The Addict

THEIR VISION IS OF the prowling red that can bend even the best rod double—the trout that gives the true definition of gator, the black drum whose size belongs in the Jurassic period.

They never have decision dilemmas about boats or kayaks or five hundred-dollar rods (because NOT to own one is unthinkable, unreasonable). They need these as much as they need air to breathe.

Their habits and lifestyle are a conundrum to most. They are different but not in a menacing kind of way. Their karma, chi, mindfulness seems to be opposite of most on our planet. At a young age, the first fishing trip wasn’t just an outing, but an awakening—the first thing in their life that made complete sense.

It is what they were meant to do; there was no other rational explanation. A pain in the *!#! to their parents, always wanting, needing, even begging to be taken. Holidays were less about why and more about opportunity to pursue what seemed to be coded in their genes.

Infringe on this sacred time or threaten to interrupt it—just the thought is hateful, threatening and even physically painful to them. From a young age this was always their first love.

When romance entered the scene it seemed invasive. A new first love seemed to border on infidelity. They would grow comfortable with these new priorities, but would they really? Age, sex, race, gender preference has no place here. You either have this or you don’t. They are willing to share, but will not tolerate being invaded.

The tools of this passion are off limits like the apple in the Garden of Eden. Religion, politics, social graces are tolerated only if they complement their passion. Dusk to dawn days on the water are the norm, after all what else is worth doing!?

Conservation is near and dear to their heart for it supports directly a heartfelt purpose. One cannot exist without the other. Meticulous with daily chores, this allows more time for their pursuit.

Karma, mantra, mojo is all tied up in a neat package for them. Presents received for Christmas or birthdays, unless directly related to their passion, are set-aside for years sometimes never used or enjoyed.

Of course, I am talking about fishing. The word itself can be a verb or a noun, but to them, it is so much more. To them, it’s just what they do, have always done and always will. Obsessive? Gifted? It is difficult to say.

To witness this level of passion, happiness and joy is truly a divine gift, and I believe that is what this special time of year is all about—Merry Christmas and a blessed New Year!

•  •  •

D ECEMBER is an easy-to-fish time of year for me because I only use lures, specifically top waters. This flies in the face of wisdom, for most use top waters during the hatch or when the bugs/insects come out. It’s called match the hatch.

Small topwaters with hooks tipped with wet flies are a good choice. I tie my own files with the white hair from deer tails I harvest. Then I just hang it off the back treble hook of the lure. It takes patience, but I’ve caught some nice fish using this rig.

Copano Bay: Black drums like the mouth of Mission Bay. Set up here and use a light Carolina rig with fresh or frozen peeled shrimp. Sheepshead action is good close to the pilings on the old LBJ causeway. Use braided line and a light carbon leader. A free-lined piece of cut squid or shrimp is a good choice; set the hook at the slightest tap.

St Charles Bay: The mouth of Cavasso Creek is a good spot for keeper trout. Live shrimp free-lined or under a silent cork is best. Drifts across the wide mouth of the creek, where it enters the bay, is the best spot. Some black drums are still close to Twin Creek. A light Carolina rig and small kahle hooks with peeled shrimp is the ticket.

Aransas Bay: The potholes/sand holes on the north side of Mud Island are a good spot for reds. If you can find them, finger mullet is the best bait on a free-line or light Carolina rig.

Dead Man Reef is holding some black drums and a few trout. A silent cork works best with live shrimp being the best bait.

Carlos Bay: On warm days, drifts across Carlos Lake, using topwaters in bone, red, silver and blue colors are good for trout and reds. The shell edges of Carlos Dug Out is good for trout using mud minnows or live shrimp on a light jig head. Deep running lures such as rattle traps can be a good choice as well.

Mesquite Bay: I like Brays Cove this month. Drifts across can produce trout, reds and some flounder. Live shrimp jigged across the bottom and Berkley Alive shrimp are good choices.

Beldon Dug Out is good for reds on warmer days. Free-lined is best with finger mullet.

Ayers Bay: The north side of Ayers Reef is a good spot for trout and black drum using mud minnows. A light Carolina rig works best, but wait for a hit before reeling in as this a heavy shelled area. The east shoreline holds some black drums and a few flounder. Free-lined live shrimp is best.

 

Email Capt. Mac Gable at captmac@macattackguideservice.com 

 

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