored.” A third-party contractor was being used up until the reports ended in February. TPWD lists on its Sport Fish Restoration Program webpage that 2% of funds from the program, of which Texas received $21.2 million in 2022, should go to public outreach, of which the fishing reports fall under. “Yes, the Sportfish Restoration Fund partially funded the fishing report in combination with TPWD funding,” McDonnell said. “The delay is a combination of funding and to derive a more accurate, comprehensive report to include more waterbodies/waterways.” The program page lists a program coordinator web contact information, but no name. It also claims the fishing report is carried by all major daily newspapers in Texas, which isn’t true. LSON had printed the fishing reports each issue since its inception. Former LSON Editor Craig Nyhus bemoaned both the timing and the accuracy of past reports. “I hope they become more accurate,” he said. “It looked like they were just recycling old reports because they were so inaccurate. The water temps were always off and we spent a ridiculous amount of time editing those reports.” LSON will continue to expand our own weekly fishing reports to encompass more bodies of water and provide the best, most timely reports possible from credible, verifiable sources. Readers can email editor@lonestaroutdoornews.com to request a lake to be covered in our reports.
Mako Continued from page 1
of the day, an 8-foot bull shark. On the second day, gear problems and high-speed kayak chases kept two big bites from being just fish stories. Their first bite came on a short drop. “Around 3 p.m. I got a fast run, so fast means either a dusky or a hammerhead,” Conde said. “We are freaking out fighting it, and we broke off. But I run floats on my leaders. Dietz then asked, ‘What if we chase him?’ Dietz grabbed a new line with a leader clip and chased the float down by kayak. “By the time he got to the float, my reel was at the knot,” Conde recalled. He made a quick decision and cut the line and reconnected it with a double uni-knot to another reel. “The fight went from the 80 to the 130 (reel size),” he said. From there, they made quick work of landing a 9-foot, 6-inch The big mako snapped the line, but the anglers found the leader dusky shark. Conde decided to wait un- float and hooked back up. Photo from Franklin Conde. til the evening bite to send out fresh baits. “If there’s something close to us, I want it to have something with a fresh scent,” he said. At 5 p.m. Conde and his friends reset their lines. “We dropped a crevalle mid-section. It was like a 500-yard drop,” Conde said. “Within an hour or two, my reel goes off. The initial run was fast. I never thought it was a mako; I thought that it was probably something like a 13-foot hammer. She kind of scared me, you know, because she started dumping line.” Another long run, and the line snapped. “We immediately jumped on the kayak and did the same thing we did with the dusky,” Conde said. He caught up to the float and reclipped his leader. “She began dumping line again. Then the acrobatics started,” he said. Dennis Conde harnessed up, and this time she stayed pinned. At this point, Conde said he still had not guessed he was hooked into a fish of a lifetime. As Dennis Conde worked the shark in shallow, closer to the beach, he and Dietz went into the surf to lead her in. “My first thought was a great white because I saw the fin,” Conde said. “Then I saw the wave she came up on, and I saw the blue. I was like, oh my gosh, it’s a freaking mako!” The group measured the big female at 10 feet, 6 inches and estimated she weighed over 700 pounds, which would tie the state record. Conde and crew worked quickly to get her released healthy. When she swam away, “it was epic, like it was insane,” Conde recalled.
August 28, 2026
Page 11
Page 12
August 28, 2026
LoneOStar Outdoor News
LSONews.com
TEXAS SUN, MOON AND TIDES Moon Phases Houston
Last
New
First
Full
Sept 4
Sept 10
Sept 18
Sept 26
Solunar Sun times Moon times Dallas
2026 A.M. Aug/Sept Minor Major
P.M. Minor Major
SUN Rises Sets
MOON Rises Sets
2026 A.M. P.M. SUN MOON Aug/Sept Minor Major Minor Major Rises Sets Rises Sets
28 Fri 29 Sat 30 Sun 31 Mon 01 Tue 02 Wed 03 Thu 04 Fri 05 Sat 06 Sun 07 Mon 08 Tue 09 Wed 10 Thu 11 Fri
6:18 12:07 7:03 12:52 7:52 1:40 8:44 2:32 9:40 3:27 10:40 4:26 11:42 5:27 12:14 6:29 1:14 7:30 2:12 8:27 3:06 9:20 3:55 10:09 4:42 10:55 5:28 11:39 6:13 12:24
06:55 07:48 06:56 07:47 06:56 07:46 06:57 07:45 06:57 07:44 06:58 07:43 06:58 07:41 06:59 07:40 06:59 07:39 07:00 07:38 07:01 07:37 07:01 07:35 07:02 07:34 07:02 07:33 07:03 07:32
8:09p 7:19a 8:38p 8:17a 9:08p 9:16a 9:40p 10:17a 10:17p 11:22a 11:00p 12:30p 11:50p 1:38p NoMoon 2:45p 12:49a 3:47p 1:54a 4:42p 3:04a 5:29p 4:15a 6:10p 5:23a 6:45p 6:28a 7:18p 7:30a 7:48p
28 Fri 29 Sat 30 Sun 31 Mon 01 Tue 02 Wed 03 Thu 04 Fri 05 Sat 06 Sun 07 Mon 08 Tue 09 Wed 10 Thu 11 Fri
5:56 ----6:41 12:31 7:29 1:18 8:20 2:08 9:15 3:02 10:12 3:59 11:13 4:58 ----- 5:58 12:43 6:58 1:41 7:56 2:36 8:51 3:28 9:42 4:17 10:30 5:04 11:16 5:50 -----
6:02 ----6:47 12:36 7:35 1:24 8:26 2:14 9:20 3:08 10:18 4:04 11:18 5:04 ----- 6:04 12:49 7:04 1:47 8:02 2:42 8:57 3:34 9:48 4:23 10:35 5:10 11:21 5:56 -----
6:24 12:13 7:09 12:58 7:57 1:46 8:50 2:38 9:46 3:33 10:46 4:32 11:48 5:33 12:20 6:35 1:20 7:35 2:17 8:33 3:11 9:26 4:01 10:15 4:48 11:01 5:33 11:45 6:19 12:30
06:58 07:57 06:59 07:56 07:00 07:54 07:00 07:53 07:01 07:52 07:01 07:51 07:02 07:49 07:03 07:48 07:03 07:47 07:04 07:46 07:05 07:44 07:05 07:43 07:06 07:42 07:06 07:40 07:07 07:39
8:16p 7:22a 8:43p 8:22a 9:11p 9:23a 9:42p 10:27a 10:17p 11:33a 10:58p 12:43p 11:47p 1:53p NoMoon 3:00p 12:45a 4:02p 1:51a 4:56p 3:02a 5:42p 4:15a 6:21p 5:25a 6:54p 6:32a 7:25p 7:36a 7:53p
San Antonio
Amarillo
2026 A.M. Aug/Sept Minor Major
P.M. SUN MOON Minor Major Rises Sets Rises Sets
2026 A.M. Aug/Sept Minor Major
P.M. Minor Major
SUN Rises Sets
MOON Rises Sets
28 Fri 29 Sat 30 Sun 31 Mon 01 Tue 02 Wed 03 Thu 04 Fri 05 Sat 06 Sun 07 Mon 08 Tue 09 Wed 10 Thu 11 Fri
6:30 12:19 7:16 1:05 8:04 1:53 8:56 2:44 9:52 3:40 10:52 4:39 11:54 5:40 12:26 6:42 1:27 7:42 2:24 8:40 3:18 9:33 4:08 10:22 4:55 11:07 5:40 11:52 6:26 12:37
28 Fri 29 Sat 30 Sun 31 Mon 01 Tue 02 Wed 03 Thu 04 Fri 05 Sat 06 Sun 07 Mon 08 Tue 09 Wed 10 Thu 11 Fri
6:44 12:33 7:29 1:18 8:18 2:06 9:10 2:58 10:06 3:53 11:06 4:52 ----- 5:53 12:40 6:55 1:40 7:56 2:38 8:53 3:31 9:46 4:21 10:35 5:08 11:21 5:53 12:05 6:39 12:50
07:16 08:19 07:17 08:18 07:17 08:17 07:18 08:15 07:19 08:14 07:20 08:13 07:20 08:11 07:21 08:10 07:22 08:09 07:22 08:07 07:23 08:06 07:24 08:04 07:25 08:03 07:25 08:02 07:26 08:00
8:38p 7:42a 9:03p 8:43a 9:30p 9:46a 9:59p 10:51a 10:32p 11:59a 11:12p 1:10p NoMoon 2:22p NoMoon 3:30p 12:58a 4:31p 2:04a 5:24p 3:16a 6:09p 4:30a 6:46p 5:43a 7:18p 6:51a 7:46p 7:57a 8:13p
6:08 ----6:54 12:43 7:42 1:31 8:33 2:21 9:27 3:14 10:25 4:11 11:25 5:10 12:02 6:11 12:55 7:11 1:53 8:09 2:49 9:03 3:40 9:54 4:29 10:42 5:16 11:28 6:03 -----
07:08 08:00 07:09 07:59 07:09 07:58 07:10 07:57 07:10 07:56 07:11 07:55 07:11 07:54 07:12 07:52 07:12 07:51 07:13 07:50 07:13 07:49 07:14 07:48 07:14 07:46 07:15 07:45 07:15 07:44
8:22p 7:32a 8:51p 8:30a 9:21p 9:29a 9:54p 10:30a 10:31p 11:34a 11:14p 12:42p NoMoon 1:50p 12:05a 2:57p 1:03a 3:58p 2:09a 4:54p 3:18a 5:41p 4:29a 6:22p 5:37a 6:58p 6:42a 7:30p 7:44a 8:01p
6:22 12:09 7:07 12:57 7:55 1:44 8:46 2:34 9:41 3:28 10:38 4:25 11:39 5:24 12:16 6:24 1:09 7:24 2:07 8:22 3:02 9:17 3:54 10:08 4:43 10:55 5:30 11:42 6:16 -----
Legend: Major=2 hours. Minor=1 hour. Times centered on the major-minor window. For other locations, subtract 1 minute per 12 miles east of a location, and add 1 minute per 12 miles west of a location.
Sabine Pass, north Date Aug 28 Aug 29 Aug 30 Aug 31 Sept 1 Sept 2 Sept 3 Sept 4 Sept 5 Sept 6 Sept 7 Sept 8 Sept 9 Sept 10 Sept 11
Time 5:12 AM 5:23 AM 5:33 AM 5:40 AM 12:30 AM 1:13 AM 2:04 AM 12:08 AM 1:39 AM 2:31 AM 3:06 AM 3:34 AM 3:57 AM 4:18 AM 4:38 AM
Height 1.67H 1.64H 1.61H 1.60H 1.10L 1.37L 1.60L 1.82H 1.91H 1.95H 1.94H 1.90H 1.85H 1.80H 1.75H
Time 10:34 AM 11:08 AM 11:45 AM 12:27 PM 5:44 AM 5:46 AM 5:49 AM 3:17 AM 5:15 PM 6:20 PM 8:08 AM 8:29 AM 9:03 AM 9:40 AM 10:19 AM
Height 1.02L 0.81L 0.58L 0.36L 1.61H 1.66H 1.73H 1.76L -0.21L -0.22L 1.68L 1.52L 1.29L 1.05L 0.80L
Time 3:57 PM 4:57 PM 6:02 PM 7:14 PM 1:13 PM 2:05 PM 3:04 PM 5:50 AM 5:19 PM 1:12 PM 11:08 AM 12:58 PM 2:18 PM 3:28 PM 4:33 PM
Height 1.57H 1.59H 1.61H 1.64H 0.16L 0.01L -0.10L 1.79H 1.25H 0.67L 1.73H 1.76H 1.81H 1.83H 1.83H
Time 10:34 PM 11:11 PM 11:49 PM 9:40 PM 8:36 PM 10:16 PM 10:54 PM 4:08 PM 7:47 PM 6:44 PM 7:21 PM 8:17 PM 9:07 PM 9:54 PM 10:38 PM
Height 0.35L 0.57L 0.83L 1.45H 1.68H 1.74H -0.11L -0.17L 1.20H 1.22H -0.17L -0.06L 0.12L 0.36L 0.64L
Date Aug 28 Aug 29 Aug 30 Aug 31 Sept 1 Sept 2 Sept 3 Sept 4 Sept 5 Sept 6 Sept 7 Sept 8 Sept 9 Sept 10 Sept 11
Time 5:40 AM 5:45 AM 5:50 AM 5:56 AM 12:35 AM 1:19 AM 2:59 PM 12:36 AM 2:05 AM 2:58 AM 3:37 AM 4:06 AM 4:29 AM 4:49 AM 5:06 AM
Height 1.61H 1.58H 1.55H 1.53H 1.14L 1.43L -0.18L 1.92H 2.03H 2.06H 2.01H 1.92H 1.81H 1.71H 1.63H
Time 11:28 AM 11:43 AM 12:04 PM 12:35 PM 6:03 AM 6:04 AM
Height 1.10L 0.89L 0.65L 0.41L 1.54H 1.57H
Time 3:59 PM 5:06 PM 6:13 PM 7:38 PM 1:14 PM 2:03 PM
Height 1.45H 1.47H 1.50H 1.55H 0.17L -0.03L
Time 10:45 PM 11:22 PM 11:58 PM
Height 0.38L 0.59L 0.85L
9:21 PM 10:49 PM
1.66H 1.79H
4:00 PM 5:07 PM 6:20 PM 7:26 PM 9:21 AM 9:37 AM 10:07 AM 10:42 AM
-0.28L -0.30L -0.28L -0.20L 1.62L 1.43L 1.18L 0.90L
12:20 PM 2:10 PM 3:35 PM 4:49 PM
1.70H 1.72H 1.77H 1.80H
8:24 PM 9:23 PM 10:22 PM 11:16 PM
-0.05L 0.16L 0.41L 0.68L
Height 1.66H 1.58H 1.51H 0.94L 1.23L 0.12L -0.03L 2.14H 2.26H 2.31H 2.27H 2.16H 2.00H 1.83H 1.68H
Time 11:00 AM 11:05 AM 11:24 AM 5:30 AM 5:35 AM 11:01 PM
Height 1.17L 0.98L 0.76L 1.46H 1.44H 1.96H
Time 3:28 PM 4:42 PM 5:48 PM 11:53 AM 12:31 PM
Height 1.45H 1.50H 1.58H 0.52L 0.30L
Time 10:22 PM 11:09 PM
Height 0.42L 0.66L
Time 5:14 AM 5:17 AM 5:23 AM 12:03 AM 1:21 AM 1:20 PM 2:20 PM 12:32 AM 1:37 AM 2:29 AM 3:16 AM 3:53 AM 4:18 AM 4:31 AM 4:38 AM
7:03 PM 9:05 PM
1.65H 1.77H
3:23 PM 4:29 PM 5:46 PM 7:02 PM 8:03 PM 10:04 AM 10:13 AM 10:28 AM
-0.13L -0.17L -0.16L -0.10L 0.04L 1.50L 1.29L 1.05L
1:33 PM 2:53 PM 4:13 PM
1.71H 1.77H 1.83H
8:57 PM 9:53 PM 10:52 PM
0.25L 0.54L 0.84L
Height 0.23L 0.36L 0.51L 0.67L 0.86H 0.98H 1.08H 1.16H 1.21H 1.23H 1.21H 1.15H 1.05H 0.92H 0.47L
Time 9:44 AM 8:53 AM 7:03 AM 5:42 AM 2:58 PM 3:53 PM 5:05 PM 6:27 PM 7:45 PM 8:55 PM 9:58 PM 10:53 PM 11:41 PM 11:41 AM 8:42 AM
Height 0.77H 0.70H 0.68H 0.75H 0.24L 0.18L 0.14L 0.11L 0.10L 0.09L 0.12L 0.19L 0.31L 0.90L 0.81H
Time 1:00 PM 1:14 PM 1:41 PM 2:16 PM
Height 0.74L 0.61L 0.47L 0.35L
Time 3:28 PM 5:38 PM 10:03 PM
Height 0.75H 0.69H 0.72H
3:19 PM 12:26 PM
0.95H 0.74L
Port O’Connor Date Aug 28 Aug 29 Aug 30 Aug 31 Sept 1 Sept 2 Sept 3 Sept 4 Sept 5 Sept 6 Sept 7 Sept 8 Sept 9 Sept 10 Sept 11
Time 12:28 AM 12:56 AM 1:22 AM 1:42 AM 5:10 AM 5:03 AM 5:26 AM 6:14 AM 7:15 AM 8:24 AM 9:30 AM 10:31 AM 12:30 PM 9:27 AM 12:22 AM
Time 3:32 AM 4:08 AM 4:48 AM 5:30 AM 1:02 AM 8:32 AM 8:55 AM 9:48 AM 11:16 AM 1:14 PM 12:28 AM 1:18 AM 2:05 AM 2:53 AM 3:46 AM
San Luis Pass Date Aug 28 Aug 29 Aug 30 Aug 31 Sept 1 Sept 2 Sept 3 Sept 4 Sept 5 Sept 6 Sept 7 Sept 8 Sept 9 Sept 10 Sept 11
Time 5:56 AM 5:51 AM 5:48 AM 12:24 AM 1:36 AM 2:08 PM 12:54 AM 2:08 AM 3:08 AM 3:57 AM 4:36 AM 4:59 AM 5:09 AM 5:11 AM 5:09 AM
Height 0.31L 0.51L 0.75L 1.01L 1.26L 1.50H 1.65H 1.77H 1.85H 1.90H 1.88H 0.04L 0.13L 0.30L 0.55L
Time 9:46 AM 9:24 AM 9:15 AM 9:16 AM 9:17 AM 6:18 PM 7:15 PM 8:19 PM 9:41 PM 11:01 PM
Height 1.43H 1.39H 1.38H 1.40H 1.44H 0.18L 0.12L 0.09L 0.07L 0.04L
Time 3:33 PM 3:47 PM 4:10 PM 4:41 PM 5:24 PM
Height 1.06L 0.85L 0.63L 0.44L 0.28L
Time 7:31 PM 8:57 PM 10:08 PM 11:28 PM
Height 1.27H 1.28H 1.33H 1.39H
10:28 AM 10:15 AM 9:08 AM 8:49 AM
1.79H 1.64H 1.53H 1.48H
2:56 PM 3:06 PM 3:20 PM
1.42L 1.21L 0.96L
5:28 PM 6:55 PM 8:30 PM
1.50H 1.47H 1.46H
Height 1.19H 1.16H 1.14H 0.81L 1.05L 0.12L 1.50H 1.63H 1.71H 1.72H 1.68H 1.58H 1.46H 1.35H 1.28H
Time 10:42 AM 11:09 AM 11:46 AM 5:50 AM 5:51 AM
Height 0.98L 0.82L 0.63L 1.15H 1.18H
Time 3:40 PM 4:55 PM 6:13 PM 12:28 PM 1:16 PM
Height 1.17H 1.17H 1.18H 0.44L 0.26L
Time 10:53 PM 11:35 PM
Height 0.38L 0.58L
7:57 PM 10:53 PM
1.22H 1.33H
3:06 PM 4:10 PM 5:21 PM 6:33 PM 7:40 PM 9:45 AM 9:55 AM 10:15 AM 10:42 AM
0.01L -0.05L -0.07L -0.06L 0.01L 1.39L 1.25L 1.07L 0.88L
12:15 PM 1:50 PM 3:17 PM 4:37 PM
1.44H 1.45H 1.45H 1.46H
8:41 PM 9:36 PM 10:30 PM 11:23 PM
0.12L 0.29L 0.51L 0.75L
Date Aug 28 Aug 29 Aug 30 Aug 31 Sept 1 Sept 2 Sept 3 Sept 4 Sept 5 Sept 6 Sept 7 Sept 8 Sept 9 Sept 10 Sept 11
Time 12:30 AM 1:01 AM 1:28 AM 1:48 AM 5:52 AM 5:45 AM 5:51 AM 6:23 AM 7:23 AM 8:55 AM 10:41 AM 1:00 PM 2:48 PM 4:07 PM 5:23 AM
Height 0.21L 0.30L 0.40L 0.51L 0.66H 0.73H 0.79H 0.84H 0.87H 0.89H 0.89H 0.88H 0.87H 0.84H 0.70H
Time 9:30 AM 7:08 AM 6:21 AM 6:02 AM 2:51 PM 3:47 PM 5:00 PM 6:20 PM 7:34 PM 8:41 PM 9:44 PM 10:41 PM 11:33 PM 5:23 AM 12:13 PM
Height 0.48H 0.49H 0.53H 0.59H 0.34L 0.35L 0.36L 0.37L 0.38L 0.38L 0.39L 0.42L 0.47L 0.70H 0.65L
Time 12:06 PM 12:50 PM 1:28 PM 2:07 PM
Height 0.47L 0.43L 0.39L 0.36L
Time 4:35 PM 5:44 PM 7:25 PM
Height 0.55H 0.55H 0.56H
12:13 PM 5:20 PM
0.65L 0.81H
5:20 PM
0.81H
Height 0.98H 0.98H 0.99H 0.76L 0.95L 1.17H 1.30H 1.43H 1.51H 1.53H 1.48H 1.38H 1.24H 1.10H 1.07H
Time 9:05 AM 10:15 AM 11:14 AM 5:00 AM 5:02 AM 1:42 PM 2:34 PM 3:35 PM 4:45 PM 6:01 PM 7:11 PM 9:00 AM 8:54 AM 9:10 AM 9:46 AM
Height 0.91L 0.78L 0.63L 1.03H 1.08H 0.18L 0.09L 0.04L 0.03L 0.05L 0.10L 1.35L 1.23L 1.06L 0.89L
Time 2:48 PM 4:01 PM 5:11 PM 12:05 PM 12:53 PM
Height 1.09H 1.08H 1.08H 0.47L 0.31L
Time 10:28 PM 11:13 PM
Height 0.40L 0.57L
6:30 PM
1.08H
11:23 AM 12:57 PM 2:25 PM 3:44 PM
1.38H 1.37H 1.36H 1.35H
8:11 PM 9:05 PM 9:58 PM 10:52 PM
0.20L 0.35L 0.54L 0.74L
Height 1.35H 1.32H 1.29H 1.28H 1.20L 0.07L 1.67H 1.81H 1.91H 1.94H 1.90H 1.80H 1.64H 1.49H 1.40H
Time 10:10 AM 10:34 AM 11:06 AM 11:43 AM 4:41 AM
Height 1.18L 1.00L 0.78L 0.54L 1.31H
Time 2:45 PM 4:10 PM 5:30 PM 7:03 PM 12:27 PM
Height 1.34H 1.36H 1.39H 1.43H 0.29L
Time 10:16 PM 11:03 PM 11:57 PM
Height 0.47L 0.70L 0.95L
10:09 PM
1.51H
2:12 PM 3:15 PM 4:23 PM 5:35 PM 6:45 PM 7:48 PM 9:25 AM 9:23 AM 9:45 AM
-0.10L -0.20L -0.24L -0.21L -0.11L 0.07L 1.50L 1.31L 1.08L
12:43 PM 2:23 PM 3:48 PM
1.59H 1.62H 1.67H
8:44 PM 9:37 PM 10:30 PM
0.31L 0.60L 0.90L
Port Aransas
5:39 PM
0.89H
Nueces Bay Date Aug 28 Aug 29 Aug 30 Aug 31 Sept 1 Sept 2 Sept 3 Sept 4 Sept 5 Sept 6 Sept 7 Sept 8 Sept 9 Sept 10 Sept 11
Time 2:20 AM 2:49 AM 3:15 AM 3:37 AM 3:43 AM 8:59 AM 6:49 AM 7:55 AM 8:49 AM 9:31 AM 10:05 AM 12:04 AM 12:58 AM 1:46 AM 2:28 AM
East Matagorda
Freeport Harbor Date Aug 28 Aug 29 Aug 30 Aug 31 Sept 1 Sept 2 Sept 3 Sept 4 Sept 5 Sept 6 Sept 7 Sept 8 Sept 9 Sept 10 Sept 11
Date Aug 28 Aug 29 Aug 30 Aug 31 Sept 1 Sept 2 Sept 3 Sept 4 Sept 5 Sept 6 Sept 7 Sept 8 Sept 9 Sept 10 Sept 11
Date Aug 28 Aug 29 Aug 30 Aug 31 Sept 1 Sept 2 Sept 3 Sept 4 Sept 5 Sept 6 Sept 7 Sept 8 Sept 9 Sept 10 Sept 11
Time 5:02 AM 4:54 AM 4:56 AM 12:05 AM 1:00 AM 4:51 AM 2:37 AM 3:31 AM 4:18 AM 5:03 AM 5:46 AM 6:25 AM 6:49 AM 5:06 AM 4:06 AM
South Padre Island Height 0.09L 0.20L 0.35L 0.50L 0.69H 0.78H 0.88H 0.95H 1.01H 1.06H 0.23L 0.24L 0.28L 0.35L 0.46L
Time 6:30 PM 8:09 PM 10:50 AM 9:17 AM 6:05 AM 7:31 PM 9:01 PM 10:25 PM 11:32 PM
Height 0.76H 0.73H 0.48H 0.55H 0.65L 0.33L 0.31L 0.28L 0.25L
2:37 PM 3:48 PM 5:04 PM 6:33 PM 8:04 PM
1.11H 1.13H 1.11H 1.07H 1.02H
Time
Height
Time
Height
1:37 PM 4:44 PM 8:43 AM
0.47L 0.42L 0.66H
9:52 PM
0.70H
6:09 PM
0.36L
Date Aug 28 Aug 229 Aug 230 Aug 231 Sept 1 Sept 2 Sept 3 Sept 4 Sept 5 Sept 6 Sept 7 Sept 8 Sept 9 Sept 10 Sept 11
Time 5:29 AM 5:13 AM 5:08 AM 5:01 AM 1:04 AM 1:17 PM 12:28 AM 1:51 AM 2:58 AM 3:53 AM 4:38 AM 5:10 AM 5:24 AM 5:06 AM 4:26 AM
Texas Coast Tides
Galveston Bay entrance, north jetty
High Island
LSONews.com
LoneOStar Outdoor News
August 28, 2026
Page 13
Stripers
Reward
and it’s been hot. I mean, we’ve had a lot of days over 100, but for whatever reason, the lake never really got super hot like it typically does this time of year,” Andre said. “So, our water temperature is running 85 to 86 degrees instead of 88 to 90 degrees, and it seems the fish have noticed that.” In the early morning, Andre and his clients are targeting shallower water, chasing after the top-water bite. “Then we’re also catching them out in some deep water, as well,” Andre said. Later in the morning, he and his clients will target the 40- to 60-foot range around running river channels and ledges where the fish tend to be most active. You will need to keep on the move though to find them. Do not get married to a spot, Andre said. “It could be a 20-minute boat ride, you know, between schools just depending on where they’re located,” Andre said. Anglers need to use the cues the lake gives you, watch for birds and “nervous” water with lots of bait when moving between spots. For bait, Andre is using 1/2- to 2-ounce slabs, umbrella rigs, and big top-waters. “We’re dropping those down, and either jigging them or just dropping them down in what we call ripping slabs, just reeling them back up through the schools and getting reaction strikes out of them,” Andre said. Look for this pattern to continue as long as the heat persists. As the water cools down, the fish will move up to flats on the lake in 20 to 30 feet. Andre recommends transitioning to swimbaits. The fish seem to respond to a more horizontal presentation as they move shallower. On Lake Buchanan, Max Milam with Ken Milam Guide Service also reports the fishing has been good. The best bite windows have been the first hour to an hour-and-a-half in the morning and the last hour of daylight. “You have a good, steady bite, some top-water mixed in,” Milam said. “We had a really high recruitment on last year’s stocking, so we have an absolute ton of 14- to 17-inch fish out there.” Milam said anglers should carefully identify the fish before harvesting. When in doubt, throw them back. Milam and his clients have been targeting the deep river channels.
decisions without verifiable data. “We don’t know if that observation is because there’s actually overfishing occurring, or if the fish have changed their migration or movement patterns because of changing climate or things like that,” Streich said. Tagging and release has already begun. “We’re tagging 400 cobia and 400 tripletail with acoustic transmitters, and then 40 of those with satellite tags as well,” Streich said. Biologist tagging a cobia to be The acoustic transmitter is released for a new study. Photo from Matt Streich. surgically inserted into the fish’s body cavity. The transmitter acts as a beacon and emits a unique signature when passing by a receiver. “All of the partner organizations are putting out receivers; many of us already have a lot of receivers out there,” Streich said. “When these fish swim by a receiver, say within three or four football fields of the receiver, the receiver detects that unique tag and logs it, time stamps it, and everything like that.” The reward tag is for the angler. “If you recapture a fish, we really want to know,” Streich said. The reporting of the tags will also help Streich and partners estimate actual fishing pressure, and the combined information will help answer the question of what is actually going on with the two species. If you catch a tagged fish, clip the external tag and go to tags. usouthal.edu. You can also report a tag by phone listed on that site. If you harvest the fish, also remove the acoustic transmitter inside the body cavity. Then mail the reward tag to Fisheries Ecology Lab, Dauphin Island Sea Lab, 101 Bienville Boulevard, Dauphin Island, AL, 36528. This program will run through the summer of 2027. Researchers are also interested in collecting fish samples dockside. This doesn’t keep anglers from harvesting the fish for use by researchers, they just ask anglers to keep the carcass and head intact for length measurements, plus guts, earstones, and gonades for genetics, age/growth, and reproduction study.
Continued from page 1
Continued from page 8
John Davis holds a striper he caught recently on Lake Texoma. Photo by Stephen Andre.
“Running right in the river channel, just running that deep water until they drop down on the thermocline,” Milam said. “Our smaller fish have actually been on top.” He and his clients have been using Alabama rigs, topwaters for the early-morning smaller fish, and big flutter spoons that drop quickly for the bigger fish. “Let them sink down about 15 or 20 feet into the school; our keepers tend to be running kind of down deep and just kind of work it back,” Milam said. Anglers can also do well trolling and with live bait.
Page 14
August 28, 2026
LoneOStar Outdoor News
LSONews.com
GRIP & GRIN
Levi Pelitire was fishing the Port Aransas jetties on Aug. 8 using dead shrimp when he caught this 14-inch lookdown fish.
Aiden Mordecai, 10, with his first of many animals harvested with Tam Safaris in Craddock, South Africa.
Jude Fulham, 14, took this hog on a spot-and-stalk night hunt on his family ranch in Sublime, Texas, along with his brother, Duke, 12.
SHARE AN ADVENTURE
n Want to share hunting and fishing photos with other Lone Star Outdoor News readers? Email them with contact and caption information to editor@ lonestaroutdoornews.com. Highresolution original jpegs only. Mail prints to Grip & Grin, Lone Star Outdoor News, P.O. Box 551695, Dallas, TX 75355.
CJ Tucker took this Texas Dall ram in South Texas last August.
Dane Browne caught this largemouth bass at night from a friend’s dock on Lake Weatherford.
LSONews.com
LoneOStar Outdoor News
Waterfowl Continued from page 4
Waterfowl numbers are down a bit this year due to drought in many areas of the country. Photo by Nate Skinner, for Lone Star Outdoor News.
norm, we protested against it. Unfortunately, we needed more time than what was allotted after the USFWS released their stats in order to follow both federal and state laws during our process of finalizing hunting regulations.” Kraai said the delayed date is due to many factors, including limited staff within the USFWS. “We were told last year, the earliest we would get the information and numbers would be September 1,” Kraai said. While state reps wait for the release of official numbers from the feds, the good news is their field reports from the 2026 breeding survey are in. According to Chief of the Branch of Migratory Bird Surveys for the USFWS Mark Koneff, spring was delayed across much of the survey area within the breeding grounds. “Survey crews delayed the start of their efforts accordingly to try to match survey timing to the desired interval during the breeding period,” Koneff said. “Overall, habitat conditions were mixed across the U.S. and Canadian prairie pothole region.” Koneff said dry conditions persisted in Montana, the western Dakotas, and the southern grasslands of Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba. “Conditions across the Canadian Prairie Provinces improved to the north,” Koneff said. “In the U.S. prairies, South Dakota was generally dry, with conditions reported as poor to fair in most areas. Wetland conditions improved some in North Dakota, and the southern boreal forest of central Canada received substantial winter precipitation, which helped break the abnormally dry conditions that have persisted there for the past several years.” Spring was also delayed in Alaska, eastern Canada, and Maine, according to Koneff. He said a delayed spring and associated cold, wet, and windy conditions may have impacted waterfowl production from the region. Kraai said the reality, at least according to information from the USFWS field reports that are currently available, is that there is nothing telling us we are out of the woods in terms of drought in the breeding grounds, and there is also nothing telling us conditions have gotten worse. “There are areas that are looking good, and there are areas that are looking incredibly dry still,” Kraai said. “And all of these factors will have an effect on duck numbers. The best thing we could have happen here in Texas is for us to receive good amounts of fall and winter rainfall.” Regardless of temperature, Kraai said lots of water on the landscape tends to drive ducks to our state. “Of course, it could change where birds are concentrated at, but overall, fall and winter rains would make for a very productive upcoming waterfowl season,” Kraai said.
EWA
Continued from page 5
your animals or wildlife. It did in the past, but USDA and Texas Animal Health and Texas Parks and Wildlife have been working together for a year practically, trying to make sure that it doesn’t spread,” Yancy said. A new partnership was announced during the conference between EWA and TruHerd. Both Yancy and Andrew Hicks, COO, were excited about the mutually beneficial partnership, “which gives every member in the Exotic Wildlife Association a free account with TruHerd, so every member gets the TruHerd base plan for free as part of their membership,” Hicks said. The TruHerd software uses AI and allows owners to track inventory, animals, genetic management, and medical records for the entirety of their operation. In addition, it helps owners find verified professionals and services. “As you can imagine, having this kind of system of record and verified genetics and DNA can build a lot of trust in the industry,” Hicks said. EWA members are also able to import the information from the EWA register directly to TruHerd. “It’s a really nice opportunity for our members to get a very robust animal ranch management platform that can help them manage animals, keep better records, and create simplicity in operations,” Yancey said about the partnership. Dr. Pat O’Neil is well known as one of the early veterinarians in the exotic industry. He received the President’s Award from Dave Henry for his services to the industry and the members. Dr. O’Neil is already in the Hall of Fame and has received a variety of different awards. “This is an award given by the president to someone that has made extraordinary contributions to the association, the industry, and the members,” Yancey said. “He’s just a really, really good person and cares deeply about the animals and the people that own them.”
August 28, 2026
Page 15
Page 16
August 28, 2026
LoneOStar Outdoor News
LSONews.com
INDUSTRY
LONE STAR OUTDOOR PUZZLER Solution on Page 22
Woodward named director
Friends of NRA looking
Sierra Bullets and Barnes Bullets promoted Madi Woodward to director of Marketing, where she will lead marketing teams for both brands. Woodward joined the organization in December 2025 and previously worked at Nosler for nearly five years in brand management and digital initiatives.
Friends of NRA is hiring a Merchandise Coordinator for its Columbia, Missouri office to support merchandise purchasing, vendor relationships, inventory, and sales for nationwide fundraising events. The full-time position requires strong organizational skills, Microsoft Excel proficiency, and at least two years of office experience.
MDBDF seeks regional director The Mule Deer and Blacktail Deer Foundation is seeking an energetic Regional Director for Washington State. The remote-based, field-focused position involves fundraising, volunteer chapter development, membership expansion, and partnership building. Interested candidates should submit applications to lana@muledeer.org.
Murray Road adds five Murray Road Agency announced new partnerships with Duck Commander, Tennessee Wildlife Resources Foundation, PROOF Research, and Clenzoil. The agency will provide public relations, media relations, and strategic marketing support to advance each organization's objectives across the outdoor and shooting sports industries.
ACROSS
DOWN
1. Big Bend range 5. Sometimes called a pinch point 7. Igloo, YETI, etc ... 8. Spot and stalkers need to know this 10. Vertical bait movement 11. Helps get bait to the bottom 14. Type of fishing line 16. Land manager does this to help herd 17. B&C requirement 18. Limits set by authorities 24. Texas' most popular game bird 25. The ability to shoot 27. Pressured bucks often "go _____" 28. Competes with native bighorns 30. Untouched land 32. Young hunters often lack this 33. Happening at certain times of year 34. Where the adventure often starts 35. Usually begins in early October 36. Game like grouse or quail 37. Seasonal movement of game
2. Sometimes needed after a bad shot 3. What most backcountry hunters crave 4. Pack company 6. Female mountain goat 9. Rattlesnakes fear them 12. Does enter this during the rut 13. Helps landowners with animals 15. Becomes less dense in winter 16. Common honking waterfowl species 19. Relating to the deepest parts of oceans 20. Scattering 21. Mountain hunters need this for a day or two 22. PINS is one 23. Early arriving ducks 25. Forest food 26. Kicks in once a big buck is seen 29. Often called rig donkeys 30. East Texas waterfowl species 31. Release of eggs by fish
ProForce hiring ProForce Law Enforcement is hiring a Regional Sales Manager for Northern Texas to manage law enforcement agency accounts across Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Missouri. The position offers a $70k base plus commission with potential earnings exceeding $100k, company vehicle, and comprehensive benefits.
Lodestar appoints McCoy Lodestar Technology announced USA Carry's appointment to its Independent Advisory Board, with founder Luke McCoy serving as Field-Testing advisor. McCoy will provide independent product evaluation and realworld feedback throughout Lodestar's firearm technology development process.
Puzzle by Conor Harrison, Lone Star Outdoor News
FOR THE TABLE *email LSON your favorite recipe to editor@lonestaroutdoornews.com.
Dove tortilla soup 2 cups shredded game bird meat 1 cup chopped cilantro 8 corn tortillas, roughly torn into pieces 8 ozs. canned diced chilies 1 can each fire roasted tomatoes with juices, black beans, rinsed, and sweet corn, rinsed 1 medium red onion, sliced thin 2 Tbsps. olive oil 4 cloves garlic, minced 1 tsp. cracked pepper 1/2 tsp. salt 8 cups pheasant or chicken stock 1/2 tsp. cumin 2 jalapeños, chopped 1 poblano pepper, chopped
In large stock pot or Dutch oven add olive oil, onion and garlic cooking over medium heat until onions start to sweat. Add cilantro, 4 torn tortillas, tomatoes and green chilies cook for another 3 minutes stirring continually. Add stock, game bird meat, spices, corn, beans and remaining 4 tortillas. Bring soup to a boil and reduce heat to simmer Simmer for 1-2 hours allowing all the flavors to develop and the tortillas to fall apart. —Field to Plate
Lemon garlic black drum 1 lemon 4 (5 oz) black drum fillets 1/2 tsp. salt 1/4 tsp. pepper 1/4 tsp. garlic powder 2 cloves garlic, grated 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil 1 Tbsp. freshly chopped parsley
Heat the oven to 400°F. Slice the lemon into 8 to 10 thin rounds. Rinse and pat fillets down with paper towels. Season each fillet with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Place fish in a baking dish then sprinkle with fresh garlic. Drizzle extra virgin olive oil over the fish, then place 2 lemon slices over the top of each fillet. Bake until the fish is cooked through and flaky, around 20 to 25 minutes. —Texas Gulf Seafood
LSONews.com
LoneOStar Outdoor News
August 28, 2026
Page 17
Happy as a mackerel
Bass
Continued from page 8
New fishing pier on South Padre Island has anglers thrilled By Tony Vindell
For Lone Star Outdoor News
Summer bass anglers are catching fish down deep in the heat of the day. Photo by David J. Sams, Lone Star Outdoor News.
humps and stuff around timber.” When the sun is up, focus your efforts in 15- to 25-feet of water around those transitions and structures. The larger fish have been holding off from brush piles while the smaller fish have been right in it. “If it’s a smooth bottom, you need to move,” Atkinson advised. In the deeper water, Carolina rigs and jigs fished slowly have been the most productive. “Start from light color, go down to the darker colors. If you aren’t getting a bite on the color, it’s time to change,” Atkinson said. “If a color change doesn’t start producing in 10 minutes, I have been picking up and moving to find more active fish.”
A new fishing pier on the Texas Gulf Coast has opened and anglers are as happy as a mackerel. The new pier is located on South Padre Island next to Claytons’ Beach Bar and owned by the entrepreneur that bears the name, Clayton Brashear. Fishing enthusiasts have been The new fishing pier on South Padre Island is attracting lots of anglers. hooking a variety of species, includ- Photo by Tony Vindell, for Lone Star Outdoor News. ing jack crevalle, speckled trout, red and black drum, whiting, hammerheads and other sharks. There is no charge to use the pier but parking costs $20 on Saturday and $10 on Sunday. Parking is free Monday through Friday. A security guard working at the parking lot entrance said the fees will stop after the Labor Day weekend, which marks the end of the tourist season. For anglers like James Olivarez and Julian Lemus, the pier has become one of their favorite fishing holes. “I have been coming here almost every day for the last two weeks,” Lemus said. “I have been limiting out on trout.” But on the day he was spotted leaving, he said the fish were not biting. “I got other species here and there,” he said, “like jacks.” Olivarez said he has been catching quite a few whiting. “I got a stringer three days ago,” he said on Wednesdays, Aug. 12. “Fishing has been good.” The pier is the second one in this part of the lower Laguna Madre and the only one on the beach side of South Padre Island. The other pier is in Port Isabel – a facility that advertise its services as the longest pier along the Texas gulf coast. Anglers are required to pay $11 per rod and are allowed two rods per person. Other places for public fishing in the area are the north jetties on Isla Blanca Park along the beaches from the town of South Padre Island. Entrance to the park and the beach accesses are now $15 per vehicle. Although the new pier is free to use five days a week without having to pay for parking, there are several rules anglers should be aware of, including no glass containers, no jumping, climbing or sitting on railings, no cleaning of fish, no BBQ pits, no alcoholic drinks and two rods per angler. Asked about how long the pier will be free to use, Brashear said he doesn’t know at this point.
SPORTING CLAY
EXPERIENCE
THE ORIGINAL DEER BLIND WINDOW CO.
at Wildpoint Ranch
Come experience our unique sporting clay course, set in a natural Wooded area on our ranch Catch a glimpse of our many Whitetail & Exotics
(flip open)
Relax & Enjoy! we run one group at a time.
Cabin Rental now available
located along the scenic ridges of the old red river breaks in Saint Jo, Texas. Relax on the front porch, watch the many whitetail & Exotics we have on the ranch, and build a fire in our large fire pit area. Leave the city behind. you will be the only renters on ranch. Visit many local wineries & restaurants. Winstar Casino is only 40 minutes away, transportation to & from casino available. Contact us for more info on ranch activities.
BACKCOUNTRY HUNTS Elk Cow Hunts Only 10 spots available All free range
Book Your Time WildpointRanch.com
Aoudad and Scimitar Oryx Hunts available
WILDPOINT RANCH, SAINT JO, TEXAS CHRIS SCHEEL 972-922-4225 WILDPOINTRANCH@GMAIL.COM
Contact information: Steve Jones: 575-361-1053 BackCountryHunts.com SteveJones@BackCountryHunts.com
Family Owned & Operated
Page 18
August 28, 2026
LoneOStar Outdoor News
LSONews.com
LSONews.com
LoneOStar Outdoor News
August 28, 2026
Page 19
New updates to 2026 hunting regulations Texas Parks and Wildlife Department has updated changes to the 2026/27 hunting seasons. Updated identity verification rules are now in effect for Texas hunting and fishing license purchases to combat residency fraud and support TPWD law enforcement. All recreational licenses and endorsement stamps also have a digital option. The digital license option is available through online purchase only. Digital license holders must keep their digital license available via mobile device while in the field or on the water as they will not receive a printed license or tags. Doe Days • Doe days expanded in 21 counties from four to 16 doe days (see TPWD for county list) Dove • Earlier start (Sept. 1) for the South Zone Dove regular season • Elimination of Special White-winged Dove Days Turkey • Matagorda and Wharton counties now closed to wild turkey hunting • Harvest of unbearded wild turkey hens now prohibited Means & Methods • Definition of muzzleloader modified to allow for use of new muzzleloading technology —Staff report
Bowtech moving to Texas
YOUR EAST TEXAS PREMIER HUNTING & OUTDOOR EXPERIENCE
Bowtech has announced a relocation move to Houston from Oregon. Bowtech is entering a new chapter focused on long-term growth, operational investment, and an enhanced experience for consumers, dealers, and partners across the industry. This relocation also includes an expansion of operational capabilities and a new facility environment. “This next chapter is about momentum,” said Colin Legge, CEO and president. “Relocating to Houston positions us to continue investing in the future of our brands, our products, and the people who support them.” Colin added, “This is not about changing who we are, it is about continuing to grow, evolve, and invest in the future of archery while staying committed to the hunters and shooters who trust our brands.” The new Houston facility will serve as a collaborative hub for innovation, product development, production, and brand storytelling across the organization. The space will allow Bowtech to provide a deeper look into the people, processes, and passion behind the brand through expanded behind-the-scenes content, facility tours, and greater access to the teams building the products archers rely on. Long term, the company’s vision is to develop the new headquarters into a true “Bowtech Experience” destination. The facility is being designed with the future in mind, creating opportunities for consumers, dealers, media partners, and the archery community to engage with the brand in a more immersive and hands-on environment. —Bowtech
Experience exceptional hunting on a private ranch where great memories are made. Whether you're chasing trophy whitetails or wild hogs, The Lodge at Davis Creek delivers the adventure you've been looking for.
Whitetail Deer • Wild Hogs Managed hunting grounds for all skill levels Stay in our beautiful 2 bedroom/2 bath lodge! Day Hunts available
www.daviscreeklodge.com
(936) 209-4598 @daviscreeklodge
Offshore
daviscreeklodge@gmail.com• Bon Wier, Texas
Continued from page 8
www.Dove-Gear.com
The Ultimate Bird Vest Hideaway Zippered Security Pockets Spacious Shell Pockets with Flap Option
6-Way Adjustability
Cool Mesh Construction Rear Game Bag and Pouch for Empties
Water Bottle Holder
Special Savings for LSON Readers – Save 10% with Discount Code LSON26
Colten and Caden Berwick, and Kyle Holmes (left to right) show off a white marlin they caught and released safely, while fishing offshore out of Port Bolivar. Photo by Parker Meek.
ballyhoo. “There have also been plenty of dorado out there to catch, just about everywhere,” Meek said. “If you can find any type of structure on the surface, whether it be a rig, buoy, weed line, or just floating debris, there’s likely going to be some dorado nearby.” Carson Deer recently fished aboard the DECARB, a 52-foot Viking out of Surfside Marina captained by Troy Day, along with one of the vessel’s owners, Sam Moore, and mates Thomas Garcia and Ethan Wilson. The crew experienced a banner day of billfishing in the Gulf, catching and releasing seven blue marlin, three white marlin, and two sailfish. “We were fishing around the floaters about 130 to 180 miles out and slow trolling live blackfin tuna, while targeting blue marlin,” Deer said. “It was incredible to see Capt. Troy Day marking the fish on the sonar and then watching them hook up on our baits.” Deer said they caught the sailfish and white marlin on ballyhoo, just inside the shelf. According to the Sport Fishing Championship Instagram page, a recent post reported that 57 billfish were successfully caught and released during the Texas Billfish Open earlier this month on August 14-16. That number represents more billfish caught and released than in any other event so far in the 2026 Sport Fishing Championship season circuit. The Texas Lone Stars secured a dominant victory in the event, as half of the team’s field, led by Capt. Spencer Johnson, recorded grand slams.
Page 20
August 28, 2026
LoneOStar Outdoor News
LSONews.com
NATIONAL FLORIDA
Lionfish tournament upcoming
Department of Transportation - State of Texas endorsed, a certified Small Business Enterprise and licensed for commercial herbicide application.
The 1st Annual FWC Pensacola Lionfish Invitational Tournament and Festival is coming to Plaza de Luna, Palafox Pier in Pensacola, Florida, Sept. 24–27. Lionfish are extremely detrimental to Florida's reefs and marine ecosystems. They reproduce rapidly and compete with native species for food and habitat. Tournaments like this help make a measurable impact by removing large numbers of invasive lionfish, while raising awareness about the importance of continued removal. Conservation is a community effort, and every lionfish removed makes a difference. All participants must be fully registered and paid by 7 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 24 to be eligible for tournament prizes and awards. Active participants in the 2026 FWC Lionfish Challenge who have submitted at least one lionfish may receive a discounted registration rate, subject to verification. —FWC
Scallops season closures
SINCE 1960
BUYING, SELLING AND TRADING GUNS
Used and new firearms, ammunition, knives, and optics for all of your hunting, shooting and personal protection needs.
123 Carroll Rd, Wharton, TX 77488 Fo l lo w u s
(979) 532-3175
c ar r o l l s _h u nti ng_ f i s h i ng
howdy@carrollsgunshop.com C a r ro l l ' s Gu n S ho p
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission announced the closure of the 2026 recreational bay scallop harvest season in the Gulf County Zone. This region includes all state waters from the Mexico Beach Canal in Bay County to the westernmost point of St. Vincent Island in Franklin County, including St. Joseph Bay. A summer 2026 survey by FWC's Fish and Wildlife Research Institute in St. Joseph Bay showed very low bay scallop abundance. This precautionary closure is intended to increase the chances that existing scallops can produce enough offspring to preserve and support future scallop seasons in the region. FWC will work with the community to identify and implement restoration efforts and will continue to monitor the situation. —FWC
OKLAHOMA
Dove season begins Sept. 1 Many of Oklahoma's public land opportunities are found on WMAs managed by the Wildlife Department, or properties leased by the ODWC through the Oklahoma Land Access Program (OLAP). ODWC offers maps, season dates, species information and other resources to help you plan your hunt. Check out the dove hunting resources web page at wildlifedepartment.com for tips, including a map of fields on WMAs that are managed for doves. They provide you with GPS coordinates and maps of those areas so that you'll feel comfortable and ready on Sept. 1. —ODWC
NORTH DAKOTA
Bow season opens Sept. 4 North Dakota's deer bow season opens Sept. 4 at noon and continues through Jan. 3, 2027. Nonresident hunters should note that they may only hunt on private land, excluding Private Land Open To Sportsmen, during the first 9 1/2 days of the deer bow season. They may begin hunting public land and PLOTS on Sept. 14. Bowhunters can buy a license online at the North Dakota Game and Fish Department website, or at vendors linked to the department's online licensing system. Hunters should plan accordingly and allow for time to receive their tag in the mail, as the tag will arrive by postal mail and not over the counter while the customer waits. This applies while purchasing a bow license at a license vendor, or at the Game and Fish Department. The bow tag will be mailed the next business day after the license is purchased. All archery hunters must have a bow tag in possession before hunting. —NDGF
NEBRASKA
Grouse wings needed The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission will conduct its annual grouse wing collection during the upcoming upland season starting Sept. 1. Hunters in the zone east of U.S. Highway 81 already are required to send in wings, but hunters in the zone west of the highway also are encouraged to participate. Hunters in the east zone are required to have a "special grouse permit" prior to hunting, in addition to a hunt permit and habitat stamp. This special grouse permit is free, but availability is limited to 400 overall and one per hunter. —NGPC
NORTH CAROLINA
Court rules state violated duty The Wake County (North Carolina) Superior Court has ruled in favor of the Coastal Conservation Association of North Carolina and 86 individual citizens in their lawsuit to hold the State accountable for failing to protect North Carolina's coastal fisheries. The court's 190page ruling, which followed a six-week trial earlier this year, held the state liable based on "overwhelming evidence" that the state breached its legal obligations to North Carolina citizens. Further proceedings addressing remedies needed to cure the State's management failures and restore North Carolina's once-abundant coastal fisheries are expected to follow. Through six years of litigation, CCA NC was able to prove that by allowing North Carolina's coastal fisheries to deteriorate and collapse, the state violated the legal rights of North Carolinians to fish and harvest fish—rights guaranteed to them under the public-trust doctrine and the North Carolina Constitution. —CCA NC
LOUISIANA
Snapper season reopening The recreational Red Snapper season closed on August 9, 2026, based upon harvest estimates and projections at that time. LA Creel data indicates that 35,109 pounds, or 4% of Louisiana's 2026 annual private recreational allocation of 882,439 pounds remains, and a re-opening for two four-day periods is warranted. The season for the private recreational and state charter harvest of red snapper in Louisiana state waters and federal waters off Louisiana shall reopen at 12:01 a.m. on Thursday, August 27, 2026, until 11:59 p.m. on August 30, 2026, at which time it shall close. The season shall reopen again from 12:01 a.m. on Friday, September 4, 2026, until 11:59 p.m. on Monday, September 7, 2026, at which time it will close until further notice. This modification does not apply to federally permitted charter boats operating under federal law during federally established seasons and under federally established rules for those vessels. —LDWF
Dove fields for lease The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries will have lease fields available in Colfax and DeRidder for the opening day of dove hunting season on Sept. 5 along with several LDWF Wildlife Management Area dove fields. Access permits for the dove lease field hunts can be found on the LDWF website on the dove fields page. Hunting at each of the lease fields will begin one-half hour before sunrise on Sept. 5. The registration fee for the lease fields is $10 for adults plus a convenience fee. Youths age 17 and younger do not have to pay the registration fee. Only non-toxic shot size 6 and smaller may be used at these hunts and no lead shot is to be used. Dogs are allowed and ATVs are allowed but may be restricted to field roads if wet conditions prevail. —LDWF
LSONews.com
LoneOStar Outdoor News
Nilgai Continued from page 21
Residents argued against the Port Mansfield Nilgai cull hunt recently. Photo by Tony Vindell for Lone Star Outdoor News.
the local airport and can be seen inside the perimeter, causing a dangerous situation. But while they are viewed as a nuisance by some, people enjoy watching them and the antelope have become a sort of tourist attraction for the town. Oscar Montoya Jr., the new executive port director, said he has no problems with the nilgai. “We love to watch them,” he said, “but I believe in controlling the animals and the ticks.” Because of the cattle fever tick, Port Mansfield and many other areas in the county are under quarantine. Under such designation, no nilgai or deer hides can be taken out the area without being inspected and cleared by officers with the Texas Health Animal Commission. During the meeting, WCND Commissioner Steve Kendrick made a motion to approve the “harvesting of exotic nilgai of Broken Arrow Ranch,” as stated on the agenda. But the motion died for lack of a second. Some board members said they would prefer to have the cull conducted and to sell some nilgai to a potential buyer. The trapping and transporting nilgai to other destinations must follow a set of rules such as keeping each animal under quarantine for 14 days and inspected and cleared by THAC. The board said they will look into different options and will bring the agenda item back for discussion at a later time. “I believe they made think the right decision,” Machen said after the meeting was over.
August 28, 2026
Page 21
Snapper Continued from page 9
focusing on. Joseph, Mackey, and Alan Chuoke were on a Gulf outing recently, and caught limits of red snapper while deep dropping, including one that weighed more than 20 pounds. They also caught six grouper, two tilefish, a porgy, and a handful of beeliners. Rick Wilkenfeld has been running offshore out of Texas City, and said limits of red snapper have been pretty easy to catch about 30 to 40 miles out to about 70 miles offshore. “Any kind of hump, drop-off, stretch of rocks, reef, or wreck is loaded with fish right now,” Wilkenfeld said. “Most of the fish have been in the 10- to 15-pound range, with a few larger fish mixed in.” Wilkenfeld said a slow-pitch jigging technique has been producing bigger snapper lately. “Jigging is a great way to cover water, especially when you’re trying out a new spot and you’re trying to figure out exactly where the fish are situated in relation to the structure you are targeting,” Wilkenfeld said. “It’s also a great way to figure out where the most fish are located in the water column, as well.” In the areas he’s been fishing in the 30- to 40-mile range, Wilkenfeld said the snapper have been coming up to the surface once one or two fish have been hooked. Further out, the fish have been staying suspended well below the surface. Tyler Hass recently made a quick trip offshore out of Freeport with his wife and their 3-year-old son. Along with some keeper snapper, Hass ended up landing about a 50-pound ling (cobia). “We only ran about nine miles out,” Hass said. “I knew there was some good water in close, and the goal was really to just get our son exposed to running the boat offshore.” Hass said all of a sudden, two large ling came up to the boat as he was reeling in a red snapper. “I was able to get a bait in the water while they were boiling at the surface, and instantly, the bigger of the two ling ate it,” Hass said. “My son started screaming with excitement. My wife and I took turns fighting the fish until I was able to get it in the boat. Our boy was immediately hooked. He loved it.” Hass said he’s also run offshore out of Matagorda a couple of times recently, where just about any well-known reefs or hotspots from 30 to 60 miles out have been holding plenty of keeper-sized snapper. He said all of the fish pushing 15 pounds or more have been out further in deeper water. The folks at Port Aransas Fisherman’s Wharf said limits of red snapper have been the norm for anglers aboard their deep sea fishing charter trips. Matagorda Sportfishing Offshore Charters also posted on their social media pages that limits of red snapper have been easy to find on calm days, along with a handful of decent sized cobia.
Page 22
August 28, 2026
LoneOStar Outdoor News
LSONews.com
CLASSIFIEDS HUNTING AFRICAN TROPHIES FOR SALE
TEXAS RANCH SALES Bootlegger Hill Ranch For Sale Turnkey, Irrigated Crops, Mallards, Florida Bass Thomas A.C. Davis TDAVIS@TEXASRANCHSALES.COM
FISHING Shoulder mounts: waterbuck, cape buffalo, greater kudu, bushpig. Life size: bushbuck. European: cape buffalo. straussangel@gmail.com Call or email: (830) 660-8382
BIOLOGIST 4 HIRE, LLC. Fish & Wildlife Habitat Consulting, 1-D-1 Wildlife Agriculture Valuation, Conservation Land Assessment & Management Plans, Drone Mapping Services. Chad E. Simmons USDA NRCS TSP B-19-22936 chad@biologist4hire.com (972) 837-0392
361 FISHING Get the Texas saltwater fishing app (iOS) that has it all. Bite times, top 5 spots right now, real-time weather and local intel from guides. Focused on artificial and fly, use the app to determine where to go, when to go and what to throw to increase your fishing success. Free trial to get started.
DOVE DAY HUNTS $100 per Gun, $25 Non-Hunting Guests Fee 500 Acres with Fields, Lakes and Tanks One Hour South of Dallas I-35 Corridor RV Hookups Available Free Fishing CALL or TEXT (214) 808-7361 (972) 814-1051
SOUTHWEST ROOFING Commercial & Residential Roof Maintenance Missing Shingles Replace Roof Jack Chimney Restoration All Work Guaranteed $150 Repair Per Leak & Up Free Inspection & Estimates (832) 817-0202
$1
CLASSIFIEDS (PER WORD) ADD A PHOTO/LOGO $25 2 ISSUE MINIMUM
361FISHING.COM TEXAS TROPHY WHITETAILS Axis, Blackbuck, Hogs Free range whitetail and exotic hunts in Sonora, TX HuntTexasWhitetails.com (717) 512-3582
CATTLE MARKET IS HOT Cash out every Tuesday @10 am Atascosa Livestock Exchange Pleasanton Hauling Available Call (210) 289-7698
MISC JMB SERVICES Commercial Fencing, Residential Fencing Ranch Fencing, High Fencing Privacy Fencing, Gate Entrances Land Clearing, Root Plowing Metal Buildings, Post Driving Retaining Walls, Concrete Work Water Lines, Trenching John Batot (830) 560-6877
JOBS COPY EDITOR NEEDED Lone Star Outdoor News is seeking a parttime copy editor. The role would entail 2 office days each month (the Tuesday before the 2nd and 4th Fridays of each month) to proofread final copies before the paper is sent off to press. Additional (up to 6) days per year might be required to proof Annual Special Sections. Some experience with hunting and fishing preferred. Please email resume to CONOR@LONESTAROUTDOORNEWS.COM.
2 EASY OPTIONS: CALL THE OFFICE (214) 361-2276, OR EMAIL EDITOR@ LONESTAROUTDOORNEWS.COM
DATEBOOK AUGUST 28-29
TEXAS DEER ASSOCIATION Annual Convention JW Marriott Hill Country Resort, San Antonio (512) 499-0466 texasdeerassociation.com
AUGUST 29
OCTOBER 2
TEXAS TECH UNIVERSITY Wildlife Toxicology Lab Research Demonstration Day Stonewall County Civic Center, Aspermont ron.kendall@ttu.edu wildlifetoxicologylab.org
DELTA WATERFOWL Sam Houston Chapter Dinner Walker County Fairgrounds, Huntsville (281) 725-8179 deltawaterfowl.org
OPERATION GAME THIEF Clay Stoppers Shootout Jake’s Clays, Midland (512) 971-2471 dshaw@gvtc.com
SEPTEMBER 10
OCTOBER 6
DUCKS UNLIMITED Lavaca County Banquet Knights of Columbus Hall, Hallettsville (979) 702-2181 ducks.org/events
DELTA WATERFOWL Smith County Chapter Dinner Buck Wild, Tyler (903) 276-9883 deltawaterfowl.org
SEPTEMBER 17
OCTOBER 29
DUCKS UNLIMITED Lonestar Chapter Banquet Kuykendall Arena, Llano (512) 756-3655 ducks.org/events
CROSS TIMBERS QUAIL COALITION Dinner and Auction River Ranch Stockyards, Ft. Worth (817) 582-0129 crosstimbersquail.com
DALLAS SAFARI CLUB Fall Speaker Series DSC Pavilion, Dallas (972) 980-9800 biggame.org
SEPTEMBER 19
FORT WORTH FLY FISHERS FWFF Annual Auction and Dinner Elks Lodge of Ft. Worth fortworthflyfishers.org
Puzzle solution from Page 16
Subscribe to
CALL (214) 361-2276 OR VISIT LSONEWS.COM
For home or office delivery, go to LSONews.com, or call (214) 361-2276, or send a check or money order to the address below. Lone Star Outdoor News, ISSN 2162-8300, a publication of Lone Star Outdoor News, LLC, publishes twice a month. A mailed subscription is $35 for 24 issues. Newsstand copies are $3, in certain markets copies are free, one per person. Copyright 2026 with all rights reserved. Reproduction and/ or use of any photographic or written material without written permission by the publisher is prohibited. Subscribers may send address changes to: Lone Star Outdoor News, P.O. Box 551695, Dallas, TX 75355 or email them to editor@lonestaroutdoornews.com.
Executive Editor
Conor Harrison
Design Editor Reporters
C2-Studios, Inc. Cory Byrnes Meghan Jackson Vivian Leopold Nate Skinner Chuck Uzzle Tony Vindell
Operations Manager Mike Hughs Accounting
Lea Marsh
Website
Bruce Solieu
National Advertising Mike Nelson Founder & CEO
David J. Sams
Editor Emeritus
Craig Nyhus
For home delivery subscriptions www.LSONews.com(214) 361-2276 Advertising: Call (214) 361-2276 or email editor@lonestaroutdoornews.com to request a media kit.
LSONews.com
LoneOStar Outdoor News
Ramping up SPI public boat ramps in need of upgrade By Tony Vindell
For Lone Star Outdoor News The new boat ramp on South Padre Island is now drawing attention to the two older public ramps, each built decades ago. One such ramp on Polaris Street was up for discussion during Tuesday’s Sept. 18 meeting of the city council. “I put this on the agenda,” said Mayor Patrick McNulty. “I got a lot of phone calls from people loving our new ramp and complaints about the Palm Street Boat Ramp.” He was first referring to the Marisol Boat Ramp, which opened on July 21 to rave reviews from island When the new SPI boat ramp was opened, attention turned to the two other public anglers. ramps in town. Photo by Tony Vindell, for Lone Star Outdoor News. The new ramp, built for more than $3.2 million, has 13 parking spaces, fish cleaning tables, street lighting and is disability accessible. By contrast, the Palm Street ramp was built several decades, and it’s flanked by businesses that were built afterwards. City Manager Randy Smith also said anglers have been complaining about the condition of the old ramp. “I talk to the fishing community a lot because I fish a lot,” he said. “That boat ramp is stressful for me.” Smith said although the Palm Street ramp needs to be revamped, he suggested also fixing up the third public ramp on Polaris Street. He said people also complain about the lack of parking on both ramps. Some of the issues the anglers often mention are the small ramp size, street potholes, oyster shells tearing boat bottoms and popping vehicle tires. The council agreed to look at redeveloping the two ramps but fixing them could be a bigger challenge. One issue is getting the permits and grants for the projects from the Texas General Land Office, the U.S. Corps Engineers and the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department. McNulty said the town has a lease with the GLO but it needs to be renewed regarding the Palm Street ramp. As to the one on Polaris Street, there was a project to renovate it a while back but it never happened after some property owners opposed the project. Finally, a grant given out by TPWD was canceled. Gayle Hood, a local resident, said the reasons behind their opposition was because of too many boats and trailers on the street, the deteriorating condition of the street and things happening that negatively impacts the neighborhood. Before the meeting was over, everybody agreed to start looking into what solutions could be found to fix the two ramps, the costs involved and to engage local neighbors. “We really need them all,” Smith said. “With only three boat ramps available, I think the city should be focusing on fixing all the ramps.”
August 28, 2026
Bait shortage Continued from page 9
The staff at Marker 37 Marina in Corpus Christi said the quantities of live shrimp coming in recently have been smaller than normal. For that reason, they have been selling out of live shrimp quickly, especially on the weekends. Live croaker stocks have remained consistent, even on days when live shrimp supplies have been depleted. According to consistent posts on their Facebook page, Boyd’s One Stop in Texas City, which is located near the entrance of the Texas City Dike, has had live shrimp, live croaker, and live finger mullet available to anglers for the majority of the month. Their posts Fresh live shrimp has been tough to come also reported they have had by along some areas of the coast this a variety of fresh dead bait month. Photo by David J. Sams, Lone Star Outdoor News. in stock, too. Second-generation Galveston area shrimper Nikki Johnson said the numbers of shrimp in the area they are used to catching were nowhere to be found earlier this month. “On a normal morning this time of year, we should easily be catching 200 to 300 pounds of live shrimp,” Johnson said. “At the beginning of the month, we were lucky to catch 40 pounds during a morning outing.” Johnson said they have historically sold live bait from their catches to a single bait camp. Recently that number jumped to four, as bait camp owners have been searching for anyone who had live shrimp available for sell, to restock their supplies and keep up with demand. Upper Coast Regional Director for TPWD Coastal Fisheries Kelley Kowal said low bait shrimp abundance is fairly common at this point of the year. “August is late for brown shrimp and early for white shrimp,” she said. “And factors like lower-than-normal salinities can make them more difficult to find. Combine that with low oxygen levels, due to warm water conditions, and live shrimp supplies at bait stands take a hit.”
OUTDOOR BUSINESS
NEW BUSINESS CARD SECTION $25 PER ISSUE/MINIMUM OF 12 ISSUES
Page 23
2 EASY OPTIONS: CALL THE OFFICE (214) 361-2276, OR EMAIL EDITOR@LONESTAROUTDOORNEWS.COM
Page 24
August 28, 2026
LoneOStar Outdoor News
LSONews.com
R
U.S. PATENTS 8201520, 7370605, 6920841, D575908, D599503, D602649, D603104, D603105, D604017, D603566, D624706, D624708, D622453, D624707, D636942, D629572, D629976, D629975, D624709, D630802, D630653, D647253, D642750, D681883, 9278813, 9554555 • OTHER PATENTS PENDING • U.S. TRADEMARKS 3629190 & 3625066
BUILT RIGHT the First Time to Last a Lifetime!
CP REGULATOR
The Regulator utilizes “The Timer” allowing control of the feed amount while maintaining dispensed feed inside the feeder housing and tubes. You program to dispense feed up to six times/day at the rate of 2 lbs./ second & 360 lbs./day maximum.
DUALLY PROTEIN & CORN FEEDER
CP GRAVITY FLOW PROTEIN FEEDER • 1000, 2000 & 3000# capacities
Available in 2000 and 3000 lb. capacities including: CP, BP, CP Magnum, BP Magnum, CP 6-Tube, CP 6-Tube Magnum
HALF-BACK DUALLY
TOP GUN Heavy Duty Corn FeeDer
Split hopper allows gravity-flow protein simultaneously with directional corn distribution controlled by “The Timer”. • 3 protein tubes standard • 1000, 2000 & 3000 lb. total capacities
CF CORN FEEDER
with Solar Powered Timer • 600, 1000, 2000 & 3000 lb. capacities
• High Output Solar Power Panel mounted on top with Timer Box inside a REINFORCED VARMINT CAGE • 600 & 1000 lb. capacities
“
SHare-Kropper” FiSH FeeDer Low proFiLe DireCtionaL FeeDer
“BABY-BACK” SerieS very Low proFiLe FeeDerS Shown with Eliminator 36” height 400# cap.
Shown with Pistolero 42” height 600# cap.
Built uilt With With PriDe riDe in a merica With in merica With onlY onlY toP oP qualitY ualitY american merican materials aterials & craftsmanshiP raftsmanshiP
spreads heavier feed out to 50’ in a 20’ wide pattern
• 360o corn distribution or up to 50ft in one direction via Outback’s “Pistolero” directional unit • 400, 600 & 1000 lb. capacities
choose from Pistolero Directional or 360º sPinner
! for Your Well equiPPeD hunting camP
PLACE ON PIER, DOCK, BANK OR IN TRUCK BED 24” tank diameter holds 175# floating fish feed or 300# corn Works well with all types of fish feed, corn or milo
Longhorn SerieS
• 3 gravity-flow protein tubes • Directional corn spinner with eliminator plate • “The Timer” battery & solar panel incuded • 400, 600 & 1000 lb. capacities
FLIPPER WATER TROUGH
AutomAted CAttLe Feeder
• SAVE TIME emptying & cleaning • Easily dumps in seconds • 25 gallon capacity
This design was specifically developed from recommendations of Longhorn Breeders and is used and endorsed by Buxton Longhorns
36”-40” TEXAS FIRE PIT
• Features swivel grill, Dutch oven support, fire poker & ash pan
E-Z LIFT LOADER
• Locking swivel design allows easy loading of animal from ground or vehicle • Heavy duty brake
The Longhorn feeder is designed and built for maximum durability and dependability. Constructed of heavy gauge steel, the rugged design provides the best service and safety for your special animals.
or kickinbackkreations.com 903.734.4210 • e-mail: rickmeritt@yahoo.com
C Leaning a deer doesn ’ t have to Be a BaCk Breaking joB ! E-Z CLEAN CART
Photo Courtesy of Buxton Longhorns
See more of our ranch and hunting products in our catalog or browse online at outbackfeeders.com
GAME RACK
Portable with 20-watt LED lighting & 4 winches (800 lb. capacity each)
GREAT BALL OF FIRE PATRIOTIC ART EMBELLISHED FIRE PIT
No two alike, each one a custom Work of Art! • 1400 degree high-temperature powder-coat finish • Fire poker & ash pan included • 37” diameter
SHOOTING BENCH PRO
Portable with fully adjustable swivel seat